by At the height of their popularity in the mid-’70s to late ‘80s, waterbed sales amounted to around 20% of total bed sales in the US. Today, however, that number has drastically declined because of people’s perceptions about waterbeds and their high maintenance and problematic reputations. In this article, we will discuss waterbed popularity over time.
Waterbed popularity was highest in the mid-’70s to late ‘80s when they accounted for 20% of all bed sales in the US. Popularity declined because waterbeds are high-maintenance, difficult to move, fill up with water, and drain. Also, their excessive weight often causes structural damage to buildings.
As with most trends, waterbeds became a new fad and grew in popularity, which increased the demand and sales of waterbeds until the novelty wore off and people began to notice and lament the problems associated with them. This article will investigate why waterbeds became less popular and what types of waterbeds are available on the market today.
A hard-side waterbed is made up of a wooden frame with a vinyl water-filled mattress placed within the frame. Image Source: Waterbed.com.au.Why Were Waterbeds Popular — A History of Waterbeds
Ancient civilizations like the Persians had been using water-filled goat-skin mattresses that were warmed in the sun well before the official invention of waterbeds in 1968 by industrial student Charles Hall.
The earliest known use of a water-filled mattress dates back to 600 BCE when Persians would fill goat-skin mattresses with water and lie them out in the sun to warm them up. In 1833, Dr. Neil Arnott filled a rubberized canvas mattress with water in an attempt to prevent patients from developing bedsores, but this invention was never patented. The iconic waterbed can be attributed to Charles Hall, who filled a sofa with water as a prototype for his Master’s thesis on flotation furniture at San Francisco State University. Waterbeds became popular in the 70s and 80s because they were an innovative invention that promoted sleeping in a weightless environment.
This article from the Centenary of British Public Health explains how Scottish physician Dr. Neil Arnott experimented with a rubberized canvas mattress that was filled with water to prevent his patients from developing bedsores.
Charles Hall invented the water bed because he was interested in the concept of flotation furniture. Image Source: PatrickMurfin.blogspot.com.Why Did Waterbeds Disappear
As with most fads and trends, once the initial novelty of waterbeds wore off, waterbed popularity began to notice their inherent problems, like difficulty getting into and out of bed, their extreme motion transfer when sharing the bed, their excessive weight (due to the water), and the out-dated aesthetic of a massive wooden frame that occupied most of the bedroom.
Waterbeds haven’t completely disappeared but their sales have declined significantly over the last 40 years mostly because the problems associated with waterbeds far outweighed their benefits. Waterbeds are high-maintenance because they are difficult to move, fill with water, and drain. Their excessive weight often causes structural damage to buildings. Waterbeds can assist with relaxing tense muscles but they don’t support a neutral spine position during sleep which could cause hyperextension injury and pain.
Though waterbeds did help with muscle tension, more often than not the experience of sleeping on a liquid-like surface had adverse and painful effects on the lower back, as explained in this article from the US National Library of Medicine.
Modern waterbeds have advanced technology that reduces motion by up to 90% like this one. Our waterbed cost guide goes into detail about the different sizes and types of waterbeds and where to buy them.
Waterbed Types Summary
| Waterbed Type | Amazon Product | Price |
| Hard-side waterbed with frame | Strobel Organic Hanover Complete Padded Waterbed with Hydro-Support HS303 | ~$1,2630 |
| Hard-side waterbed mattress | California King 80% Semi Waveless Waterbed Mattress with Lumbar Support | ~$270 |
| Soft-side waterbed mattress | Strobel Organic “Sea Hero” Softside Waterbed Patented Leak-Proof | ~$3,250 |
| Soft-side waterbed mattress | King Size Softside Pillow Waterbed Mattress | ~$1,300 |
You may also be interested in learning about waterbed liability insurance. Our related article will tell you everything you need to know.
Cases of Waterbed Drownings — A Rare Occurrence
Waterbed drowning myths abound on the internet but no solid and confirmed proof of these occurrences was found during the research for this article. As long as you carefully follow the filling, draining, and general maintenance instructions for a waterbed no dangerous accidents should happen. It is important, however, to never allow small children or infants access to a waterbed because, as this article from JAMA Pediatrics explains, they can easily become trapped between the heavy water-filled vinyl and the bed frame and suffocate.
While there aren’t any documented and verified reports of waterbed drownings, there is a high risk of infant and child deaths due to asphyxiation associated with the non-permeable vinyl surface of waterbeds. Most waterbed manufacturers display a visible warning label warning parents not to use waterbeds for children.
Waterbed Liability Insurance
According to this article from Utah State University, the heavier weight of a waterbed is not enough to severely damage the floor or structural integrity of a well-constructed building, but that doesn’t mean that waterbeds can overcome their bad reputations with landlords. Many landlords will not allow water furniture at all, while some will insist on a special waterbed addendum to the tenant’s insurance policy.
Many landlords and apartment complexes forbid the use of waterbeds because of possible water damage if the mattress should accidentally leak. Some landlords allow tenants to use waterbeds in the house if the tenant agrees to purchase additional liability insurance. The cost to repair structural or water damage can range anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000, which means that the premium for waterbed liability insurance can cost from $10 to $50 depending on the insurance company’s policy and the state in which the tenant resides.
