Water beds have improved a lot since their introduction into the popular bed scene in the 1960's. The first popular beds had one large water chamber contained within a heavy wood frame. Getting into the bed or moving while on the bed caused water movement or a wave effect. This wave effect was very relaxing but could be irritating when trying to sleep. However the many benefits of sleeping over water inspired bed designers to produce water beds that Floating Water Mats eliminated the wave effect as well as the difficulty of climbing over the heavy wood frame.
Doctors seeking relief for patients confined to bed recorded the first water beds in the early 1800's. Letting people "float" on water brought relief from the weight of pressure points and helped alleviate bedsores. People still find the same kind of advantages of sleeping on water beds. Certainly comfort, relaxation, and release of pain are main reasons that water beds remain popular today.
Water filled beds today are manufactured with several water chambers instead of the single water chamber of the early beds. Sometimes air chambers are combined with water chambers. The wave effect is eliminated while maintaining the original benefits of sleeping over water. The water mattress molds around the body, taking pressure off the spine. Thus, muscles relax, blood circulation is increased, and blood pressure is lowered. Also water beds require a heater that can be set at the desired temperature. The overall warmth cradling the body further induces relaxation.
People receive relief from backaches because the spine receives support where it needs it and because of the heat. There is no longer any need for a heating pad to relieve muscle tension enough to get to sleep. People with arthritis find that the improved blood circulation eases joint pain due to the warmth and increased blood circulation. For the same reason, people confined to bed for medical reasons don't develop bedsores. Also for people who suffer from insomnia, the way water filled beds conform to the body produces the relaxation to help sleep.
Dust mites can significantly add to the symptoms of allergy and asthma. A water mattress can reduce these triggers. The vinyl mattress can be wiped off periodically so dust mites and their droppings can be eliminated. Bedding can also be washed. Even the covers for the mattress can be removed and washed.
Water filled beds are stylish and easy to get into. They look very much like the box spring mattress set on contemporary beds. This is because the frame rails are made of a dense foam rather than wood.
If you are in the market for a new bed, be sure and check out the modern water filled beds before making a final decision. It might be the right choice for you. And don't be too nervous to ask a doctor or physical therapist if a water filled bed will be right for you if you have had back problems in the past.