Softside Waterbed Mattress
The Shape Of A Conventional Mattress Allows Regular Bedding

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A softside waterbed mattress looks exactly like a conventional mattress on the outside; there is no heavy wooden framework surrounding it, and it sits on a boxspring-style base that is usually situated on an ordinary looking metal bed frame.

These are mattresses with a difference, however; when you lift the outer shell of the mattress you will find a single or dual waterbed bladder inside.

Softside waterbed mattresses give you the warmth and comfort of a traditional waterbed, but with the shape of a conventional mattress so that there is no need to buy special bedding for it.

The same sheets and mattress pads that fit on a conventional mattress will fit on a softside waterbed.

Differences Between Regular And Softside Waterbed Mattresses

Although the softside waterbed looks exactly like a regular bed, there are a few fundamental differences. Because water is much heavier than a conventional innerspring mattress, the base must be strong enough to support the weight.

An ordinary boxspring and frame would not be strong enough to support a softside waterbed mattress. A softside waterbed frame is made from much heavier steel than an ordinary bed frame and usually has more legs than a standard bed frame.

Most standard queen size bed frames have 7 legs, but a softside waterbed frame has 9. The base is also stronger than an ordinary boxspring to support the additional weight of the waterbed mattress, and does not contain any springs.

The center of the softside waterbed mattress consists of a bladder or series of water-filled tubes. Some full size softside waterbeds feature dual twin size bladders to allow separate heaters for two different temperature settings.

The bladder is encased in a cover that includes a waterproof liner as well as supportive foam rails to contain the water and give the bed its shape. The topper attaches to the cover by means of a zipper.

The topper and cover act as insulation to prevent loss of heat, and dual bladder systems include a thermal separator between the two sides of the bed to allow individual heat settings.

If you're looking to choose a particular model, then take a look at the Somma Dreamstar and the New Century Celeste softside waterbeds...

Somma Dreamstar Softside Cylinder Waterbed

The Dreamstar softside waterbed mattress by Somma is made with a lightweight shallow fill cylinder system. The cylinders can be individually removed from the bed for easy filling in the sink without the use of any special tools.

The softness or firmness of each individual cylinder can be controlled by the amount of water they are filled with. You can choose from free floating or waveless foam cylinders, depending on the amount of waves that you prefer.

Another advantage of a cylinder style waterbed is that in the case of a leak, only one cylinder empties instead of an entire bladder, and a damaged cylinder can be replaced individually. The bed remains usable even with a missing cylinder.

A cylinder style bed reduces the risk of water damage to carpets and other furnishings from waterbed mishaps. A Somma shallow fill mattress is much lighter than a regular bladder style softside waterbed mattress.

It is so light in fact, that it can be placed on an ordinary base as a replacement for a conventional mattress. The cover is made from fine quality Damask material to give it durability, comfort and beauty.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to fill
• Individual cylinders mean minimal water loss in the case of a leak
• Damaged cylinders can be replaced individually
• Optional heat control
• Quality Damask cover

Cons:

• Fewer waves than a bladder style, for those who prefer wave motion
• Shallower than a bladder mattress

New Century Celeste Deep Fill Softside Waterbed Mattress

The New Century Celeste by Land and Sky is a deep fill softside waterbed mattress that has everything. This full depth mattress cradles your body in gentle warmth for a heavenly night's sleep.

The dual bladder system allows two sleepers to have individually customized levels of softness and warmth, and there is no motion transfer between partners whatsoever.

The plush topper is made with visco-elastic memory foam, fibrefill and additional layers of SuperSoft foam, covered in premium fabric for lasting comfort and beauty.

Pros:

• Deep fill floatation mattress provides maximum comfort
• Relieves pressure while gently supporting all parts of the body
• Dual bladders for separate heat settings
• Plush topper with memory foam

Cons:

• Bladder style deep fill beds release large amounts of water if punctured
• Considerably heavier than a cylinder style; must be used with proper base
• Requires more energy to heat a deep fill bed

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