by The decision to buy a bed seems like it should be an easy one, but, in reality, there are many factors to consider and many types of beds to choose from. Air beds and waterbeds may not be on your first list, but after you consider their features more closely, it could be that one of these beds might be just right for you. We’ll discuss the difference between air beds vs. waterbeds and give you tips on what might fit your needs best.
When comparing an air bed vs. a waterbed, the major similarity is that both beds are inflated with air or water, respectively. Air beds are more portable than water beds and can be deflated to stow them away. Air beds are designed for temporary use. Water beds tend to be more durable and expensive than air beds because water leaks can be costly to clean up. Water beds are also heavier and require insurance, which is an additional cost.
Many modern air beds are high enough they can seem like other types of beds. Image source: Amazon.What Is an Air Bed?
Air mattresses come in a wide range of quality and types, designed for a wide range of purposes and at all price points. Air mattresses are available from thinner mats for camping or sleeping in vehicles all the way to luxurious full sized mattresses for regular use in the home. Read our article on which type of air mattress is good for your back to learn more. Most commonly, air beds are used as extra beds for travelling or for guests.
An air mattress or air bed is an inflatable mattress made of textile reinforced urethane plastic or rubber. The air mattress is filled with air and usually just laid on the floor or ground for sleeping. Better quality air mattresses may be used on a platform like a regular mattress. When the mattress is not needed, it can be deflated and rolled or folded for storage.
Some air mattresses can be blown up by pumping air into a valve using an electric or manual pump or even by simply blowing air directly into the valve. Most newer air mattresses come with a built-in air pump that will quickly and easily fill the mattress with air just by pushing a button. The firmness of an air mattress can be adjusted simply by changing the mattress’ degree of inflation. Read our article on how to inflate an air bed for more information about the various ways to blow-up an airbed. Some air beds are designed so that each sleeper can adjust the firmness of their side separately, sometimes by remote control.
You might also find interest in our comprehensive guide to air bed benefits so make sure to check that out as well. Additionally, our comprehensive guide to air mattress weight limits will give you loads of information to help you choose the right air mattress for your needs.
What Is a Waterbed?
Many people think of waterbeds as being similar to air beds, and they are similar in that they are both inflatable mattresses. However, unlike an air bed, which can be a temporary bed, a waterbed is a more permanent bed.
A waterbed is basically a vinyl mattress filled with water instead of air. There are two types of waterbeds, hard-sided and soft-sided.. A hard-sided waterbed has the mattress inside a rectangular frame of wood that rests on a wooden deck on a platform. A soft-sided waterbed wraps the mattress inside a rectangular frame of foam, which is inside a fabric casing that then sits on a platform.
The firmness of a waterbed can be adjusted by changing the amount of water that fills the mattress. A waterbed conforms to the body and reduces pressure point stress. This is great for those with painful joints or muscles and for bedsore sufferers. If you want to learn about other ways to reduce pressure when sleeping on your side, then read our article about using a mattress topper for side sleepers.
Free flow waterbeds allow the water to create a rocking or wave movement that some find relaxing and soothing. For those who dislike the wave movement of a waterbed, most modern waterbeds reduce the amount of wave movement through the use of baffles and isolation compartments. This can reduce tossing and turning through the night, resulting in more restful sleep. You may also be interested in learning if a waterbed is good for your back. Be sure to check out our related article to find out.
Free flow waterbeds allow the water filling to move in a relaxing wave movement. Image source: Amazon.Comparing Air Beds vs. Waterbeds
What Air Beds and Waterbeds Are Used For
Waterbeds have been used for medical purposes for many years. A water bed can provide comfort and relief for painful muscles and joints because it adapts to the body’s contours.
A quality air bed may also provide relief for sore joints and muscles, but they are generally designed for other purposes, such as being a temporary guest bed, a convenient travel or camping bed, or an affordable substitute for a normal bed.
