How to Change From a Waterbed to a Mattress

Unplug your waterbed heater from the wall and allow the mattress to cool overnight before you drain it.

Drain your waterbed of the water inside. The method for doing this will vary with the type of mattress you have. You can either use a siphoning method with a regular garden hose, or use an electrical pump if your mattress has baffles inside. Consult your mattress manual for exact directions on draining your mattress.

Press on the mattress with your hand when you suspect all the water is gone. If you leave a handprint impression, continue draining the mattress because there is still water inside. Drain until your hand no longer leaves an imprint. Detach the mattress from the siphon or pump.

Fold the waterbed mattress and discard it.

Use the measuring tape to measure the width, length and depth of the waterbed frame.

Visit your local mattress stores with your measurements, and purchase a mattress that will fit in the frame. In general, if you had a king sized waterbed, a California King will fit the frame. If you had a queen sized waterbed, a California Queen regular mattress will fit. For a twin sized bed frame, a Super Single mattress will fit. If your waterbed frame has different measurements, order a custom-sized mattress.

Have a helper assist you in lowering the mattress into the waterbed frame, or have the delivery men do it for you, if that service is included in the delivery price. Your sheets from the waterbed should fit your new mattress.