What if I Don't Put Conditioner in a Waterbed?

Problem

• When a water bed mattress is filled, the water flows from a hose and into the fill valve. The process naturally creates small bubbles, which collect within the mattress and eventually form several larger bubbles. The filling process also introduces bacteria to the inside of the mattress. Water bed conditioner liquid reduces bubble formation while killing bacteria within the mattress. Without it, you may need to drain, clean and refill the mattress, a difficult and unnecessary process that can be avoided with proper maintenance.

Implications

• The formation of bubbles within the mattress might not seem like such a big deal, but when they come together to make large bubbles the mattress can become uncomfortable. Large bubbles rise to the surface, creating lumps. Bacteria that proliferate within the mattress can cause the water to cloud or smell bad, and the water may pose a health risk when it comes time to drain the mattress. Water bed conditioner eliminates the need to refill the mattress; if added regularly you can keep the same water inside the mattress indefinitely.

Installation

• The conditioner liquid is added to the water after the mattress is filled. Then it is time to "burp" the mattress and seal the fill valve. Run a broom handle along the surface of the bed, from the head of the bed toward the open fill valve. Any large bubbles are released through the valve, and the conditioner guards against reformation.

Maintenance

• Bubbles left inside the mattress may continue to combine over the course of a few days or weeks after initial installation. The mattress may be burped repeatedly until all large bubbles are dissolved. Conditioner liquid should be added every six months, according to package directions. If an odor emits from the fill valve during maintenance, more conditioner may be necessary.