Ryan Zavodnick | December 5, 2024 | Product Defect
Water beds became extremely sought-after 40 years ago and were common in many suburban homes. Their popularity peaked shortly after, with a $2-billion market and one in every five mattresses sold being a water bed.
However, their rise came at a tragic cost — 79 water bed-related deaths among children under two were reported over a seven-year span alone, mostly from airway obstruction in prone positions. While these beds have declined in popularity, they can still be found in many homes.
Our experienced lawyer shares the potential risks associated with the comfort water beds promise and some safety tips.
Structural Dangers
A typical water bed can weigh upwards of 2,000 pounds when filled, and many older homes weren’t built to support this kind of concentrated weight. Consequently, floor joists can crack or fail completely, leading to catastrophic structural damage.
When floors collapse, severe slip and fall injuries can often result. Beyond immediate collapse risks, the excessive weight can stress foundations, cracked walls, and even damage electrical systems on lower floors.
Potential Electrical Hazards
Water beds require constant heating to maintain comfortable temperatures. This creates an inherently dangerous situation where electrical components operate near hundreds of gallons of water.
Faulty wiring commonly leads to electric shocks, while short circuits can start fires. In addition, malfunctioning temperature controls have resulted in numerous other injuries when heaters overheat during sleep hours.
Risks of Water Beds To Young Children
The Pennsylvania Department of Health emphasizes that babies need firm sleep surfaces where their heads make no indentation. With their soft, yielding surfaces, water beds create dangerous pockets that can trap infants and lead to suffocation.
In addition, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) explicitly warns that water beds and memory foam and pillow-top mattresses aren’t safe for babies under any circumstances and that water beds should never be used for children under five years old.
Property Damage From Excess Water
Even small water bed punctures can release large volumes of water quickly. The resulting damage can extend far beyond ruined personal belongings. Standing water creates dangerous slip hazards and long-term structural issues. Property owners frequently face premises liability claims from injuries and damage due to leaks.
Health Issues Associated With Water Damage
When large amounts of water leak into floors and walls, the resulting moisture saturation can promote the growth of black mold within days.
According to medical experts, exposure to mold frequently causes respiratory symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and eye irritation. For those with compromised immune systems or respiratory conditions like asthma, the health risks become even more serious.
Safety and Maintenance Tips For Water Beds
Preventing water bed-related accidents requires vigilant maintenance.
Specifically, it’s important to do the following:
Check vinyl surfaces regularly for weak spots or tears - Inspect electrical components for wear to prevent shorts and overheating
- Test safety liners and ensure proper installation
- Monitor water levels and temperature settings
- Perform floor-strength evaluations, especially in older buildings
- Consider installing additional floor support for upstairs locations
- Place beds near load-bearing walls whenever possible
- Install leak-detection systems
- Keep emergency patch kits readily available
Unfortunately, water bed owners must prepare for worst-case scenarios, which means having detailed plans for rapid water removal if leaks occur. It’s also wise to consider getting proper homeowner’s insurance coverage to protect against major failures.
Consider a Safer Alternative To Water Beds
Water beds may be comfy, but they also present many dangers. These dangers call for not just awareness but also proactive safety measures, especially in households with young children.
For anyone looking to get new bedroom furniture, safety should be as important a factor as comfort. Luckily, today’s sleep technology offers customizable support through safer means, such as adjustable air mattresses and customizable smart beds.
Contact Our Product Liability Law Firm in Philadelphia Today To Get Help With Your Case
To learn more and get the help you deserve, call Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers at (215) 875-7030 or contact us online.
You can also visit our law firm at 123 S Broad St #1220, Philadelphia, PA 19109.
