How to Put a Normal Mattress in a Waterbed

In most cases, you don't need a box spring when installing the new mattress.

Waterbed frames can hold a normal mattress just like a traditional bed frame. Switching from a waterbed to a normal mattress is common when you no longer desire the waterbed or the mattress begins to leak and you don't want to spend money on replacing the mattress. Before making the switch, you will need to remove the waterbed mattress and clean up the area to prepare for the regular mattress. In most cases, a box spring is not necessary for the regular mattress.

Things You'll Need

• Waterbed pump
• Towels
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Unplug the water bed heater and move the cord out of the way.

2. Connect the waterbed pump to the mattress, following the manufacturer's directions. Connect a garden hose to the pump and place the end near a drain or out a window. Turn on the pump to drain the water from the mattress.

3. Disconnect the pump and hose once the mattress is empty. Wipe up any remaining water with a towel or sponge. Remove the waterbed mattress and heater from the bed.

4. Allow the waterbed frame to dry if any water spilled from the mattress removal. Measure the bed frame to ensure the normal mattress you selected will fit into the frame.

5. Place the normal mattress into the frame. Carefully adjust the mattress so there are no gaps between the mattress and the frame. Place sheets on the bed and make the bed.

References

• Waterbed 101: Draining a Waterbed