Waterbeds are mattresses that are made of vinyl and are filled with water. These are not filled with springs, foam, or latex. These water chambers are also known as bladders. These are either one large pouch or a series of small tubes. The old waterbeds came inside wooden frames and were called hard-side waterbeds. The newer waterbeds can support themselves and also fit on any bed frame. Many waterbeds have temperature regulation devices so one can also heat the water to stay warm at night.

Types of Waterbeds

There are two main kinds of waterbeds: hard-side and softside waterbeds.

Hardside Waterbed

Hardside waterbeds have a wooden external frame that helps hold the bed’s rectangular shape. This is essentially a large, wooden box that one puts the vinyl bladder into. There are no pillow tops or extra padding here. There is, however, a fabric casing over the vinyl shell. The hard-side waterbeds are bed frames with a headboard and footboard. Therefore, one does not need to purchase a structure or foundation. The edges are often of unique sizes, so the standard-size bedding does not fit on these waterbeds.

Softside Waterbed

The softside waterbed is a newer and much more popular waterbed type. The waterbed also holds its shape with foam bolsters wrapped in a casing rather than wood. The foam frames provide a much more even surface and better edge support than wood frames. The softside waterbed is lighter and more durable than the conventional hard-side waterbed.

Why Use a Waterbed?

Waterbeds are excellent at distributing body weight. Thus they help in relieving the pressure points and also reduce back as well as spine pain. The heated waterbeds, in particular, are a form of heat therapy. These ease the tender muscles and also reduce inflammation. They’re also quite cozy, and sleeping on them during the winter is comfortable.

There are several benefits of the waterbeds, and these include:

Extended Periods of Restful Deep Sleep

These mattresses allow one to regulate the temperature of the bed. They can also adjust the fill pressure of the water, thereby controlling the hardness or softness of the waterbed. These provide a relaxing surface and also offer complete tranquility. One is thus able to sleep more peacefully.

It helps in supporting the entire body

Conventional mattresses only produce pressure points on the shoulders, knees, hips, and buttocks; the modern waterbeds take the body’s exact shape and absorb the weight, thus providing one with even support. 

It provides one with a soothing and therapeutic Effect

A heated waterbed mattress also helps one maintain the average body temperature apart from soothing the sore muscles, relieving tension, and speeding up the process of relaxation. Due to the therapeutic effect, the mattress also relieves those suffering from back pain, arthritis, or any other conditions associated with bones and joints.

Conclusion

Waterbed mattresses have a wealth of health benefits and are currently being used in hospitals and medical facilities across Europe, Australia, Asia, and the United States. The waterbed cot mattresses, especially the old-style hard-sided ones, are not recommended for babies and young children because there are chances of them getting trapped between the frame and mattress.