220K Adult Portable Bed Rails Recalled for the 9th Time in 3 Years: ‘Urgent Warning’

More than 220,000 adult portable bed rails were recalled Thursday after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued an urgent warning after one death and serious injuries were reported.

In the past three years, portable bed rails for adults have been recalled eight times after 17 deaths and serious injuries to the head, neck or chest due to entrapment were reported. The nine recalls and two additional product warnings have affected more than 3 million units.

The current recall involves bed rails manufactured by Medical King in Brooklyn, New York, following reports of entrapment and choking hazards. The affected model numbers are 7007, 7057 and 7037. One death was reported in connection with this recall, bringing the total to 18.

CPSC said data shows that 92% of deaths from portable bed rails result from entrapment, most often of the head or neck.

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled more than 220,000 Medical King adult portable bed rails after one death was reported. (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission/Fox News)

Portable bed rails provide assistance to adults who need assistance getting in and out of bed or repositioning themselves while in bed. They also provide sleep support and are used in private homes and residential and care institutions.

“Those who care for the elderly, those with mobility limitations or those with mental health challenges do not have to worry that a critical piece of the assistive equipment they rely on could lead to serious injury or death,” said CPSC Chairman Alex Hoehn -Saric. “During National Care at Home Month, we would like to encourage all healthcare providers – both in private homes and institutional settings – to ensure that the portable adult bed rails they use are properly installed, used correctly and have not previously been recalled. “

In January 2023, CPSC issued new mandatory safety standards for adult portable bed rails, and all bed rails sold and manufactured in the US must meet current performance and testing requirements.

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The current recall involves bed rails manufactured by Medical King in Brooklyn, New York, following reports of entrapment and choking hazards. The affected model numbers are 7007, 7057 and 7037. (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission/Fox News)

CPSC also has an “Adult Bed Rails Safety Education Center” on its website with various safety tips and information for families and caregivers.

The safety tips include:

• Ensuring that the side rail is not recalled and that it meets the mandatory safety standard
• Prevents gaps between the side rail and the mattressThe side rail should be pressed firmly against the side of the mattress. The attachment mechanism (e.g.: strap) is properly installed and tightened
• The side rail should be pressed firmly against the side of the mattress
• The retention device (e.g.: strap) is properly installed and tightened
• Preventing dangerous gaps between the side rail and the surrounding areaEnsure there is a gap of at least 30 cm between the side rail and the head/foot end. Keep furniture (bedside tables, dressers, etc.) away from the bed rail. Do not install multiple side rails next to each other.
• Ensure there is a gap of at least 30 cm between the side rail and the head/foot end
• Keep furniture (bedside tables, dressers, etc.) away from the bed rail
• Do not install multiple side rails next to each other
• Following all provided warnings and instructions for assembly, installation and useDo not climb over the bed rail or allow it to climb. Do not adjust the side rail Make sure the side rail is compatible with the bed/mattress
• Do not climb over the bed rail or allow it to climb
• Do not modify the side rail
• Make sure the side rail is compatible with the bed/mattress
• Make sure side rails are appropriate for the situationThose with cognitive impairments should be carefully monitored
• Those with cognitive impairments should be carefully monitored

Thursday’s recall marks the ninth recall for adult portable bed rails since 2021, following a total of 18 deaths. (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission/Fox News)

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Previous recalls and safety alerts include bed rails from Bed Handles, Drive DeVilbiss, Essential Medical Supply, Compass Health, Nova Medical Products, Mobility Transfer Systems, Platinum Health, BeyondMedShop, Medline and Ceither.