Looking for input on soft-side waterbeds

Mattress Talk General Mattresses Questions
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I have a seven year old memory foam mattress that I want to replace, it’s been “ok”, but don’t love it enough to go that route again. Due to some health issues (rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis & neuropathy) I’m seriously considering a soft-side waterbed with baffles in the mattress. I feel like the cushioning properties of the water, combined with low heat, would be comforting to my aching back and joints, but this is a big investment and I can’t afford to go out and buy something else if I make a mistake. I’ve looked at and laid on a couple of waterbeds, but I don’t know the right questions to ask and was hoping from some help. When I did go to a local mattress store in Fairview Heights, IL (not a big chain), the salesman talked to me about the bladder style mattress vs. the tubes. I went in thinking tubes, but his comments and the few minutes I spent laying on the mattress are making me consider the bladder style. Also, how long should I lay on a mattress when I test them?

If it matters I’m a 61 year old female, average height and a little overweight. I’m single so I don’t have to worry about anyone else liking the mattress I end up purchasing.

Thanks.

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Hi STLVicki,

Waterbeds aren’t an area of expertise for me but some of the information in this article may be helpful. As with any mattress, whether a specific waterbed is suitable for you always depends on how well it matches your particular needs and preferences in terms of PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences).

There are some testing guidelines in the tutorial post which will be helpful but I would spend a minimum of 15 minutes after you are completely relaxed. I would make sure you test the mattress in all your sleeping positions, with a suitable pillow, and wearing loose and comfortable clothing so you can approximate your sleeping experience as closely as possible.

Phoenix