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Best Waterbed Mattress – A Complete Guide For Shopping

The thought of sleeping on a waterbed can sound intriguing but they may seem impractical. Well, we’re here to give you the facts, and they have surprising benefits.

These uniquely designed beds aim to provide several health benefits and are a great alternative to the traditional foam or spring box mattress; however, not all are created equal.

If you are looking for the best waterbed mattress to fit your sleep and comfort needs, you’ve come to the right place.

Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology

At Sleep Advisor, our mattress reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs. We look at features that are valuable to consumers, such as temperature control, bounce, edge support, and motion isolation.

We also evaluate mattress performance for back, side, and stomach sleeping. Lying in different positions lets us know how supportive the bed is and if it’s good at relieving pressure.

We then take all the information we’ve gathered to rate the bed in specific categories. These results allow us to help our readers find the right mattress for their needs.

Methodology Image- Sleep Advisor
Our lead product tester, Julia Forbes, hands on mattress testing.

The Best WaterBed Mattresses

The InnoMax GD800 Product Image

The InnoMax GD800

  • Vinyl Thickness: 24 mil.
  • Height: 9″
CLICK HERE FOR PRICE
the bedroom store waveless small product image

The Bedroom Store WAVELESS

  • Vinyl Thickness: 18 mil.
  • Height: 9″
CLICK HERE FOR PRICE
Classic Style Deep Fill Waterbed small image

Classic Style Deep Fill Waterbed

  • Vinyl Thickness: n/a
  • Height: 9″
CLICK HERE FOR PRICE
Strobel Organic Waterbed Hydro-Support 1 Image

Strobel Hydro-Support 1

  • Vinyl Thickness: 25 mil.
  • Height: 9″
CLICK HERE FOR PRICE

Before thinking “Where I can buy a waterbed?”, decide which features and benefits interest you most, and what style best suites your individual sleep needs.  There are traditional styles and modern styles, different materials and many other attributes to consider while you’re shopping around.

Because your decision will ultimately affect your health, it’s important to consider which benefits you hope to receive. While the different waterbed designs all attribute to a healthier lifestyle, personal preference in terms of feel, firmness, and movement all contribute to your, as a customer, satisfaction with your waterbed.

Shopping Recommendation:
Are you confident that a waterbed mattress is the perfect option for you? If so, continue exploring this page!
If you’re unsure or want to learn about more great mattress options available then we recommend you check our top-rated mattresses for 2024. It is a great starting place for most mattress shoppers because it includes a diverse list of mattress picks based on various preferences, styles, and needs. It also includes links to an additional 60+ best mattress pages from Sleep Advisor (example: best memory foam mattress).

Compare the Best Waterbed Mattresses

INNOMAX Genesis 800 Waterbed Mattress Boyd’s 98% Waveless Waterbed Mattress Classic Style Deep Fill Waterbed Strobel Organic Waterbed Mattress
INNOMAX Genesis 800 Waterbed Mattress Boyd’s 98% Waveless Waterbed Mattress Classic Style Deep Fill Waterbed Strobel Organic Waterbed Mattress
Rating
4.2/5
4.0/5
4.5/5
3.5/5
Firmness Firm: 9/10
Material Foam Other Foam Other
Cooling
Warranty 20-year warranty 17-year warranty
Shipping Free shipping Free shipping Free shipping Free shipping
Trial Period 30 nights 30 nights 30 nights
Best For Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Joint Pain Stomach Sleepers, Back Sleepers Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Back Pain Joint Pain, Hip Pain, Back Pain

Top Rated Waterbed Brands

The InnoMax GD800 Genesis 800Best Overall WaterBed

INNOMAX Genesis 800 Waterbed Mattress

innomax gd800 genesis 800 waterbed image

Weightless feel featuring near Wave less Performance and Gravity Neutral Fluid Suspension premium enhanced Mid-Body Support system;Puncture Resistant

Read INNOMAX Genesis 800 Waterbed Mattress Review
CHECK PRICE

Material

Foam

Trial Period

30 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Firm: 9/10

Warranty

20-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.2/5

INNOMAX Genesis 800 Waterbed Mattress

innomax gd800 genesis 800 waterbed image

Weightless feel featuring near Wave less Performance and Gravity Neutral Fluid Suspension premium enhanced Mid-Body Support system;Puncture Resistant

