All about Zip and Links

29 Comments

1. John

   Posted May 30, 2013 at 6:50 PM

   PS: To all readers: We are currently updating all the posts on this site and preparing to transfer to our new site ready to be launched in a few weeks. I’m embarrassed to say that many of the posts on here date back to 2010 and are extremely dated to say the least.

   The new site will feature many new additions and really extensive postings which will answer every single possible question you may have on the mattress industry. Because of this workload, comments will no longer be able to be left on any of these pages – they will of course resume and be extremely welcome on the new site.

   If you set up a ‘google alert’ for JOHN RYAN BY DESIGN you will be notified immediately when the new site is launched. John and Ryan

2. Zara

   Posted May 11, 2013 at 1:11 PM

   Hi John and Ryan,

   My husband and I are in need of a new bed. We found a good deal (Ebay) on the Hypnos Orthos Latex mattress in zip & link king size (2x75x200). I was wondering about the quality of such mattress. There are no details available about the amount of pocket springs in this type of mattress. Here is a link of its description:

   http://www.hypnosbeds.com/Libraries/PDF_documents/Orthos_Latex.sflb.ashx

   My husband lower back problems and requires a medium/firm mattress. Also, I am wondering how comfortable this mattress would be where the 2 parts are joined-as most couple, we do like to cuddle in bed and are toddler likes to wiggle himself between us early mornings

   RRP is about £2500 but we would be getting it at a fraction of the price, less than £400 for a new mattress.

   Hi Zara. The RRP of this mattress is a joke. It can commonly be found for around £1200 for a ziplink set and so I would say the buy you have found is well worth it. This is not to say that it will be suitable for you, that becomes your decision.

   Hypnos only utilise pocket springs. This particular model uses the ReActive ten turn which is not the bottom end but neither is it top end (Top end uses the Ultrasens spring system).

   I think for £400 you have found a good buy, and if it is not perfect, there are means and ways to adapt it to suit you. Please let me know how this pans out and if it is as good as it sounds. John and Ryan.

3. Paul Court

   Posted April 23, 2013 at 1:19 PM

   Can you use Ziplink Mattresses on a standard steel frame bed, providing of course that you can ‘engineer’ a way to link them together and can butt up against each other?

   Hi Paul. Do you mean using two steel frame beds as separate beds and being able to join them together if required?

   If so then the answer is no… Unless, the frames are completely ‘square’ without any kind of protrusions to prevent them being butted up to each other. Also the slats / support cannot be in a recess or else there will be no way the mattresses are able to be zipped together.

   I’m interested in why you are asking this question. Please give more detail. John and Ryan.

4. Leigh

   Posted March 4, 2013 at 8:08 AM

   Hi which mattresses should I choose for an electric bed please? I need also to link the mattresses together to avoid a cold draught coming up between the linked frames please! many thanks, Leigh

   Hi Leigh. Firstly, if the mattresses were joined together that would surely inhibit the independent motion of each half of the bed. I need a bit more information about this part.

   The bulk of all mattresses made for electric adjustable beds are based on an entirely foam construction. This is due to the flexibility of the mattress working with the motion of the bedframe. Secondly, some mattresses utilise a steel rod edge to contain the springs – therefore when you raise foot or head parts of the bed the mattress is unable to adjust accordingly. Therefore, with sprung mattresses the steel frame of the springs has to be a ‘flat’ design – this has the necessary flexibility the mattress requires.

   Ideally, you should be looking at Vi Spring mattresses. These have no rod / flat edge perimeter at all and therefore are entirely flexible – more than adequate for any electric adjustable beds. John and Ryan

5. Pene Clarkson

   Posted March 2, 2013 at 3:09 PM

   Please could you advise where I might be able to buy 4 link bars to join together two single 3 ft beds (top and bottom) to form a SKS bed?

   Thank you for your excellent website. A minefield of information!
   Pene.

   Hi Pene. You will also need fixing grommets for the linking bars to screw into. This will entail you drilling into the base itself (assuming there is adequate timber to do this). You will only need 4 grommets and two linking bars for you to join these together.

   If you send Julie an email with your address she will be able to send out what you need. John and Ryan.

6. C. Merino

   Posted February 14, 2013 at 2:02 PM

   HI,

   Great post. It helped a lot in clarifying questions about bedding!

   I have a SuperKing Zip and Link bed. Although we can’t feel the zipper in the middle we do feel the dip. We want to get a topper to try and solve the issue but a normal luxury topper still didn’t do it. There are some ultra thick luxury toppers as I wonder if they would do the job. Have you got any experience with it? Got recommendations?

   Also, the normal super king topper doesn’t fit quite 100% on top as it turns out to be a few centimetres smaller on the sides. Is there a chance that my super king is actually larger than the norm?
   Thank you in advance. Caio.

   Hi Caio. A good topper will usually bridge the two mattresses quite satisfactorily. To eliminate the ‘dip’ entirely is not really possible as the essence is two mattresses butted up together. I wonder if you have a Vi Spring set as they remove the perimeter banding which of course means there will be little in the way of edge support other than the Hand Side Stitching.

   I’m afraid I have no explanation for the short sized topper – or oversized bed. A few centimetres is quite negligible and can account for the space where the two mattresses join together. John and Ryan.

