How to Use and Install the Thermal Guardian ® Ener-Save Safe Heater Safely!

Waterbed heaters for both traditional hardside and softside beds have been improved recently with safety and comfort advances. These advances affect some of the installation and use conditions of the heaters and must be addressed before your new heater is installed. The new motionless water mattresses have also contributed to the heater advances. These new mattress designs have increased fiber filling in the mattress interior to the degree that the water is virtually trapped and almost no water circulation occurs. One of the safety advances is lowering the operating temperature of the heater pad when it is working. The addition of a sensitive fuse in the pad is another safety improvement keeping the pad from ever reaching too hot of a temperature.

The next section will provide you with some important tips on the proper heater installation to give you the maximum enjoyment of your sleep environment.

Never plug in the heater until the mattress is completely filled with water.  The Thermal Guardian Temperature Control Systems are designed with your safety as our number one concern. Each heating pad is engineered to shut down in the event of an overheating situation. Under normal use, this is an outstanding feature; however, if the pad is heated without the proper depth of fluid to whisk the heat way, the safety fuse can trip; which renders the pad unable to operate.

Some models of the Thermal Guardian ® heating pads are rolled at the factory. The proper method of flattening the pad is done by using the reverse roll. Do not heat the pad, as this may cause the safety fuse to trip.

Open the fill valve on the mattress and inflate it with air until it is about 2 feet tall. Replace the cap and push down on the center of the expanded mattress to force the wrinkles from the bottom of the mattress which will help prevent issues with the heater pad. This also allows you to center the mattress easily in the frame then release the air from the mattress and prepare for a warm water fill. By centering the mattress with air, you will ensure a comfortable fit and a great night’s rest for years to come.

To ensure proper enjoyment of your new flotation sleep system, always fill the mattress with warm water. This can be done using a faucet adaptor attached to any kitchen or bathroom sink. The use of a cold water fill will prolong the warm up time. The Ener-Save design allows the pad to raise the temperature of the water at the approximate rate of .25 to .35 degrees Fahrenheit per hour. Assuming a cold tap temperature of 45 degrees, this will bring the bed to a comfortable sleeping temperature in 5-7 days. To avoid this delay, the warm water fill can provide you a great night’s sleep on the very first night. If your hot water tank is drained during the fill process, simply turn off the water supply and wait approximately 30-45 minutes to allow your hot water tank to recover, then turn the water back on and continue the fill process. The mattress should be filled to within approximately 1” below the top of the frame. It is always easier to add a few pitchers of water to create a less-supportive feel, than it is to drain an overfilled mattress. Once the mattress is filled, it is recommended that no adjustment be made for 7-10 days to allow the body to adjust to the new support system.

Periodic conditioning of the inside and outside of your vinyl water mattress will improve your overall enjoyment and provide a more comfortable night’s sleep. If you add your waterbed conditioner inside the chamber before filling, it will disperse completely as you fill your mattress. This will adequately treat the water (for well water it is recommended to double the dosage). Follow the instructions listed on the conditioner’s bottle to determine how frequently you need to add conditioner. The conditioner prevents algae growth in the water, which in turn minimizes air bubbles. It also lubricates the inside of the vinyl to keep it soft and supple. To create the same level of protection on the outside of the mattress, the use of a Waterbed Vinyl Conditioning spray will remove body oils which if left unattended, can cause the vinyl to become brittle. Cleaning the surface bi-monthly will help prolong the life of the mattress and enhance your comfort.

Plug in your heater and enjoy your warm waterbed!