| Everything you need to know about waterbeds... 1. What are the benefits of sleeping afloat? The phenomenal growth of the waterbed market is mainly due to 5 explicit
benefits that sleeping on water offers: complete body support, pleasant
confort with no pressure points, relaxing warmth, a hygienic sleeping
surface and long life. All these points are discussed in the questions
below. The fact that in the last 20 years, more than 60 million waterbeds
have been sold and that now more than 100 million people are sleeping
on a waterbed proves that more and more consumers are convinced of the
benefits. 2. Who invented the waterbed? The oldest report of the use of waterbeds dates from more than 3000 years ago. In those days, the Persians slept on goatskin waterbags heated by the sun. The next development came in 1851 when the British doctor Dr. William Hooper recognised the benefits of a pressure-free waterbed surface and introduced them for the treatment of certain medical disorders. He designed and patented a simple rubber watermattress. Towards the end of the 1960s, the American, Charles Hall, refined this concept and by using modern materials and production techniques created the PVC mattress that we are now familiar with. Charles Hall, Dr. Cooper and all their predecessors used only water,
the most natural substance, as support for the body. The water acts as
an anti-gravity device. In that state of reduced pressure and apparent
weightlessness, our body can relax more deeply. So, by sleeping more deeply,
we can increase the rejuvenating action of our sleep. That, in a nutshell,
is what sleeping afloat on a waterbed is all about. 3. What are the different types of waterbed? In essence, there are 3 types of waterbed. Hard-side waterbeds, Soft-side waterbeds and tube watermattresses. The hard-side waterbed is the original type. In this now somewhat outdated design, the watermattress sits directly in a strong wooden surround that provides side support. The whole thing rests on a base plate, which is supported by a plinth and weight distributors. Between the mattress and the surround, there is a safety lining that can catch any water in the event of a leak. The modern variant of the waterbed is called the Soft-side. With this type, the watermattress is supported at the side by a foam edging. In the most modern waterbeds, this foam edge is divided into a lower fixed foam edge, and an upper hinged foam rail. The support from this foam edge ensures that a Soft-side waterbed can stand alone or can be fitted into an existing bedframe. The latter is particularly suited to Soft-side waterbeds with a divided foam edge. The tube watermattress is not actually a waterbed, but a thin layer of
water that is laid on top of a foam mattress. Because this thin water
layer weighs much less, it can usually be laid on an ordinary bed, without
any extra support. However, many of the benefits of a waterbed are lost. 4. Are there different types of watermattress? Yes, there are. The difference lies in the surface and the filling of the watermattress. The first waterbeds were made of a smooth PVC film that contained only water. These mattresses are called unstabilised or free-flow mattresses. Various methods are used nowadays to dampen the after movement of the watermattress. The use of cylinders, compartments or fibre mats allow watermattresses of different stability grades to be made. Which stability grade to use is a matter of personal choice. It is important to make sure that the level of stability does not affect the pure sense of sleeping on water. Modern watermattresses are being produced more and more with an extra, stretchable top layer. This increases the comfort and adjustability of your watermattress yet further. Some of the stretch systems are better thought out than others. You have to try for yourself to see which you like best. There is also a distinction between one-piece (uno) and two-piece (dual)
watermattresses. Your dealer will be able to explain which type is best
for you. 5. What sizes are waterbeds available in? Most makes of waterbed are available in a number of standard sizes equivalent
to current mattress sizes. For hard-side waterbeds, we are talking about
standard American sizes. Some makes offer made-to-measure too. It is important
to make sure that with an abnormal size, it is not just the foam edging
that is made wider, with the actual water surface left unchanged. 6. What kinds of bed surrounds can be used A modern Soft-side waterbed can be built into any bed surround and will
then look just like any ordinary mattress. Soft-side waterbeds with a
divided foam edge are the easiest type to use as built-in wterbeds. Hard-side
watermattresses need a solid wooden frame to provide side support to the
watermattress. Specially designed bed surrounds are usually used in this
