A waterbed or water mattress is a bed or mattress filled with water. A waterbed needs to be heated to 32-38 degrees Celsius to avoid kidney problems and other health risks.
First generation waterbeds had only one water chamber, hence they needed some time to stabilize it when you climb on to it. A partner already lying in bed will move significantly and wake up. Second generation had the water in chambers that are interconnected. That reduces the amount and speed of water when moving. Third generation waterbeds have a mixture of air and water chambers, usually interconnected. A typical heating pad consumes 150 Watts of power and uses a thermostat.
Waterbeds are usually constructed from rubber or similar material. They can be repaired with a bicycle repair kit or a dinghy repair kit.
The waterbed is considered to have been invented by Robert A. Heinlein, who described it in his novel Stranger in a Strange Land.
Advantages of waterbeds:
- always heated, which is very comfortable in the winter time. As the body lowers the blood pressure in warmer environments, you are likely to fall asleep easier.
- excellent sleeping comfort, as the bed shapes exactly like the body. Pressure to the body is so minimized, especially around joints
- always requires heating, which is a high cost, especially in winter
- quality of sexual intercourse is reduced, as the energy of movement is absorbed by the water, instead of the partners clitoris
