From: Lynda 03/07/2001 11:49:15 Subject: waterbeds n backs post id: 338370 Anyone got an opinion/ informed point of view on whether or not waterbeds are good for the back/bad for the back? From: steve (Avatar) 03/07/2001 11:54:37 Subject: re: waterbeds n backs post id: 338371 I can only speak from personal experience. I have never had any back problems since getting my waterbed six years ago. Before that I had ongoing problems that needed regular physio. From: Zardoz ® 03/07/2001 11:59:39 Subject: re: waterbeds n backs post id: 338373 MATTRESS CONSIDERATIONS It's important to sleep on a mattress with good back support, whether it is a conventional mattress or waterbed. Years ago, waterbeds were mushy and provided little support. Now you can buy waterbeds that allow you to adjust the firmness. A good mattress also relates to your body shape. Generally, go with what feels comfortable to you. http://www.centerforspine.com/savannah/tips.html From: frigg queen ® 03/07/2001 12:07:33 Subject: re: waterbeds n backs post id: 338378 hi Lynda, you will find that everyone has a different experience when it comes to their bed. My experience is that I sleep much better on a water bed, but after suffering from a chronically bad back for 20 years and changing to an expensive "normal" bed 18 months ago, my back has never been better, (and have subsequently avoided surgery for my 3 ruined discs.) I have read that it isn't good to sleep with the heater on the water bed 'on' all night either..(EMR) From: Dillman 03/07/2001 12:51:50 Subject: re: waterbeds n backs post id: 338390 I first got my waterbed over 10 years ago after suffering a back injury. I knew after one night that I had done the right thing. For the first time in months I had a restful nights sleep. Funny, though, the chyro was upset when I told him I had bought one. Maybe he was looking from his monetary side of view! From: Grant¹ (Avatar) 03/07/2001 16:39:43 Subject: re: waterbeds n backs post id: 338528 Personally- i've always found a nice firm mattress & base best. Slept on a few water beds & have yet to get a good nights sleep on one. From: Courtney ® 03/07/2001 17:59:10 Subject: re: waterbeds n backs post id: 338563 I slept on my mum's mushy old waterbed once, and awoke to find I literally could not walk. It was the most painful thing I've ever experienced. However, that was the old type of waterbed mattress, where they really had no form - just a big squarish jely mass. I'm a futon girl myself - firm base, with a nice plush mattress. They're actually softer than than a lot of the ensemble type mattresses. From: www.mp3.com.au/nosurprise* 03/07/2001 21:48:13 Subject: re: waterbeds n backs post id: 338706 as a bit of an athlete as well as being a kid who has grown too quickly for my tendons, i have heard quite a few opinions on this topic from various doctors and physios. There are two common arguements that i have heard (one for water bed and one against). Firstly, a water bed is probably not good for kids as they are still growing. Their posture will be much better if they have a firm base to sleep on rather than a flexible base that is a water bed. However one arguement i have heard which is supporting water beds is that for more mature users, with no recent muscular or posture problems, the water bed simply supports the entire back, giving the surround feel that you get in a water bed. I think that a solid matress is probably wise if u are still developing or if you have recently injured your back as your back needs a more stable support. But if you have no problems with your back and are beyond your forming days then i hope you get seasick you lucky bastards (my mum won't let me get one) From: pigman ® 03/07/2001 22:00:52 Subject: re: waterbeds n backs post id: 338713 the only waterbed I have ever stayed in was in a honeymoon suite in Wondai, it was the only accommodation available for about 100 kilometres, very classy joint (not). If you have ever imagined the most stereotypical National Lampoon's honeymoon suite, this was it, but back to the real story. This water bed had tides and was the most uncomfortable thing I have ever slept on and i've slept on floors, in a canoe and in the back of a ute. Might be good for a honeymoon though as you could catch the wave back to the beach. Give me a nice solid mattress anyday, I also like futons. From: Wags1975 ® 03/07/2001 22:02:33 Subject: re: waterbeds n backs post id: 338715 I love my water bed but I did have a bad experience when sleeping in my nieces bed once. She was only young and for some reason always turned the heater right down. The bed felt a little cold when I got in but it didn't bother me, in the morning I was so stiff I could hardly move. Wags (I have thawed out now and love my waveless water bed) From: G-wiz 03/07/2001 22:04:15 Subject: re: waterbeds n backs post id: 338716 I do the futon thing with a waterbed. I bought a #3 waveless w/bed with no base and I have it on the floor. A bit hard to get up in the morning but no dust bunnies. <8-) From: Barney the banana lover 04/07/2001 1:29:53 Subject: re: waterbeds n backs post id: 338852 Generally firm is good. I don't feel waterbeds provide the support and you can't stick nappy pins in a waterbed. Like the futon myself and have slept on them for 10-odd yrs. My back is not the best but find I have less problems with a firm support to sleep on. The secret to keeping a futon nice is to whack it in the sun every month to air. Turn them regularly and put a Jason woollen underlay on top. There's nothing like hopping into a freshly made, fluffed-up futon at the end of the day. BBL From: Ian S 04/07/2001 3:51:51 Subject: re: waterbeds n backs post id: 338888 I have a bad (read rotten - multiple soft tissue injuries from neck to sacrum) back and cannot recommend a genuine full float (none of your waveless or hybrid water-inner rubbish) waterbed too highly. Have used this type for 20 years. Filled to a goodish firmness they provide ultimate support and comfort, I reckon. Consider depth to pressure proportionality - and use in hospitals for pressure care. Entire family use this type of bed only - no 'normal' beds in my house. Kids seem to love them (good for rocking babies to sleep - but try to get them to settle for regular cot subsequently and they are not impressed). They also seem to grow straight, fast and tall enough - son, 186cm and solid often described by GP as PPS (perfect physical specimen)! . 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