Do You Need A Mattress For A Waterbed? And Other Frequently Asked Questions About Waterbeds

A waterbed is a water-filled mattress with a vinyl cover. These mattresses initially became popular back in the 1980s. The reason for the popularity of waterbeds was their comfort and therapeutic benefits. Even though their popularity and use have declined in recent times, they still have a place in the mattress market. They provide the utmost in comfort as they can fit and mold to the sleeper’s body. If you’re exploring waterbeds and thinking of common questions like whether you need a mattress for a waterbed, we’ll help answer all your questions in this guide. 

A waterbed mattress is usually required for a waterbed frame. A soft side waterbed mattress with foam bolsters and a fabric casing can fit onto specially designed frames or any frame strong enough to hold its weight. A hard side waterbed is a solid wooden frame with a vinyl water mattress that fits inside it.

A softside waterbed mattress has foam bolsters and fabric casing that give it a leveled surface and shape. These mattresses sit on a platform similar to a conventional bed frame but that is strong enough to hold their weight. On the other hand, a hard side waterbed mattress has a vinyl bladder that fits perfectly into a solid rectangular wooden frame to hold its shape.   

What Is A Softside Waterbed?

Softside waterbeds are designed with foam bolsters on each side to maintain their rectangular shape so they don’t need a wooden bed frame. On top of that, they are enclosed in a fabric casing to provide extra support with padding that gives them the appearance and feel of a regular mattress. The design of soft side waterbeds creates an even surface with firm edges that are comfortable to sit on. 

Softside waterbed mattresses are lighter, come in regular sizes, and can easily fit onto a platform similar to a traditional bed frame or box spring like this. Furthermore, these waterbeds can also fit onto regular bed frames like these. The design of the soft side waterbed along with its platform makes it look like a typical bed. A softside waterbed can match the existing furniture in your room and can look great with any headboard or footboard. 

A soft side waterbed can rest on top of a suitable frame. Image source: UK Waterbed.

What Is A Hardside Waterbed Mattress?

A hard side waterbed consists of a rectangular wooden frame that has a vinyl bladder fitted into it to hold its shape. This frame sits on top of a deck that is on a platform. The hard side waterbed frame is usually made of heavy-duty wood that will last for years. The vinyl bladder has a fabric cover to provide extra padding over the mattress. This layering or padding over the vinyl shell is not too thick so the sleeper actually lies close to the water and experiences a feeling of floating.

The frames for hard side waterbeds usually come in unique sizes which are different from regular bed sizes, and you can also order a customized waterbed frame to suit your taste and needs. 

A hard side waterbed is made up of a vinyl mattress inside a solid wooden frame. Image source: My Waterbed Shop.

Waterbed Mattress Sizing Compared To Regular Mattresses

Hardside waterbed mattresses and frames can differ in size compared to conventional mattresses and bed frames. Waterbed mattresses are mostly specially sized to fit into waterbed frames. For instance, the size of a king-size waterbed bladder is 76 x 84 inches which is a special size specifically designed for a king-size waterbed frame. However, a super single wooden waterbed frame that is 48 x 84 inches is suitable for a regular mattress that is 46 x 82 inches.

Waterbed mattress sizing differs significantly. A hard side waterbed has dimensions that are different from soft side waterbeds and can also be custom-made to suit personal preferences. Softside waterbed mattresses have the same dimensions as regular mattresses.

Another criterion for finding suitable waterbed mattresses can be the types of these mattresses. Here, it is important to focus on the nature of the two major types of waterbeds; soft side and hard side. A soft side waterbed mattress like this is lighter and standard-sized with a wooden platform. And a hard side waterbed mattress is specially designed to fit inside a wooden waterbed frame like this and has different sizing than regular mattresses. 

Tips On How To Choose a Mattress For A Waterbed

You need a mattress for a waterbed frame and there are several aspects you need to examine before you pick a mattress for your waterbed frame. The qualities of a waterbed mattress differ from a traditional one. 

To choose a mattress for a waterbed, decide on what size is needed, what the preferred construction and design should be, what material should be used, and the type of mattress needed. 

Tip 1. Waterbed Mattresses are Larger Than Normal. Choose the Correct Size Based On Room Dimensions.

The first factor to consider is the size of the waterbed mattress. The size of the bed may depend on your bedroom. It is important to measure the available space in your bedroom. Moreover, waterbeds are slightly larger than regular mattresses. But exploring the two types of waterbeds can be helpful. If you don’t have a large bedroom with enough space, then opting for a soft side waterbed can be a good idea. You might not want to bring in a massive hard side waterbed to clutter your room.