If you want to avoid costly accidents involving your waterbed there are a few common-sense habits you should follow. Never leave a waterbed unattended when filling or draining it, as this can result in tremendous damage to the floor and walls in your home. Waterbeds are made of strong high-quality vinyl with secure joins and seams so it is highly unlikely that you will easily burst or puncture a waterbed, but it is still good practice to avoid placing any sharp objects on a waterbed. Our article about whether there is an air bed guaranteed not to leak is a good resource for tips that you can apply to waterbeds too.
Key Takeaways
Decline in Waterbed Popularity
The decline in waterbed popularity from its peak in the mid-’70s to late ‘80s is largely attributed to the high maintenance, cumbersome movement, and the hassle of filling and draining associated with these beds. The substantial weight of waterbeds, often resulting in structural damage to buildings, further dissuaded individuals from opting for this once trendy bedding choice.
Historical Appeal
The allure of waterbeds initially stemmed from ancient civilizations and was rejuvenated in the modern era by Charles Hall in 1968. Their popularity in the 70s and 80s was driven by the innovative notion of sleeping in a weightless environment, representing a unique blend of history and modern innovation.
Structural and Maintenance Challenges
The structural challenges posed by waterbeds, including potential floor damage due to their significant weight and the risk of water damage from leaks, played a significant role in their decline. Additionally, the process of filling and draining waterbeds was often seen as a messy and inconvenient task, contributing to the perception of waterbeds as high-maintenance.
Adverse Health Impacts
Despite providing a solution to muscle tension, waterbeds were found to have adverse effects on the lower back due to inadequate support for the spine during sleep. This lack of proper spinal support could lead to discomfort and pain, tarnishing the appeal of waterbeds.
Modern Iterations and Alternatives
While not entirely discontinued, the modern iterations of waterbeds have morphed into hard-side and soft-side versions, aiming to mitigate earlier issues. However, the popularity of waterbeds remains a fraction of what it was, with individuals often seeking alternative bedding solutions that offer similar comfort without the associated drawbacks of traditional waterbeds.
Landlord and Insurance Hurdles
The hesitancy or outright refusal by many landlords to allow waterbeds, coupled with the need for additional waterbed liability insurance, presented further hurdles for waterbed enthusiasts. These administrative and financial barriers further contributed to the dwindling popularity and adoption of waterbeds.
Child Safety Concerns
The potential safety risks for small children and infants, who could become trapped between the water-filled vinyl and the bed frame, presented serious concerns. While documented cases of waterbed drownings were not found, the risk of asphyxiation and the associated warning labels from manufacturers deterred many from considering waterbeds as a viable bedding option.
A waterbed doesn’t offer proper support to maintain a neutral healthy spine which can cause lower back pain. Image Source: Coastal Orthopedics. Waterbeds Were High-Maintenance
The process of filling a waterbed is often a messy one, with several leaky hose connections running through the house and into the bedroom. The spilled water can damage and mark wooden floors and result in soggy carpets that take several hours to dry. You have to add a waterbed conditioner like this while filling the mattress so that the stagnant water inside the mattress doesn’t develop an algae problem over time.
If you ever have to move a waterbed then you will need to drain it first by using a water pump like this one. As we explain in our article that provides waterbed draining instructions, you must make sure the waterbed heater is turned off, and that you have a good seal on the hose that will drain the water. This video has step-by-step instructions on the draining and filling procedures for a waterbed.
Additionally, please take a look at our tips for waterbed maintenance and care to make sure you’re doing everything you can to protect your waterbed.
Waterbeds Were Extremely Heavy
Depending on the size, a waterbed can hold anywhere from 80-235 gallons of water, which means a waterbed can weigh from 660 pounds to 1,900 pounds, excluding the weight of the bed frame. This weight is spread out over the floor surface that the bed occupies but that can still be a hefty weight for the floorboards to bear, and they can begin to warp over time. You also may not be able to use a waterbed on the second floor. Should your floor not be robust enough to hold the weight of a waterbed why not consider a lighter alternative as discussed in our article that compares an air bed vs. a waterbed.
Waterbeds Caused Strain on the Lower back
Waterbeds provide good support to tense and tired muscles but can have an adverse effect on the back because the spine is not adequately supported during sleep. The ideal firmness to correctly support the spine in a healthy neutral position is a medium to medium-firm mattress, as our article on doctor-recommended orthopedic mattresses explains. A waterbed mattress allows for too much movement and is too slack to correctly cushion the spine and joints, which is probably why it first appealed to a younger demographic.
Are Waterbeds Discontinued? Who Sells Waterbeds Now?
Waterbeds have not been discontinued but their design has changed over the years and waterbed popularity is only a fraction of what it used to be in the 70s. They are produced in two main varieties; soft-side and hard-side waterbeds. Hard-side waterbeds consist of a vinyl water-filled bladder that is enclosed by a wooden frame. Soft-side waterbeds look like regular mattresses and can be used with any bed frame because they consist of water-filled chambers that are surrounded by a high-density foam frame and covered by a memory foam layer.