Durability of Air Beds vs. Waterbeds
Many air beds are designed for temporary use and easy to roll up and store when not being used. Other air beds are designed for permanent regular use, just like any other conventional foam or spring coil mattress. When buying an air bed, it is important to consider its intended purpose when evaluating its durability. You can also change the valve on your air bed and extend its durability, make sure to check out our guide to air bed valve replacement for more information. Additionally, you might find interest in learning what to do if your air bed keeps losing air or deflates overnight and our step-by-step guide on how to fix an air bed leak. Be sure to check out those related articles to find out more.
In contrast, a waterbed is designed to be a permanent and primary bed. Due to the danger of leaks and the resulting water damage, quality waterbeds are made with extra protection against wear, tears, and punctures, so they are generally more durable than air beds. Nevertheless, it is critical to keep anything sharp away from a waterbed. Even the best waterbed is vulnerable to leaks.
Price of Air Beds and Waterbeds
Air beds range widely in price from extremely affordable to luxury versions. Since air beds now usually have a built-in pump for filling and deflating the mattress, there is nothing else to buy. Just fill with air. Add bedding, and you have a bed. This EnerPlex air mattress includes a built-in pump, which means you’ll have a comfortable bed within minutes.
Conversely, waterbeds are more expensive to purchase and maintain than air beds. While it is true that there are inexpensive versions of waterbeds available, usually there will be added expenses to using a waterbed. Most require the additional purchase of a heating unit, which can cost more than the mattress. A supportive framework may be needed for the mattress to sit in or on. Special bedding and bedsheets may be needed. Regular use of water conditioning solutions is required. Most of all, the floor of the home where the waterbed is to be used may need to be renovated and reinforced to support the weight of many gallons of water. Insurance may be an added expense. This article from Utah State University discusses how to choose a waterbed and includes a helpful checklist. Additionally, you may find usefulness in these quick tips for waterbed temperature control as well.
Where Waterbeds and Air Beds Can Be Used
Waterbeds can only be used where the floor is structurally able to support the heavyweight of the water without collapsing. In fact, many places forbid the use of waterbeds or may require extra insurance for their use.
Once filled, waterbeds stay in one spot. They cannot be pushed around like a conventional bed. To rearrange the furniture in a bedroom, the waterbed would need to be emptied, disassembled, reassembled, and refilled. They are not easy to carry or store and cannot be moved around the way air beds can. As a result, waterbeds are only used as permanent beds inside homes or in hospitals or similar institutions.
On the other hand, air beds can literally be used just about anywhere. They are so light that even a child can pick up and move an air bed. They are used inside homes as well as on camping trips and can be placed inside RVs and other vehicles. They can be used both outdoors and indoors. They can be collapsed and packed away on a daily basis, if necessary.
Storing Air Beds and Waterbeds
Methods of storing both waterbeds and air beds are essentially the same. The mattress needs to be drained of air or water and then stored in a compressed form. However, the space required differs depending on the material the bed is made of. If the waterbed has any kind of frame, that will add to the storage space required.
Air beds usually take up minimal space while stored. Deflated air mattresses don’t usually take up a lot of space once they are rolled or folded up for storage, and will easily fit back into the box or packaging they originally came in. This air mattress comes with a storage bag that will protect the mattress from dust.
Maintenance of Waterbeds and Air Beds
Comparing air beds vs. waterbeds, both are easy to wipe down and clean. Neither will accumulate allergens and dirt, which cannot penetrate the outer layers of either of the mattresses.
A waterbed generally requires more maintenance and care than an air bed but, with proper care, a quality waterbed can last for many years. The water may require special conditioners to be added to maintain its freshness, like this one from Amazon. If there is a leak in a waterbed, it can be more difficult and expensive to repair. Take a look at our related article explaining waterbed removal services to find out more information.
On the other hand, air beds require very little maintenance aside from cleaning and regular checks for leaks. However, it is easy to patch a puncture leak in an air bed with an inexpensive heavy-duty patch kit like this one from Amazon.
