Should I buy a waterbed?

Waterbeds have been around since the 1800s. According to the history books, by the early 19th century, a Scottish physician by the name of Neil Arnott, conceptualised a bed that would prevent bedsores in disabled people.

Dr Arnott’s Hydrostatic Bed was the name given to the mattress that was essentially a bath of water encased in rubber canvas and on which light weight bedding could be placed.

More than three centuries later, the same benefit to owning a waterbed exists. Ultimately, because a waterbed shapes exactly to the body, pressure — especially around the joints – is minimised. The benefit to paralysed individuals is immense.

Waterbeds assist the spinal muscles to fully relax by eliminating pressure from the spinal column. For invalids or movement-impaired individuals, the most major benefit is relief from painful bedsores. Even for those without sever disability find that a waterbed can aid in the relief of back pain. 

The positives extend for those who suffer allergies as the canvas makes it impossible for dirt, dust mites and dead skin particles to penetrate the water mattress. With a simple cleaning solution, mattress can be regularly wiped down. Research has shown that dust mites are linked to asthma, eczema, and allergies in people sensitive to them.

With today’s technology, waterbeds now feature degrees of firmness, body heat absorption. Many modern waterbeds feature two mattresses so individual firmness and heat levels are possible.

If you’re considering getting a waterbed, here are some ways to protect your investment, use it safely and get the most out of it.

1. Don’t place babies on a waterbed. Without neck control, babies cannot lift their heads up if their airways are blocked by bedding or if their faces are flush down on the mattress. It’s a potentially fatal situation and not something that a parent or caregiver should take lightly.

2. Don’t jump on your bed, despite how seemingly fun it seems. For that matter, don’t jump on your bed with sharp implements or clothing. That’s how leaks happen.

3. Think carefully where you want to place your bed, because moving it once it’s filled it’s near to impossible to do. In order to move your bed, installers generally fill the bed in its desired place.

4. Bed sheets are easier to locate for a waterbed than previously. There are nifty tricks to getting your sheet to stay on the mattress and all you have to do is research it a little.

5. Invest in a patching kit and keep it in a place that is easily accessible. In the event of a leak (for whatever reason) you’ll have water spilling out onto your floor. A patch kit will help you mend the leak without too much of a fuss.