Waterbeds have not been discontinued but their sales are significantly less than they were in the 70s and 80s. Modern designs include hard-side waterbed mattresses that are used inside wooden waterbed frames and soft-side waterbeds that look and function like regular mattresses.
Modern waterbeds have advanced technology that reduces motion by up to 90% like this one. Our waterbed cost guide goes into detail about the different sizes and types of waterbeds and where to buy them.
Waterbed Types Summary
| Waterbed Type | Amazon Product | Price |
| Hard-side waterbed with frame | Strobel Organic Hanover Complete Padded Waterbed with Hydro-Support HS303 | ~$1,2630 |
| Hard-side waterbed mattress | California King 80% Semi Waveless Waterbed Mattress with Lumbar Support | ~$270 |
| Soft-side waterbed mattress | Strobel Organic “Sea Hero” Softside Waterbed Patented Leak-Proof | ~$3,250 |
| Soft-side waterbed mattress | King Size Softside Pillow Waterbed Mattress | ~$1,300 |
You may also be interested in learning about waterbed liability insurance. Our related article will tell you everything you need to know.
Cases of Waterbed Drownings — A Rare Occurrence
Waterbed drowning myths abound on the internet but no solid and confirmed proof of these occurrences was found during the research for this article. As long as you carefully follow the filling, draining, and general maintenance instructions for a waterbed no dangerous accidents should happen. It is important, however, to never allow small children or infants access to a waterbed because, as this article from JAMA Pediatrics explains, they can easily become trapped between the heavy water-filled vinyl and the bed frame and suffocate.
While there aren’t any documented and verified reports of waterbed drownings, there is a high risk of infant and child deaths due to asphyxiation associated with the non-permeable vinyl surface of waterbeds. Most waterbed manufacturers display a visible warning label warning parents not to use waterbeds for children.
Waterbed Liability Insurance
According to this article from Utah State University, the heavier weight of a waterbed is not enough to severely damage the floor or structural integrity of a well-constructed building, but that doesn’t mean that waterbeds can overcome their bad reputations with landlords. Many landlords will not allow water furniture at all, while some will insist on a special waterbed addendum to the tenant’s insurance policy.
Many landlords and apartment complexes forbid the use of waterbeds because of possible water damage if the mattress should accidentally leak. Some landlords allow tenants to use waterbeds in the house if the tenant agrees to purchase additional liability insurance. The cost to repair structural or water damage can range anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000, which means that the premium for waterbed liability insurance can cost from $10 to $50 depending on the insurance company’s policy and the state in which the tenant resides.
If you want to avoid costly accidents involving your waterbed there are a few common-sense habits you should follow. Never leave a waterbed unattended when filling or draining it, as this can result in tremendous damage to the floor and walls in your home. Waterbeds are made of strong high-quality vinyl with secure joins and seams so it is highly unlikely that you will easily burst or puncture a waterbed, but it is still good practice to avoid placing any sharp objects on a waterbed. Our article about whether there is an air bed guaranteed not to leak is a good resource for tips that you can apply to waterbeds too.
Key Takeaways
Decline in Waterbed Popularity
The decline in waterbed popularity from its peak in the mid-’70s to late ‘80s is largely attributed to the high maintenance, cumbersome movement, and the hassle of filling and draining associated with these beds. The substantial weight of waterbeds, often resulting in structural damage to buildings, further dissuaded individuals from opting for this once trendy bedding choice.
Historical Appeal
The allure of waterbeds initially stemmed from ancient civilizations and was rejuvenated in the modern era by Charles Hall in 1968. Their popularity in the 70s and 80s was driven by the innovative notion of sleeping in a weightless environment, representing a unique blend of history and modern innovation.
Structural and Maintenance Challenges
The structural challenges posed by waterbeds, including potential floor damage due to their significant weight and the risk of water damage from leaks, played a significant role in their decline. Additionally, the process of filling and draining waterbeds was often seen as a messy and inconvenient task, contributing to the perception of waterbeds as high-maintenance.
Adverse Health Impacts
Despite providing a solution to muscle tension, waterbeds were found to have adverse effects on the lower back due to inadequate support for the spine during sleep. This lack of proper spinal support could lead to discomfort and pain, tarnishing the appeal of waterbeds.
Modern Iterations and Alternatives
While not entirely discontinued, the modern iterations of waterbeds have morphed into hard-side and soft-side versions, aiming to mitigate earlier issues. However, the popularity of waterbeds remains a fraction of what it was, with individuals often seeking alternative bedding solutions that offer similar comfort without the associated drawbacks of traditional waterbeds.
Landlord and Insurance Hurdles
The hesitancy or outright refusal by many landlords to allow waterbeds, coupled with the need for additional waterbed liability insurance, presented further hurdles for waterbed enthusiasts. These administrative and financial barriers further contributed to the dwindling popularity and adoption of waterbeds.
Child Safety Concerns
The potential safety risks for small children and infants, who could become trapped between the water-filled vinyl and the bed frame, presented serious concerns. While documented cases of waterbed drownings were not found, the risk of asphyxiation and the associated warning labels from manufacturers deterred many from considering waterbeds as a viable bedding option.