Read INNOMAX Genesis 800 Waterbed Mattress Review

Material

Foam

Warranty

20-year warranty

Firmness

Firm: 9/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

30 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.2/5
innomax gd800 genesis 800 waterbed image

INNOMAX Genesis 800 Waterbed Mattress

Weightless feel featuring near Wave less Performance and Gravity Neutral Fluid Suspension premium enhanced Mid-Body Support system;Puncture Resistant

Read INNOMAX Genesis 800 Waterbed Mattress Review

Material

Foam

Firmness

Firm: 9/10

Trial Period

30 nights

Warranty

20-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.2/5

Originally, when water beds first hit the market, they were intended to offer a free-floating and free flow waterbed experience. However, it was eventually decided that this continual motion of the mattress wasn’t the best idea for sleep; thus, came the invention of the waveless waterbed mattress.

The complexity in the name for this deep fill softside waterbed lends to its sophistication in that, it nearly eliminates motion of that water by employing sophisticated technology.  The structure of the mattress is meant to contour to the body and assist with the alignment of the spine and lumbar, as well as all other joints.
InnoMax Waterbed’s outer shell is made with 24 mil premium vinyl, which adds to its durability. Complete with 3-dimensional multi-laminate reinforced corners, this king size InnoMax GD800 Genesis 800 waterbed is designed to provide comfort for every type of sleeper.

The Bedroom Store WAVELESSBest WaterBed for Motion Isolation

Boyd’s 98% Waveless Waterbed Mattress

the bedroom store waveless product image

The Boyd 98% Waveless Waterbed is a hard side style designed with five layers of foam to reduce wave motion by as much as 98%. It also contains a three-layer ergonomic lumbar support system which helps provide targeted body support for the low back while alleviating pressure points, especially for stomach and back sleepers.

Read Boyd’s 98% Waveless Waterbed Mattress Review
CHECK PRICE

Material

Other

Trial Period

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Warranty

17-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.0/5

Boyd’s 98% Waveless Waterbed Mattress

the bedroom store waveless product image

The Boyd 98% Waveless Waterbed is a hard side style designed with five layers of foam to reduce wave motion by as much as 98%. It also contains a three-layer ergonomic lumbar support system which helps provide targeted body support for the low back while alleviating pressure points, especially for stomach and back sleepers.

Read Boyd’s 98% Waveless Waterbed Mattress Review

Material

Other

Warranty

17-year warranty

Firmness

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.0/5
the bedroom store waveless product image

Boyd’s 98% Waveless Waterbed Mattress

The Boyd 98% Waveless Waterbed is a hard side style designed with five layers of foam to reduce wave motion by as much as 98%. It also contains a three-layer ergonomic lumbar support system which helps provide targeted body support for the low back while alleviating pressure points, especially for stomach and back sleepers.

Read Boyd’s 98% Waveless Waterbed Mattress Review

Material

Other

Firmness

Trial Period

Warranty

17-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.0/5

Mattresses with too much motion can quicly become disruptive for couples because everytime one person moves, the other person is more apt to feel it on their side of the bed. Some shoppers may want the feel of a waterbed without the extra motion that can come along with it. The Bedroom Store provides a solution to this dilemma with their Waveless waterbed.
The bed’s construction features four layers of fiber designed to remove nearly all motion. According to the company, the bed is 90 percent waveless, so you should feel little to no motion while resting on this mattress.
Additonally, the mattress comes with a four-year warranty.

What stands out about this product?

  • The manufacturer added reinforced corners for added support and durability, which should allow you to feel extra comfortable navigating this bed.
  • The mattress also features durable and eco-friendly vinyl cover.

Classic Style Deep Fill WaterbedBest Luxury WaterBed

Classic Style Deep Fill Waterbed

Classic Style Deep Fill Waterbed image

This very soft and comfortable waterbed comes with an electric pump & hose adapters and allows you adjust the water temperature. Also comes with a Bamboo Pillow Top Cover which has very soft breathable plush surface to give you a good nights sleep.

Read Classic Style Deep Fill Waterbed Review
CHECK PRICE

Material

Foam

Trial Period

30 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Soft: 6/10

Warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Average Customer Rating
4.5/5

Classic Style Deep Fill Waterbed

Classic Style Deep Fill Waterbed image

This very soft and comfortable waterbed comes with an electric pump & hose adapters and allows you adjust the water temperature. Also comes with a Bamboo Pillow Top Cover which has very soft breathable plush surface to give you a good nights sleep.