7. susan turner

   Posted February 6, 2013 at 8:00 AM

   One question-I am fitting out a studio with sleeping platform.Need kingsize ziplink mattresses but a very low base as height restricted.Can I buy two small single slats? Would that be best? Thanks

   Hi Susan. Bases can be made to any height from 4″ upwards plus a castor / glide if required. Give the office a call a Gary will be able to liase with the manufacturer to see what can be done. It is best to give us a measurement of how high the mattress and base can go and we can take it from there. John and Ryan.

8. vic Cooper

   Posted January 22, 2013 at 11:03 AM

   Hi There

   Fantastic site and well done for putting out honest and direct feedback.
   Hubby and I are looking to buy a zip and link super king matters, and have tried the Savoy super king with fixed pillow topper (1 firm and 1 medium) from Benson beds, (1399.99) with 2200 pockets the limited choice to try alternatives has lead us to this as the best solution.
   I want to put this on an ottoman bed…. probably the Serene lucca ottoman bed. Hubby is sold of the storage of the ottoman bed and lack of dust bunnies that can hide under a normal bed with storage underneath.

   Firstly, do you have a product to match the matteress above, happy to have a separate topper as I have concerns about the gap the topper creates on the Savoy, between the two singles (big design flaw) but to be honest it was by far the comfiest that we could try.

   Secondly the ottoman has slates is this an issue?

   Thirdly I have been working on the assumption that all SK mattress fit all SK beds is this right?

   Thanks so much for your help
   Vic

   Hi Vic. Thank you very much. Not sure if you have read this post but I think it will put into perspective our thoughts on the dreaded pillow top mattresses [Read Here] There are also some illuminating comments on this page discussing the post in more detail. There is also a direct comment about The Bensons Savoy [here].

   Your question to me ‘..if we had anything similar?’ made my toes curl up like Quavers. Absolutely not, is the answer. Our Ziplink Artisan Tailored Pocket for around the same price will give you some indication of how inferior the Savoy is by comparison.

   Slats should not be an issue. My bed has sprung slats and is used with the Artisan Luxury. [Read Here for more..]

   Good question about sizes. Generally a Superking mattress should fit into a Superking bedframe. However, some frames have a precise internal size of 6′ x 6’6. Better frames add a tolerance of +1-1.5″ so that the mattress is not tight in the bedframe. You should have no problem with your ottoman as the mattress is relatively near to the top of the frame.

   Hope this helps Vic. Please let me know what you decide upon. John and Ryan.

   2013/01/23 at 18:13
   Hi J&R

   Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, and yet again such a detailed knowledgable response. Since your email I stumbled across the other posts, and I am so relieved I did. Well off the Savoy now!

   I have decided to invest in the White company feather topper as you suggest, Its on a 15% discount at the moment!! Happy days.
   But as there is no White company for me to test this will it be too warm for Hubby??….. He is a very warm person and sleeps with a paper thin duvet where as I will need 3!!! we have a cold house….
   What is your opinion. Does this topper just make the bed cosy and then protect your mattress….? I am sold on it but need to make sure its right for him.

   I also extensively looked at your lovely mattresses and to give you a full detail I am approx 5′.3″ and about 9stone, hubby is 6’2″ and about 16stone (I think) all muscle of course. After reading the comparison between the Artisan Tailored and the Natural version I was not to sure what the difference is. For a SK how many pockets do these mattresses have and what is the difference between the springs? Sorry if I am being a bit blonde.
   Also, do you have a showroom so I can come bounce on them to test? and when I am ready to purchase is it is it best to call or just buy on line…..
   Thanks so much again and getting very excited about my new mattress…
   Thanks so much
   Vic

   Hi again Vic. Look at Duvet and Pillow warehouse as well. Ryan recently bought a double fill feather and down topper from there and raved about it. However, he paid just £75 and we think it was a pricing error as a similar version retailed at £140. shortly after that – he’s still gloating!

   As for warmth. This will be due more to your duvet rather than the topper. As you are looking at SKS, I would suggest you get two single duvets rather than one big one. His will obviously be a very light tog rating (4.5) and yours can be as heavy and as luxurious as you wish.

   We do not have showrooms (Read the about us page) Prior to ordering we like to speak to you just to ensure your choice reflects your needs and requirements. However, all orders are followed up with a courtesy call and we go through the choice with you then as well.

   The Artisan Tailored Pocket and The Artisan Naturals are identical in all but the springs. Calico Springs are expensive to manufacture and the price difference reflects this. I would say that if your budget can stretch to the AN than that would be the better choice. Looking at your weights i would suggest you go for Soft tension for you and Medium tension for your hubby.

   In answer to your follow up question about the weights of the mattress – they are very heavy!! We do not have cause to know precise weights as our couriers take them despite this. However, in order to improve our listings we understand the importance of this and will get this precise info on site soon. As a guideline the two mattresses (making up a SKS) will have an approx weight of 85kg. The combined bases will also weigh in the region of 90kg.

   Finally Vic. If you have any questions please feel free to call the office direct. Marie or Gary will be able to help and advise you on your choice. John and Ryan.

9. Mr Mac

   Posted January 13, 2013 at 12:23 AM

   Looking at buying a Sealy Brisbane Super Kingsize as it appears to be a far superior mattress than any other, especially with a pillow top. Im not experienced in these matters and we agreed on a price of £1250. Do think this is a good deal and if not, what would you recommend? Looking for a medium.