case. 7. Is a waterbed good for my back? A waterbed supports your back in the best possible way. When you lie
on a watermattress, the water moves so that it takes up the precise shape
of your body. The bed doesn’t sag, but adjusts precisely and instantly
to your body, whatever your weight. These properties, combined with the
dramatically reduced pressure on the surface and the wonderful warmth,
provide the ideal support for your back. 8. Do waterbeds have medical benefits? Waterbeds have many medical benefits. The waterbed was, after all, already
in use in the medical world before it become a commercial success on the
open market. It was discovered that the state of apparent weightlessness
helped enormously in preventing and curing bedsores and in the treatment
of severe burns. The gentle, even support and the warmth of a waterbed
are also beneficial for people who suffer arthritis, rheumatism and certain
back disorders. Furthermore, waterbeds are extensively used in the care
of premature babies and are a great help for pregnant women. Because no
dust or bacteria can lodge in a sealed watermattress and because a watermattress
is easy to clean, it is also frequently used in the treatment of allergies
and asthma. And finally, it has been proven that one falls asleep faster
and achieves a deeper sleep on a waterbed. A good uninterrupted night’s
rest is generally considered one of the best medicines. The support, the
comfort and the warmth all contribute to better health and a more relaxed
air. 9. Isn’t it better to sleep on a firm bed? The worst surface to sleep on is a soft, sagging bed. Therefore, some
years ago, firm mattresses were strongly advocated. These offer a better
support that the sagging beds of yore but the hard contact surface still
forces your back into an unnatural position and creates uncomfortable
pressure points. For this reason, the better bedding manufacturers started
developing more and more towards highly adjustable sleeping systems. The
breakthrough of the sprung slatted bases was part of this development.
The sleeping system that adjusts best to your body, however, is the watermattress.
A watermattress is not a ‘soft’ mattress, but in contrast
a perfectly supporting sleeping system. Sleeping on a hard mattress is
totally passé and is recommended by fewer and fewer experts. 10. Won’t I wake my partner when I climb into bed? This is highly unlikely, unless you literally dive into bed. But that’s
likely to wake your partner on a traditional mattress too. The more strongly
your waterbed is stabilised the less it propagates your movements. In
a well stabilised waterbed, your movements will only produce a slight
and short undulation, which is usually not considered to be disturbing.
Certain sophisticated stretch patterns (diagonal) reduce propagation movement
over the mattress surface. 11. Won’t I get seasick? We have never heard of anyone suffering this problem. A waterbed, after
all, only moves if you move, and such movement is instantly dampened by
the stabilisation. You should also remember that you till toss and turn
much less on a waterbed because of the reduced pressure. 12. How long does a waterbed last? Watermattresses have been tested under laboratory conditions for an equivalent of 40 years and many of the very first waterbeds are still in everyday use. Most waterbed manufacturers guarantee a minimum life of 5 years. The actual life is much longer and heavily depends on how well the sleeping system is looked after. The life of a watermattress depends, of course, on the type of vinyl used and the quality of the seams. Furthermore, the foam edges are subject to wear and tear. So, it is best to choose a system in which the edges can later be replaced separately if need be. Because the vinyl of a watermattress ages (even if it is not used), it is important to choose a waterbed that is only made after you’ve placed your order and has not been lying in storage for years. Finally, the important factor is that the support element in a watermattress
is the water itself. Water does not wear and tear. So, the comfort and
the supporting properties of a watermattress do not change over the years,
in contrast to the properties of a traditional mattress. 13. What guarantee can I get and what does it mean? The specifications of the guarantee vary widely from make to make, but
the life of the guarantee is 5 years on average. What the guarantee includes
is explained in your guarantee certificate. You have the greatest assurance
with makes where there are the fewest possible intermediate sales organisations
between you and the actual manufacturer. Manufacturers in Europe are subject
to the very strict standards in this context. Ask for a clear certificate
