We hadn't seen a waterbed since the mid-80s, but when our friend Sam invited us over to see his new guesthouse, we couldn't believe he put one in. Granted, it was a hand-me-down from his grandparents, but he insists that all of his guests have raved over its comfort.
And while you won't see anyone jumping on this bed with a wineglass on the other end, we do have to report back that after a long absence, the waterbed does rank high on the comfort level (especially if it's heated. But that's being VERY eco-unfriendly). But...on the other hand...we'd be paranoid if the mattress sprung a leak...
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Having slept on a waterbed as a child (hey, I'm from Northern California, and it was the 1970s)... they are incredibly comfortable when properly filled, they must be heated if your home gets chilly in the winter, and they will spring a leak (at the seam) every couple of years just to prove they can.
If you have problems with off-gassing or are sensitive to scents, run screaming, since these beds are made of some form of flexible plastic. Just thinking about it brings back the oh-so-fake scent of a new waterbed mattress...
view wende in phoenix's profile
I guess I'm in the minority then. My back needs support.
view wiscompton's profile
When I think of sleeping on a waterbed, it reminds me of Jack Nicholson in About Schmidt waking up with his whole body in spasm. That's how I would feel just about every time I had to sleep in one of those.
view Sisero's profile
If the bed is fully filled, you actually do get back support. Most people don't fill them enough (and for all I know, it was insistence of a good fill that led to the leaks... that sounds dirty, but I can't quite figure out what it'd be a euphemism for...).
view wende in phoenix's profile
most apartment leases don't allow em though.
view semolina's profile
I had one of these growing up in the 80's, but was too young to obtain any relevant experience to answer this question that I have always pondered...
how does sex work on one of these things?
anyone with experience please answer-it seems like you would need a helmet or something.
view Matthew's profile
Had one as a teen. Also had insurance for it as I was in an apartment. The sex was great. Thanks for asking.
view pookie's profile
Ok, don't laugh! I have slept on a waterbed since I was 2 yrs old (I'm 25 now). People always talked about how bad they are for backs, but I never had any trouble as long as I filled mine up enough. My favorite had 7 separate cells of water with long thick foam inside, so it was more supportive and my insomniac boyfriend didn't make my side move as much.
I finally parted with in in April... biggest mistake ever. My back has been hurting nonstop, and I've tried 3 different types of "normal" beds. I might just have to get another waterbed.
view jazzybelle's profile