There was a time when waterbeds were limited to medical uses and more specifically one rarely saw one in real life, and they belonged in the mythical places known as film sets. But that is no more the case as you can now find extreme comfort under the shelter of your own home with a waterbed mattress such as our top pick, the InnoMax Sanctuary Free Flow Full Wave Waterbed Mattress. We have spent countless hours and done a thorough research so that we can bring to you the best of the waterbed mattresses. Read on to find out what exactly a waterbed mattress is, what types of waterbed mattresses you can find in the market, what kind of waterbed mattresses would suit your needs, and how to pick a good waterbed mattress. That is not all. After backbreaking research, we have narrowed down the list of waterbed mattresses for you to choose from. We have done all the research and the testing for you. All that is left for you to do is pick one and enjoy its comforts.
Top Pick: InnoMax Sanctuary Free Flow Full Wave Waterbed Mattress
Once we ran through all of the waterbed mattresses we wanted to check, we without a doubt decided that the InnoMax Sanctuary Free Flow Full Wave Waterbed Mattress would be our top pick. It is pretty apparent that we are not the only people who think that this waterbed mattress is drool worthy. And as we found out, there are plenty of reasons why.
Our runner up option, the California King 72 x 84 Semi-Waveless Waterbed Mattress, is around twice the price of our top pick. But it is also mattress which is definitely worth the price. That’s not all, California King Waterbed Mattresses have been manufactured by Classic Mattress Company since 1971, which means that they know what they’re doing. Unlike our top pick which is a free flow waterbed mattress, however, our runner-up option is a semi-waveless waterbed mattress. Our testing also proved that this indeed is a good waterbed mattress to invest in.
Our step up pick, the King Size 76x 80 Cotton Pillowtop Soft side Waterbed Mattress with Digital Heater, is the king of all soft side waterbed mattresses. Not only its features but also its prize at being close to a thousand dollars will attest to that fact. Actually, when we thought about it, we could see how the great price could be justified. The mattress does not come alone. It comes with everything you need to set it up and use it. Not only that it is super comfortable and so soft to sleep in you will drift off to dreamland in no time and wake up refreshed and happy.
What are waterbeds?
It is true that the heyday of waterbeds is long gone. Uses of waterbeds have been documented since the 1800s. As explained in this Wikipedia article on waterbeds, the science fiction writer (of Starship Troopers fame) Robert A. Heinlein describes its uses in his books. However, it was in 1968, that the modern waterbed was created by Charles Prior Hall, then a design student. The design for this waterbed was patented in 1971 and later contested by many of his competitors. In the mid-1980’s the waterbed reached its maximum popularity with 22% of the total US mattress sales being accounted by waterbeds. However, currently, waterbed sales account for only 5% of total US mattress sales.
A waterbed is essentially a mattress filled with water. This has many advantages as it has its disadvantages. A waterbed is especially beneficial to those with spinal or back problems as it helps reduce the pressure on the spine providing relief to the user. It also provides a relaxed sleep to anyone as the weight is distributed in the water. Waterbeds have also been prescribed to those who are paralytic or bed-ridden as the chance of bed sores occurring is much less on a water bed.
Types of waterbed mattresses
There are two basic types of waterbeds, namely, hard side waterbeds and soft side water beds. Hard side water beds have a box type hard metal or wooden frame into which a waterbed mattress is sunk. These hard side beds usually contain free flow mattresses. Soft side waterbeds are different from hard side waterbeds and are more visually appealing. They also look somewhat similar to regular beds, as explained in this article on different types of waterbeds. Most modern waterbeds are soft side waterbed mattresses.
Waterbed mattresses are mostly defined by how much wave is generated when using it. There are free flow mattresses and waveless mattresses. Waveless mattresses can be anything from 90% to 95% to even 100% waveless. As explained in this article on the rise and fall of the waterbed, free flow mattresses create a wave when lying in it moving in it. And it could a few seconds for the wave to subside.
The aforementioned waveless mattresses employ both water and air pockets and not just water unlike in free flow mattresses. They provide the same benefits as the free flow mattresses but the wavelike sensation is reduced.
