Water beds: A healthier way to catch your sleep

(Credit: Umar Nsubuga)

HOMES | FURNITURE

Water beds are not a common feature in most Ugandan households. But for those that do have one, shuteye time is another adventure of its own.

Annette Kansiime, an interior designer in Kiwatule, says much as it is a luxurious item, a water beds have a number of advantages, for instance offering relief for people with backaches.

For asthmatics and those who are allergic to certain substances, the bed repels dust and dust mites since the cover is plastic and easy to wash.

The features

A water bed has a mattress filled with water instead of the conventional sponge or of a large plastic-reinforced bag with a screw top so water can be pumped in.

According to Kansiime, water beds are made of vinyl material and come in two types: soft-sided and hard-sided. Hard-sided water beds have a surrounding wood frame usually supported by a pedestal/stand while soft-sided beds look like the conventional mattresses and have a cushion-like cover which is unzipped to reveal the inside.

She says such a water bed comes as an empty canopy known as a bladder and the water is filled using a pump.

"You don't need to be an expert. Anyone can do it. The bed has a regulator attached to it, which can be plugged in and used to regulate water temperature," says Kansiime.

Richard Nsubuga, also an interior designer, says for arthritic patients, the water beds are thermostatically heated and can offer some relief.

If a patient has bedsores, this bed will offer relief since it is soft and allows even distribution of the person's weight. The beds have also been known to create relief from insomnia.

Do not prick

According to Nsubuga, in order to maintain the water beds, one has to change the water at least every two years.

He says one should wash the bladder with soap and warm water before re-filling it with fresh water. The water should be conditioned in order to avoid algae and mould build-up and to neutralise the odour.

On her part, Kansiime says you have to wash your bed sheets every week and iron (press) them because this helps to disinfect them. Extra care has to be taken with water beds because if pricked by a sharp object, the mattress can start leaking.

According to Nsubuga, water beds can be repaired. He says there are spares that can be glued back onto the bed, which are also given at purchase.

He also says they come in two sizes, the queen size which is 5x5ft and the king size, which is 6x6ft.

Averagely, you will have to part with anywhere between sh2.5m and sh4m for a waterbed in a furniture shop.