Read Classic Style Deep Fill Waterbed Review

Material

Foam

Warranty

Firmness

Soft: 6/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

30 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Classic Style Deep Fill Waterbed image

Classic Style Deep Fill Waterbed

This very soft and comfortable waterbed comes with an electric pump & hose adapters and allows you adjust the water temperature. Also comes with a Bamboo Pillow Top Cover which has very soft breathable plush surface to give you a good nights sleep.

Read Classic Style Deep Fill Waterbed Review

Material

Foam

Firmness

Soft: 6/10

Trial Period

30 nights

Warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Average Customer Rating
4.5/5

If you’re looking for luxury, this choice might be right up your alley as it contains a lot more bells and whistles than the other products on this list.
There is a pillowtop covered in all-natural cotton for good breathability and plushness to rest in, while the water base works to support your shape.

If you’re not quite sure whether to commit to full wave, prefer waveless, or something in between this model offers multiple versions. Fiber reinforced in the center of the mattress helps to promote better spine alignment.

One of the most unique features built into this system is the temperature control features.
There is a digital heat system that allows you to set and forget your preferred sleeping temperature with an external remote. If you wake up cold, a warmer bed may be as close as a button away.

Strobel Organic Waterbed MattressBest Organic WaterBed

This mattress is no longer available for purchase. To help you find your next mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses available on the market now.

This waterbed mattress is also considered to be a hybrid, in that it provides the free-flow feeling associated with the hard-sided mattress and the sturdiness and durableness of the fabrics and layers used for the soft sided version.

The makers of Strobel Organic advertise that the amount of vinyl used in production is more than most of its competition, and provides 25% more overall strength. This feature, coupled with its additional fabric at the corners, makes this mattress one of the more durable option available today.

Health Benefits of Waterbeds

Backache Relief

Backaches have always been a prominent health issue for almost every person at one point in their lives. Whether you’re working at a desk, or you’re doing manual labor, there is a good chance that you’ve experienced a sore or hurt back. Are waterbeds good for you and your back pain? Let’s find out.

Sleeping on a waterbed is a well-known treatment for many who suffer from backaches. These beds provide an equal distribution of weight across the whole body, taking pressure off the back and evenly supporting all joints, which allows the spine to relax and leads to less pain and discomfort.

Most notably, these waterbed mattresses are known to be used as a very effective treatment for issues related to the lumbar, or lower back. Lumbar support is a current hot topic among chiropractors and other doctors, alike, as it is common that many adults today have difficulty finding adequate support in the work setting and at home in their beds.

But are waterbeds comfortable for those not suffering from back pain? Adults are not the only members of the population who can benefit from the use of waterbeds as an additive to their lumbar support. Much like many proactive and preventative health care practices, choosing the proper bedding with lower back wellness in mind leads to overall health in later years.

Arthritis Relief

Waterbeds are also known to be helpful for those with Arthritis. The equal distribution of weight across the entire body is comforting for the joints afflicted by pain and stiffness. When pressure is applied to sore and tender joints and muscles, it is near impossible to fall asleep.

If you’re looking for a specific mattress to help, check out our Best Mattresses for Arthritis.
Sleeping on a waterbed will help you to find a sleep position that is comfortable, and you are more likely to sleep soundly and uninterrupted through the night. Besides, the regulated heating option offered by most waterbeds can create a soothing experience for those with arthritis. This notion is much akin to the idea of soaking in a hot bath when sore or applying a heating pad to sore muscles.

Assistance for Sleep Disorder Sufferers

Insomnia, a terrible sleeping disorder affecting many people, can also be treated by sleeping on a waterbed. It is thought that the use of these waterbed mattresses provides an ease of the shifting of weight, and can serve to lessen the time it takes for many to fall asleep. Often, it’s found that those who fall asleep on a waterbed experience deep sleep that is less easy to interrupt.

Other Benefits of Waterbeds

Individuals who suffer from bed sores may benefit from owning a waterbed as well. These mattresses minimize the amount of pressure on all parts of the skin which promote smooth blood flow and reduced risk of clotting.  Also, for those who’ve already succumbed to bedsores or ulcers, you may expect to heal faster when sleeping on a waterbed.

Learn More: Best Mattress for Bed Sores

Those with allergies often experience relief when they decide to go with this type of bed because it employs a more clean surface. The bag won’t absorb allergens, pet dander or dust mites. If it’s regularly cleaned and cared for, a reduction in allergy symptoms is expected. Read more on how to prevent dust mites in your bed.

