About Waterbed Heaters

Function

• A waterbed heater ensures a consistent water temperature. Some people prefer the feeling of cold water, however, for most people a heater is needed to keep the bed comfortable.

Types

• There are three types of waterbed units: a cap and bulb heater, which uses a copper wire filled with ethylene gas; a solid state heater, which uses a computer chip to regulate temperature; and a lower-wattage softside heater, which is designed specifically for softside beds.

Exceptions

• The one type of waterbed that doesn't need a heater is a softside mattress with a pillowtop--the zip-up cover of the pillowtop is thick enough that you don't easily feel the cold.

Tips

• It may take up to two days for a heater to completely warm up your waterbed. Keeping the mattress covered in blankets will help the bed warm up faster.

Warning

• Unplug the heater when you're draining your mattress and don't plug it in until the mattress is full--a heater can easily burn a hole in an empty waterbed mattress.