Water Beds Fit Every Need

Water beds are popular with consumers due to their many health benefits. These mattresses support the entire body, ease back pain, and decrease discomfort caused by arthritis and rheumatism. These mattresses do not absorb dirt, oil, and other debris like regular mattresses; therefore, allergy sufferers prefer this mattress for sleeping. Maintenance is as easy as wiping off the vinyl mattress with a vinyl cleaning agent and cloth which is more sanitary than standard mattresses. Water bed sheets are slightly larger than standard sheets and are available in just as many colors and designs. Water bed sheet sets can be purchased from department or bedding stores, catalogs, and online. There are specific sites online offering information and tips regarding water bed mattresses and sheet sets.

Water beds have been around for thousands of years. Over 3,000 years ago, those made from goat skin were used in Persia, Greece, and Rome. In 1873 Scottish doctor Neil Arnott invented his version for use by invalids to ease their bedsores. However, he was not able to regulate the water temperature. In 1883 Dr. William Hooper of England patented his adaptation, but he was also unable to maintain temperature control. After vinyl was invented in the 1960s, Charles Hall tried to design a water chair but was unsuccessful. A student majoring in design at San Francisco State University instead created the water bed mattress with a temperature gauge that would become the rage in the 1970s.

There are two styles of water beds. Hard sided beds fit in a large wooden frame. The newer soft sided beds fit a regular bed frame and appear to be a standard mattress. Contemporary beds have wave control, thermostats, and back supports. Free flow beds allow the sleeper to feel the relaxing motion of the water. Waveless beds incorporate air and water for less motion. Less motion can be very helpful especially if you sleep with someone else in the bed. Reduced motion can provide a much better nights sleep when your significant other tosses and turns all night.

Sheets used for regular beds do not work well on water beds. Deeper pockets and a thick elastic bands are needed to hold the sheets onto the mattress so as not to slip off while sleeping. Mattresses and sheets are available in twin, double, queen, and king sizes; however, the dimensions for water beds are larger than standard beds. Therefore, waterbed sheets are more expensive than standard sheets. The increase in cost is associated with the special design that is incorporated into these sheets. This unique design is what will save you a lot of frustration down the road.

These sheets are available in various materials. Cotton is durable and the most popular fabric used. Flannel is soft and extremely warm and cuddly in the winter. Satin and silk sheets offer a rich texture. Percale is a blend of cotton and polyester and is as durable as cotton sheets. Sheets are offered in thread counts from 100 to 1,200. A higher count of threads reflects sheets that are softer, more durable, higher quality, and more expensive. Sets including the top and bottom sheets, shams, and pillowcases offer the best buy. Many sets also provide the comforter for winter use.

Years ago, the top and bottom sheets were sewn together at the foot of the bed to keep the top sheet from sliding off the bed. Modern sheets offer separate top and bottom sheets for those who feel closed in by the connected sets. The separate top sheet still incorporates deep pockets at the foot to keep it from slipping off the bed while sleeping.

The higher expense for water bed sheets is well worth the extra money in exchange for the added durability and fine quality of these sheets. Always remember, a good water bed conditioner can help prolong your mattress to give you many years of trouble free service.  For other helpful hints on locating and finding the waterbed mattress for you, visit the the internet for the most up to date information.