of guarantee and an instruction manual in your own language. 14. Will a waterbed improve or worsen my sex life? Actually it won’t make any difference, unless the fact that the
comfortable supporting surface contributes to your sense of well-being. 15. Do waterbeds make a noise? No. Once all the air has been removed from the watermattress when it
is installed, a waterbed makes no more noise. The very stable construction
of a waterbed and the fact that the weight of water keeps it firmly in
its place means that there is no more of that irritating creaking traditional
bed constructions can produce. 16. Is it easy getting into and out of a waterbed? This depends very much on the type of waterbed. There is no problem with
a Soft-side waterbed with a soft foam edge. Hard-side waterbeds, where
the edge is made of wood, take a bit more practice. Waterbeds with an
extra pelvic support usually make getting out a bit easier. 17. Can I eat breakfast in a waterbed? Yes, no problem at all. (if someone is kind enough to bring it you) 18. Can you sit comfortably in a waterbed? Yes, very comfortably in fact. A good waterbed will, after all, fully
adjust to your body even when you’re sitting. Your legs are automatically
raised a bit because of their lighter weight and in contrast to adjustable
slatted bases, the mattress surface adjusts precisely to your limbs. So
there is one mattress surface over the whole bed even if one of the partners
is sitting and the other lying. 19. How much does a waterbed weigh? The weight of a waterbed depends on the type. Tube watermattresses are
the lightest, of course, because they contain far less water. A real waterbed
will weigh 210 kg/m2 at the most because the standard height of a watermattress
is 21 cm. The weight may be less than this, depending on the width and
shape of the foam edges. 20. Won’t my waterbed sink through the floor? We are not aware of any case where a waterbed has sunk though a floor, or where its weight has caused damage. The weight of a waterbed causes no trouble. It is, after all, very evenly spread, so that the load is well spread out. There is a much greater likelihood that a classical bed with its weight all on four small legs will cause damage. There has never been any problem of this type even with the heaviest
hard-side waterbeds. A full bed weighs less per square metre than a full
bookcase or refrigerator. 21. Can my waterbed split open? No. After all, a waterbed is a pressure-free system. Even if you sit
down on your waterbed with the filling inlet open, no water will come
out. Therefore in the exceptional event that your watermattress gets punctured,
the water will only dribble out very slowly between your mattress and
the safety lining. 22. Can my waterbed leak ? The likelihood of this is very small, particularly is you go for a European
brand product. Current production methods, after all, guarantee robust
seams and most waterbeds have reinforced corners. All waterbeds are fitted
with a safety liner that ensures that in the event of a leak, no water
can run out of your bed. 23. Can my pets damage my waterbed? This is highly unlikely. The cover that encases every watermattress protects
against sharp claws and teeth. There is the chance that your pets may
like to lie on your waterbed as much as you do. But who can blame them
for that?? 24. Will my waterbed sag if it’s jumped on? No, unlike conventional mattresses, a watermattress does not wear with
constant or extra load. The support element in a waterbed, after all,
is the water itself and that keeps its properties for ever. So, your waterbed
will tolerate not only very high loads but it will also maintain its comfort
and spring 100% throughout its life. 25. Can a burning cigarette damage my watermattress? Yes. Just like any fabric, the cover will be damaged by a burning cigarette.
The watermattress itself will probably be singed only very superficially.
The water under the mattress surface disperses the heat instantly, after
all, so that high temperatures cannot build up in the vinyl. The vinyl
of filled watermattress can usually not be punctured by a cigarette. If
through carelessness, you do singe your waterbed, sticking on a repair
patch will suffice to maintain the normal life of your waterbed. Smoking
in bed remains dangerous and bad for your health, of course, even in a
waterbed. 26. Can my waterbed be punctured? Yes, but it is highly unlikely. Sharp objects that end up in your bed
by accident, after all, first have to penetrate the thick cover before
they can puncture your watermattress. The chances of a puncture can be
almost totally ruled out if you use your waterbed normally. 27. Can I mend leaks myself? Mending a small leak in a watermattress is very easy. Because punctures
usually happen on the top side of a watermattress, very little water will
run out and you can mend the leak without having to empty the mattress.