   Hi Mr Mac. Sealy Brisbane? Really? How many others have you compared it with? The only indication of the upholstery element is ” .. a deep zoned layer of Innergetic Latex ” How deep is deep? without this tiny detail you are completely unable to do any kind of basic comparison to see if you are able to get a better mattress for your money.

   What about The Bronte at £1165.00 (January 2013) from Feather and Black? Or even The Vi Spring Elite from Furniture Village (Superking: £1249.00: January 2013). None of these are similar to the Sealy Brisbane but they are fundamentally better built for a similar price – worth doing some sort of comparison.

   Of course it would be completely ludicrous for me to point you towards other models without suggesting a couple of my own. The Origins Latex for example at £760.00 (Superking: January 2013) or our Artisan Naturals for £1325.00 (Superking: January 2013).

   As a final thought – it may be wise to read our post on pillow top mattresses before you make your decision. John and Ryan

10. Coralie

    Posted January 6, 2013 at 12:47 PM

    Hi I’d like to buy a day bed with a metal frame back and sides. The problem is that when these are converted into doubles, one person could only get out by climbing over the other! If I was to buy a zip and link set of mattresses would it work to have people sleeping with pillows being horizontally parallel to the “headboard”, meaning that the zip link would also be situated horizontally across the middle of the bed. I hope this makes sense?
    Daybeds with just a headboard at either end only have no back fir when it’s used as a daybed(sofa) and only have the headboard on one side of the bed when its used as a double. I’m not so keen in this type if daybed for this reason.
    Thanks
    Carole x

    Hi Carole. Hmm .. I’ve read this a number of times and although I think I understand what you are saying, I’d like you to clarify a little bit more. Better still, please send me a link of the model in question.

    If I am reading this right, using a ziplink mattress where the sleepers bottom is on the zips, then undoubtedly they will feel the join.
    Sorry if I’m being a bit thick (I have been at the gin tho’) John and Ryan.

11. Sarah

    Posted December 3, 2012 at 12:43 PM

    We are buying a Serene Camilla kingsize metal bedframe. We have limited access up the stairs to a bedroom in a small cottage. Would a king size zip and link mattress be OK on it?

    We like a fairly firm mattress. Can you suggest a mattress that would fit the bill please?

    Hi Sarah. That particular bedframe has a sprung slatted base and ideally I would be inclined to place a length of board down the centre to bridge the arch of the slats – thereby creating a more flatter surface for your mattress.

    I would definitely look at The Artisan Naturals as the mattress to opt for, but obviously it all depends on your budget. Please give Marie or Gary a call on the office number above and they will be able to go through all your options and requirements with you. John and Ryan.

12. Carrie

    Posted November 6, 2012 at 5:59 PM

    Hello

    I have been thinking about getting a zip and link bed for a while, but am worried that the middle edge where beds are zipped might be felt as either a gap or a ridge, I understand the actual zip may be lower and hidden, but as edge stands up wondered if you had any views or advice on this, is a topper is the only way to perhaps avoid this please?
    Many thanks

    Hi Carrie. There is no doubt about it Carrie, you will feel the place where the two mattresses meet. Ryan put this to the test a couple of years ago and concluded that the addition of a good topper helped considerably to minimise the ‘bridge’. It has to be said though, the benefits that this design offers far outweighs this compromise. John and Ryan.

13. Karen Cooper

    Posted November 3, 2012 at 8:36 PM

    Hi, I am looking at buying a zip and link bed for our holiday let property. Is it possible to use two single mattress protectors with a zip and link bed or will the protectors get in the way of the zips? In which case will I need to buy 2 single protectors for when the beds are being used as singles, and 1 double protector for when the beds are zipped together?
    Many thanks
    Karen

    Hi Karen. I’m afraid you will need separate protectors for the different combinations. John and Ryan.

14. Andrea

    Posted October 19, 2012 at 8:24 PM

    Hi
    Help! I would like to buy a guest bed for our smallest bedroom and I thought I would be clever and buy a zip and link mattress so we can have a single bed for use and if needed as both, the mattresses would then zip together to stop any movement.

    I am clearly not as clever as I thought though as I am thoroughly confused about what size zip and link to now get Most seem to be 6’6″ whereas standard single is 3’3″ lengths which baffled me! Could you let me know what I should be looking for please? I think I have brain burn from looking at too much information. Many thanks. Andrea

    Hi Andrea. Do not underestimate how much a difference is made to access within the room when you upsize from a Kingsize (or double) to a Superking size. A good idea is to mark out the floor with masking tape around your current bed to show you where potential access issues to wardrobes / dresser etc will be affected.

    Finally, there is a size (Extraking Ziplink – 6′ x 6’3) which is identical to two standard single beds. Hope this helps. John and Ryan.

15. Anne

    Posted October 7, 2012 at 11:11 AM

    I have a Sealy Superking divan bed with a Posturpaedic Ultra luxury Supreme mattress, which is nice and soft. The problem is that my husband who is much heavier than me (18st against my 10 st) moves around a lot in the night which can keep me awake. I have been looking online at the zip & link mattresses. Can you advise me if this would work with our divan base which is 7 years old. We both like a soft to medium mattress.
    Thanks. Anne.

    Hi Anne. Only you can determine whether your current base is in good enough condition. If there are no undue wear patterns and obviously no springs popping through (if spring edged) then it is feasible that it can be used for a ziplink combo.

