Mattress Ratings > Waterbed Reviews > Waterbed Pros and Cons

Waterbed Advantages and Disadvantages → Based on Data From Over 300 Actual Owners

Page last updated August 2, 2011           Bookmark and Share

Advantages

Contours To Body

Waterbeds contour to the body as well as, if not better than, other mattress types. The result is an even distribution of one's weight and reduced pressure points. The contouring ability of waterbeds also lessens pressure on the back allowing spinal muscles to relax, which can result in lessened back pain for some people.

Temperature Control

At least 30% of waterbed owners praise their bed for having a heater that allows for the amount of heat produced to be adjusted to suit one's personal preference.

A dual bladder waterbed gives the option of having a heater for each side of the bed which allows independent settings.

Waterbeds are heated mainly because sleeping on an unheated waterbed may lead to an uncomfortably cold sleep surface and even hypothermia.

Longevity

Assuming serious punctures and leaks can be avoided and the bed is well maintained, waterbeds can last at least somewhat longer than most other mattress types. At least 20% of waterbed owners praise their bed for its long life.

Dust Mite Resistant / Easy To Clean

The shedded skin and feces of dust mites are recognized to be the main cause for asthma, hay fever and other allergies. The surface of a waterbed bladder is dust mite resistant because the mites cannot enter inside. In addition, hardside waterbeds in particular, say owners, can be fully and easily clean, allowing for the removal of virtually all dust mites.

Fairly Inexpensive

Waterbeds overall are usually priced below other mattress types. Hardside waterbed mattresses in particular are inexpensive, usually well below $1,000.

Naturally Fire Resistant

Many waterbeds are naturally fire resistant and do not require flame retardant chemicals that other mattresses require in order to meet federal fire safety regulations.

Disadvantages

Can Leak

A leak resulting from a puncture is a top disadvantage of waterbeds, say owners. Plastic liners can reduce water damage, but emptying, patching, refilling, and reheating a watered can be somewhat difficult and time consuming. Hardside waterbeds, owner data suggests, are many times more likely to develop a leak than softside waterbeds because their water bladder is more exposed.

Set Up / Assembly

Setting up and assembling a waterbed requires significant time and effort -- much more than what is required for most other mattress types. It involves, among other things, assembling the frame, filling the bladder(s) with water, adding water conditioner, placing the heater, and heating the water.

Heavy

Waterbeds can weigh up to half a ton. Consequently, moving a waterbed (even a few inches) is difficult and time consuming; the water needs to be drained and the frame taken apart, reassembled, the bed refilled with water, and the water heated. Some homes or apartments may not have the floor strength to support a waterbed, especially above the first story.

Special Linens May Be Needed (Hardside)

Some hardside waterbeds have odd dimensions that require special and more expensive bed sheets. Soft-sided mattresses, by contrast, have conventional and common dimensions which allow standard linens to be used on them.

Noise

About 3% of owners report noise (swishing and sloshing) coming from their mattress. This occurs when air is not removed from inside. In addition, some owners complain that the heater makes unwanted noise.