European Waterbed Association, Information about waterbeds in the UK and Europe

Soft Sided Waterbeds...
A soft sided waterbed has a specially engineered foam cushioned edge surrounding the water mattress which makes it easier to get into and out of bed making it the most popular type of waterbed. In many ways it can look just like a conventional sprung bed and can be upholstered in many colours.

Hard side frames...
The traditional hard sided frame is usually made from wood, MDF or upholstered in fabric. They are just as comfortable as soft sided waterbeds and offer the same support except they can often be a little difficult to get in and out of with a solid frame which houses the vinyl mattress.

	The Conversion... This clever design allows the best of both worlds. A hard sided frame with a soft sided waterbed inside it. The frame itself will enhance any bedroom as it becomes part of the furniture. The side rails are lowered or shaped to expose the foam side cushions making it easier to get in.
Choosing your water mattress
It can be seen that there is a choice of 5 mattresses, all are made to the same very high standard and give the same support. Adding water makes the mattress firmer, taking water out, makes the mattress softer. Inside the 9" (23cm) mattress are layers of fibre that dampen the movement of the water:

	Free Flow Contains no fibre, and as the same suggests, it will move for at least 15-20 seconds before settling. Traditionally, this is how a waterbed was made, giving rise to the image that a waterbed will make you seasick.
	Semi Motionless (50%) Stops moving after about 8-10 seconds. With only a small price increase as you step up through the range.
	Waveless (75%) With about 4-6 seconds movement, this mattress still has the feel of sleeping on a waterbed, but you are no longer disturbed by the movement of the water.
	Motionless (95%) The mattress has a little movement and it readjusts to your body shape. The Motionless is a popular mattress.
	Fully Stablised (99%) The mattress is filled with layers of fibre (baffles) which will absorb nearly all the waters movement making this mattress fully stabilised.
	Dual System With your choice of motion 1. Water displaced by one person does not affect the other. (Important if one person is of above average weight. 2. Although movement is slightly transmitted from one mattress to the other, it is greatly reduced. 3. Each mattress has its own temperature control.