In an increasingly stressful professional world, restful sleep is essential in order to start the new day fit and rested every morning. However, once you arrive in the office, you often sit in the same position at your desk for hours , which can cause back damage in the long term. Many people are familiar with such a stressful everyday life and a bad sitting posture. Maybe you too? In addition to sufficient physical activity, which offers a balance to long periods of sitting, sleep should also be as restful as possible. An insider tip: the water bed. More and more people are opting for this type of sleep, as it is said to have an orthopedic effect, among other things. When you set up your bedroom you should also reconsider the type of bed you have. To see photo wallpaper, please check necessaryhome.
In recent years, waterbed systems have developed significantly. Since every person is different and the requirements for a good bed are also very different, we would like to introduce you to various waterbed models and show you what you need to consider when making your choice. Finally, some myths about waterbeds should be cleared up. Finally, there is a small checklist that can help you with the successful purchase of a waterbed.
1. The different waterbed systems
Waterbeds can first be distinguished based on their systems: softside and hardside. Both variants have advantages and disadvantages, although nowadays almost only the softside systems can be found on the market. In addition to these basic techniques, there are also other variations that try to combine the advantages of both waterbed systems. These include, for example, the Masterpiece waterbeds or particularly energy-efficient models such as the Isolit waterbeds.
1.1 Softside waterbeds
If the water core or the water mattress lies completely in a foam frame, it is called a softside waterbed. With the heat-insulating foam around the mattress, energy can be saved due to the optimal insulation and it is easier to get in and out, provided there is a stable and high-quality frame. In addition, it is already a complete bed, as this free-standing system does not require an additional bed frame and can be flexibly installed in any conventional bed frame. Due to this flexibility and its energy-saving properties, this waterbed system is now used most frequently.
1.2 hardside waterbeds
This system represents the original construction of the waterbed. In contrast to the softside beds, the water core is in a solid and stable frame construction, which is also attached to a weighted base plate. Here there is already a decisive disadvantage compared to the softside variant, because the construction is heavy, which makes the waterbed a very solid and inflexible piece of furniture. Also, the lack of foam construction makes getting in and out more difficult. Until a few years ago, however, the hardside beds were still a lot cheaper than the waterbed models with foam frames. However, this advantage is gradually being lost because the technology of the softside beds is now so mature that the prices are becoming more and more the same.
2. Differences and types of waterbeds
Would you choose the softside variant right away? Unfortunately, the decision for a specific waterbed is often not that easy. After all, there are other models within the two systems that have to be taken into account. The type of mattress, for example, is a key aspect. And the shapes of the bed frame are also versatile and can also fulfill other useful functions – depending on what you want from the waterbed.
2.1 Heating systems
Water beds can be heated differently. A distinction must be made between Uno and Dual waterbed mattresses, the advantages and disadvantages of which we will show you below.
2.2.1 The Uno system
As the name suggests, a Uno or Mono system is the use of a single mattress, which also has only one water core. This mattress construction results in different advantages and disadvantages for you:
2.1.2. The dual system
These are two water cores with two heating systems, which are separated from each other by a so-called separating wedge in the mattress, for example. This separating wedge is made of foam and runs lengthwise through the entire mattress to separate the respective waves. The advantages and disadvantages of waterbeds with a dual system include the following:
2.2 Mattress Types
In addition to the Uno and Dual waterbed mattresses, there are other mattresses on the market. You should inform yourself extensively about waterbeds in advance in order to find the best solution for your individual requirements. We introduce you to two other types here:
- Fiberfill: This is a special padding film that is placed on the inside of the mattress to give your waterbed extra comfort. These fibers are made of polyester, are light, are considered very easy to care for and serve as filling material. This makes the mattress even more supportive, especially for the lower back region of the body.
- Full Motion: These mattresses are used on hardside waterbeds and, unlike fiberfill mattresses, have no supporting function. A balance can only be created with flawless material.
2.3 waterbeds with drawer base
Anyone who thinks that waterbeds are limited in their shape is wrong. They can be bought as a normal bed with bed box , as a box spring bed or as a bed with integrated drawers. A wide variety of manufacturers offer individual solutions for the waterbed with the so-called drawer base, i.e. an integrated substructure system. With drawers in different numbers, heights and positions, you can create useful storage space, which is always necessary, especially in small apartments.
3. Other factors to consider
Which waterbed is right for you depends on other factors that you should not ignore. Pay attention to aspects such as the optimal installation, the correct setting of the waterbed, the expected costs and savings potential of different models.
