Waterbeds Go Hybrid

by: Michael O'Brien

The days of a water-filled vinyl bladder surrounded by a simple wooden frame are quickly fading into history. Waterbed designs have undergone a sea change as it were and these changes can be seen in the soft-sided or hybrid waterbed. These beds closely resemble a traditional innerspring flat bed in appearance but this may where the similarities end.

Soft-sided waterbeds are not new, having been introduced in the late nineteen seventies but the designs have been steadily improving. Early soft-sided designs featured a dense foam outer frame with a water-filled bladder or series of water cylinders inside. The foam outer frame was incorporated into the safety liver and provided support for the mattress. A foam cover was used on top that eliminated the need for a heating system. The result was a mattress that could be placed on a traditional foundation and could accept standard sized sheets. The bladder or the cylinders could be filled to control firmness and the beds were relatively comfortable even as compared to sleeping on a heated vinyl mattress.

Newer hybrid waterbeds have expanded on this original concept and have begun to incorporate newer materials and multilayer designs that can enhance the sleep experience and overall comfort. Single layer foam top covers have been replaced in some cases by multiple layers of foam including the use of visco-elastic memory foam. Some designs feature support areas for the lumber spine that are incorporated as part of the top cover. The support system continues as part of the inner foam layers. The use of memory foam adds significantly to overall comfort and seems to work well in combination with the adjustable nature of the water bladder or water tubes. The firmness can be controlled to accommodate the needs of say a couple who have different preferences when it comes to how hard or how soft a mattress should be.

For those folks who prefer the feel of a nice warm bed, electric heating systems are available. Heating systems have gone hi-tech with digital controls and improved materials and construction. Though a heating system is not required for modern hybrid waterbeds there is nothing like the feel of a toasty warm bed on a chilly evening.

So with the improvements in design and materials, the ability to adjust the firmness level and even plush pillow top covers, hybrid waterbeds make an excellent alternative to the traditional innerspring sleep system. As if these choices were not enough, another advantage is the great reduction in overall weight and the size of the footprint. Since hybrid waterbeds can be accommodated in a standard bed frame, the room needed for a waterbed is greatly reduced compared to the oversized framing needed for a older-style wood frame bed.

There has been ongoing disagreement among those in the medical profession about the benefits and drawbacks of waterbeds in general though some of this disagreement fades when it comes to hybrids. The key point is the variability of several factors including the type of waterbed, the construction and how the bed is setup. Some studies claim to show that certain medical conditions are caused or exacerbated by sleeping on waterbeds or being exposed to waterbed heating systems. Among the claims of medical detriment are increased rates of infertility in men, higher rates of miscarriage among women and even increased incidence of certain childhood cancers.

The choice of a sleep system is important to our overall health so do the research and pick a bed that works for you. Hybrid waterbeds offer a comfortable alternative and can be just the right bed for you.

About the Author

Michael O'Brien is a writer for many popular websites.