What are the benefits of a water mattress and what are its disadvantages?

The low popularity of the water mattress is understandable: it is bulky, difficult to maintain, and very expensive. In addition, the design is surrounded by numerous myths, from constant leaks to the development of seasickness. Is this really true, and is a waterbed worth the money spent on it? We have collected reliable characteristics and reviews about unusual bedding in this article, and it’s up to you to decide whether to purchase it.

Mattress design, types

A water mattress is not much different in appearance from a regular spring mattress. It is a durable rectangular (less often oval or round) base made of polyvinyl chloride, filled with water.

The idea of such a mattress originated more than 3,000 years ago among the Persians - these were wineskins filled with water. Recently, the design has been greatly improved to meet customer expectations. The filler is still ordinary water, but with disinfectant additives. A high-quality mattress is equipped with a heating system.

Types of water mattress from budget to luxury:

Single chamber - a primitive look and that same childhood dream of waves on the bed. In fact, sleeping on such a mattress is not very comfortable: you constantly feel the movement of water, it is difficult to maintain balance, your muscles and spine do not relax. Reviews of seasickness apply specifically to these designs. Also, you won’t be able to sit on such a bed. The only plus is the affordable price, but is it worth it?
Multi-chamber - a water mattress made from several cylinder blocks with liquid filler. It is much more peaceful to sleep on such an accessory, since the movement of water is almost imperceptible. There is a function for adjusting hardness and zoning. Here we can already talk about orthopedic properties. The design is most often supplemented with a heating system.
With additional polyurethane block - the best type of water mattress. The block allows you to distribute the load evenly, smoothing out the effect of waves as much as possible. These designs are the most durable and most comfortable for sleep and relaxation.
The device may include lighting and a massage system.

There are also types of water mattresses for children. The requirements for them are even more stringent, since the developing spine critically needs orthopedic support, and the muscular system requires maximum rest at night and during the day. Single-block designs are only suitable for games. Also, a children's mattress should be equipped with several additional blocks made of coconut coir or other hypoallergenic material.

Advantages and disadvantages, myths

A multi-chamber water mattress is classified as orthopedic bedding. It really has a positive effect on human health. But the main reason for purchasing a product is the desire for unusual sensations - a gentle sway on the waves.

Let's look at the advantages of this unusual design:

The water filler allows the body to take the correct position during sleep. The mattress does not interfere with blood circulation and promotes relaxation of the whole body.
This is a completely hypoallergenic design; bedbugs, fungus and other troubles do not grow in the mattress.The absence of dust is an advantage that allergy sufferers will appreciate.
Heating system. Temperature regulation provides the most comfortable relaxation conditions. Such mattresses are recommended for people with rheumatism, gout, and muscle pain. A warm bed is also necessary at low room temperatures. You won't have to worry about heating pads getting cold when you have a built-in heating system that works throughout the night.
One of the myths associated with waterbeds is that they are not durable. The design does not leak and can withstand heavy weight. During long-term use, the mattress does not sag, its cover is wear-resistant.
It's much easier to fall asleep on a heated mattress. This is a benefit for people who suffer from insomnia. The heat level is adjustable.

The disadvantages of the design with water most likely relate to its low-quality varieties, but there are also objective reasons not to buy such a mattress:

Any modification of a water mattress is very bulky - often the weight exceeds 500 kg. Not every bed frame and flooring can withstand such a load. It is better to take care of a special bed with a solid base, even have it made to order. It is also necessary to install high protective sides: this way, in the event of a leak, water will not get into the apartment, and you will have time to take action. The sides will protect the mattress from the claws of pets and curious small children.
A waterbed is not intended for a small apartment. It will be very difficult to carry out repairs with such a design.
The top of the cover also needs protection. You can’t get by with just a blanket; you’ll have to stock up on a mattress pad.
Replacing water.In high-quality types, the procedure is carried out once every 2-3 years, so this can hardly be called a definite disadvantage, but cheap single-chamber mattresses cause a lot of trouble for owners.
Sleeping on the waves is a test for the vestibular system instead of rest. Single-chamber mattresses, instead of a slight sway, only give the owner a headache.
It's difficult to sleep together. The movement of one person sets the water in motion if the design does not involve division into zones. The cheapest type is a two-chamber mattress.
Daily heating is required, otherwise the filler will be cold and unpleasant. Sleeping on a cold water mattress is harmful to your health. Heating can hardly be called a minus, since the energy consumption is very small. The only question arises with the placement of the already voluminous product within reach of outlets.
Condensation is possible when the air temperature in the room changes.
In case of a puncture, you will have to urgently take measures so that the apartment does not suffer from the flood.
High price. Such a purchase often does not live up to expectations; for the same amount it is easy to purchase proven spring orthopedic mattress models.

One of the myths is the gurgling sound of the liquid filler, which interferes with sleep. The high-quality design does not allow air to enter the block with water, it is silent. Another concern of buyers is the possibility of leaks. If no one tests the strength of the coating with sharp objects, the mattress will last a long time.

The magazine purity-en.htgetrid.com recommends that when purchasing a mattress, pay attention to its maximum hardness. The greater the weight of the sleeper, the stronger the structure must be in order to maintain the spine in an optimal position.Rigidity is provided by polyurethane and coconut coir inserts.

Even the highest quality luxury water mattress is not recommended for daily use. It is not suitable for health improvement for people with obesity and problematic lumbar or cervical spine - the reason is insufficient rigidity. It is better to give preference to independent spring structures or materials with a memory effect.

How to use: features

If all the manufacturer's requirements are met, the mattress will last a long time, at least 10-15 years.

Recommendations for using a water mattress:

In cheap single-block types, the filler is completely replaced once a year.
For modern models, there is a function for adding a special air conditioner. The substance destroys harmful microorganisms. The filler itself is replaced every 2-3 years.
From time to time the frame is wiped with a damp cloth. This is enough to maintain cleanliness.
Do not allow punctures or burn through the cover. Repairing a waterbed is an expensive proposition.

Comfortable sleeping conditions are not a luxury, but a necessity in modern realities. A person who has had enough sleep feels cheerful and works much more productively. Does the waterbed meet the necessary criteria for quality rest? In many respects this is truly a unique thing, but a similar effect can be achieved with the help of independent spring structures.

If you decide to buy a water mattress, then give preference to modern multi-chamber options with advanced functionality so as not to be disappointed.