What is a Zip and Link Bed?
This is a bed that can be either one big bed or two single beds by means of linking bars on the base and double zippers on the mattresses to enable it to be separated when and if you need them to be.
There are three standard sizes available;
Kingsize Ziplink (5’0 x 6’6) – Comprising of 2 x 2’6″ x 6’6″ beds
This size is priced the same as Extraking models
Extraking Ziplink (6’0 x 6’3) – Comprising of 2 x 3’0″ x 6’3″ beds
Superking Ziplink (6’0 x 6’6) – Comprising of 2 x 3’0 x 6’6″ beds
What are the benefits of a Ziplink?
Each side of the bed is entirely independent of each other, thereby totally eliminating ‘roll together’ even when the springs are cage sprung. It is also an ideal solution for hotels and guest houses where the bed can be adapted to suit the guests requirements – either twin beds or one luxurious big bed. Secondly, most stairwells cannot take a full superking size mattress to be delivered. A zip and link makes delivery possible. All Zip and Link mattresses are standard sizes and can fit into / onto any standard bedframe either Kingsize or Superking size but obviously cannot be separated.
About King Size Zip and Links
A kingsize ziplink is the same overall size as a standard kingsize bed. 5’0 x 6’6″. The bed is split into two making each side 2’6″ wide and 6’6″ long. This size of bed is practical when room size cannot accommodate a superking size bed. If you are looking to buy this type of bed for guest house / B&B use then bear in mind that when separated, a 2’6 wide bed is rather small for the average person.
About Extraking Size Zip and Links
An Extraking ziplink is 6’0 x 6’3″. It is only the length of the bed that differentiates it from the superking size. Always bear in mind that some retailers describe this size as a Superking – which it clearly is not. Always check on the overall size before purchasing. This size of bed is ideal when your available room space is at a premium. The majority of zip and link beds with a pocket spring system will be offered in this extraking size – the price of the bed will increase dramatically if you are looking for a full superking size ziplink with a pocket spring system and you may be paying a premium for it.
About Superking Size Zip and Links
A Superking ziplink is 6’0 x 6’6″. This is the standard size of a superking size bed whether it be a ziplink or one piece.
Will you feel the zippers?
No. The zippers are situated on the sides at the top of the mattress and the bottom of the mattress to enable the mattresses to be joined together. They are manufactured so that the zippers are just beneath the seam on the edge of the mattress. When together the seams fold over the zipper.
Headboards:
Remember when selecting your headboards for ziplinks that you will need 2 x singles (or 2 x 2’6 for King ZL) in order that the beds can be separated without removing. If you go for a one piece headboard then it will have to be removed when you separate the beds. Also be aware of the design, when the beds are together the headboard has to look like one piece, so the sides that butt up together should be verticle – no fancy shapes or protrusions (metal headboards)
Zip and Links for Hotel, Guest House use
I personally think that you do not have to spend a fortune on beds for Guest house or hotel use. It would be better to change the mattresses on a yearly basis than to pay more in order for the mattress to last longer. This not only is a more hygienic option but also can be used as a selling point to your guests.
Comfort should of course be the main consideration, but also remember that the beds will be used as seating and resting a lot more than it will in a domestic setting. Therefore, when making your selection look for the durability aspects of the mattress as well as the comfort level.
Read more about mattresses for Hotel and Guest House use..
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.