Buying a waterbed involves more upkeep than a standard mattress:

A filled king-sized waterbed can weigh over 1,500 pounds. You must ensure your flooring can support that concentrated weight.

Every six to twelve months, you must add a specialized water conditioner to the mattress to prevent algae and bacteria growth inside the vinyl. The Verdict

Waterbeds offer a unique, temperature-controlled sleeping environment that many chronic pain sufferers still swear by. While they require a bit more "parenting" than a box spring—including the occasional patch kit for leaks—the sensation of weightlessness remains unmatched by synthetic foams.