It seems like choosing a waterbed conditioner should be simple – just order the conditioner that’s the best bargain for your wallet and claims to last the longest between uses.  This isn’t a good way to decide which type to use, however, because there are different types of waterbed mattresses and each type works best with a specific kind of waterbed conditioner.

While all waterbed conditioners perform the same functions:  killing and preventing bacteria build-up, eliminating slime inside the mattress, getting rid of water odors and controlling bubbles, there are differences.

The most traditional waterbed conditioners are designed to be used in full wave or semi-wave waterbeds.  These are the original single-bladder, all vinyl mattresses that are made of vinyl with no other materials inside the mattress itself.  For these kinds of mattresses, liquid waterbed conditioners are the right choice.  Most brands last anywhere from three to six months, although there are some that can last for up to a year. 

There are also multi-purpose waterbed conditioners that will work in several different styles of mattresses, including fiber, foam and baffle waterbeds.  These combination waterbeds, because they contain a variety of materials, require a waterbed conditioner that is strong enough to kill the bacteria but gentle enough not to damage any of the materials in the mattress.  In most cases these are also liquid conditioners.  These vary widely, however, in how often you have to use them depending on the type of mattress.  Fiber beds will generally need the conditioning process repeated more frequently.

A few companies make waterbed conditioners that come in tablet form to be used in fiber, foam or baffle waterbeds.  These can’t, however, be used in traditional single-bladder waterbeds.  The advantage of tablets is ease of use – you simply drop them into the valve opening.  They are time-released to dissolve slowly and will continuously treat the water. 

Finally, if you have a soft-side tube waterbed, you will need to stick exclusively with waterbed conditioners in tablet form.  They cannot, unlike many foam or fiber beds, interchangeably use liquid or tablet conditioners.  For tube beds, look for water conditioner tablets that are specifically labeled for the style of bed. 

Finally, if you open you waterbed valve and realize that it’s been too long since you treated it with waterbed conditioners (there’s a strong odor or the inside of the lining seems coated or slimy), you will need to completely drain the mattress and refill with fresh water in order for the waterbed conditioners to work properly.