Waterbeds

The vast majority of us still sleep on a regular spring mattress at home, despite the wealth of choice now on the markets relating to mattresses, new materials, ergonomic and orthopaedic sleeping solutions. The waterbed is perhaps the most recognised of those alternatives, but also the one that raises the most doubt in prospective buyers minds. This article aims to work through the potential worries and benefits of replacing your regular mattress with a waterbed.
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What are the risks ?

It is natural to assume, because of the very nature of a waterbed, that using one is going to be slightly risky. After all, keeping a large plastic vessel filled with water in our bedrooms is not normally something you'd recommend. In this case however, it's far safer than you would think. Even a violent puncture with a sharp instrument will not lead to a leak, as all waterbeds have a built in vinyl safety liner which captures any leaks within the liner. The water stays captive within the plastic, and holes can be easily repaired using kits available at waterbed stockists. Waterbeds are, in fact, constructed so that they are free from any internal pressure. This means that you could open the 'fill valve' and sit on the waterbed, and still no water would escape.

The other main worry that tends to come to mind is the amount of weight a waterbed might be putting onto your bedroom floor. Weight is rarely, if ever, a problem. The weight of the water is spread evenly over the floor, and any doubts you may have can be assuaged by the professional installation that most waterbed suppliers can offer.
The final thing worth noting is that a waterbed is not like a fish-tank - you do not have to clean it out every week! The only maintenance a waterbed requires is the addition of a special water conditioner every six months, to help treat and condition the water and the vinyl interior for maximum performance.

What are the Benefits ?

For asthma and allergy sufferers: While of course waterbeds cannot offer a cure for these problems, it can often go quite some way towards reducing suffering. Dust mites and their droppings (which cause many problems for asthma and allergy sufferers) collect in regular mattresses and are impossible to remove. With a waterbed, it is very easy to remove bedding and wipe over the plastic surface with a cloth every now and then, effectively sanitising the bed completely. Water mattress covers can be removed and washed at 60 degrees C, the temperature at which mites are killed. Used in conjunction with allergy-safe bedding, a waterbed can provide even more superior levels of hygiene.

For backache relief: Backache is a common problem in modern society, with people making uninformed decisions on mattresses and cutting costs in areas where they really should be putting more attention. Many lower and upper back problems can be tracked back to an improper sleeping position, and even those who do not suffer from back problems would see considerable back health benefits and posture improvement when moving to a bed that is kinder on their spine. A waterbed acts as a naturally orthopaedic bed, forming around your spine and offering support where it's needed. Floatation systems remove pressure from the spine allowing the spinal muscles to fully relax. Doctors have also found that the addition of heat speeds up the relaxation process and increases circulation to rejuvenate problem areas.

For bedsore sufferers: Any person immobilised and confined to bed for a prolonged period is susceptible to bedsores (decubitus ulcers). The tissue being pinned between hard underlying bone and the surface of the bed for a long period of time causes these. The blood tissues are squeezed, making circulation to the tissues difficult. If cells are deprived of blood for a long period of time they eventually die, causing bedsores. Therefore, treatment relies on reducing these pressure points. A water mattress spreads the body weight evenly, so blood can circulate freely right through the body. A regular mattress puts uneven pressure on certain areas, whereas a waterbed moulds to the shape of your spine and joints to relieve pressure and support your posture gently throughout the night. The constant warmth of a waterbed further enhances blood circulation, keeping your skin healthy and vastly reducing the likelihood of sores developing. For those in convalescence, or those with circulation problems, a waterbed can significantly increase their quality of sleep and skin health.

For arthritis sufferers: Waterbeds are thermostatically heated. The warmth of the water helps your muscles to relax resulting in improved blood circulation while alleviating sore or stiff muscles and joints. Better circulation means you toss and turn less and get a better nights sleep as your sub-consciousness is allowed to unwind. The improved blood circulation also increases your body's ability to heal, meaning it can concentrate on rejuvenating damaged joints - leaving the waterbed to do the job of supporting your joints and looking after your posture.

For insomnia relief: This common sleep problem is caused by stress, discomfort, pain, light, noise etc. It is the inability to fall asleep quickly due to mental or physical problems. So how can a waterbed help? The short answer is: relaxation. A waterbed is not a cure but it can provide an environment that helps the problem cure itself. Waterbeds conform perfectly to our bodies, which are themselves 75% water. We literally 'float' on it so are effectively semi-weightless: So we relax! Our body's temperature is regulated by the bed's heater so it remains constant, again leading to relaxation and a better chance of overcoming sleep problems.

Overall, the benefits of a waterbed vastly outweigh the potential worries (which can mostly be discounted anyway), and offer a strong case for the waterbed as the best alternative to a regular spring mattress. While it certainly cannot claim to be a cure for any of the ailments mentioned above, it goes a long way to making recovery and regeneration easier and kinder on the body. There are a range of different kinds of waterbeds available, and you'll find professional advice and the chance to test different models in your local waterbed store. Be sure to choose the best type for yourself, and make the most of this move to a waterbed.

On a personal note, my wife thought the waterbed was fantastic during her pregnancies due the soft way it seems to support your body. We've had one for 8 years now and she wouldn't sleep on anything else.

About The Author of this article: The British Waterbed Association aims to support both their members and the buying public to ensure waterbeds are promoted in a manner that accurately reflects the significant benefits that a well-made waterbed provides. You can find more information, and a list of BWA members on their website: http://www.waterbed.org