Hardside Water Bed Mattress Information

Definition

• A hardside water bed consists of a large bladder of water that holds its form within a wooden framework, thus the "hardside." The sizes of hardside water beds are different than standard mattresses. The super single measures 48 x 84 inches inside cavity with outside dimensions of 51 x 94 inches. Measurements of the queen are very similar to a regular queen size bed at 60 x 84 inches inside cavity and 63 x 94 inches outside. The lengths of the king sized bed remain the same as the queen with larger widths at 72 inches inside cavity and 75 inches outside dimension.

Framework and Liner

• The framework of a hardside water bed is available in a number of different styles but is generally constructed of wood. The framework rests on decking that evenly distributes the weight of the bladder. The decking rests on a pedestal that keeps the water bed off the floor at a height variance range of 8 to 14 inches. The framework is fitted with a security liner to retain water in the case of a leak in the bladder.

Bladder

• The first hardside water beds consisted of a large bladder in the chosen size of super single, queen or king. These were considered full motion water beds and did not offer firm support. Water bed manufacturers developed bladders with fiber, referred to as "baffles," to stabilize the movement of water, which maintained the principle of a water bed with the addition of more firmness and support.

Comfort Level

• Heaters are usually considered a requirement with any type of water bed. Water at room temperature is just not warm enough to promote comfortable sleep. Hardside water beds have firmness levels based on the percentage of baffles present and the "wave" motion of the water. Waveless water beds possess the highest percentage of baffles at 95 percent or more with the most firmness. As percentages go down, wave movement increases and decreases the amount of firmness.