A repair kit is used for this which is supplied with most waterbeds. Once
a repair patch has been stuck on, the watermattress is as good as new
again. A well repaired leak does not affect the life of your watermattress. 28. Can a waterbed be fitted into an existing bed frame? A soft-side waterbed can, in principle, be fitted into any existing bedframe.
The waterbed, in its entirety, with its own support is fitted into the
bedframe. Some types of soft-sides are better suited to this than others.
The types with a horizontally divided foam edge are the most suitable.
Not only will the appearance be improved by this type of installation,
but it will also be easier to use. Some makes offer customisation free
of charge, so that your waterbed fits your bedframe perfectly. 29. How is my waterbed installed? It is best to have a waterbed installed by an expert. In that way you
can be sure that is has been installed correctly and that the water volume
is right for you. Installation of a waterbed usually takes 1½ to
2 hours. Most of that time is taken up filling the mattress with water.
Installation times will thus depend on the flow rate of the water in your
home. 30. Don’t the plastics in waterbed contain hazardous substances? Once again it is important to choose a European brand product. These
products, after all, guarantee that the plastics in your watermattress
contain no harmful components. This is less clear with some cheap imported
mattresses. Mattresses made of PVC that is itself made in Europe provide
the best guarantee of unquestionable quality, because they have to meet
strict EU standards. The same applies to all the other materials used. 31. What kind of water is used in a waterbed? Ordinary mains water. 32. How often do I have to change the water The water in a watermattress only needs to be changed if you move house.
A conditioner is added at regular intervals to prevent growth of algae
and bacteria in your watermattress. 33. How do I have to look after my waterbed? The conditioner that is added at regular intervals keeps the water in
your watermattress fresh. Apart from that, you can clean the mattress
surface with a special vinyl cleaner. You can also wash or clean most
covers. How the cover has to be cleaned depends on the particular washing
instructions. All this means that a waterbed is a perfectly hygienic sleeping
system. With regular maintenance, you can also avoid the build-ups of
skin scales, body salts, house dust mites, bacteria and moulds that you
get with traditional mattresses. This is particularly beneficial for allergy
sufferers. 34. Is a waterbed easy to move when you move house ? That depends on the type and make. Some makes can be dismantled into
convenient parts that fit into an ordinary private car. It is important
to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when emptying and refilling
a watermattress. Most waterbed dealers also provide a removal service. 35. Can you make a waterbed firmer by filling it up more? Usually not. This only holds for tube watermattresses. Every waterbed
has its ideal volume of water, determined by the height of the mattress,
the shape of the mattress and the weight of the users. How firm a mattress
feels depends more on the stabilisation system used and any extra pelvic
support there is in the watermattress. Most makes offer various grades
of stabilisation and you can choose the one that suits you best. 36. Do the foam edges of a soft-side waterbed hold their shape? The latest waterbeds, in which non-deformable plastic profiles are used
in the construction of the side walls, guarantee that the waterbed will
not lose its shape. With these beds, the upper foam edge can also be replaced
separately, even without the watermattress’s having to be emptied.
Top quality makes guarantee the foam parts as well as the watermattress. 37. Will I sweat more in a waterbed? No. The heating element in a waterbed can be set to any temperature you
like. Most waterbed users prefer a temperature between 27 ºC and
30 ºC. Because the heat comes from underneath in a waterbed, no condensation
will form in the core of the mattress as happens in a traditional mattress.
Fifteen minutes airing is enough to let the moisture absorbed into the
cover evaporate. 38. Are waterbeds heated? Waterbeds are always heated by a specially designed heating element.
