Waterbed bladders may very well be the simplest waterbed design - it is simply a flexible watertight container, a bag, which can be filled with water and sealed. This creates a simple water bed that can provide good support and distribute the pressure of the body's weight on it evenly.
Waterbeds became popular in the 70s, but more than just a fad, they actually have significant medical benefits going in their favor. By filling a bed mattress with water instead of foam or other material, the bed is more supportive. A water bed can adjust almost instantly to a shift in weight or position, and will offer a pleasant, relaxing lack of pressure. Indeed, it can be likened to floating, as the water buoys up and supports every part of the body, eliminating any pressure points.
Because of these characteristics, waterbeds are used in convalescent homes, where patients are bedridden or unable to leave their beds. The excellent support that these beds provide means that the patients have much less risk of developing bedsores or joint pain caused by being confined to the bed. In addition, waterbeds are usually warmed to keep the water inside at optimum temperatures, and this warmth can help contribute to deep, relaxing sleep. Theses beds can also help those patients with rheumatism or arthritis, those who are recovering from accidents or surgery, and those who are invalid.
A simple waterbed bladder may not be the best option to use as an actual waterbed. Most modern water beds have supports that surround this basic bladder to help keep it in place. Hard side waterbeds use hard wooden surrounds to enclose the bladder, while soft side water beds use foam edgings. With these supports, it becomes easier to use a waterbed in the same way as a conventional mattress. That is, it becomes possible to fit a waterbed into an existing bed frame or position the waterbed much like an ordinary bed.
It is important to maintain a waterbed once it has been put in place. A full bed is much too heavy to move around; and in any case it will not need to be aired out like normal mattresses. Cleaning the mattress will only mean removing any covers or sheets and wiping the vinyl surface with a clean cloth to remove any dust that might have gotten through. This should be done at least every six months, and it would also be a good idea to check if the waterbed lining - intended to catch any leaks - is still intact and in place.
The waterbed bladder will also need some maintenance. Every six months, a chemical called the conditioner should be poured or squirted into the water inside the waterbed bladder. This conditioner helps keep the material of the bladder in good shape, and also acts as an algicide and anti-bacterial agent - killing any algae or bacteria and preventing their growth in the water supply. If the proper maintenance is kept up, a waterbed can provide years upon years of good nights' sleep!
