Waterbeds are often seen in a negative light, but the latest generation of energy-saving waterbeds from Akva is light years ahead of the discount products of the past. The answers given on these pages explain why.
| What are the advantages of a waterbed? |
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Waterbeds offer five important benefits - total body and back support, minimal surface pressure for greater comfort, a genuinely hygienic surface, a controllable sleeping temperature and remarkable durability. These qualities are essential for a superior sleeping environment.
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| Don't I need a firm mattress? |
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The worst bed to sleep on is a soft, shapeless mattress providing little or no support. In the past, a firm bed was the only alternative to this. But this firmness increases the few points of hard contact between you and mattress. These 'pressure points' often restrict your blood circulation and induce more tossing and turning. By contrast, a waterbed provides a therapeutic sleeping surface combining the essential qualities of support and comfort.
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| Are there medical benefits with a waterbed? |
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Many. In fact, the medical benefits of waterbeds were being appreciated and developed long before the modern commercial waterbed was in production. It was realised that 'the state of weightlessness' relieved bedsores and assisted in the repair of burn injuries. The gentle, even support and warmth of a waterbed is particularly beneficial to those suffering from arthritis or rheumatism. Waterbeds are extensively used in the care of premature babies and have been of great help to pregnant and nursing mothers.
Waterbeds are also highly recommended for asthma and allergy sufferers because a water-filled mattress cannot absorb dust of bacteria. They are easily cleaned with a mild disinfectant and the removable, washable covers can be laundered free of the irritating house dust mite.
Research has also shown that people fall asleep faster on a waterbed and that a good night's sleep is one of the best forms of medication in any type of illness. The support, comfort and warmth all contribute to better health and a more relaxed state of mind.
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| Are there any disadvantages to a waterbed? |
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The only criticism might be the need to plan the extra time required to fill or drain the bed. For a product with so many advantages, it is a small inconvenience.
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| Are waterbeds good for my back? |
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A waterbed provides the best support your back can get. When you lie on a flotation mattress the water displaces to contour to your shape. The bed does not sag or distort (even a decade later it remains the same). Whether you are heavy or light it automatically and immediately adjusts to provide total body support. These features combined with the low surface pressure and precise temperature control provide a superior back support system.
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| Will I feel seasick on a waterbed? |
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Not at all. Unless you move, a waterbed will not move. Any motion you give to the mattress tends to be gentle and soothing and ceases as soon as you stop moving. If you select a very stable mattress there will be minimal movement at any time - even if your partner moves.
Remember, the pressure reduced support of a waterbed also minimises the need to toss and turn while you are sleeping.
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| Will the waterbed sag? |
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No. A water mattress is a very forgiving surface even if you jump on it. Unlike conventional springs it will not sag or distort. Even a decade later, your waterbed remains as comfortable and supportive as the first night you slept on it
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| Will I wake my partner getting into bed? |
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Very unlikely. Unless you literally dive on to the bed, the movement you create will be gentle and relaxing. The more stable your mattress, the less movement will be generated.
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| I am heavier than my partner. Will that be a problem? |
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No. The waterbed will support you equally. Also a dual (split) system is available allowing individual stability and temperature within in each mattress.
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| Is it easy to get in and out of a waterbed? |
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You will experience no difficulty with the soft-sided waterbeds, as they have a comfortable edge support.
Hard-side beds require a bit of practice for the less agile but, once learned, soon present no more of a problem.
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| Is it comfortable to sit up in a waterbed? |
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Yes. In fact, emphatically yes. It is very comfortable to sit up in a waterbed. The best results come from using the combination of a round bolster for the base of your spine with pillows to rest your back against. Then you have the most comfortable bed in which to read, write or watch television.
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| Are waterbeds noisy? |
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No. When the water mattress is first filled there will be air with the water in the vinyl mattress. As soon as this air is vented from the filter valve with the Air Extractor, the waterbed is noiseless.
During the first fortnight it might be necessary to use the Air Extractor agian if the mattress 'gurgles'.
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| Will I perspire on a vinyl mattress? |
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No, you should not. You should, however, never sleep directly on the actual vinyl mattress without a covering but rather use a washable top mattress that will absorb any moisture. In a traditional bed, moisture will penetrate the mattress. This is impossible with a waterbed.
Keep the temperature on your waterbed set at your skin temperature. The normal comfort level is approximately 28 - 30 degrees C. This constant temperature helps you to get a better night's rest, something which is difficult if you are too hot or cold in bed.
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| Will my cat or dog damage the water mattress? |
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