Usually the water temperature is set at skin temperature, which is normally
around 28 ºC. Good heating elements, however, allow you to set the
temperature accurately, so that you can adjust it however you like. That
pleasant warmth is one of the properties of a waterbed that is most appreciated. 39. How does the heating work and is it safe? Waterbed heating comprises a heating mat and an adjustable thermostat. The heating mat is installed under the watermattress and is connected to the thermostat, which is sited outside the bed. Good heating elements have a heat sensor built into the element itself and are electrically safeguarded. It is best to choose a European heating element because these are specifically designed for 240 volts, rather than being a modification of the American 110 volts. Most heating elements have been tested by the various European inspection
agencies (VDE, TÜV, KEMA, BENOR etc.) and are very safe if they are
used according to with the manufacturer’s instructions. 40. How much does it cost to heat a waterbed? A soft-side waterbed is a well-insulated system on account of its foam
edges, its cover and its sealed base. Electricity consumption averages
only about 1 kWh per day. The exact figure depends on the size of the
bed, the temperature of the bedroom, how well-insulating your quilt is,
etc. 41. Can I switch the heating off in the summer? No. The room temperature even in the summer is not usually sufficient
to keep the water in your waterbed up to temperature. Your waterbed heating,
however, will only come on very occasionally in the summer and so will
use far less electricity. By setting the temperature a few degrees lower,
you can make a waterbed very pleasantly cool on a hot night. A water temperature
of 25 ºC should be considered the minimum. 42. What happens in a power cut? Water’s natural insulating properties and high specific heat mean
that a waterbed cools down only very slowly. So, a power cut of a few
hours will not cause any problems. 43. Are waterbeds suitable for children? Good back support is very important, particularly when you are growing.
That is the time when the back takes on its shape, which will be very
difficult to change or correct in later years. So, a waterbed is the ideal
sleeping system for a growing youngster. It has been proved that young
children fall asleep more quickly, sleep for longer periods without interruption
and are calmer in general if they sleep on a waterbed. 44. What is included in the price of a waterbed? Some dealers list their prices with installation included, with others
installation is extra. It’s best to discuss with your dealer what
is and is not included in the price so that there are no horrid surprises
awaiting you. Everything included, a waterbed is no more expensive that
a good traditional sleeping system. A waterbed is, after all, bed, mattress
support and mattress all in one. 45. Does a waterbed have any drawbacks? The only drawback with a waterbed is that it is not as easy to move as
a traditional bed and that is will add a few extra hours of work if you
move house. 46. Do I need to take out any special insurance? Most insurance policies cover waterbeds in the same category as electrical
equipment that uses water, like washing machines and dish washers. So
there’s no need for extra insurance. For specific queries in this
context, it is best to contact your insurance company. 47. What sort of people buy waterbeds? Now that the waterbed has become more and more established as a healthy,
comfortable sleeping system, you can find “water sleepers”
in all strata of society. Young and old, fat and thin, top sportsmen and
hedonists: they’ve all found their way to the waterbed. For many,
the deciding factor was one or two of the specific benefits of a waterbed;
others elected for this sleeping system because they heard about it through
friends and acquaintances. People who want to stay healthy as well as
those who want to relieve specific ailments go for a waterbed to make
their life more comfortable. A good night’s rest is, after all,
a pre-condition for being in top condition during the day. 48. Why is there so much talk about waterbeds? A great del of the popularity of the waterbed is due to word-of-mouth
advertising spread by “water sleepers”. Many people visit
a waterbed dealer on a friend’s recommendation. In Germany, the
Netherlands and Belgium, 5 to 10% of the inhabitants (depending on the
region) are now sleeping in waterbeds. The percentage is even higher in
Scandinavia and the U.S. 49. Can I try out a waterbed? Some dealers offer a trial period. The precise details and costs associated
with such a provision vary considerably from region to region, and depend
very much on the make and the individual dealer. 50. Do you sleep on a waterbed? This is a question that crops up more and more. Statistics show that contented water sleepers quickly convince 5 to 6 of their friends of the benefits of their sleeping system. What is striking is that many waterbed dealers started out sleeping on a waterbed and it was the benefits they experienced from it that convinced them to invest in their own business. |