The Safe Use of Bed Rails

Bed rails are also known as safety sides, side rails, bed guards, and cot sides. Grab rails, placed to make getting in and out of bed easier, are not bed rails. Bed rails are used in medical settings as well as in private homes.

Risks

• The most serious risk associated with bed rails is entrapment of the head or neck. Other risks include accidentally dislodging the rails and falling out of bed trying to climb over the rails.

Risk Assessment

• Bed rails must be appropriate for both the bed and mattress types. Once you have matched the correct rail to the correct bed and mattress type, some hazards to watch for are possible spaces or gaps between the bed and rail that an occupant could be trapped in, whether the occupant is a large or small person, and whether the occupant has a large or small head that may become trapped by the rails.

Safety

• Bedside rail bumpers can be used to lower the risk of an occupant being caught between the rail and the mattress. The bumpers should be made of a breathable material so that the occupant doesn't suffocate if he becomes caught.