colonel@sunybcs.UUCP (George Sicherman) (01/26/84)
I have deleted one brand-name reference - ask for it by mail. --GLS ---------- Locations of respondents: AZ - 1 CA - 10 IL - 2 MD - 1 NH - 1 NJ - 3 NY - 1 Can - 1 Neth - 1 This does not count one respondent who had never tried waterbeds. ---------- Own waterbeds: 8 respondents own waterbeds. 1 respondent used to own a waterbed. 2 respondent have never owned a waterbed. ---------- Marital status: 3 respondents said they are married. 1 respondent said she had a lover. ---------- Comfort (sleeping): 15 respondents found sleeping on a waterbed very comfortable. 1 respondent found sleeping on a waterbed uncomfortable. 9 respondents said waterbeds are warm in cold weather if heated. 3 respondents said waterbeds are cool in hot weather. 2 respondents advised against using an unheated waterbed without very good insulation between sleeper and mattress. 1 respondent likes waterbeds just as well as conventional beds. 2 respondents advised against using a waterbed with a partner of much greater or lesser weight. ---------- Back support: 4 respondents recommended waterbeds for back support or back problems. 1 respondent had a friend who recommended waterbeds for back problems. ---------- Waves: Waterbeds can now be made "waveless" or "semi-waveless" with baffles. 1 respondent recommended the rocking motion as an aid to sleep. 1 respondent recommended a waveless or semi-waveless mattress. 1 respondent recommended a semi-waveless mattress, and against a wavy mattress, especially after drinking. 1 respondent reported that waviness can be reduced by overfilling the mattress. 2 respondent reported that with an unbaffled bed, one's own movements are not disturbing but those of one's partner are. No respondents reported nausea, though several mentioned the danger. ---------- Bedclothes: 1 respondent recommended ordinary sheets, not "waterbed" sheets. 1 respondent sleeps under a comforter covered with washable sheets. 1 respondent recommended a thick cotton pad between the mattress and the sheets to absorb moisture and let air circulate. 2 respondents complained that waterbeds require sheets and blankets of unusual sizes. 1 respondent complained that it is hard to put sheets on a waterbed. 1 respondent recommended an electric blanket. 1 respondent recommended down comforters, with electric blankets as a second choice. __________ Maintenance: 1 respondent recommended occasionally wiping the mattress off. 1 respondent recommended draining the bed every few years. 1 respondent recommended using algicide every 6-12 months. 1 respondent recommended using algicide every 12 months. 1 respondent had not used algicide, and had no problems with contamination in 2 years. ---------- Sex: In General: 1 respondent said sex on a waterbed is so-so. 3 respondents said sex on a waterbed is awkward but sometimes exciting. 1 respondent said sex is better on a conventional bed. Details: 1 male respondent complained that the woman's pelvis sinks. 1 respondent said the "extra arm" problem does not arise. 1 respondent advised setting up a standing wave. ---------- Hybrid waterbeds: 2 respondents recommended hybrid waterbeds. 1 respondent advised against hybrid waterbeds. Specific Advantages: 1. They are far lighter than conventional waterbeds. 2. They can be clothed with conventional fitted sheets. 3. They take no more space than conventional beds. 4. They can be used with waterbed frames or conventional bed frames. ---------- Cats: 1 respondent's cat sleeps on the end of the bed. 1 respondent's cats sleep on the center of the bed. Neither respondent's cats have punctured the beds. __________ Leaks: 1 respondent had 1 leak and replaced the mattress. 1 respondent had 2 leaks and went back to a conventional bed. 1 respondent had 1 leak and went back to a conventional bed. 1 respondent said that there is little chance that a waterbed will spring a leak. 1 respondent reported having seen an advertisement in which a woman wearing spike heels jumps up and down on a waterbed. ---------- Cost; shopping: 1 respondent spent about $300 for base, mattress, heater, extra containments, and repair kit. 1 respondent spent $159 for everything. 1 respondent spent about $100 for mattress and heater. 1 respondent said that one can get a waterbed for less money than a conventional bed. 1 respondent recommended having all the frame pieces made of real wood, and a base of good plywood. 2 respondents recommended shopping around. 2 respondents recommended making one's own frame. 2 respondents reported that salesmen try to sell expensive waterbeds with extra features. 1 respondent said that waterbeds are expensive because of extra features. 1 respondent said that waterbed heaters can increase your power bill. 1 respondent reported that waterbed heaters increase your power bill by $5-10 a month. 1 respondent recommended the ------- Company's mattresses and heaters. 1 respondent recommended dealing only with established manufacturers and dealers. ---------- Miscellaneous Advantages: 1 respondent said that it costs less to heat a waterbed at night than a house or apartment. 1 respondent said that waterbeds are easy to take apart and move around. 1 respondent said that waterbeds with drawers provide useful storage. ---------- Miscellaneous Hazards: 2 respondents said waterbeds are cold during power failures. 2 respondents recommended a heavy-duty heater to forestall failures. 1 respondent reported that a short-circuit in a heater set the bedclothes on file. 1 respondent said the frame should be padded to prevent bruises. 1 respondent said that a queen-size waterbed can weigh 1,500 pounds. 1 respondent said that houses built after 1958 can usually support the weight of a waterbed, but that older houses may not. 1 respondent reported that many apartment houses do not allow waterbeds. 1 respondent reported that his landlord allowed waterbeds on the ground floor. 1 respondent reported that one can buy waterbed insurance with about $200,000 coverage for about $20 a year. 1 respondent complained of being reluctant to get up from a waterbed in the morning. ---------- Postscript: We ended up buying a futon instead. It cost less than a conventional bed, is warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather, has eliminated my fiancee's back problems, does not leak or short out, does not rock when one of us gets up, and is very comfortable, though in no way exciting. Col. George Sicherman ...seismo!rochester!rocksvax!sunybcs!colonel