Space Required for an Air Bed or a Waterbed
When blown up, an air bed will take up less space than a waterbed. This makes air beds especially suitable for traveling and camping, especially as they can be easily deflated and collapsed for packing. Take a look at our guide to air bed dimensions to find out just how much space is required for each of the different sized air mattresses.
Waterbeds generally take up more room once filled and should be considered equivalent to regular home furniture. Waterbeds are also not made for constant filling and emptying for collapsible storage.
This table summarizes the differences and similarities between waterbeds and air beds.
| Water Beds | Air Beds | |
| Purpose | For relaxing or relief of medical conditions, such as sore muscles and joints, or post-operative recovery. | Temporary uses, such as for travelling or guests. Also suitable for medical uses to relieve pressure points. |
| Comfort | Supportive without causing pain on pressure points, has the benefit of adjustable firmness. | Also has adjustable firmness but often less comfortable than conventional mattresses. |
| Durability | Generally more durable. | Generally less durable. |
| Price | Relatively more expensive. | Relatively cheaper. |
| Where Can the Bed Be Used? | Any permanent indoor location with a supportive floor. | Homes, RVs, vehicles, camping, hotels, outdoors and indoors. |
| How to Store the Bed | Drain and flatten to compact. | Deflate and flatten to compact. |
| Maintenance | More involved and regular maintenance is required. | Easy to maintain. |
| Space | Requires normal bed space (or more) when filled and more space to store when emptied of water. | Requires less space when filled and when empty. |
Be sure to also take a look at our step-by-step instructions for draining a waterbed. This related article will provide you with a lot of useful information too. Additionally, you might have trouble finding a waterbed to buy these days. Take a look at why manufacturers discontinued waterbeds for more information.
Choosing Between an Air Bed and a Waterbed
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether you need an air bed vs. a waterbed. This section highlights a few specific situations where one type of bed may be more suitable than the other.
To choose between an air bed vs. waterbed, first determine whether the bed needs to be portable because water beds are not portable. Then, determine if the floor can support the weight of a waterbed. If children or pets are in the home, an air bed is a better choice because it cannot damage the floor if it deflates.
To help decide whether an air bed or a waterbed might be suitable, simply answer the following questions:
1. Are Bed Sores an Issue?
Bed sores are the result of prolonged pressure on specific spots on the body. Conventional mattresses can produce bed sores if a person remains in one position for an extended period. This article from Europe PMC explains the cause of bed sores and how to prevent them. Both good quality air beds and waterbeds can minimize the pressure on specific parts of the body because the mattress will conform to the body, and this will reduce bed sores. Waterbeds are sometimes used in hospitals to prevent bed sores in bedridden patients.
2. Will a Waterbed Be Too Heavy for Your Home?
Before you get a waterbed, it is crucial that you look at the construction of the floor of the room where you want to put it. A large quantity of water is required to fill a waterbed. The result is a very heavy bed that can weigh as much as a ton. It requires a solid floor that can support the weight. In many homes, substantial renovation and reinforcement may be needed to provide adequate support before a waterbed can even be considered.
Air beds, in contrast, are extremely light and can be used anywhere. They can be inflated in a few minutes and are light enough to easily move around.
This waterbed takes up a lot of space and weighs a lot. When choosing a waterbed for your home, ensure that your floor can hold it and that you have insurance in case there’s a leak. Source: The New York Times.3. Will You Need to Move the Bed Around?
Once filled, waterbeds are not easily moved. Once in place, they need to stay in place. They are usually not even moved for cleaning. Emptied of water, a water bed can be moved easily, but filling and emptying a waterbed is a major chore that most do not want to do regularly.
Air beds, on the other hand, are the epitome of portability. They are specifically designed to be moved easily. When filled they can be moved with little effort. If the bed needs to often be moved from place to place, an air bed is the ideal choice because it can be easily deflated and moved.
