Pros And Cons Of Visco Elastic Foam And Waterbed Mattresses Compared

Many of those who have owned a waterbed mattress for years are now thinking of replacing it with a more modern bed. One popular choice is a visco elastic foam mattress. How does it compare against waterbeds in terms of advantages and disadvantages?

You can use our mattress comparison tool to compare 5 types of mattresses side-by-side.

Benefits Comparison

Advantages of Visco Elastic Foam Mattress Technology

Relieves pressure and enhances deep sleep by reducing pressure points, increasing comfort level and reducing night time movement by as much as 90%.
Conforms precisely to your body, distributes weight, improves circulation and allows your blood to flow more freely.
Has the ability to react to body temperature, softening accordingly.
You don't sink right through a high density visco elastic mattress nor do you risk bottoming out.
The foam dampens shock and absorbs motion.
Lifespan of 10-20 years, depending on the manufacturer.

Advantages of Waterbed Mattresses

They reduce pressure points.
Better sleep experience due to spinal alignment and pressure relief.
Controllable sleeping temperature.
The delicate water movement has calming effects.
The vinyl is one of the most hygienic surfaces (if taken care of properly) for allergy sufferers.
Light and easy to move when emptied.
Life span of more than 15 years, if taken care of properly.

Drawbacks Comparison

Drawbacks of Viscoelastic Mattresses

High quality visco elastic foam mattresses like Tempur-Pedic are quite expensive.
They respond with stiffness when you quickly lie down or throw yourself onto the mattress like you would do when you were a kid.
Can get uncomfortably warm during sleep.
Because of the melting weightlessness feeling it induces, memory foam requires an adjustment period.
May have a strong odor when new.

Drawbacks of Water Mattress Beds

It takes some time to fill and empty the bed (around 2 hours).
It is subject to punctures and tears (even if highly unlikely), in which case you will have to use the repair kit immediately.
Low back support if no foam layers are placed on top.
Not recommended for people who like (or have to) sleep with their heads elevated.

Customer Opinions

I've had a waterbed since 1976 and wouldn't consider anything else. I have arthritis besides FM and the warmth really helps both. When I sleep on a regular bed I notice more stiffness that I normally have.
groups.google.com/group/alt.med.fibromyalgia

I had a waterbed in the early to mid-80's, after hearing that they might be good for my back and legs (pain and spasticity). As it turns out, a waterbed was the worst thing for me. I have a pronounced curve (scoliosis), which is related to cerebral palsy and abnormal posturing. That space in my back essentially had no place to rest, and I always woke up stiff and sore.
groups.google.com/group/alt.med.fibromyalgia

I have chronic low back pain that is muscular. I moved and tried a waterbed which just KILLED my back, as does any soft mattress I have tried at friends.
www.whatsthebest-mattress.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?action=search2

Because the mattress squishes down around you in a very nesty way, it was very difficult for me to get out of the "hole" - to turn over, I had to get fully awake and work quite hard (and painfully, I might add!) to get out of my little spot.
www.epinions.com/content_135358877316

Disclaimer:
MyFoamMattress.net is an independent buyers guide and is not affiliated with any mattress manufacturer or retailer. Different mattress manufacturers and retailers may advertise on this website but we are not affiliated with them in any way, we do not act as agents on their behalf nor are we their employees.

All care has been taken to provide consumers with unbiased information on memory foam mattresses. This may include both the pros and cons of different products and of different brands. All our content is based on extensive research on existing consumer opinions found online on countless forums, discussion groups and review sites spanning back 6 years. Our findings are meant to act exclusively as a concise summary of all these consumer opinions we have read.

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What affects the expected lifetime of a memory foam mattress topper and does a Tempur-Pedic mattress topper last longer? The answer is years and years as long as it's made of better quality, higher-density foam.

Real NASA Link

Many manufacturers claim visco memory foam was first used by the NASA Space Program to boost sales for their foam pillows.

NASA never did use that basic material in the 1960s. NASA mattresses or space mattresses simply do not exist as such.

The truth is the Swedish Tempurpedic company did eventually come up with a reliable formula now used in the best-selling Tempur-Pedic bed.

While Tempurpedic toppers are commonly known as Swedish toppers, not all such products made in Sweden are made of the so-called NASA foam.