What Is the Difference between a Hardside and a Softside Waterbed?

Appearance

• Hardside waterbeds are a large water bladder that sits inside of a wood frame to help the mattress keep its form. Softside waterbeds resemble standard mattresses, and the bladder is zipped inside of a mattress cover and held in place by foam bolsters.

Available Sizes

• Hardside waterbeds are available in three sizes: California king, California queen and super single. Softside waterbeds are available in king, queen, full and twin size.

Length

• All hardside waterbeds, regardless of size, are 84 inches long. Softside waterbeds aren't as long. The softside king and queen mattresses are 80 inches long, and the full and twin mattresses are 75 inches long.

Width

• King-sized hardside waterbeds are 72 inches wide. Queens are 60 inches wide, and super singles are 48 inches wide. King-sized softside waterbeds are 76 inches wide, whereas the queens are 60 inches wide, full mattresses are 54 inches wide, and twin mattresses are 39 inches wide.

Heater

• Hardside waterbeds can use either solid-state heaters or a standard cap and bulb heater to warm the water. Softside waterbeds use their own softside heater, which works at a lower wattage.