    Your 10st and 18st weight differences do indicate that a ziplink option would be benficial to you both. The stress your husband will be putting the mattress through is obviously going to be greater than you and so take care on getting the right set with components that will be able to cope. Look at our Artisan Tailored Pocket as a minimum standard for your requirements. John and Ryan.

16. Dory

    Posted August 18, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    What a great website you have! I’m thinking of buying a zip-link bed for a holiday-let cottage in Scotland, and like Tracy and Sandy I don’t really like divan beds, and can’t stand valances. I could cope with divan bases if they had legs and had upholstery that went with the rest of the bedroom. You mentioned earlier in this thread that you do bases with legs and have a range of fabrics, but I can’t find any information on this on your site.

    How does the construction of the base under the zip-link mattress affect comfort & durability, and what would you recommend for a holiday let cottage?

    Hi Dory. We can provide low level platform bases with legs on certain models – usually anything from our Artisan range. You can factor in approximately £25 for the legs. We are also able to offer a limited fabric choice based on your colour scheme.

    The minimum height for a sprung edged low level base is 8 inches which leaves you up to six inches for the legs. Non spring edged platform top bases can be any height from six inches upwards. Pocket sprung mattresses like a sprung edged base – a solid platform top will make the mattress feel firmer. Hope this helps. John and Ryan.

17. liz marchant

    Posted August 11, 2012 at 9:25 AM

    Hello! I am so happy to have found your website, I think its just what we have been looking for! We bought a superking therapure mattress from dreams nearly 2 years ago which we have had endless problems with. Mainly it doesn’t remember to go back to its original position & it has sagged in the middle, which is giving us terrible back trouble.

    Dreams have been useless & don’t want to know, despite us paying £1200 for it Having seen your website I think a zip link would be ideal for us, also we slept on an Austrian twin when on holiday & it was great. I think think the problem is I weigh 9 stone & my husband is 18stone! We both sleep on our sides and I would be grateful for any advice on the type of mattress which would suit us. We’re pretty lost as to what would be best, sprung/memory foam & would love a good nights sleep! I look forward to your reply! Liz.

    Hi Liz. As you have probably read countless times throughout this site we are not keen advocates of any kind of Memory Foam mattress. You are right to deduce that the weight difference between your husband and yourself should be a primary consideration of your choice – Obviously pocket springs should be the support and the comfort layers should be more than polyester.

    Read through our description of our Artisan Naturals. This model can be made with two different tension springs soft for you and Firm for your husband. (this mix is only available on the Ziplink models) on a one piece you will be tied to dual spring tension – medium for you and firm for your husband. Call us if you require any further help. John and Ryan.

18. Karen

    Posted July 11, 2012 at 4:17 PM

    Hi,
    I have started my search for a new bed and came across this fantastic site. I called into ‘Dreams’ and liked the feel of their Zen Revitalise latex bed. Now having read your description of said bed as a ‘polished turd’ I am obviously not going to buy it. However, I am a little concerned at the number of comments stating that your Origins latex beds are very firm..is this due to the thicker latex?

    Yes. This is a well padded mattress more suitable for people of an above average bodyweight. Not only is there 6cm of Latex but there is an underlying 2cm of foam acting as the insulator above the springs. This is quite a hefty amount and as your bodyweight of 11st is considered quite light, you would barely be utilising the spring support at all. However, you do say that your preference is for a firm support with soft comfort layers and I do think this may suit the bill.

    I was thinking of a latex KS mattress because I’m fed up with being woken up by my husband bouncing about alongside me and I thought the latex would act as a buffer to the springs. But now having read about your zipped mattresses I wonder whether these would be a better alternative?

    In the KS zip-link the mattresses are 2’6” each which is obviously the same as a KS bed so surely that is sufficient space? We would not be separating the mattresses so I suppose my questions would be;
    1) Would the Options Latex mattress prevent unwanted movement or should I opt for a zip-linked? (No issues with access)

    Most pocket sprung mattresses will inhibit unwanted movement from your partner. It is preferable to opt for the one piece mattress as a 2′.6 span is quite narrow and in the case of the origins latex will increase the overall tension (giving you an increased firmer feel).

    2) Is the Options Latex mattress much firmer than the Artisan Natural?

    Yes, it can be. The Artisan Naturals has a choice of spring tensions whereas the Origins Latex does not. Therefore we are more able to make the mattress to suit your own bodyweights.

    3) What is the advantage of a latex top to the Artisan Natural and which mattress do you consider superior?

    The Artisan Naturals is a far better mattress. The springs alone – completely and utterly comparable to Vi Springs calico springs – is enough to justify the superiority of this particular mattress.

    I am 11 stone and my husband is almost 14 stone and both 5ft 7ins. Both sleep on our sides. We want firm support with a soft feel.
    Hope you can help.
    Regards Karen.

    The Artisan Naturals with a medium spring gauge will be right for you both. You do not need to go down the ziplink route. Hope this helps. John and Ryan.

    [14th July 2012]
    Hi,
    Thanks for the reply. We have since trawled around several bed shops armed with my new knowledge from your site and both of us agree that latex is the way to go. It is so lovely to lie on when combined with firm support.

    The two beds that we particularly liked were the Zen Revitalise at £779 in the Dreams sale and the Sealy Madrid Posturetech 660 at £899 in Bensons. (The Sealy Sydney was too springy). Both have the latex layer, both stated as 3cm Innergetic by the salesmen. The ZR has the latex as integral within the mattress whereas the SM was a pillow top arrangement. I preferred the look of the ZR.

