Waterbed Buying Guide for the Discerning Buyer

Read on this waterbed buying guide to help you decide on your next bed purchase. Sleeping on a waterbed is an experience like no other. Gaining popularity in the 1970′s, most people would not mind having their own water bed to sleep or simply lounge on. Waterbeds tend to be a little pricier than other types of mattresses because of their unique and meticulous construction. Now there are several waterbed brands to choose from out there and if you are just buying your first water bed, it helps to consult a more detailed waterbed buying guide.

Waterbed Buying Guide – Things to Consider

In the meantime, let us take a look at some of the most important thing to consider when shopping for your very first waterbed:

Waterbed Type

Today’s waterbeds actually come in three types depending on construction: free-flowing, fiber-fill, and hydraulic. Free-flow waterbed mattresses have only one central chamber for holding the water. This type allows for more active water flow. Fiber-fill mattresses contain fiber batting within, helping to regulate water flow in consistent and uniform motions. Compared to free-flow waterbed, fiber-fill waterbeds are firmer and offer better support.

The third type of waterbed mattress is the hydraulic type. It is the most recently introduced kind of waterbed and it features round vinyl coils in the inside of the mattress. The coils have ports where water is sealed up. Thus, hydraulic mattresses are not entirely filled up with water. This is the most expensive type of waterbed.

Your choice on the type of waterbed to purchase depends on your preferred firmness or softness in a sleeping surface. Free-flow water mattresses could work for you if you do not mind a bouncy surface while you sleep. Fiber-fill waterbeds make great choices because they provide support and a certain degree of firmness for a more comfortable sleep.

The hydraulic waterbed is recommended if you have a sleeping companion. Motion transfer is controlled by the separate coils. One disadvantage of this type of mattress is that it takes a little more effort to drain compared to free-flowing and fiber-fill waterbeds.

Waterbed Surface

Most mattresses available commercially come with protective covers to avoid water from leaking in case of accidents. Choose protective covers more carefully if you have pets at home that can cause potential damage. Vinyl is commonly used on the surface of waterbeds. It is rigid yet pliable enough to conform to your body’s natural shape. The material is also easy to maintain and clean up. Make sure that your waterbed is fitted with high-quality vinyl for better durability.

Waterbed Buying Guide – Additional Features

Some waterbeds feature Lumbar Support, Reinforced Corners, Flotation, and Tethering. You may look for any or all of these features, depending on your preference. A water mattress provides lumbar support if fiber is made thicker in specific zones where contact with the body is to yield more pressure. Reinforced corners are featured by some manufacturers for better convenience when sitting down or changing your bed sheets. Some models feature tethering for the secure placement of fiber layers to the bottom of the mattress.

Waterbed Top Brands:

• American National Waterbed
• Blue Magic Waterbed
• Boyd Waterbed
• Classic Sleep Waterbed
• Innomax Waterbed
• Strobel Organic Waterbed
• Vinyl Products Waterbed

Some quality waterbed mattress brands are listed on websites like Amazon.com and Nextag.com. The Strobel organic waterbed by Sears is among the most popular. You may also try checking out the prices of an Innomax waterbed or a Blue Magic waterbed. Find a more detailed waterbed buying guide on SelectWaterbeds.com.