The underlying ideologies of floatation as a healing tool have been applied to many other ailments. Newborns, people with cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, multiple Sclerosis, and other such diseases are shown to improve in their quality of life once they begin implementing the use of a waterbed.

Specifically, for infants and newborns suffering from sleep apnea, waterbeds have shown to significantly decrease the symptoms, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. If you are interested in learning more about the seriousness of sleep apnea, this guide provides more information on the condition and other potential solutions aside from sleeping on a waterbed.

Now that you understand the benefits of wellbeing related to sleeping on a waterbed mattress, it’s helpful to know how they’ve been constructed in the past, concerning the innovations being made today. Waterbed mattresses are continually being re-engineered to harness the health benefits of weightless sleeping while ridding them of design flaws such as rolling, leaking, or breaking.

Types of Waterbed Mattresses

The two most commonly referenced sub-categories of waterbeds are the “soft sided” and the “hard sided.” Each of these waterbeds utilize the weightlessness and weight distribution advantage as their selling points, even though each are diverse in terms of their structure.

Hardside

The Hard-sided version of the waterbed mattress is the most classically referenced invention. Typically, this bed is a relatively unstructured mattress that is simply a vinyl casing that is filled with water, and perceivably, there is no design consideration in terms of consistent and prolonged comfortability.

Hardside waterbeds often come with many problems. The first issue is that they are difficult to get in and out of due to their unregulated perimeter. Also, hardside waterbeds not frequently temperature regulated because they lack adequate upholstery or a means of attaching a heater.

However, many long-time waterbed devotees attest that this form of waterbed mattress is satisfactory and provides a good night sleep, in addition to several health benefits commonly found with the more modern models (see our hardside waterbed reviews below).

Softside

Soft-sided waterbeds are the newer and more popular solution to many of the traditional woes. Rather than consisting of water and a thin exterior, the softside waterbed is made with a smaller water-filled chamber, commonly referred to as the bed’s “bladder.” This chamber is encapsulated by a layer or layers of foam and upholstery, which contribute to the waveless feel of this bed.

An added benefit to this innovative water chamber design is increased durability and flexibility. In the past, waterbeds have been known by their ability to be easily damaged by sharp objects and friction. Placing the bladder in between the layers of foam and upholstery protects softside waterbed from being compromised.

Additionally, the soft-sided option encapsulates the water-filled chamber in such a way that it is no longer difficult to get in and out of bed. With this model, there is an even distribution of weight, regardless of your shift or moving about.

Lastly, the soft-sided bed can easily fit within most wooden frames once occupied by older beds. This is a notable cost-saver and an added convenience when you’re looking to replace a current mattress.

Now you have a firm grasp on both the health benefits of water mattresses and their construction.  It’s important now, to look at some of the best waveless waterbed mattresses on the market and their specific features before choosing the perfect fit for you. We address this further in our soft-side waterbed mattress reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions about Waterbeds

Do they still make waterbeds?

Waterbeds were the rage in the 1980s, but that attention petered out in the 1990s. They certainly are not as popular as they once were, and for that reason, many stores have discontinued the models they display on their floors.

There are still folks who swear by the experience of sleeping suspended above a mattress made from water, and there are still manufacturers who continue to release new choices into this market with some updated features. For instance, your mother’s waterbed never had a digital heat system or a wave reduction system.

For those committed to these unique beds, the internet may be your best bet. You may have to install the bed and fill it yourself, but the collapsible nature of many of these choices ensure they are lightweight and easy to ship, which helps to keep the prices fairly low compared to foam or spring models.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the ideal water bed for your comfort level and specific health concerns, there is something designed with you in mind. Many long-time fans of this style of mattress will receive the most enjoyment when sleeping on the traditional hard-sided bed.

For others who are looking to enjoy the advantages associated with sleeping on the best waterbed with features that fit their unique sleeping needs, but do not wish to deal with the hassle of leaking or popping, or who find the idea of continual motion unsavory, a soft-sided version is a feasible option.

Resources:

Melanie Kassel

Melanie Kassel

Performance Editor

About Author

As Sleep Advisor’s Performance Editor, Melanie writes and edits content throughout the site to ensure it’s accurate, engaging, and up-to-date.

Combination Sleeper