    I can’t remember how old our bed is but it was a Sleepezee 1000 pocket firm, tufted which has gradually turned into a soggy lawn. It happens so gradually over the years that you don,t notice the support disappearing but it could be 15 years old now and I feel every turn from my husband.

    I’m ashamed to say that I was blaming him for my restless nights and considering seperate/zipped mattresses but on the beds in the showrooms I could barely feel him move!

    So your Origins Pocket latex with base is selling at slightly more than the SM (with the base) and quite a bit more than the ZR. Both of these models have a 10 year guarantee option and I notice yours is 7 years.
    I am now relying on your expertise and integrity to explain why yours is the better bed and how long the orders take to arrive?
    Thanks again. Karen

    Hi again Karen. You have raised an interesting point about how the support from your mattress has declined over the years. Interesting because this gives credence to our argument that if you find a mattress that is perfect from day one, it can only decline from that point onwards. There are plenty of comments throughout this site that bear testament to this – and unfortunately there is no right answer to combat this anomaly. You are faced with a situation whereby you get perfect comfort from day one and have to replace sooner. Or do you opt for a slightly firmer tension from day one – break it in – becomes perfect and then start to decline? Personally, I would opt for the latter.

    As for choosing which mattress is best – or more succinctly – which is best for you (and your budget) is now relatively easy to conclude.

    The Zen Revitalize [£699 KS Mattress (Aug 2012) ] is not worlds apart from our offering [Origins Latex 1500: £670. (Aug 2012) ]. The latex comes from the same source (Latexco) although the actual “Innergetic” blend is kept confidential whereas we know ours is a 60/40 mix. As stated above we utilise 6cm whereas the ZR utilises 3cm.

    The Sealy Madrid (£750 KS Mattress (Aug 2012) is based on an open coil unit – which as your original comment was to prevent disturbance from your hubby would make me inclined to suggest this may be the wrong choice for you. I am under the impression that only the Silentnight group use latex carrying the Innergetic brand (I stand to be corrected) which makes me think these two mattresses come from this particular group of companies. Out of the two, and taking into account your bodyweight I think the ZR would be the better choice for you. However, recapping on my original answer to your comment, your preference for a ‘firmer feel’ still prompts me to recommend our Origins Latex. It is worth noting that the base we supply as standard with this model is sprung edged. At £245 this is not particularly expensive, but if this does exceed your budget we can supply a basic platform top base in its stead.

    Our guarantee of 7 years is quite realistic. With love and proper care there is no doubt that you will get many more years than this. Please let us know what you decide. John and Ryan.

    Thanks for the reply. I thought I would update you on my progress. I finally decided to buy your Options Latex bed as I liked the idea of a thick latex layer in a quality-made mattress.
    The bed was delivered by an SCS delivery van but they refused to unwrap it so I could not sign to say it was delivered in perfect condition. They told me that if I had bought a bed from SCS they would have unwrapped and erected the bed for me. Anyway, after about three hours of mauling the new bed around on my own I am pleased to say it was in place and perfect.
    My main gripe is the design of the bed base which has four drawers but with the bedside cabinets in place it is impossible to open the top drawers. My old bed had smaller top drawers which could be opened even with the cabinets in place.
    Now to the mattress – what can I say….it’s like sleeping on a cloud, beautiful and soft yet fully supported. At first I thought it felt too soft as it is quite bouncy but after a few nights it feels perfect. I was also initially concerned about the rounded edges of the mattress and it felt as though I was sliding off the edge but I think that this is because my old mattress had very strong piping around the edge. I’m quite used to the feel now and delighted with my purchase!
    I think I’ll have to buy a new headboard as the old one barely shows above the height of the massive mattress, but that’s no problem.
    Thanks again for all the advice and thankyou both for such a great bed!!
    Regards
    Karen

    Hi again Karen. Thanks for leaving such valuable feedback. You have unfortunately experienced our Achilles Heel – The Couriers! The couriers we use (4 Square Logistics) utilise SCS (The Furniture people) spare capacity in their vehicles to deliver our goods. Working this way gives us the means to enable deliveries right across mainland UK. More importantly, it enables us to keep the cost of our goods down as low as possible.

    Mattress delivery carries an extortionate cost and we obviously have to factor this in to the retail price. Our contract with our courier is to have the mattress taken to room of choice. There is no obligation for them to assemble or unpack – although we have had feedback where the couriers could not have been more helpful, and I am afraid it does become the luck of the draw.

    We are concious of the failings of utilising third party couriers and believe me, we are constantly looking for companies who will be able to offer us a service that our customers should expect – at a price that is not overly exorbitant. We are also looking at the economics of employing our own drivers to deliver our goods and hopefully in time we will be able to do so.

    What stands out in your comment is your complete satisfaction with your mattress and I hope this balances out the gripe with the delivery people. Thanks again Karen. John and Ryan.

    [Update: Jan:2013] We no longer use spare capacity ScS couriers to deliver our goods.

