In a significant move to protect consumer safety, Medline Industries has issued a voluntary recall of approximately 267,000 adult portable bed rails. The recall comes in response to reports of entrapment and asphyxiation risks associated with these products[1].
The affected models include the Bed Assist Bar with Folding Board (model MDS89740), Bed Assist Bar (model MDS89750), and Bed Assist Bar with Anchor Bar (model MDS89760). These bed rails were sold through various medical supply stores and online retailers, including Amazon and Walmart, between 2007 and 2021[1].
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has reported at least three deaths linked to these bed rails. In each case, the user became entrapped between the bed rail and their mattress, leading to fatal asphyxiation. Two of these incidents occurred in 2011 and 2015, involving adults in assisted living facilities[1].
Consumers who have purchased these bed rails are urged to stop using them immediately and contact Medline for a full refund. The company is actively reaching out to known purchasers with instructions for obtaining refunds and disposing of the products[1].
This recall underscores the importance of vigilance in home medical equipment safety, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with mobility issues. It also highlights the ongoing efforts of regulatory bodies like the CPSC to ensure consumer protection in the medical supply industry.
As the recall process unfolds, healthcare providers and caregivers are advised to review their patients’ equipment and make necessary replacements to ensure a safe sleeping environment. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical need for continuous evaluation and improvement of safety standards in medical devices and home care equipment.
Citations:
[1] https://sleepopolis.com/news/medline-bed-rails-recall/
