Dutchess Softside Deepfill Waterbed Mattress - Click for prices and to see reviews
Waterbeds have been around for years, but today’s waterbeds are more comfortable, easier to install, fill, and move, and more durable than ever. They come in a wide range to types and styles to meet the needs of most any person. Plus, they’re affordable, especially compared to other luxury beds like memory foam. But the sheer number of different kinds of waterbed mattress can be confusing for people interested in buying a waterbed. Read on to find out about the styles, sizes, and learn what you should look for in a mattress for your waterbed.
Softside versus Hardside
There are two major types of waterbeds: softside and hardside. The hardside waterbed, which has been around for at least 50 years, is probably the one most people are familiar with. This type of waterbed consists of a frame (usually made of wood) and a large plastic bladder filled with water. This type of waterbed became popular in the 1960′s after the introduction of vinyl (PVC) made these beds durable enough for widespread use. Hardside waterbeds are sometimes called wood frame waterbeds. A hardside waterbed can be an elegant piece of furniture, and many people love the feel of sleeping on one.
Hardside waterbeds usually come in three sizes: king waterbeds and queen waterbeds are typically slightly longer than the traditional sizes. Instead of a twin sized mattress, waterbeds sometimes in a 48×84 inch “super single” waterbed mattress size. This is the smallest size most companies manufacture. Since the sizes are different than a traditional mattress you’ll have to purchase special waterbed sheets.
However, hardside waterbed mattresses also have some drawbacks. They offer less support than newer styles. You’re essentially sleeping on a big bag of water, and that can cause problems. Larger people may find that they sink in the middle, creating the effect of a “hammock.” If two people of different sizes share a bed, the larger one will displace more water, pushing the smaller one on top of a “hill.” More serious problems caused by lack of support can include back pain issues.
The introduction of softside waterbed mattresses has eliminated some of these concerns, and this type of mattress is very popular these days. A softside waterbed mattress looks like a regular spring mattress from the outside. Inside, there are one or more plastic bladders full of water. These are held inside the mattress by foam and cloth on the outside. A softside mattress, unlike a hardside waterbed mattress, can be used with an existing bed frame. This is one great advantage. But there are more benefits to a softside waterbed mattress.
Full Wave, Wave Free, and In Between
Softside waterbed mattresses are much more versatile than traditional hardside ones. For example, if you sleep with a partner, you can get a dual softside mattress with two bladders separated by a baffle. This reduces the wave effect of moving, which can cause you to wake up your partner. The amount that the bed moves when a person on it moves is called “wave.” Hardside mattresses, where you’re sleeping directly on top of a water bladder, are referred to as “full wave” mattresses. This means that a small amount of movement by a person sleeping on the mattress can cause significant movement of the waterbed. Most people find this strange at first, although some people enjoy a full wave mattress.
There are several ways a waterbed mattress can be made to move less. So called “fiberfill” or “baffled” waterbed mattresses contain a synthetic fiber stuffing in the water bladder. This greatly reduces the motion of the waterbed and also helps with the “hammock” effect. Since filling the mattress with fiber is cheap, these beds are still quite inexpensive. A baffled waterbed mattress is usually referred to as wave free or no wave. Depending on the amount of fill, it might be marketed as 80% or 90% wave free. Some fiberfill waterbed mattresses also have a special lumbar support layers with firmer layers of fiber to help those with back problems. A waterbed mattress pad can also help provide additional support and reduce the effects of wave motion.
You can get a softside waterbed mattress to fit the popular bed sizes: a softside king waterbed mattress (76×80 inches) will fit a king size bed frame. If you’re looking for a smaller mattress, a softside queen waterbed mattress (60×80 inches) will fit your existing queen sized bed. Softside mattresses also come in twin sizes for children or teenagers.
Benefits of Waterbed Mattresses
Waterbeds have been know for years to have beneficial effects for people with joint problems, back pain, and other support issues. Since water shapes itself to your body, sleeping on a waterbed provides much better support with no pressure points compared to a traditional spring mattress. This reduces pain caused by sleeping in an awkward position, and also affords better sleep due to less moving around. Those with arthritis can get significant relief from pain symptoms by sleeping on a waterbed.
One additional benefit to a waterbed mattress is that it contains no materials that can inflame allergies. Traditional mattresses can be a source of dust and dust mites, which can cause allergies in many people. People who suffer from asthma or allergies can get relief from their symptoms by sleeping on a waterbed.
