What Are Zip and Link Beds? A Complete Guide for 2025

Zip and link beds offer the perfect blend of flexibility and comfort - especially for hotels, guest houses, and other commercial settings where adaptability is key. But what exactly are zip and link beds, and why might they be the ideal solution for your accommodation needs?

What Is a Zip and Link Bed?

A zip and link bed is a versatile bedding solution that can be used either as one large bed or separated into two singles. Each bed consists of two separate mattresses (usually single or small single) that can be zipped together along their sides and linked at the base using strong metal connectors. This results in:

  • A super king size bed (when zipped and linked)
  • A continental king size bed (when zipped and linked)
  • A king size bed (when zipped and linked)
  • Two independent single beds (when unzipped and separated)

This setup allows for quick room reconfiguration depending on guest preferences.

 

The Benefits of Zip and Link Beds

Individual Mattress Support

A zip and link bed can be used as two single beds or joined together to form one larger bed. This means that two separate mattresses are used, allowing users who share a bed to each experience the benefits and support of a single mattress.

This is perfect for sleeping partners who have different comfort preferences, as they can use two mattresses with different support levels.

The individual mattresses also eliminate the 'roll together' problem that standard mattresses have, where if one person moves during their sleep, the other will feel this and it may disturb them. 

Easy to Install

In places which are difficult to access, such as hotels with multiple floors, narrow corridors etc. zip and link beds can be easier to install.

Handling the two single sections of the bed separately also reduces the amount of weight being carried.

Versatile Sleeping Solution

The zip and link is a versatile and cost-effective bed, which quickly and easily change a room’s capacity and arrangement according to the occupant’s needs. A twin room (two singles) can become a double room (one double/king size); a family room (one double, one single) can become a triple room (three singles).

Zip and Link FAQs

Will you feel the seam/zip between the mattress on a zip and link bed?

Zip and link mattresses are specially designed so that the zips do not interfere with your comfort when sleeping. The zips are attached to the sides of the mattress just beneath the mattress edge.

However, you might be slightly aware of the seam, simply because it’s not a complete mattress surface. You can use a mattress topper if this is a problem for you.

Can I attach a headboard?

You can use a regular headboard as normal with a zip and link bed. However, if you use one large headboard it will need to be removed before you can separate the bed.

The majority of hotels use two matching single headboards (some are specially designed for zip and link beds) which can permanently stay attached to each single bed base.

Zip and Link Mattress & Frame Sizes

Here at HotelContractBeds, we manufacture three main sizes as standard;

  • King Size Zip and Link: 5'0'' x 6'3'' (150cm x 190cm)
  • Continental King Size Zip and Link: 5'6" x 6'3" (165 cm x 190 cm)
  • Super King Size Zip and Link: 6'0" x 6'3" (180 cm x 190 cm)

However, if you need more of a unique size to fit your needs, we offer a bespoke service, allowing you to place an order with custom dimensions. 

What do I need to know when buying a zip and link bed?

If you are buying a bed for your hotel/bed & breakfast/guest house or any non-domestic environment you must ensure your bed adheres to industry fire safety standards such as crib/source 5 (all HotelContractBeds beds comply with these standards).

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