4. Is the Bed to Be Used for Outdoor Activities?
For camping or use in outdoor activities, an air bed is the perfect choice. A waterbed is completely unsuitable for outdoor or recreational use.
In fact, if you and your family like to camp a lot, or if you generally like to sleep outdoors, investing in air beds is a great idea because they add a lot of comfort to the experience and are easily carried and used in campers, tents, and cabins. Specialized air beds can even be used in vehicles such as cars and truck beds. Read our article on making a comfortable truck camping bed for ideas and tips to elevate your camping experience.
5. Are There Children and Pets?
Waterbeds can be easily damaged by children or pets, and it can be quite expensive or even impossible to repair a damaged waterbed. Air beds are more durable and easily repaired with a convenient puncture kit.
6. Is Wave Movement Desirable or Not?
Some people find the wave movement of a waterbed to be restful and peaceful. Others find it disconcerting or unpleasant. Certain people find it hard to get in and out of a waterbed that moves. Fortunately, many waterbeds are now constructed with features that minimize the movement of the water, like this waveless waterbed from Amazon.
Many waterbeds are constructed to reduce the wave movement of the water. Image Source: Amazon.Air beds, of course, do not produce this kind of wave-like movement, but are prone to rolling motions when a person changes positions in bed or gets out of bed. Fortunately, air mattress manufacturers have remedied this problem by designing coil-beam construction inside the mattress, like this one.
The coil-beam construction in modern air mattress minimizes movement. Image Source: Amazon.7. Would a Heated Bed Be More Comfortable?
Some waterbeds will have an adjustable heating option built-in, but most will require that a waterbed heater will need to be added on. Many find the heated water soothing for painful joints and other conditions.
Waterbed heaters are readily available to keep a waterbed at a comfortable temperature. Image Source: Amazon.This table summarizes when to choose a waterbed or an air bed.
| Situation | Should You Choose an Air Bed or a Water Bed? Or Neither? | Why? | Example from Amazon | Price |
| You need a bed that reduces bed sores. | Waterbed | It conforms to the body and reduces pressure on pressure points. | Sanctuary Free Flow Waterbed Mattress | ~$75 |
| The bed will be used for camping. | Air bed | Air mattresses can be moved around freely and take up little space. | Alpha Camp Air Mattress | ~$100 |
| You have kids or pets that could damage the bed. | Air bed | Air leaks are less damaging than water leaks if the mattress membrane is punctured. | Beautyrest Lumbar Lux Express Adjustable Tri-Zone Support Air Bed Mattress | ~$120 |
| You live in an apartment, loft, or anywhere the floor will not support a heavy bed or where waterbeds are not permitted. | Air bed | Waterbeds are very heavy while air beds are extremely light. | Bedsure Air Mattress with Built-in Pump | ~$150 |
| You need to move your bed often for guests, traveling, or moving. | Air bed | Air beds are designed to be moved easily. | Mirakey Deluxe Comfort Plus Air Mattress | ~$140 |
| You want the benefits of a waterbed without the wave movement. | Waterbed | Waterbeds are available with wave movement reduced. | U.S. Waterbed 90% Waveless Waterbed Mattress | ~$240 |
Key Takeaways
- Air beds are more portable and versatile, suitable for temporary use, traveling, or accommodating guests.
- Waterbeds are more durable and designed for permanent use, often preferred for their comfort and ability to conform to the body, reducing pressure point stress.
- Air beds are generally easier to maintain, and can be moved and stored with less hassle as compared to waterbeds.
- Waterbeds require a solid structural foundation to support their weight, along with additional accessories like heaters and special bedding, making them a more expensive choice.
- Both air beds and waterbeds offer adjustable firmness, but waterbeds provide a unique wave movement that some find relaxing.
- For outdoor activities or scenarios where the bed needs to be moved frequently, air beds are the better choice due to their lightweight and easy setup.
- Waterbeds may require additional insurance and possibly floor reinforcement, adding to their cost and preparation requirements.