How to pick a good waterbed mattress
As with buying anything, the first thing to consider is the price range. Decide on your budget and once you read our reviews we are sure that you will be able to find a waterbed mattress which matches your price range. Secondly, you need to decide on the kind of waterbed mattress you want. For instance, if you are replacing your old waterbed mattress, you might want to consider buying one which would work with the existing frame. Whether you want the mattress to be waveless and if so, how much waveless should also be considered.
If you are willing to pay a premium price, make sure that you get accompanying pieces when buying your mattresses. Also, it is always a good idea to see how long the manufacturer has been in business. In the waterbed mattress business, the longer in business, the better. To know more about specific details on how to pick a waterbed mattress, please read this article on waterbeds.
Our top pick: InnoMax Sanctuary Free Flow Full Wave Waterbed Mattress
Top Pick: InnoMax Sanctuary Free Flow Full Wave Waterbed Mattress
The InnoMax Sanctuary Free Flow Full Wave Waterbed Mattress has a lot going for it. For starters, when lying down in it, it provides you with great relaxation and comfort that before you know it you would have dozed off. It’s cozy and molds beautifully to the contours of the human body that anyone with aches and pains would find immediate comfort when sleeping in it.
We know that sleeping in a waterbed is recommended for many people with back problems, joint pains, or shoulder problems by their physical therapists or chiropractors. If you are one looking for a waterbed mattress for such medical reasons, look no further as you just found what you are looking for. The InnoMax Sanctuary Free Flow Full Wave Waterbed Mattress aligns your body perfectly from ear to ankle so that your body lies in its natural formation and posture making you relax perfectly and completely.
The vinyl which the mattress is made of is thick and is rather durable and long lasting. This mattress will last you years to come. Because the refilling valve is conveniently located, refilling the mattress is also a breeze. The thickness of the vinyl ensures that it is not scratched or punctured easily. In fact, even if you had piercings of which you might worry about puncturing regular waterbed mattresses, it should not be an issue with this one.
Old school waterbed mattresses usually have rounded corners. However, the InnoMax Sanctuary Free Flow Full Wave Waterbed Mattress has square corners with double reinforced seams which means that it fills fit in the waterbed frame snugly without sloping or leaving space in the corners.
Having a waterbed might leave you with concerns about how to clean it. To clean our top up pick, all you need is the waterbed mattress conditioner and you will have your waterbed mattress cleaning done in a jiffy.
The InnoMax Sanctuary Free Flow Full Wave Waterbed Mattress made for a rigid side water bed frame features a non-wave reduction feature which ensures that you do not feel weightless lying in it. In addition, gravity neutral full body suspension ensures that your mid-body receives all the support it needs for a goodnight’s sleep. By using the approved waterbed heater, you can sleep in great comfort even in the winter.
With all these amazing features, our verdict is that the InnoMax Sanctuary Free Flow Full Wave Waterbed Mattress is the best waterbed mattress for your money. One last thing to note is that the manufacturer also provides a twenty-year warranty for this waterbed mattress.
This particular version we have for you here is the king size. However, you might be happy to know that you can easily order the same waterbed goodness in other mattress sizes too. The queen sized mattress can be found here, InnoMax Sanctuary Free Flow Full Wave Queen Waterbed Mattress, while the super single sized mattress can be found here, InnoMax Sanctuary Free Flow Full Wave Super Single Waterbed Mattress.
Flaws but not deal breakers
The InnoMax Sanctuary Free Flow Full Wave Waterbed Mattress has been raved and reviewed by many of its customers. That is because it has a lot of great features which its customers love. It is very convenient to use and convenient to clean. It is durable and long lasting. And it is a very relaxing and comfortable mattress to sleep in. As such, it doesn’t really have that many faults.
However, one icky thing that customers seemed to find about the InnoMax Sanctuary Free Flow Full Wave Waterbed Mattress is that there is a strong vinyl smell when it’s brand new. This smell lingers for the first few weeks before it wears off.
However, this is a minor flaw, as the vinyl smell, in fact, does wear off after a while and the mattress lasts for years. As such, it is therefore not a deal break at all and we highly recommend this waterbed mattress if you are in the market for one.
