by Waterbeds were originally created for medical purposes. However, many people have found that waterbeds are a better option for everyday use compared to ordinary mattresses because they’re incredibly comfortable to sleep on. They can effortlessly conform to your body and alleviate strain on your joints because the mattress is filled with water and creates a feeling of buoyancy. If you are considering buying a waterbed, this article will help you understand waterbed issues to look out for and how to fix them.
Common waterbed issues include the possibility of a leak, mandatory insurance, they are hard to move, condensation could form on the waterbed, they tend to have a foul smell, and it can be difficult to find waterbed sheets.
Waterbeds relieve pressure on the spine, allowing the supporting muscles to relax, and this makes them particularly beneficial for people with chronic back pain. When you sleep on a water bed, you’ll feel as if you’re floating, which might help you to relax even more. Waterbeds that are composed of vinyl are so easy to clean and repel dirt, dust, and allergens, also making them beneficial for people suffering from allergies.
1. Waterbeds May Develop Leaks
Although waterbeds are made of durable vinyl, the possibility of leaks can definitely keep you awake at night. Any sharp object near the mattress, as well as lying on the bed with zippered clothes or having pets with claws in your bedroom, can cause punctures that lead to leaks. Our article about common air bed dangers and how to fix them provides useful information that can be applied to waterbeds as well.
When you consider that a Queen-size waterbed may carry up to 200 gallons of water, a leak of that scale could be disastrous. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to locate the hole quickly and repair it without having to drain the mattress altogether. However, this isn’t always achievable. Plastic liners can help reduce the chance of punctures and any ensuing chaos, but there’s no way to totally prevent the possibility of leakage.
Although waterbeds are made of durable vinyl they can still develop leaks and tears. Image source: Corner Of Confessions.2. Waterbed Insurance is Necessary for Many Apartments
Although the vinyl used in waterbed mattresses is tough and unlikely to tear, accidents do happen. If the floor is constructed out of wood and there is a leak, water may cause damage and weaken the floor compromising its weight-bearing capacity. With the weight of a waterbed, a damaged floor may collapse causing major damage. That’s where waterbed liability insurance as we lay out in our article, could save you from a lot of hassle and financial loss. It typically covers insurance claims of up to $300,000 and costs between $25 and $100 per month as explained in our comprehensive waterbed cost guide.
Proper care and correct waterbed maintenance will help prevent accidents. Unfortunately, waterbeds are not covered by all homeowner insurance plans, and many landlords are so concerned about their potential hazards that they forbid the use of waterbeds.
3. Waterbeds are Hard to Move
As mentioned before, waterbeds are very heavy. This is due to the fact that, depending on its size, a waterbed can hold 80-235 gallons of water. In fact, a king-size waterbed can weigh up to 1800 pounds when completely filled which makes it difficult to move.
To move a waterbed, the water must be completely drained as clarified in our step-by-step instructions for draining a waterbed. Furthermore, once you’ve moved the bed, you’ll have to refill it with water before you can use it again, which does require some effort and is time-consuming.
Waterbeds are heavy and therefore hard to move. Image source: Corner Of Confessions.4. Condensation on The Waterbed is Common
The water temperature inside a waterbed remains lower than the ambient room temperature, which may lead to condensation on the surface of the bed. That condensation can lead to mildew problems. Use a waterbed heater to prevent condensation and control the temperature of the waterbed by altering the room temperature and humidity level. Check out our article that provides more tips for waterbed temperature control.
Maintaining good air circulation and increasing waterbed insulation can also help prevent condensation. If your waterbed is moist, be sure to dry it off and disinfect the area with this baking soda and water. Mold could otherwise grow and cause irreversible damage to your waterbed. Check out our article If you would like more tips for waterbed maintenance and care.
5. Waterbeds Tend to Have a Foul Smell
When you first fill your waterbed, you should add a water conditioner like this that prevents bacterial growth and you should recondition the water every six months or so. But this is not always a guarantee against the growth of bacteria and algae in your waterbed which might cause an unpleasant, musty odor. If after thorough cleaning the odor is still strong, the only option is to dispose of the waterbed as discussed in our article regarding waterbed removal services. However, the stink may only be temporary due to the vinyl bladder’s newness.
6. Waterbeds are Hard to Assemble
Putting together a waterbed takes time. This is because you will need to assemble the sides first, then fill the mattress with water before using it. So make sure you find a good location for your bed and get a soft-sided waterbed instead of a hard-sided waterbed as they are lighter and easier to assemble.
