Is a waterbed for me?
The waterbed is polarising: While long-time users rave about the weightless lying feeling and salespeople promise better sleep, sceptics fear getting seasick from rocking water movements or predict flooding in the bedroom. Some myths can be dispelled, but before you buy a waterbed, you should know exactly what the advantages and disadvantages are.
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The construction of a waterbed
The waterbed consists of a substructure that provides a comfortable entry and exit height and supports the weight of the water mattress. This is a high-quality vinyl bag filled with water. Between the base plate and the water core is a heating system that allows the user to adjust the water temperature. On top of this comes a safety tray (safety foil) that protects the bed frame and the heating system from any water that might leak out. The water mattress is placed there and covered with a textile cover. The water mattress contains a special fleece that regulates the wave motion of the water. This results in different levels of calming (the period of oscillation is reduced). The dealer adapts these to the respective user.
There are solo and dual systems for the double bed. While a solo system has a continuous water mattress in the bed frame, a dual system has two self-contained water cores. This means that you do not feel your partner's movements. A solo system should only be chosen if the body weight of the users does not differ by more than 20 kg and the bed is used together as often as possible. This is because the filling quantity for the water mattress in this system is calculated according to the total weight of both users (divided by two).
Advantages of a waterbed
Due to the natural displacement of water, the body finds a comfortable sleeping position in a well adjusted waterbed all by itself. The low contact pressure is especially pleasant for the shoulders and hips and also benefits people with joint and back pain. The floating feeling can promote faster falling asleep. The continuous warmth of the heating system also has a muscle-relaxing effect and prevents shivering in the winter months. Since dust mites do not find a breeding ground on the dense vinyl layer, the waterbed is also ideal for allergy sufferers. The water core surface can be cleaned wet at any time. In combination with an allergy cover, mites hardly stand a chance. Another plus: the waterbed cannot become saggy.
Disadvantages of a waterbed
Turning over and standing up in a waterbed requires more effort than with normal mattresses. This can be a problem for people with limited mobility and senior citizens. The cost factor should also be considered when making a purchase decision. The purchase price is determined not only by the model but also by the size of the bed and can be in the four-digit range. In addition, there are running costs for electricity, cleaning and maintenance. To keep the vinyl of the waterbed supple and elastic, you should regularly remove dirt from the outer water core and the safety tub with a vinyl cleaner. It also protects the material. To prevent the development of algae and bacteria, a conditioner is added to the water in the water mattresses every few months. A special binder helps against bubble formation and bubbling in the water core.
Five myths about the waterbed
1. can I get seasick in the waterbed?
Seasickness on the open sea is caused by rocking movements and the resulting loss of orientation. However, since the vibrations in the waterbed are triggered by the body itself, no feeling of seasickness can occur. In addition, special fleece inserts are inserted into the water core, which become saturated and dampen the wave movements (so-called calming stages). The more fleece inserts are inserted, the higher the support effect and the less the liquid vibrates. As a rule, you will not get seasick. However, a familiarisation phase of several weeks is to be expected.
2. Is it possible for a waterbed to break through the ceiling?
Theoretically, yes. Especially in old buildings, it is advisable to take a look at the structural plan of the house before buying a waterbed. In practice, however, especially in newer buildings, it is almost impossible for a waterbed to crash through the ceiling. According to DIN regulations, ceilings in living spaces must be able to bear the load of at least 200 kg per square metre. A fully filled waterbed can carry an average of 300 - 900 kg, but the weight is distributed over several square metres (depending on the size of the bed). This reduces the point load.
Can the water core burst and cause flooding?
The vinyl layer of the water core is very robust. Even pets can hardly cause any damage with their claws. However, if damage does occur, the waterbed will not burst. If there is a leak and water comes out, it will not happen in a gush. The drops collect in the safety trough that surrounds the water core. At least until the leak is sealed. 4.
Does the heating system produce harmful electrosmog?
Waterbeds have an electric heating system, which of course also generates electrosmog. However, this is far below the permissible limit.
Does the waterbed gurgle and disturb my sleep?
Gurgling noises occur when the water mattress has been insufficiently deflated after the filling process. Especially in the first few weeks after installation, it may be necessary to deflate the mattress several times. By the way: If there is too much air in the waterbed, the sleeping position also changes and you may experience back pain (because you are then lying on air instead of water).
With the soft-side waterbed, the water core is located in a foam tub, which can be integrated into almost any conventional bed. In the hard-sided version, the water mattress is held in place by a specially designed, fixed frame. In the Masterpiece waterbed, the water core lies in an upholstered bed frame.
This is a non-silenced water core with no calming steps.
The lifespan of a water mattress (not the frame) is on average 10 to 15 years, whereby the durability also depends on good vinyl care. After this time, the risk of cracking increases. Some manufacturers even state a lifespan of up to 20 years.
Buying a waterbed makes less sense if you have limited mobility. However, the use of foam cylinders in the water core can make it somewhat easier to get in and out of bed. The waterbed is also unsuitable if you move house regularly. This is because you have to empty the waterbed completely before each move and then fill it up again.
Damage caused by a leaking waterbed is usually covered by the household insurance (sometimes also by the homeowners insurance). However, it is advisable to take a look at the insurance documents and inform your insurance company about the purchase.
Conclusion
What could be better than looking forward to a comfortable, well-tempered bed and a relaxed sleep in the evening... Even if the lying feeling may take some getting used to at first: once you have acquired a waterbed, you usually don't want to do without it! Nevertheless, the choice of the right sleeping surface is a question of personal feeling and not least of the wallet.
