Comparing the Benefits and Pitfalls of a Waterbed

The choice of a waterbed popular among renters who want a break from traditional beds. New waterbeds no longer pose the risks they once had of a major leak, and resulting loss of a security deposit. The beds are covered in a vinyl layer that protects your surroundings from leaks, and you’ll get a repair kit with the bed to mend minor holes quickly. However, there are other pitfalls that you should be aware of. If you’re not sure what to decision to make, here is a comparison of the benefits and pitfalls of owning a waterbed:

Benefit: Health

Many renters want a waterbed because of the health benefits. Some of the benefits of sleeping on a waterbed are:

• Total body support in way that most traditional beds can’t provide
• Relief from aches and pains because of the heat the waterbed produces
• Relaxes muscles due to the heat
• Comfort to sufferers of arthritis and rheumatism
• Relief from dust mite allergies (mites cannot penetrate the bed)
• Cures insomnia for many
• Comfort for pregnant women
  

For these reasons alone, you might own a waterbed and ignore the other pitfalls. However, there are other ways to deal with your health issues while still using a traditional bed. Explore alternative options and compare them to the expense and pitfalls of owning a waterbed.

Pitfall: Higher Electric Bill

While everyone is looking for ways to cut down on living expenses due to the economic recession, purchasing a waterbed may not be the best idea because of the costs to heat the water to a certain temperature. You have to use more electricity than you’re already used to, which means more money paid the electric company. The increase is not small, either. The amount of energy required to warm up your waterbed is comparable to what it takes to run your refrigerator.

Benefit: Cleanliness

These are easy to clean, unlike traditional beds. This is important because when you clean a waterbed, you prevent dust mites or dust from accumulating. When you suffer from allergies, this is a big deal. If you have asthma, a waterbed may be your best option for this reason alone.

Pitfall: Difficult to Move

Perhaps you already own a waterbed and want to know if it’s worth moving it to your new location. Another pitfall of owning a waterbed is that they’re not convenient to move. Even if you hire a moving company, they will require you to drain all the water out before they move it. At your new destination, you’ll have to refill it with water all over again. If you move two, three or more times, this can get tiresome. You won’t have these problems moving a traditional bed, and you could hire professional movers to move all of it with no work on your part.

Compare the benefits and pitfalls and decide which outweighs the other. Review your lease agreement for an expressed prohibition against owning a waterbed in the apartment. Compare the pricing to that of a traditional bed, and you’ll have more than enough information to make the right choice.