Waterbeds can be a challenge to assemble. Image source: UK-Waterbed.7. It’s Difficult to Find Suitable Sheets for Hard-sided Waterbeds
Hard-sided waterbeds like these, which normally consist of a vinyl mattress in a wooden frame, do not come in standard mattress sizes. As a result, it can be harder to find sheets that fit your waterbed and you’re likely to have a limited selection to choose from, making it tough to coordinate your bed linen with the rest of your bedroom’s decor. You can solve this problem by opting for custom-made sheets that fit your mattress and match your decor perfectly.
| Waterbed Issue | How to Fix It | Items that you will need to fix it |
| Waterbeds Could Leak | Use a vinyl repair patch | Tear-aid Vinyl Repair Kit, Green Box |
| Waterbed Insurance is Mandatory for Many Apartment Buildings | Buy waterbed liability insurance | Liability Insurance |
| Waterbeds are Hard to Move | Drain the water completely before moving the bed | Services of a waterbed removal company |
| Waterbed Materials Smell | Add a water conditioner to prevent bacterial growth | Blue Magic All Purpose Waterbed Conditioner |
| Waterbeds are Hard to Assemble | Buy a soft-sided waterbed as it is easier to assemble | King Softsided Waterbed Mattress |
| It Is Hard to Find Sheets for Waterbeds | Get custom made sheets for your bed | Services of an interior decor company or a seamstress |
Are Waterbeds Bad For Your Back?
Although waterbeds can aid in relieving pressure on painful areas of the body due to the “floatation effect” of the water-filled bladder, they may not be beneficial for people suffering from back and other joint issues.
Waterbeds can be bad for a person’s back because they provide little support for your joints. A waterbed has to be filled to optimal capacity to provide the correct amount of support for the sleeper.
Waterbeds can lead to spinal misalignment and result in back pain in some cases. Image source: STL Beds.Some types of waterbeds provide a plush sleeping surface that allows you to sink into the mattress. Sinking too deeply into the bed causes muscle tension and pressure on the lumbar region, resulting in back pain. Our article about whether a waterbed is good for your back explains the pros and cons of sleeping on a bed like this.
For better support choose a waveless soft-sided waterbed-like this with many layers of fibers to give better motion control, and comfort. If you need additional back support, see our post on how to choose a mattress topper for back pain relief.
However, it’s worth noting that waterbeds do require about two weeks to settle, so if any discomfort persists for longer than that, it’s time to reconsider your purchase.
Soft-side waterbeds look like regular mattresses and have more or less the same dimensions as regular waterbeds. Image source: STL Beds.You may also find interest in our related article answering the simple question, do you need a mattress for a waterbed?
Are Waterbeds Healthy For You?
As previously stated, waterbeds were first developed for medical purposes to help bedridden individuals suffering from bedsores as discussed in this article from Boyd Waterbeds, a waterbed manufacturer. Pressure on the patient’s body is lessened due to the movement of water in the mattress and the softness of the mattress surface as outlined in this article by TheraPedic. The movement of the mattress helps the sufferer stay healthy by stimulating blood circulation. Furthermore, the heating option in waterbeds aids in the relaxation of muscles and joints, which ultimately aids in pain relief.
Do Waterbeds Keep You Warm?
It is not a good idea to sleep on a waterbed without a heater. This is because it can lower your body temperature leaving you feeling cold if you sleep on it without using a heater. To solve this problem, use a heater like this so that the water inside the bed is warm enough to keep your body temperature constant. Although a heater would be a better option you can also use insulating padding like a mattress cover or pad. Introducing an insulating barrier between your body and the mattress will keep you warm instead of your body temperature dropping by being in direct contact with the waterbed mattress. Mattress covers like these can help to keep your bed warm at night.
Mattress covers and toppers can help to keep your waterbed warm at night. Image source: Amazon.The importance of regular waterbed maintenance
While waterbeds used to be quite popular, they are less common today. However, some people still use waterbeds and need to know how to maintain them properly. Some of the most common waterbed issues today include:
- Leaks – Small leaks may happen over time as seals wear down. Check seals regularly and replace any that look worn. Use leak detector fluid to find any small leaks. Patch kits can repair minor leaks.
- Mold/Mildew – This can happen if moisture gets between mattress layers. Letting the bed dry completely between uses and using mattress sanitizer can help prevent mold growth.
- Overheating – Many use heaters to warm the bed. Make sure it doesn’t get too hot. Keep it between 80-84°F.
- Noise – Moving water can cause sloshing sounds. Baffles can help absorb noise, as can using foam padding.
- Wave Motion – This is reduced by using foam or fiber padding. A mattress pad helps absorb motion.
- Back Pain – Added lumbar support may help. Or try a different mattress if pain persists.
Keeping waterbeds well maintained and making minor repairs when issues arise can help maximize their comfort and lifespan. Following manufacturer recommendations for cleaning and care is also advised.