Once your bed is installed and filled then ongoing maintenance is simple and straightforward.
Water level There is always some flexibility setting the volume of water in the mattress. As a rule of thumb the level of the water in a softsided system should be at or just below the level of the surrounding foam frame. The heavier the individuals using the bed the less fill is required as they will displace the water. However, this is less the larger the bed and is usually only a matter of a few gallons. If the volume of water does not feel quite right then (using a hose) add or siphon water into or from the mattress.
Air in the Bed After your bed has been filled there will be air in the water in the mattress. Although the air will be vented from the mattress at the time of installation, more air will be released as the bed warms up and this will create a small air bubble. Simply vent the air through the valve making sure no air gets back Into the bed. A waterbed should be noiseless. Once done most mattresses remain free of air. Occasionally, some mattresses Will require 'burping' from time to time.
Temperature setting The thermostat can be varied to your preference. For most individuals at rest our ideal sleeping temperature Is approximately 28 degrees C. That would be the typical setting in the highlands of Scotland, on the coast of Cornwall or in the middle of Florida.
Conditioner in the mattress It is important to add conditioner twice a year. It has two objects - firstly to maintain the purity of the water (acting as an algacide and biocide), and secondly to extend the suppleness of the vinyl mattress.
Vinyl Cleaner to minimise dust It should be possible to remove and launder the zip off top of your softsided waterbed. Regular cleaning is an obvious hygiene benefit. When the top is off it is worth wiping the surface of the vinyl as some dust will inevitably migrate through the sheets and cover. There is a specific vinyl cleaner for the purpose or washing with a moist cloth will help.
Check your liner Finally always check that your safely liner Is in place. In the unlikely event of a leak the liner will provide protection as a temporary containment area.
In the unlikely event of a leak...
Most owners of a waterbed will never experience a leak in their mattress. However if a puncture should occur it can normally be repaired quickly and effectively without needing to drain the mattress.
Mattress and safety liner The mattress holds the water and the safety liner is there to contain any spillage should a leak occur. You should be checking your safety liner at least twice a year (when you add conditioner to the mattress) making sure it is in place and free from damage.
Finding the leak Resist the temptation to drain the water from the bed. It is normally easier to locate the leak and repair the vinyl] with the mattress full of water. Begin by towelling dry any water between the mattress and the liner - water will go under the mattress if you pull it up but will be squeezed back when you lay the mattress flat (because the spilled water is firmly trapped between the side of the mattress and the liner there often appears to be more water than there really is). It is almost unknown for a leak to be under the mattress so thoroughly check the sides, comers and top of the vinyl mattress. If you are having difficulty locating the leak apply pressure to the vinyl by kneeling on the mattress. If necessary, use an absorbent tissue to help locate the water coming from the mattress.
Isolating the leak Water will only seep from the mattress if the leak is below the water level. To stop the water escaping simply place a pillow or cushion under the safety liner in the area of the leak. The pillow or cushion will lift the puncture above the mattress's water level and it will immediately cease leaking. In this position you can repair the puncture at your leisure.
Preparing to repair the vinyl With the leak identified and at rest above the level of the water you can start the repair without any undue haste. Begin by cleaning and drying the area around the puncture. If necessary, use a little acetone (nail varnish remover) to clean away any residue. You will have been supplied with a waterbed patch kitwith your newbed. With a pair of scissors trim a patch of vinyl (from the kit) to a measurement approx. I cm larger than the leak. Round off the corners for a smooth finish.
The repair With the vinyl around the leak clean and dry, spread some of the waterbed repair glue over the puncture area just larger than the patch size. (Unless your skin is sensitive to adhesives, it should be safe to spread the glue with your fingers.) The glue will quickly vaporise. Allow a minute for the glue to 'go of!'. Next, apply an equal measure of glue to the patch and again over the vinyl area around the puncture. While the glue is still fluid, apply the patch over the puncture. Use your fingernail or the rounded end of a teaspoon or paperclip to press the patch to the vinyl (especially effective where a puncture is against a seam). The glue will set very quickly. As it is setting apply more glue over the top and around the edges of the patch. Leave the patch to bond to the mattress and the excess glue to vaporise (approx. 30 minutes). The puncture is now repaired and the mattress ready to use. The repair will have absolutely no adverse effect on the comfort or use of your bed.
After the repair Check that you have towelled dry all the water that has spilled between the mattress and the liner (it will prevent any possible residual odour). Remake your bed.