19. suzie

    Posted May 1, 2012 at 9:51 PM

    hi id just like to ask for some advice on the zip and link beds, we have a solid pine double bed frame and i have tried lots of different mattresses and still cant find a good one tho, but wen we have stayed in hotels the beds have been so comfy, and i have noticed that they are zip and link, and i have now reached the dission of wanting one of them for comford, i would want a one that has 2 seperate mattreses of 3ft each, so is this called a super king or what, also i would love to be able to get solid pine frames instead of devan bases, i am around 13 stone and so is my husband, i dont want anything too hard or too firm tho, i am sick of not have a comfy nites sleep because of the awfull mattresses i have bought, even tho i have paid over 400 pound for 1 at some point, so any advice would be so much appreciated -thanks suzie

    Hi Suzie. I’m afraid this is going to sound a little harsh, but please take it as a no holds barred reality check.
    £400 is not a lot of money to spend on a mattress. Out of the 4000 or so different mattress models out there the bulk of these have a retail price of less than £800. Even this amount will only get you an average run of the mill mattress – nothing exceptional at all. We have placed our Artisan Naturals in this ball park knowing full well that it will be virtually impossible to get an equivalent build for this price.

    You are assuming that a zip and link will give you more comfort. Not so. Zip and links can be made with the most basic of mattress elements (Polyester [as known as] white fibre etc) or the most luxurious of components (Horsehair / wool / cotton etc).

    If your budget falls into the £500 range, you really cannot expect any mattress to fulfil all your expectations. Mattresses within this price bracket will essentially be polyester based and those that extol elements of natural fibres as a constituent part ‘will be’ (NOT might be!) completely useless.

    In cases like this you should be looking for a mattress (1000 pocket springs minimum) for the support – and complement this yourself with a separate comfort layer such as a mattress enhancer or feather topper (not overly expensive – look on ebay). Combine these together with a fitted protector – again there is no need to pay over the odds for all this, and at least you will have something that offers some degree of comfort Hope this helps Suzie. John and Ryan.

20. Jacqueline

    Posted April 26, 2012 at 5:09 PM

    Hello
    We want to replace our old superking zip and link bed shortly. We stayed with friends recently and found their Somnus Sensa Pocket – Countess – 3500 (mattress) and 550 (base) – System 4050 extremely comfortable and would like to find something approaching its comfort if possible? I took the above info from the mattress labelling and am unsure as to which bits are relevant and so have given you all I could find!

    I am assuming it is pocket sprung and that the 3500 above relates to this?
    The filling was Egyption cotton/natural horsehair/mohair/Lambswool. As it also probably extremely expensive I wondered if you can suggest the most relevant mattress and base to opt for from your excellent range.

    I am 9st and my husband around 12st. We like a medium bed but I would rather like a fairly comfy top layer if possible.
    Any suggestions please would be helpful. I will either go for another zip and link option because of its versatility but this is not essential.
    I suppose our total budget is around £1500-£1800. Is this feasible?
    I look forward to your suggestions. Thanks.

    Hi Jacqueline. Look at you being all Sherlock Holmes.
    A bit of a problem tho’. The fillings you refer to is indeed in The Countess (Supremacy Collection) but the spring count for this particular model is 6000 in the mattress and 550 in the base. However, an old article I have from January 2010 does indeed show The Countess being referred to as the 4050.

    Lets assume it is the current Countess, and so what we’ll do is to put it into some sort of perspective. The Countess is a mid range model in this particular collection with The Ambassador being their top of range with a spring count of 16000 in the (Kingsize) mattress.

    Somnus (Harrison Spinks) is the mid ‘brand’ of The Harrison’s group – with Spink and Edgar being the premium brand – and as an indicator of placement of The Countess, The S&E Empire has a mattress spring count of 21700 (RRP: £10.936 Kingsize Mattress).

    There are three main mattress manufacturers of worth in this country. Harrisons and associated (Somnus / Spink and Edgar), Vi Spring and Savoir Beds. These three are all seen to be direct competitors of each other with Savoir Beds being the more exclusive brand and very much less the mainstream.

    Vi Spring and Savoir (and us) tend to favour the traditional method of mattress construction – Calico encased pocket springs and layering of predominantly pure individual fillings such as horsehair / mohair / wool and cotton etc, each complimenting each other and working together as a marriage. Harrisons tend to stow great store in the number of springs they can cram into the mattress, and tend to have the bulk of their fillings as a blend – an everyone’s invited kind of orgy if you will!

    This is not to say one particular method is fundamentally better than the other tho’. I would personally argue the individual layers and calico corner along with Vi Spring and Savoir. Harrisons no doubt would be able to hold their own with their million zillion spring count thesis.

    I must admit we do like the construction methods of Vi Spring (and incidentally Hastens Beds) and in some peoples eyes what we do may be seen as copying – but we see it as being entirely complimentary to a manufacturer of worth. Make of that what you will.

    What stands out in your comment is that you can easily recognise and fully appreciate a mattress that can be deemed as a quality product. Worlds apart from the run of mill tat that is Silentnight, Sealy and their ilk.

    I would encourage you AND everyone else in your search for a mattress to go to premium retailers such as Barker and Stonehouse, Feather and Black, John Lewis etc and at least try this quality of mattress from any of these manufacturers in order to realise just how rubbish the bulk of all mattresses sold in this country actually is (are ? – please excuse my appalling grammar)

    If your budget can stretch to buying the originals then all well and good – it is unlikely you will have regrets. If you have a champagne lifestyle on a beer income, then come to us. Our Artisan Luxury or Artisan Bespoke mattresses can comfortably rub shoulders with many models from the above manufacturers and in many cases, prove to be a significantly and relatively higher quality for the retail price asked. Hope this helps. John and Ryan.

