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Advantages
and Disadvantages of Waterbeds
Advantages
1. Durable
The data indicates that waterbeds can last many years. In fact,
the average age of a waterbed, as indicated by 35 waterbed owners
who commented on this issue, was about ten years. This durability
is due at least in part to the fact that waterbeds by their
nature cannot prematurely sag or lose support as innerspring
(and memory foam mattresses to a lesser degree) can do.
2. Adjustable firmness
Water can be added to or removed from a waterbed which will
result in the bed being firmer or softer. This does require
some effort to do, however.
3. Dust mite resistant
A bed that is dust mite resistant is made of materials that
are less likely to attract dust mites. (The shedded skin and
feces of dust mites are recognized to be the main cause for
asthma, hay fever and other allergies.) The vinyl surface of
a waterbed is dust mite resistant, unlike innerspring mattresses.
(Air beds and memory foam beds are also dust mite resistant,
although likely to a lesser degree than waterbeds.)
4. Internal temperature control
A unique feature of waterbeds is that they have an adjustable
heater to heat the water in the bed to create a warm, comfortable
sleeping surface. (Sleeping on an unheated waterbed may lead
to hypothermia.)
Disadvantages
1. Cost of use
The heater that can be used to warm the water in the bed costs
significant money to operate since heating water requires much
energy. This disadvantage is more of an issue for those who
live in colder climates because they will likely use the heater
regularly.
2. Water conditioner needed
In order to maintain the vinyl of the mattress and keep the
water fresh, a special water conditioner must be added about
every six months.
3. Heavy
Since a water bed is filled with water, it is very heavy. This
can make moving the bed difficult and time consuming since you
must drain the bed to move it and then refill it.
4. Can spring leak
A waterbed can leak if its vinyl covering is aggressively punctured
by something sharp.
More Information
Innerspring Mattress Reviews
Memory Foam Mattress
Reviews
Airbed Mattress Reviews
Latex Mattress Reviews
Waterbed
Reviews
Consumer
Reports
Epinions
Head-to-head Mattress
Comparison Grid
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