A water mattress is a type of cushion filled with water and used as an alternative to the conventional foam rubber mattress. It is preferred by many individuals for its numerous health-related benefits. A water mattress shapes exactly to the body, thus minimizing pressure, making it popular among individuals suffering from back pains and spinal problems. It can also be heated giving the user a soothing and more comfortable rest.
A water mattress can also reduce the risk of bedsores among paralytic or movement-impaired patients and eliminate the risk of exposure to dust mites in people sensitive to them. Unlike conventional mattresses, water mattresses do not encourage the proliferation of these organisms that can cause skin allergies, asthma, and other diseases.
It is expensive, if not impossible, to transport a filled water mattress without incurring substantial damage. It must be drained well and packed properly to avoid tearing or puncturing its plastic material which can lead to leaks. Here are some tips on how to properly pack and ship a water mattress.
Several days before shipping your water mattress, add a couple of bottles of waterbed conditioner in the mattress and make sure that it circulates well. On packing day, wipe the entire exterior of the mattress with a soft fabric and cleaner protectant.
Drain the mattress completely using an electric pump or a wet-dry vacuum cleaner. Make sure to get most of the water out of the mattress. Let the pump suck out the air as well until you end up with a mattress that looks like a giant raisin.
Lay the drained water mattress on a smooth flat area that is free from any sharp or pointed objects. Carefully roll the mattress from bottom to top as you would roll a carpet. Avoid folding the mattress as the creases might damage the plastic material and create tears or holes.
Wrap the rolled mattress generously with bubble wrap and place it in a large box with a layer of packing peanuts on the bottom. Fill the sides and top of the mattress with more packing peanuts. The box should be well-packed so that the mattress will not roll around. If there is no large box available, cut to size and join together two smaller boxes to accommodate the mattress.
Close the box and seal with packaging tape. Address and label the package and take to a reputable shipping company.