3.1 Purchase and installation by professionals
With hardside variants, it is often advised to build the bedstead or frame yourself in order to save costs. However, we cannot advise you to do so for various reasons. Most manufacturers offer extensive advice when buying a waterbed, which is an important advantage. In addition, assembly and filling are often included in the price. Under no circumstances should you do the latter yourself, as otherwise the guarantee for the waterbed may expire. After all, most companies offer an all-round service, which should be a key factor when choosing a manufacturer. It is also advisable to look for a manufacturer close to where you live so that your contact person is always within reach and can help you quickly if the worst comes to the worst.
3.2 Optimum adjustment of the waterbed
Other important aspects are the different setting options for the bed, for example with regard to temperature and mattress firmness. Before you buy, you should be clear about the criteria your new bed should meet. This is the only way to find the best solution for you.
3.2.1. The right mattress for the waterbed
When choosing the mattress, you should pay attention to the physical requirements you – and possibly your partner – bring with you. These include, for example, weight and size, but also health restrictions. This refers in particular to existing problems in the back and neck area. If you have such complaints, the mattress should be particularly supportive. Full motion mattresses would be the wrong choice in this case.
Another thing to consider is how many people will be sleeping in the bed. Are you two? Then we recommend a dual mattress, as even the smallest difference in temperature or water volume can decide on a restful sleep – especially if one of you is struggling with back problems.
We recommend choosing the right mattress together with an expert and definitely trying it out in the shop.
3.2.2 The correct filling quantity
In principle, the water core should be filled by a professional, on the one hand to obtain the optimal amount and on the other hand not to lose the possible guarantee of the waterbed. The optimal filling quantity depends on various factors: bed system, height of the frame, lying surface, mattress size and cushioning. Furthermore, the lying position, which is optimal when the spine forms a line when lying on your side, determines the correct filling quantity. Specifically, this means:
- The neck is in line with the spine.
- The waist is not overly creased but has an even natural shape.
- There are no pressure points or focal points when lying down.
3.2.3 The right degree of hardness
Your weight is decisive here, because the heavier a person is, the less water has to be filled into the mattress. In addition, individual taste is required when choosing the right waterbed, whereby people with back problems should always adhere to the weight-specific degrees of hardness or relaxation levels.
Calming Levels:
3.2.4. regulate the temperature properly
You can set the temperature according to your preferences. It is advisable to proceed in small steps – between 0.5 and 1 degree Celsius – in order to really find the optimal temperature for the waterbed. But keep in mind that the bed only gradually warms up. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The temperature of the water bed should not be regulated below room temperature, otherwise the body will start to perspire.
- A sweaty body gives off moisture, which in turn leads to mold in the worst cases. Proper ventilation is essential here.
- Duvets are to be turned down when airing.
- The waterbed heating should not be switched off – even when you are away – as the conditioner (see point 4 for a definition of terms) would otherwise lose its antibacterial effect.
3.3 Cost Comparison
Overall, waterbeds are more expensive than a classic bed . This affects both the acquisition and the running costs. But they also have orthopedic advantages that can justify the price. In addition, waterbeds are becoming more and more popular and their technology is better, so that the prices are becoming more and more similar to conventional beds due to the increasing supply.
The running heating costs are also kept within reasonable limits. Roughly speaking, you can expect up to 170 euros a year, with the chosen temperature of the waterbed, the bed and mattress system and the room temperature all playing a decisive role. However, electricity costs can also be reduced by special energy-saving requirements. These prevent unnecessary energy from escaping from the waterbed, so the heat is only released to your body.
3.4 The advantages of the waterbed system
In general, the advantages of waterbeds are their long service life – with proper care – their hygienic mattresses, their relaxing warmth from the heating system and the optimal fit of the mattress. The latter finally requires the most important advantage, namely the positive health aspect. The following graphic shows what the waterbed can do from a health perspective:
4. Care instructions for a longer service life
High-quality waterbeds can live for more than ten years if they are properly cared for. Four different work steps should be carried out at regular intervals in order to maintain optimal and healthy lying comfort for a long time.
5. Myths about the waterbed
One myth, for example, is that waterbeds can only be filled with distilled water. However, this is a wrong assumption, since conventional tap water is also ideal and is even recommended. In the following we will show you further prejudices and shed light on them with our answers.
5.1 Can waterbeds burst?
Definitely no, because pressure would be required to burst, which is not present in the waterbed system.
5.2 Are waterbeds too heavy for some apartments?
Most waterbeds are significantly heavier than conventional beds. Nevertheless, your apartment can easily withstand it: One reason, for example, is that the weight of a waterbed is very widely distributed due to its size. There are also legal standards for ceiling loads.
5.3 Is there a possibility of getting seasick?
On the contrary: the movements can even have a sleep-inducing effect. In addition, the intensity of the movement can be adjusted by choosing the right level of calming.
