Waterbeds have been around for decades, but there's a lot of confusion about whether they're still available, whether they're comfortable, and what happened to their popularity. We've answered the most common questions people are searching for right now.
Do They Still Make Waterbeds? Are Waterbeds Still a Thing?
Yes — waterbeds are absolutely still made and sold today. While they're not as ubiquitous as they were in the 1980s, a dedicated group of manufacturers (including us here at Strobel Organic) never stopped making them. Modern waterbeds have evolved significantly from the sloshy, leak-prone versions of the past. Today's models are engineered for stability, comfort, and longevity.
Are Waterbeds Still Made? Do Waterbeds Still Exist?
They do. Both hardside (wood frame) and softside (looks like a regular bed) waterbed systems are actively manufactured and available for purchase. Softside waterbeds in particular have grown in popularity because they use standard sheets and bedding and fit into any bedroom without a specialized frame.
Do They Still Sell Waterbeds? Can You Still Buy Waterbeds?
Yes — you can buy a waterbed today, and it's easier than ever. While most brick-and-mortar mattress stores have dropped them, specialty retailers like Strobel Organic sell complete waterbed systems online and ship directly to your door. You can browse our full selection of softside and hardside waterbeds, water-mattresses, heaters, and accessories all in one place.
Waterbeds for Sale — Where to Find Them
Strobel Organic offers a wide range of waterbeds for sale, from complete padded hardside systems with wood frames to softside waterbeds that blend seamlessly into any bedroom. Each system comes with your choice of water-mattress — from free-flow to waveless — so you can customize the feel to your preference. Shop Softside Waterbeds or Shop Complete Padded Waterbeds.
Waterbeds Near Me — Do I Need a Local Store?
Not anymore. Because waterbeds are a specialty product, most local mattress stores no longer carry them. The good news is that Strobel Organic ships nationwide, so you don't need a waterbed retailer nearby. Our team is available to help you choose the right system, and everything arrives ready to set up at home.
Are Waterbeds Good for Your Back?
Many people find waterbeds exceptionally good for back pain and joint discomfort. Here's why:
- Conforming support: Water naturally molds to the shape of your body, distributing weight evenly and eliminating pressure points that can aggravate back pain on a traditional mattress.
- Therapeutic heat: Waterbed heaters provide gentle, consistent warmth across the entire sleep surface — a well-known aid for muscle relaxation and reducing morning stiffness.
- Zero pressure points: Unlike foam or spring mattresses, a waterbed doesn't push back against your body, which can be a game-changer for side sleepers and those with chronic pain conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia.
That said, the right level of waveless support matters. A fully waveless mattress offers more stability and back support, while a free-flow mattress provides a more fluid, buoyant feel.
Are Waterbeds Comfortable? Were Waterbeds Comfortable?
Modern waterbeds are far more comfortable than the original designs from the 1970s and '80s. Early waterbeds were essentially vinyl bags filled with water — they sloshed, they were cold, and they were difficult to get in and out of. Today's waterbeds are a completely different product:
- Waveless or semi-waveless mattresses use fiber fill layers to control motion, so there's little to no wave sensation.
- Thermostatically controlled heaters keep the surface at your ideal temperature year-round.
- Softside designs have a foam perimeter that gives a firm sitting edge and allows the use of regular bedding.
Most people who try a properly set-up modern waterbed find it remarkably comfortable — especially those who struggle with pressure points on conventional mattresses.
What Happened to Waterbeds? When Were Waterbeds Popular?
Waterbeds peaked in popularity during the late 1970s and 1980s, when they captured an estimated 20% of the U.S. mattress market. Their decline in the 1990s came down to a few practical issues: they were extremely heavy (a full-size waterbed could weigh over 1,500 lbs), difficult to move, prone to leaks, and required special frames and heaters that added cost and complexity.
As memory foam and other specialty mattresses entered the market in the 1990s and 2000s, many consumers switched. But waterbeds never disappeared — they evolved. Today's softside and waveless systems address virtually every complaint that drove people away, and a loyal community of waterbed enthusiasts (and new converts) continues to grow.
Ready to Try a Modern Waterbed?
Whether you're a longtime waterbed fan or curious for the first time, Strobel Organic has a system for you. Explore our collections and find the right fit for your sleep style and bedroom setup.
Shop Softside Waterbeds | Shop Complete Padded Waterbeds | Learn About the Benefits of Heated Waterbeds