Box Spring Bed vs Mattress vs Water Bed Part II
Who are box spring beds suitable for?
Box spring beds are suitable for people who prefer a very high bed and are looking for a no-frills, compact place to sleep. The feeling of lying in such a bed is characteristically springy and tends to be somewhat softer. With a suitable topper, however, it is possible to lie down a little more firmly.
Box spring beds are also suitable for people who appreciate ergonomic lying, but who do not need any special adjustments. Anyone who is particularly light or heavy and / or has a pronounced body shape should look for a system that can meet these requirements. As with the slatted frame, electrically adjustable models are also available.
If you want to get a box spring bed, you should make sure that the box fits through the stairwell or hallway, as it cannot be dismantled.
If you are afraid of the high purchase price: A high-quality bed frame with a good slatted frame and good mattress is in a similar price range as a solid box spring bed. However, the higher quality and more flexible the box spring bed should be, the more expensive it can be.
Advantages and disadvantages of box spring beds:
- Suitable for almost everyone who prefers a springy feel
- Good ergonomic adjustment
- Balanced, dry sleeping environment
- Good moisture transport and good breathability
- Hygienic – washable topper covers, for allergy sufferers also antibacterial and mite-repellent models, no lying directly on the mattress
- Flexible – sitting and lying positions can be realized with the help of an electrical adjustment
- One-time purchase price
- Very long shelf life with proper care
- Well-balanced ratio of ergonomics and comfort
- Regular maintenance necessary (turning and if necessary turning of the topper and mattress)
- Body fluids can penetrate the topper and mattress
- Large bed components that cannot be dismantled – difficult to transport
- Restricted freedom of design due to the structure
Waterbeds
The waterbed offers a pressure-relieving feeling of lying down and, thanks to the Archimedes’ displacement principle, supports the back flexibly and firmly – provided that it has been correctly adjusted. In addition, it offers a permanently constant bed temperature from below, as the water is heated to a preset temperature.
What the degrees of firmness are for mattresses, the levels of calming are for a waterbed. The more fleece inlays are placed in the water-filled chamber, the less the liquid will oscillate and the stronger the body will be supported. The latest models also offer additional extension leaves in the lumbar area. In addition to the calming level, water beds – like mattresses too – are available with different cover variants. For hygienic reasons, these are basically washable.
In terms of design diversity, waterbeds are available as free-standing versions or as insert systems for existing bed frames. Due to the high weight, plinths are usually used as substructures. In terms of price, waterbeds behave similarly to box spring systems – the higher the quality, the more expensive they become.
The filling amount in the water bed depends, among other things, on body type and weight. A specialist should be consulted for optimal coordination. Regular venting and, if necessary, topping up with water is one of the recurring maintenance measures for a waterbed. Likewise, the cleaning of the cover, the vinyl skin and the water with a conditioner.
Who are waterbeds suitable for?
Waterbeds are suitable for people who prefer particularly high pressure relief and who want precise adaptation to all parts of the body. In addition, the water can be heated accordingly when there is a high heat requirement. Thanks to the closed water tank, no mites or body fluids can collect.
In contrast to box spring beds and mattresses with slatted frames, there is no great downward ventilation in the water bed. The airtight water core does not allow any breathability or moisture balance. Body fluids excreted at night are released into the water bed cover and the duvet. If you tend to sweat a lot and need particularly high ventilation, more open sleep systems are more suitable. How much moisture remains in the mattress cover of the waterbed also depends on the choice of duvet. The worse their breathability, the more moisture and warmth build up underneath.
Due to the greater effort required to move around at night while sleeping, the water bed is also primarily recommended for people who are sleeping calmly. Who more often – z. B. for professional reasons – has to move is somewhat handicapped with a waterbed. Because the assembly and dismantling takes a lot of time. And especially when rebuilding a specialist again for the correct filling quantity.
Finally, it should be mentioned that a waterbed needs regular and, in contrast to other systems, more costly maintenance, because chemicals have to be added to the water regularly so that algae and lichens do not form in it. In addition, the plastic cover should be cleaned with appropriate care products to prevent brittleness.
Advantages and disadvantages of water beds:
- Suitable for people who prefer high pressure relief, tend to sleep well and are not prone to excessive sweating
- Pleasant sleeping temperature / heat regulation – water heatable
- Highly precise adjustment – displacement principle
- No further spring support necessary
- Very hygienic – washable cover, no mites in the plastic tank possible
- Long shelf life with proper care
- Regular maintenance necessary (water maintenance, plastic maintenance, ventilation)
- Running costs (electricity, conditioner for the water)
- Not suitable for people who sweat heavily
- Very high dead weight
- Only lying position possible
- Complex assembly and dismantling