Waterbed Popularity - Why Did Manufacturers Discontinue Waterbeds?

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 strong 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.

Soft-side waterbed mattresses look like regular mattresses but have water-filled chambers beneath the top foam layer to assist with muscular and spinal support. Image Source: SleepBedder.com.

Waterbed Types Summary

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.

Waterbeds in 2026: What You Need to Know

Waterbeds have evolved since their 1970s heyday, but they still come with unique maintenance requirements and trade-offs. Here is a practical look at modern waterbed ownership.

Modern Waterbed Facts

• Waveless technology has largely solved the motion transfer problem. Modern waterbeds use fiber baffles or wave reduction layers to minimize sloshing.
• Ongoing costs include a heater ($10–$20/month electricity), water conditioner ($10–$15/year), and occasional repairs.
• Weight concerns are real—a filled queen waterbed weighs 1,500–2,000 pounds. Not all floors can support this, especially on upper stories.
• Leak risk remains the biggest downside. Even small punctures can cause significant water damage to flooring and subfloors.

Modern Alternatives

If you love the contouring feel of water but want to avoid the maintenance, hybrid mattresses with memory foam comfort layers deliver similar body-conforming support without the leak risk, heater costs, or weight concerns.

The Saatva Classic ($1,779 Queen) offers plush contouring through its Euro pillow top, combined with responsive coil support. Zero maintenance, zero leak risk, and includes a 365-night home trial with free white-glove delivery and lifetime warranty.

Discontinue Waterbeds Popular: Modern Waterbed Guide

Waterbeds were popular in the 1970s–1990s but have been largely replaced by foam and hybrid mattresses. Here is current information for waterbed owners and those considering alternatives.

Current Waterbed Reality

• Market share: Less than 5% of mattress sales (down from 20%+ in the 1980s)
• Availability: Limited retailers still sell waterbeds; most have transitioned to foam/hybrid
• Maintenance: Requires water conditioner (every 6 months), periodic temperature adjustment, and leak monitoring
• Weight: A filled Queen waterbed weighs 1,500–2,000 lbs—requires floor strength verification

Modern Alternatives

If you enjoyed the waterbed experience, modern alternatives include: memory foam (similar pressure relief without the maintenance), adjustable air mattresses (Sleep Number, Saatva Solaire), and latex mattresses (responsive, temperature-neutral).

Related: mattress alternatives | mattress lifespan.

The Saatva Classic provides pressure relief similar to waterbeds without the maintenance. 365-night trial.