Our Runner-up option: California King 72 x 84 Semi-Waveless Waterbed Mattress
California King 72 x 84 Semi-Waveless Waterbed Mattress
The first thing which captivated our attention when it came to our runner up option, the California King 72 x 84 Semi-Waveless Waterbed Mattress is how long it has been in production. If you can believe it, it has been in production since 1971 and is still going strong. If this longevity is not an indicator of the goodness and worth of this waterbed mattress, you might be hard pressed to find another.
It is also very easy to set up as it only takes about twenty minutes to fill up and with the waterbed conditioner which comes in the kit, the cleaning up will be just as easy. As the outer layer is made of thick vinyl you never need worry about leaks. It is durable and long lasting.
Here is the best part of owning this waterbed mattress. Imagine being tired at the end of the day, with your back aching, aches and pains everywhere and your drag yourself to bed after a hard long day. After sleeping on this mattress, you will wake up refreshed, all your aches only a distant memory. Our runner up option, the California King 72 x 84 Semi-Waveless Waterbed Mattress is also a great pick.
Our step-up pick: King Size 76x 80 Cotton Pillow Top Soft Side Waterbed Mattress with Digital Heater
King Size 76x 80 Cotton Pillowtop Soft side Waterbed Mattress with Digital Heater
Because we don’t want to give you false hope, let us first tell you how much our step-up pick, the King Size 76x 80 Cotton Pillowtop Soft side Waterbed Mattress with Digital Heater costs. When you buy the mattress, here are the things you receive with your purchase. The mattress, a cotton blend pillow-top cover, a digital heater, a liner, a bladder, a fill kit, and a waterbed mattress conditioner bottle. The digital heater is actually a digital heating system with which you can adjust the heat in your waterbed mattress. The temperature of the waterbed mattress can be adjusted to the exact one you want, a feature which comes extremely handy in winter and cold climes. The fill kit also includes an electric pump with hose adapters. That is not all, you can choose how waveless you want the mattress to be. YOU can choose from 95% waveless, 100% waveless or free flow mattresses and have a waterbed mattress customized to your particular needs.
The bladders are filled with a contouring fiber. This means that the mattress will mold to the contours of your body as if you were in a cradle. These fibers also ensure that your body sink into the mattress perfectly. They ensure that there is thickness in the middle of the mattress just so that two people sharing the mattress will not roll into the middle of it.
Other noteworthy contenders
If none of the above choices, i.e. our top up pick, the runner up choice, and the step up pick is to your liking, read on to see if any of the below grabs your fancy. We have thoroughly tested and included some of the best waterbed mattresses we could find just so that you have a range of choices to pick from.
900 DXF Waveless Hard side Waterbed Premium Bundle Package by InnoMax
900 DXF Waveless Hard side Waterbed Premium Bundle Package by InnoMax
We hope you remember InnoMax, the company which makes our top pick. The same company introduces this waveless hard side waterbed mattress. This is a bundle package and there are a Promax liner, a digital heater, a fill and drain kit, a mattress pad, and a conditioner is included with the waterbed mattress. It is also being manufactured with high-quality puncture resistant heavy gauge vinyl which is durable and long lasting. The design of the mattress ensures that every curve of your body is perfectly aligned for maximum support so that you can get the best sleep possible. Both king and queen sizes are available for purchase.
InnoMax Genesis 700 Semi Waveless waterbed mattress with Lumbar Support
InnoMax Genesis 700 Semi Waveless waterbed mattress with Lumbar Support
Here is another waterbed mattress from InnoMax using the Genesis sleep technology. Slightly different from the above waterbed mattress, this one is a semi-waveless mattress. This particular waterbed mattress is a great product for anyone with back problems as it provides good and stable lumbar support. The design reduces motion substantially and ensures that your body is perfectly aligned from ear to ankle. It provides great mid-body support with the gravity neutral fluid suspension system.
The wave elimination system is multi-layered and is protected by the layer of thick 22 mil vinyl. The InnoMax Genesis 700 Semi Waveless waterbed mattress with Lumbar Support is also given a twenty-year warranty by the manufacturer.
California King Free Flow Waterbed Mattress
California King Free Flow Waterbed Mattress
This particular waterbed mattress by Classic Mattresses comes in the size of California King size. As denoted by its relatively smaller price, it is a hard side free flow waterbed mattress.
