Waterbed facts for kids
A waterbed is a special kind of bed or mattress that is filled with water. Imagine sleeping on a giant water balloon! While the idea of beds filled with water has been around for a long time, the modern waterbed we know today became very popular in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s.
What is a Waterbed?
A waterbed is basically a big, strong bag filled with water. This water-filled bag acts as the mattress. Instead of springs or foam, you have water supporting you. This can feel very different from a regular bed.
How Waterbeds Began
The idea of using water for comfort in beds isn't new. People thought about water-filled beds for medical reasons way back in the 1800s. They believed it could help patients feel more comfortable.
The modern waterbed was invented in the late 1960s. A man named Charlie Hall came up with the idea in San Francisco. He even got a patent for his invention in 1971. Soon after, waterbeds started to become very popular. Many people loved the unique feeling of sleeping on water.
Types of Waterbeds
There are two main types of waterbeds:
- Hard-sided waterbeds: These beds have a strong wooden frame around the water mattress. The water mattress fits inside this frame, like a big bathtub.
- Soft-sided waterbeds: These look more like a regular mattress. They have a soft, foam frame around the water mattress. This foam frame is covered with fabric, making it look like a normal bed.
Waterbeds can be a fun and different way to sleep!