21. Annie

    Posted March 26, 2012 at 10:36 AM

    Hello,
    My husband and I are looking for a superking size mattress (180cmx200cm). Quite liked the Hypnos Sleepcare sublime 2000 designed for House of Fraser – spent hours there trying various Hypnos mattresses – with a sale price tag of 1200 pounds (40% off) for SKS. Preferred the Ziplink option, but at Fraser you have to buy the divan base too for SKS Ziplink.

    Then I came across your website. What a find! Now the trick question is to find the right tension of Your Artisan Naturals SKS Ziplink mattress for us. My husband is 180cm/75kg, sleeps on his side and prefers mattress medium to soft while I am 155cm/45kg, sleeps on my side and tummy, and prefers mattress medium to firm. We are both very light sleepers. Shall we have different tensions for the two mattresses of SKS Ziplink?

    Hi Annie. Absolutely you need split tensions. 45kg (you) is 7st – and so a soft 1.30mm spring would be ideal. Your husband (taking into account his comfort preference) 11st should have a medium 1.40mm spring.

    However, that just accounts for the support. The comfort layers also have to have due consideration. Your bodyweight at 7st will not be using any spring unit to the full. Comfort layers have to offer you the comfort and also an element of support. the last thing you want to be doing is to sink through multi layers of soft fillings and having the spring unit act as the plateau. They should both be working together.

    Your husband, although his weight is not excessive, will equally have a correct support and equal comfort.

    I had a quick look at The Sublime 2000 – The official description is as follows:
    Hypnos 150cm Sleepcare sublime 2000 divan set. Part of our Sleepcare collection exclusive to House of Fraser and designed in partnership with Hypnos. The traditional mattress benefits from a 2000 pocketed sprung interior (150cm size) layered with anti allergenic white fibre, soft lamb`s wool with silk natural lamb`s wool and cotton felt together giving a supportive sleeping surface. Encapsulated in a high quality Belgium tick and finished with 3 rows of hand side stitching on the border ensure edge to edge support and help maintain the mattresses shape. An open coil sprung edge divan base upholstered in blueberry fabric to complete the set. Made in UK.

    What stands out i this description is the use of the words – ” ..layered with anti allergenic white fibre..” I take this to mean polyester, and for a mattress retailing at this price, this should be the last thing that should be used. If I were you I would phone Hypnos [01844 348200] or House of Fraser [0845 602 1073] and ask the following questions:
    1. What is the total weight of Fillings by GSM [Grams per Square Meter].
    2. How much of this is attributed to the White Fibre [assume polyester]
    3. What is the weight [GSM] of the Lambs wool and cotton layer?

    Pound for pound, our Artisan Luxury comes into this budget and it is obvious to anyone that the overall specification far exceeds this Hypnos model. Not only that, the quality of the spring unit we have used (calico encased etc) and the option to split tensions make our mattress an outstanding hands down winner! Once you have found out off Hypnos / HoF what the fillings actually are, you will be able to make an informed comparison and not just take our word for it. Please keep in touch. John and Ryan.

22. beverlie

    Posted March 14, 2012 at 12:14 AM

    Hi there, reading a post below from Annette R, I too have the same problem, trying to find headboards for 3′ zip & link beds – i need wooden shaker style if possible – any ideas – this is for a hotel project i am working on?
    Thanks.

    Hi Beverlie. Further to my response to Annette below, you do have an option of adding a custom built headboard [one piece] directly to the wall – particular beneficial for an hotel environment. This would in effect be a minimum of 9ft or so and each arrangement of the ziplink bed [either together or separated] will have a headboard for it. The bedsides will also look more fitted if the headboard encompasses these as well (if you see what i mean?). John and Ryan.

23. Mark

    Posted March 9, 2012 at 4:01 PM

    Hey guys,

    Great website – very informative and unbiased feedback – well done.
    I’m thinking of purchasing a large superking bed (200 x 200) but live in rented accomodation in London and likely to do so for the next few years.

    As such, it’s possible I will need to move a number of times over the next few years. I think I should be able to get the mattress into my current appartment without excessive bending, but I’m a little nervous it will make finding future accomodation more difficult and make moving a big hassle.

    I was thinking of looking at a Zip and Link option, but I’m concerned it won’t be as comfortable as the one piece mattress. It’s unlikely I will ever need to break the bed into two single beds, so this is really just a question of making access easier/reducing chance of damage during moves vs. comfort of a single mattress.

    Some people have suggested that a topper will eliminate the comfort problem, but I tend to get too warm at night and think the single mattress would likely be more comfortable.

    Would be great to year your thoughts on the pros and cons of Zip and Links and also how often you run into issues delivering superkings.
    Thanks

    Hi Mark. Thanks for the compliments, very much appreciated.
    Do not underestimate the overall size of 200 x 200. A quality one will have an extraordinary weight factor attached to it as well.

    Ideally, a one piece mattress is the best solution. having a split is a neccessary compromise when access of a one piece becomes imposible. The use of a topper need not be a heat problem It is usually polyester / nylon based toppers that inhibit ventilation but there are many natural affordable alternatives that offer sublime comfort and a remedy for a split matt.

