Water-beds

Water-beds, a valuable contrivance for the comfort of the sick, especially for minimising the risk of Bed-sores (q.v.). They are somewhat similar to Air-beds (q.v.), but, while more costly, are more serviceable and durable. The water-bed is laid on an ordinary bedstead, either upon or in place of the mattress, and filled with warm water to the proper degree; it must not be so full that it will not yield readily under the body of the patient. Clothes, pillows, &c. are then laid on it, as on a common bed, and the patient transferred to it.