Waterbed vs. Memory Foam: Complete Guide

Waterbed vs. Memory Foam: Complete Guide

If you think waterbeds are a thing of the past, you may be surprised to hear that many people still purchase these types of beds today. They aren’t as popular as other beds, but there is still a market for them.

What is a waterbed? A waterbed is a mattress with a water-filled capsule inside of it. It’s also known as a water mattress or a floatation mattress.

That said, the most popular mattresses today are made of memory foam. Memory foam, also known as viscoelastic foam, is made of low resistance polyurethane. The material is durable and known for its high density.

If you’re curious about memory foam and waterbeds, you’ve come to the right place. Stay tuned for a complete comparison of the waterbed versus memory foam. Plus, you’ll learn about how the SONU Sleep System can help you get the best sleep of your life.

What Are the Benefits of Waterbeds?

If you experience backaches, waterbeds have been known to help reduce back pain in sleepers. This is because the beds equally distribute body weight and remove pressure from the back. Sleepers’ spines can relax on waterbeds, and their joints are supported. Waterbeds are effective for treating lumbar issues.

Waterbeds’ ability to equally distribute body weight makes them a great option for people suffering from arthritis — joints experiencing pain and stiffness benefit from the lack of pressure applied to them by the waterbed.

Waterbeds are also a good choice for heat therapy. There is a way to warm up these mattresses with a waterbed heater. You can also fill the mattress with warm water to achieve the same effect.

People with insomnia often benefit from sleeping on waterbeds. Again, the waterbeds’ even distribution of weight is at play here — people dealing with insomnia have reported falling asleep faster on waterbeds due to the weight distribution.

Waterbeds have also been credited with providing relief for people with the following health issues:

  • Allergies
  • Ulcers and bed sores
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Sleep apnea (in newborns)

What Are the Disadvantages of Waterbeds?

Waterbeds are at risk for leaking and popping, which are two common issues owners of these beds have to deal with. Waterbed heaters can also break.

Waterbeds are hard to move, and assembling them can also take up quite a bit of time. In terms of sleep, it’s difficult to turn around when sleeping on a waterbed.

Waterbeds can also come with high energy costs. If you have one, expect to see an increase in your electric bill.

The water capsules, or bladders, in waterbeds, can sometimes start to smell. The odor is usually temporary, but it’s still annoying for the waterbed owner.

What Are the Advantages of Memory Foam?

Memory foam customers often say that sleeping on a mattress made of this material feels like sleeping on a cloud. It offers pressure relief for people with conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis. People with back pain may also like the way memory foam supports their spines.

Because memory foam is dense, it’s hard for allergens like pet dander, mold, or dust to hide in it. Viscoelastic foam is considered hypoallergenic, so people who are allergic to things like wool may prefer this type of mattress.

It’s easy to clean a memory foam mattress by vacuuming it from time to time. The lack of air pockets in the foam means there’s no breeding ground for mold or dust mites, and the density also prevents moisture from accumulating in the mattress.

Memory foam provides pressure relief to your torso and hips, two areas of the body that need extra support. It can also help prevent bedsores.

Memory foam provides ample motion isolation, and it can be comfortable for sleepers of all positions.

What Are the Disadvantages of Memory Foam?

Memory foam mattresses are more expensive than traditional mattresses. However, the many benefits they provide may outweigh the cost for many people.

Because memory foam mattresses are so dense, they are also heavier.

Although these types of mattresses prevent the accumulation of moisture, that does not mean they are water-resistant. If you spill any liquid on viscoelastic foam, it can take a long time to dry. Thus, it can be helpful to protect your memory foam mattress by encasing it in a mattress protector.

Viscoelastic foam is famous for its off-gassing. When you unpack your mattress, volatile organic compounds inside of it are exposed to air, which creates a mild odor.

Additionally, it is most commonly noted that these mattresses are not ideal for anyone over 230 lbs.

How Can SONU Help?

The SONU Sleep System is an innovative new mattress that features a negative space Comfort Channel that allows side sleepers to enjoy a full range of motion for their arms and shoulders below the surface of the bed. The SONU also offers Sink-In support for your hips to help align your spine, as well as a plush top layer of serene foam for cooling, and customizable Support Pillows for head and neck comfort. Made from a combination of high quality foams and fabrics, the SONU was designed to prevent pressures and discomfort that are unavoidable with traditional flat mattresses.

If you’re ready to get the sleep you deserve, try SONU.

Conclusion

If you are suffering from bedsores, back pain, achy joints, or other pain issues, waterbeds and memory foam mattresses are both good options. To decide between the two, you need to consider ease of movement, cleaning, durability, motion control, and cost.

If you are looking for a bed that addresses all the issues above as well as neck, shoulder and arm pain that also comes with an affordable payment plan, consider the SONU Sleep System. SONU’s negative space mattress consists of multiple layers of highly resilient foam, topped off with body-conforming and cooling serene foam.

The SONU features the patented Comfort Channel that allows sleepers to fully immerse into the mattress, unlike any other mattress in the world - all to finally allow your body to rest like it never has before.

To learn more about the SONU Sleep System, visit SONU’s website today. The best sleep of your life is only one click away.

Sources

Best Waterbed Mattress - Buyer's Guide Updated for 2022 | Sleep Advisor

Float Like a Boat on a Waterbed | Beds Blog

15 Reasons Why Waterbeds Are for Suckers | Business Insider

What is Memory Foam? Pros and Cons, Definition and Types Explained | Sleep Advisor

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Thank YOU! Best mattress out there.
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After being a gymnast for 15 years, I haven't felt this much relief from the pain in my shoulders and my hips while sleeping!! Thank you!
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This comfort channel they made is next level. I never imagined that I would be able to put my arm in the mattress. Takes all the pressure off my shoulder, which I so so need. YES
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CAPE CORAL, FL
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I’m a side sleeper and I used to wake up with a dead feeling arm from lying on it all night. Finally a mattress with a pocket for my arm. I tried all the pillows and even very expensive mattresses in the past, but nothing cured my circulation problems until I got the sonu sleep mattress. I love it!
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Chicago, IL
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