This free flow waterbed mattress has fifteen to twenty second period of movement. It also comes with a 4 Oz clear bottle of conditioner. Because this is original California style waterbed mattress making you feel as if you are sleeping right on water your body will completely relax once you are in the bed. Therefore, it provides great comfort making your sleep that much great.
The outer layer of the mattress is made of virgin vinyl and has reinforced seams and corners so that you do not have to worry about leaks. The mattress is also sturdily built and is made to last a long time.
InnoMax Genesis 600 Balanced Motion Mid-Body Support Waterbed Mattress
InnoMax Genesis 600 Balanced Motion Mid-Body Support Waterbed Mattress, Queen
This is another mattress brought to you by InnoMax. It is a hard side waterbed mattress. The wave reduction system ensures a balanced motion performance with its gravity neutral suspension mid-body support.
If instructions are followed, the mattress is also easy to set up and does not take long to fill up. The phrase balanced motion refers to the fact that this mattress uses a system between free flow and waveless ness and strike a good balance.
InnoMax Genesis 400 Gentle Wave Waterbed Mattress
InnoMax Genesis 400 Gentle Wave Waterbed Mattress, Queen
As we have so far discovered, InnoMAx makes all kinds of waterbed mattresses. They make waveless mattresses, free flow mattresses, balanced motion mattresses and as evidence by this particular waterbed mattress, they also make gentle wave waterbed mattresses. The InnoMax Genesis 400 Gentle Wave Waterbed Mattress is a rigid(hard)-side waterbed mattress. It also comes with a twenty-year warranty.
When it comes where this waterbed mattress is in the range from free flow to wavelessness, it must be noted that it balances closer to free flow than waveless. You might also find the location of the filler spout which is in the center of the foot of the bed, unlike other waterbed mattresses which have it on the sides.
95% Waveless Waterbed Mattress Better Bundle
95% Waveless Waterbed Mattress Better Bundle
This is not just a waterbed mattress; it is a waterbed mattress bundle. The bundle includes the mattress, the mattress pad, a liner, a heater, and a fill and drain kit.
This waterbed mattress is 95% waveless which means that you get the full benefit of a waterbed but don’t feel the motion you find in a free flow waterbed mattress. It also has four layers which are used to reduce waves. The mattress is also made using the highest quality heavy-duty vinyl ensuring longevity and durability.
When using this waterbed mattress, there is absolutely no pressure on your body or your joints as your weight is evenly distributed. If you have an achy back this would be one perfect mattress for you and you can kiss your pains goodbye.
California King Waveless Waterbed Mattress 72w x 84L Boyd Lumbar Supreme with a Fill Kit
California King Waveless Waterbed Mattress 72w x 84L Boyd Lumbar Supreme with a Fill Kit
This waveless waterbed mattress has approximately 99% motion reduction enabled by the four-layer wave reduction system. It is a hard side waterbed mattress. The cover is made of virgin vinyl and the top has been vacuum molded. The corners of the mattress are four-layered and are thick and reinforced. To provide maximum support to your back it also has three additional layers of lumbar fiber.
Many customers who ordered this waterbed mattress to replace their old mattress found it a great replacement surpassing all their expectations. Anyone with back problems would find this waterbed mattress quite a Godsend.
In conclusion
Whether you are looking for simple comfort or the use of one has been recommended by your physical therapist or chiropractor, a waterbed is an investment that you will not regret. But no waterbed is complete without an accompanying waterbed mattress. Water mattresses come in a variety of styles and sizes, and finding the right one for you might prove to be a difficult task. Which is why we went the extra step and found for you a number of waterbed mattresses to impress even the most discerning of customers. And the best of the lot is none other than the InnoMax Sanctuary Free Flow Full Wave Waterbed Mattress.
The InnoMAx Sanctuary Free Flow Full Wave Waterbed mattress is budget friendly, great on you back and a great comfort to sleep in. It is convenient to set up, great to use and easy to care of. It also comes with a twenty-year warranty.
Having gone through our list of waterbed mattresses, we are confident that you would definitely be able to find one which would suit your needs. Whether you want a wallet-friendly option, something to replace your old waterbed mattress or a high-end cozy one, we are sure you would have found your pick. Choose a good waterbed mattress, your body will thank you every morning for your choice of bed.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.