    In our view, the use of a topper should be paramount on any mattress. it should not be viewed as improving what you have but an insurance that what you have is being looked after in the best posible way. It can also be viewed as a better alternative to an extended warranty. Any manufacturing fault in a mattress will show itself within a matter of weeks – there is relatively little that can go wrong anyway, and any manufacturing fault would normally be covered within the first year by the normal guarantee. Extended warranties on mattresses do not cover wear and tear of internal components – hence the myriad of complaints online.

    Personally, for you Mark, I would go down the ziplink option.Your future plans are not set in stone and there are not many stairwells that can take delivery of a mattress of this size. Secondly, you may want to wait until you end up in your final destination before investing in a good quality mattress. There are extra costs involved in special size mattress (approx 10% per six inch increments – width as well as length) and your new home may not have the room for this size bed. It may be worth considering a fairly well built standard Superking – adequate support and adequate comfort and using a good quality topper that should last well in excess of your rental days. Hope this helps. John and Ryan.

24. Annette R

    Posted December 16, 2011 at 4:25 AM

    Hi John & Ryan,
    I have a zip and link super king size bed on divan base which I want to use in a guest bedroom. Can you recommend where I can Get a couple of smart headboards that will look well when the bed is in use as a twin or super king bed when zip and link in use?
    Rgds,
    Annette R

    Hi Annette. We shall shortly be adding a complete range of headboards on our site by the end of January / February. In the meantime bear in mind that the main thing to look for is that they do not have any decorative protrusions that prevent them being joined together flush. On a Supking Ziplink, any standard three foot headboards will fit. There should be at least two headboard fittings on each of your bases to attach.

    Secondly, there are two types of headboards – good quality and acceptable quality. Good quality headboards are evident by the quality of finish. Completely upholstered front and back – stitched and not stapled!

    Acceptable quality is well upholstered but the back (non viewable) side has a stitchbond fabric stapled to the underlying board.

    Please take time to compare like for like. It will soon become evident as to what is overpriced and what is good value for money. For a Guest bedroom I would start looking at Argos and then use that as a start to comparison. Hope this helps and please feel free to add to your comment. John and Ryan.

25. Tracy

    Posted October 21, 2011 at 6:08 PM

    I am looking to purchase zip and link beds for our property in Menorca that we will be renting out next year. I do not want to have the ‘solid’ bases that link together, please can you let me know whether there are ’4 legged’ bases x 2 that will link together as these would be most suitable for Menorca.
    Thanks
    
    Hi Tracy, Believe it or not, there are not many designs of zip and link bases for you to choose from. The ones we do come in a variety of heights from 12″ with castor (not the ones you are after) to platform bases at 6″ with wooden / chrome legs in a variety of heights. We also have quite a substantial color range of fabrics that we can use to color co=ordinate. When you are closer to making a decision please feel free to call me to discuss further. John and Ryan.

26. Sandie

    Posted July 26, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    We have a small B&B and are thinking about zip and link for versatility. The trouble is I don’t like ‘divan’ type beds, and prefer bed frames, for easy cleaning (and I hate valences!). Do you have any suggestions? We need good quality, and sturdy that is going to have a firm headboard (no rattles!). Can you help, please.

    Old Pond Cottage B&B
    http://www.oldpondcottage.com
    
    Hi Sandie. We do have access to a small range of frames that can be linked together. If you give Ryan a call he will be able to help you with your choice. John.

27. Lesley Norriss

    Posted February 26, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    We are looking for 2 x 2’6″ OTTOMAN bed bases that can be linked together with 2 x 2’6″ zip together mattresses for a holiday flat that we are doing up at the moment – can you help with this configuration of a 5′ bed please ?? Many thanks Lesley Norriss
    Hi Lesley, bases that can accommodate ziplink mattresses are usually platform top divan styles. I have not come across ottoman bases that can be linked together and styled sufficiently to take the mattresses you require. Bear in mind that the surface has to be entirely flat and many single bedframes, ottoman or otherwise have an inset frame perimeter which makes it impossible for the mattresses to sit comfortably and therefore to be separated when required. The best option for maximum storage is a slide store base but not very stylish. If you or anyone else has come across a suitable bedframe that can be used for ziplink mattresses please let me know. John.

28. Jon

    Posted September 16, 2010 at 8:35 PM

    Hi,

    My girlfriend and I are looking for a bed. Our issue is that my girlfriend is a particularly light sleeper, and I tend to move around quite a lot in my sleep and I am quite a bit heavier. We have thought that a zip and link superking mattress might be a neat solution as the separate (but linked) mattresses should ‘soak up’ any movement in the bed. Do you have any other suggestions? What about memory foam? Which ever mattress we went for, would separate divans be better than a frame bed?
    Thanks, Jon.
    Hi Jon. Ziplink matts is your ideal solution. Has to be pocket sprung of course. Not particularly keen on memory foam – you can’t beat traditional. Bedframes last a lot longer than divan bases, but divan bases are cheap enough to tide you over till you find the right frame. Give me a call and we can go through the options. John.

29. Derek Hutchison

    Posted July 23, 2010 at 9:15 AM

    Hi,
    My wife has got us looking at a new bed with 2 matresses e.g ziplink. Your site is very helpfull and informative. There’s a lot in there, but it’s relatively easy to find. No silly animated title pages, good job. I know feedback on a site is useful. I shall save this as a favourite and let her read it all up. Cheers Derek.
    Hi Derek, thanks for the comments. Please let me know if there is any part that needs clarifying. Because of space I have only put the essential information, and if you think that there is a detail that needs elaborating upon, then please let me know. John.

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