Waterbed bedding - for you and your waterbed

The different varieties of waterbed linens and which is best for you

When setting out to purchase waterbed bedding, there is a huge amount of information available ( – that’s almost a problem in itself).   It is useful to know something about the waterbed though, and the bedding that will be right for you and your bed.   For example, there are two styles of waterbeds, the rigid frame bed and the modern soft-sided divan.   For both types of bed you really need to use a quilted mattress protector to prevent body oils from damaging the vinyl.   Normal bedding will fit most soft-sided beds  -  no problem.   But for the rigid frame bed, bedding manufacturers have added a triangular flap which holds the bottom sheet securely in place at each corner.   This prevents the sheet from movement and slip.   It’s a clever trick making sleeping altogether more comfortable and making the bed easy.   Many manufacturers also produce a combination of a flat and fitted sheet called ‘attached’ or ‘inseparable’ sheets where the upper and lower sheets are joined:  either down one side and across the bottom, or just across the bottom.   This again ensures easier bed-making.  These waterbed sheets are usually custom made and can be either right or left opening.

There's a wonderful choice of bedding fabrics
The fabric from which the bedding is made can be cotton, flannel, sateen, percale, polyester, satin, silk or even pvc.   Cotton is cool and absorbent, flannel has a snug warm quality, and the remainder all have, to a greater or lesser extent, a sheen.   Check the ‘thread count’  –  around the 200 threads per square inch would be about right.   If you go for a higher count, the bedding will be more expensive and may not be cost effective.   Looking at satin sheet bedding now  –  satin woven from 100% polyester or nylon makes for a durable, comfortable product.   Keep a look-out for Charmeuse satin which has a smooth feel, drapes beautifully with a lustrous sheen.   To top that, it is long-lasting and easy-care.   Always go for a woven satin sheet as opposed to knitted which has a rough texture and is more suitable for bedspreads or comforters.

Made-to-measure’ or ‘off the shelf’
When purchasing bedding, you can buy ‘off the shelf’ or ‘made-to measure’ which obviously has a price implication.   For the soft-sided waterbed, ready made products are likely to be fine, but you may want to ensure a better fit if you have a rigid-framed waterbed.   There is a Flex-Fit sheet available with patented corners which stretch vertically and horizontally to fit all mattresses, from standard thickness to premium thickness which is about 9” (23cm).   For all other bedding  -  pillow cases, comforters, bedspreads etc.  –  you can go to either sites that supply conventional bedding, or to a waterbed supplier which usually sells the bedding as well.   Check out the discounted waterbed bedding and look for bargains.