Replacement Waterbed Mattresses

by: Michael O'Brien

So you’ve slept on a waterbed for many years but you or your sleeping partner has decided to make a change. The decision to change quite often involves switching to a traditional innerspring mattress, replacing a worn bladder-type mattress with a new one, or upgrading to a hybrid waterbed mattress. The frame you currently have is still in good shape, functional and has some amenities you would like to keep. So the question often comes up as to what types of replacement mattresses are available that will fit into the existing frame. Before deciding to use the existing frame give it a good visual going over and make sure the frame is still solid and not damaged in any way.

In the case of switching to a traditional innerspring mattress, many factors can contribute to that decision. Developing back problems or other types of medical conditions later in life are very often cited as reasons for the change. Some folks just want a change for the sake change itself or for any number of reasons you are sharing your bed with a new sleeping partner. The good news on this front is that there are replacement innerspring mattresses that are designed and sized to fit exactly into an existing hard sided waterbed frame. Many mattress retailers and waterbed specialty stores offer a full line of direct replacement innerspring mattresses from twin size up the California king-sized mattress.

If you haven’t been shopping for an innerspring mattress for awhile, you are likely to find new designs and materials. Pillow top mattresses are very popular these days as are sleep systems that incorporate visco-elastic memory foam. Deciding on the right mattress for you will involve doing some research and the proof in the trying. Give yourself enough time to try out mattresses with various levels of firmness and comfort since we spend much more time in bed than we spend say, at work.

Finding a replacement vinyl bladder-type mattress should be fairly straight forward. Reduced motion baffling and other types of bladders have been around for quite a while now and again your purchase decision will most likely boil down to personal preference. If you are in need of a replacement vinyl liner or electric heating system now would be good time to make those investments as well. Many vinyl bladder producers have made significant changes in the formulation of the vinyl compounds they use and many are considered toxic-free with far less outgassing and that new vinyl smell. As with any mattress purchase try to resist the temptation to be pennywise and mattress foolish. Buy a quality mattress from a reliable seller and you will sleep better for sure.

The introduction of soft-sided waterbed mattresses otherwise referred to as hybrids, has really changed the waterbed world in several important ways. Hybrids have the look and feel of a traditional mattress and most often utilize a single inner bladder or a series of water-filled cylinders or tubes. The frame consists of a dense foam frame that also incorporates the vinyl safety liner. The tops are designed with a thick layer of foam insulation which eliminates the need for an electric heating system. Many of the zippered tops can be removed and laundered and makes keeping your bed clean and free from dust mites and dirt much easier. Hybrid mattresses can be used in conjunction with an electric heating system providing you with that cozy warm feel you became accustom to with your old mattress. Modern heating systems are more efficient to operate than their older cousins due in part to the introduction of newer materials and control designs.

So whatever you decide, there are solid options available when deciding to replace your old waterbed mattress.

About the Author

Michael O'Brien