Tip 2. Buy Dual Chambered Mattresses for Accommodating a Couple

Another important thing to pay attention to while looking for the right waterbed mattress is its design or structure. You can find waterbed mattresses in two types of structures; single and dual. If you sleep alone in bed, then a single waterbed mattress can be perfect for you. But if you have a partner who is heavier or lighter than you, then a single waterbed mattress can be disturbing for people sharing the waterbed as shown in this video. In such a case, buying a dual waterbed mattress could be the best option to avoid motion transfer so that you can select separate temperatures on each side with a waterbed heater. 

A dual-chamber waterbed-like this will help to stop the transfer of motion. Image source: Beliani.

Tip 3. Buy a Waterbed Mattress With a High Quality Protective Cover

When buying a mattress, durability might be one of the most important factors you will be focusing on. You may not want to go through the trouble of replacing your damaged mattress too quickly, so we suggest that you look for waterbed mattresses with a high-quality protective covering. We suggest that you read our article that covers common air bed dangers if you would like to know more about leaks in vinyl products. 

If you want to prevent leakage, look for a waterbed with a thick vinyl cover. Another factor that contributes to durability is foam density. Multiple layers of foam can offer a stable and leveled surface. But thick or heavy density foam can easily develop creases and fractures as well. To avoid this, look for a waterbed mattress with a good quality vinyl covering and an average foam density like this one.

Tip 4. Buy Waveless Mattresses to Minimize Motion

Since waterbeds are available in different types and forms, you can choose one according to your personal taste. Other than the classic hard side and soft side waterbed mattresses, you can find waterbeds offering different types of wave motion. If you do not like the floating movement when you are about to sleep, then you can get a 95%-100% waveless waterbed mattress. These waterbeds use fiber layers to absorb the waves and provide stability. The 85%- 90%  semi-waveless waterbeds provide stability as well as cradling comfort. And if you prefer the true experience of floating on water, then the free-flow hard side waterbeds can be perfect for you.

Can You Put a Regular Mattress on a Waterbed Frame?

Waterbed frames are usually made of heavy-duty wood to keep the waterbed mattress in shape. Such sturdiness allows these bed frames to hold a lot of weight. So, the answer is yes. You can put a conventional mattress on a waterbed frame without making any changes. Also, you won’t have to buy a box spring to hold up the mattress. And a king-size conventional mattress can easily fit into a king-size waterbed frame. 

Can You Put a Waterbed Mattress on a Regular Frame?

Water-filled mattresses are generally heavier than regular mattresses. So waterbed frames are specially designed to carry heavy mattresses and regular bed frames do not have the weight-bearing capacity to hold heavy waterbeds. However, soft side mattresses come in weights and sizes similar to conventional mattresses. So, you can easily put a soft side waterbed mattress on a regular bed frame. We go into a little more detail about this in our guide that compares mattress foundations vs. bed frames. 

Where to Buy a Waterbed Mattress

Are you wondering if you can buy waterbeds these days? Yes, you can! Waterbeds are surely not as popular as they used to be back in the 80s. 

Waterbed mattresses can be bought at physical stores like The Waterbed Doctor and Walmart, and through online retailers like Waterbed Bargains, Amazon, and Walmart’s online store.

Waterbeds never really disappeared from the mattress market as we outline in our article about waterbed popularity and why manufacturers discontinued them. Waterbeds can be bought from various retailers and online stores and usually cost from 50$ to 2000$. 

Mattress Stores

Innomax and Boyd are among the top sleep product companies that sell waterbeds. A famous name among waterbed mattress stores is The Waterbed Doctor, which offers an extensive range of waterbed mattresses, heaters, and accessories. They offer in-store pickup as well as free home delivery of online orders. You can also shop for waterbeds at Walmart. Everything from waterbed mattresses to waterbed conditioners is available at this retail store. The products from various manufacturing companies are available at different prices as we explain in our complete guide to waterbed costs.

Online Retailers

Many online stores offer a wide range of waterbeds assembled by leading manufacturers. One of the popular online waterbed stores is waterbedbargains.com. Here you can find different types of waterbeds and waterbed accessories at affordable prices. Amazon also offers high-quality waterbeds from leading sleep product manufacturers like InnoMax. Other than waterbed mattresses, you can find waterbed heaters like these, fill and drain kits like these, and other accessories. You can also shop online from Walmart’s online store.

