Air in the water bed

“Where does the air in the water bed come from?” Or “Why does air form in the water bed?” Are two questions that one often hears when it comes to “putting into operation” and “operating” a water bed. First of all, air can already be contained in the water when the bed is filled (there are large regional differences here). This air dissolves from the water over time and ensures that the water bed gurgles or bubbles and that the lying properties change.

Likewise, when the water bed is filled, air bubbles form, which “work” through the calming fleece of the water mattress with a time delay and only appear later on the surface. In the case of calcareous water, the lime also breaks down, creating gas which also collects on the surface of the water mattress. Another cause for the formation of air in the water bed can be found in the filling nozzle of the water mattress. The nozzle is waterproof, but not completely airtight, which is why movements in the bed can lead to air being drawn into the mattress via the filling nozzle. Another reason for the formation of air in the water bed is bacteria or bacterial activity (see:Odor development at the water bed ).

In order to get rid of the air and thus the annoying noises, we recommend venting the water bed. Similar to a radiator, you can carefully open the filling opening on the water mattress and let the air escape. Alternatively, the trade also offers practical ventilation pumps for water beds that allow easy ventilation. Such a pump is already included in the scope of delivery for many waterbeds.

The question of how often a (new) waterbed should be deflated cannot be given a specific answer. In principle, the venting of the water bed should take place “on demand”. At the latest when the lying comfort is impaired by air in the water bed or gurgling and bubbling noises from the bed disturb sleep at night, it is time to deflate the mattress.

Odor development at the water bed

A waterbed should not usually emit an unpleasant odor. Nevertheless, an odor can develop that has to be investigated. The questions that arise here include “What to do if the waterbed stinks?” Or “Why does my waterbed smell?”. We give the answers below:

Why does my waterbed smell?

On the one hand, an odor can develop on the waterbed if moisture has accumulated in the safety tub (e.g. unnoticed “missed” water when filling or refilling the water mattress or due to a leak) and it has started to become too modern or moldy.

Odors in water beds are more often caused by the water mattress or the water core itself. There are always germs in the water. Although the conditioner helps kill around 99% of all germs, a small residue always remains. Additional germs get into the water bed, for example when topping up water, unless this water has been boiled beforehand. Accordingly, bacteria and algae can “spread” in the water mattress, which in turn leads to the so-called overturning of the water and thus also to the development of unpleasant smells.

What to do if the waterbed smells

If the waterbed smells because of “scruffy” water in the safety tub, the water should be removed and a thorough cleaning and subsequent drying carried out. A special cleaning agent with odor-neutralizing ingredients can help quickly remove the “stench”. If a leak in the water mattress is the cause of the water in the safety tub, this must of course be eliminated (see: mending the water mattress ).

With a so-called dip test, you can easily find out whether and to what extent the water mattress is “infested” by bacteria, fungi or algae. Depending on the severity of the infestation, special water treatment agents can then be selected and used for removal. If the water is very heavily contaminated, a complete replacement of the water is recommended. This measure is generally most effective when it comes to eliminating unwanted “colonization” in the water bed – but it is also associated with the greatest effort. Even if you have decided to completely replace the water, you should definitely put a special disinfectant in the mattress, as not all germs or bacteria are washed out of the mattress when the waterbed is drained. When using disinfecting agents for water treatment, you should always follow the instructions for use of the respective manufacturer. The usual Waterbed conditioner should usually be added (again) to the water after a little time.

Mend the water mattress

Water mattresses are usually very robust and less prone to damage. Nevertheless, there can be leaks – especially in the area of ​​weld seams – and damage requiring repair can of course also occur when the bed is being transported, for example.

If water escapes from the water mattress, the location of the leak must first be determined. If a defective weld seam is found as a “source”, you should clarify before a repair whether you still have a guarantee on your waterbed and whether the manufacturer will take action in this case.

If we assume a leak that is not a guarantee case, the question arises: “How do you mend a waterbed?”

As already written, you first have to find out where water is leaking from the mattress. Weld seams at the corners in the head area and the vinyl surface on the edge of the seat, which is often used for getting in and out, are particularly common. Until you have identified the damaged area, you should – if possible – not drain water from the bed, as a defect is even more difficult to find if the water is drained.

Incidentally, a correct defect can only be assumed if a large amount of water is found in the safety tub. Slight moisture or water droplets are not yet a reliable indicator of a defect, as these – especially in the morning – can also be explained by normal condensation / sweating. In this case, however, there is only very little water, which usually evaporates within a very short time if the water mattress is at normal temperature.

As a rule, small holes or cuts can be easily repaired by yourself, the principle being similar to that of mending a paddling pool. Special waterbed repair kits containing vinyl glue and vinyl patches are available from retailers. A repair kit is already included with many waterbeds. For further repairs, you should follow the instructions that are usually included with the repair kit. This usually includes first cleaning and drying the affected area and then professionally gluing the patch.

Bicycle repair tools should not be used to mend waterbeds. This consists of products that are intended for rubber repairs, which are therefore not suitable for waterbed repairs, as the glue attacks and destroys the vinyl.

If major damage (> 2-3 cm) is found on the water mattress, it should be given to a professional for permanent repairs.

Mold in the water bed

Mold rarely forms on the waterbed, and if so, mainly due to the accumulation of water in the bed’s safety tub.