Bed includes mattress and reinforced box spring. Works with typical twin bedding and twin bed frame (not included) and looks just like a regular twin bed once assembled. The water chamber is surrounded by a 2-3" thick mattress, which minimizes the water motion and eliminates the chance for puncture while still allowing the mattress to conform to your body and remove pressure from the spine. The waterbed is not heated. Bed comes from a non-smoking home with two cats. You haul. thanks, Amy p.s. We just made a donation to Off the Floor Pittsburgh and had a great experience with them, but this wasn't an item that they were willing to take.