Is It A Good Idea To Sleep On A Waterbed?

A waterbed offers many advantages but it has some drawbacks as well.

Advantages of waterbeds include health benefits, support, stress relief, pain relief, a feeling of buoyancy, they are hygienic, lack allergens and they don’t absorb sweat and other moisture. The disadvantages of waterbeds include their high maintenance which involves conditioning the water, filling the waterbed mattress, emptying the waterbed mattress every time it has to be moved due to its weight, and the possibility of leaks.

Pros

The biggest advantage of using waterbeds is the health benefits they can provide. They support the whole body, relieve stress, and they can be good for back and leg pain as we discuss in our article about whether a waterbed is good for your back. 

An interesting feature is the wave motion and buoyancy of the water which is soothing for the sleeper. Another benefit is that they are hygienic. A waterbed mattress can never get infected with allergens like dust mites or with bed bugs. In addition, they don’t absorb sweat and other moisture. You can clean your waterbed easily with a waterbed cleaner like this found in waterbed stores, and since they have a vinyl cover they are stain-resistant. 

The pros of using a waterbed include the superior support that a waterbed mattress provides for the whole body. Image source: Inside Bedroom.

The biggest drawback of waterbeds is their high maintenance as we explain in our article that provides tips for waterbed maintenance and care. It requires you to add this waterbed conditioner to the water annually to prevent algae growth. Moreover, filling the waterbed can be a hassle. You may need about 80 to 200 gallons of water to fill the mattress. Filling it with a garden hose on your own is not an easy task. Furthermore, a filled waterbed is quite heavy making it difficult to shift to another room. In such a case, you need to drain out the water to transport it. Lastly, a waterbed always has the possibility of leakage. If that happens, you have to patch it up with a vinyl repair kit like this. It may also be a good idea to consider waterbed liability insurance as explained in our article. We share everything you need to know about how to avoid having extra expenses due to water damage from a waterbed. 

Waterbed Pros	Waterbed Cons
Multiple health benefits including improved blood circulation	High maintenance
Maximum support and comfort as it cradles the body	Filling the mattress is quite a task
Hygienic	Emptying the mattress is quite a task
Free from allergens	Heavy, making it difficult to transport
Cleaning is easy	Possibility of leaks

Key Takeaways

Requirement of a Mattress for Waterbeds

A mattress is necessary for a waterbed frame, with softside waterbed mattresses being versatile as they can fit onto specially designed frames or any strong conventional frame, while hardside waterbed mattresses are designed to fit inside solid wooden frames of waterbeds.

Differentiation Between Softside and Hardside Waterbeds

Softside waterbeds, encapsulated in foam bolsters and fabric casing, resemble conventional beds in appearance and can fit onto regular bed frames. In contrast, hardside waterbeds consist of a vinyl bladder housed within a solid wooden frame, requiring a specially designed or custom-made frame to support the water mattress.

Size Considerations for Waterbed Mattresses

The sizing of waterbed mattresses varies from regular mattresses, with hardside waterbed mattresses having unique dimensions to fit the corresponding frames, whereas softside waterbed mattresses adhere to standard mattress sizes, making them a convenient choice for those with existing bed frames.

Choosing the Right Waterbed Mattress

When selecting a waterbed mattress, considerations like the size based on room dimensions, dual chambered mattresses for couples, a high-quality protective cover for durability, and the waveless design for minimized motion are pivotal to ensure a comfortable and lasting waterbed experience.

Compatibility of Regular Mattresses and Waterbed Frames

Regular mattresses can be placed on sturdy waterbed frames without the need for additional support like a box spring. However, placing a waterbed mattress on a regular frame is not advisable due to the weight of water-filled mattresses, except for softside waterbed mattresses that resemble conventional mattresses in weight and size.

Purchasing Waterbed Mattresses

Waterbed mattresses are available for purchase both in physical stores like The Waterbed Doctor and Walmart, and online platforms like Amazon and Waterbed Bargains. The variety in the market allows for a range of options in terms of types, sizes, and accompanying accessories like heaters and fill and drain kits.

Pros and Cons of Waterbeds

Waterbeds offer numerous advantages including health benefits like stress and pain relief, hygienic properties due to their resistance to allergens, and ease of cleaning. However, they come with drawbacks such as high maintenance, the hassle of filling and emptying the mattress, and the potential for leaks which require repair or insurance coverage for water damage.