INYIM Media Way Back Wednesday: 1970s Waterbeds Were Invented.

INYIM Media Way Back Wednesday: 1970s Waterbeds Were Invented.

"*Cue Barry White music*. Sex sells. That's how waterbeds became popular when introduced to the masses back in the 1970's.  The modern day waterbed can trace its beginnings to a school class project. Charlie Hall was a student at San Francisco State University. In 1968 for his design class thesis, Charlie showed a vinyl mattress filled with warm water. The birth of the waterbed! 

Charlie patented his idea and founded Innerspace Environments which became the manufacturing company for waterbeds. But then came trouble for Charlie. His patent was challenged by science fiction writer Robert Heinlein. Mr. Heilein in the 1940s wrote a series of novels that described in detail waterbeds. While Mr. Heinlein made no effort to actually build one or to patent his idea, he claimed that Charlie capitalized on it. The courts got involved and upheld Charlie's patent. He received $4.8 million judgment. 

Waterbeds grew in popularity from the mid 1970's thru the late 1980s. They became a symbol of the free spirit and sexual freedom that defined the era. By 1987 waterbeds account for 22% of all mattress sales in the US (or 1 in 5) and racked up $2 billion in sales (which would be $5 million in today's dollars).  Wowza!

Then the decline of waterbeds started. People realized what a pain in the ass they are to maintain. Waterbeds were prone to leaks and if they were punctured you'd have a flood. Moving a waterbed was a hassle because it meant draining it with a siphon or electric pump. Oh, let's not forget the algae issue; and that waterbeds got very cold - unless you bought one with a built-in water heater.  The heater used a lot of electricity to keep hundreds of gallons of water warm 24/7.

I only slept on a waterbed once. I hated it. The bed was ridiculously cold and every time I moved the water made a loud sloshing sound. It was THE WORST sleep. I would never sleep on one again. I'd just sleep on the floor or in my car.  I can't imagine having sessy times on one. Just thinking about it makes me reach for the Dramamine. 

Another factor that led to the demise of waterbeds were apartment complexes who banned them due to liability issues. The weight of the water plus the frame to hold them became an insurance nightmare. 

Waterbeds are still around but are referred to as motionless wave beds, an improvement from the original idea. They account for a tiny fraction of mattresses sold today. Here's a vintage commercial with an annoying kid and her creepy dad.