Short Description
A guide describing features to consider when choosing bed rails and protectors.
More Details
. Bed rails are generally constructed of tubular steel or a molded plastic
. They can be secured to the bed base with screws or 'arms', which slide between the bed base and the mattress.
. Where the arms slide under the mattress it is the weight of the mattress and the person lying on the bed that holds the bed rail in place. Additional cords may be provided (which tie onto the bed base) to secure the bed rail in place.
. Bed rails may have a drop down side or fold down side, which allows access into the bed. This is important where the bed rail runs the full length of the bed. Where only a small rail is required, the person gets in the bed below the rail. (A small rail may be useful to help the person get in and out of bed, rather than minimising the risk of the person falling out of the bed).
. Bed rails may be adjustable in height.
. A bed rail protector is a covering, which goes over the bed rail, or a buffer, which rests up against the inside of the bed rail. The objective of the bed rail protector is to minimise the risk of the person trapping parts of their body in the bed rail (e.g. between the rails) or of hurting themselves on the steel of the bed rail (e.g. lying up against the bed rail for substantial lengths of time). They may also minimise the distress of an individual who does not like the appearance of rails. Bed rail protectors are generally made of a combination of fabric, wadding or foam, with attachment straps to hold it in place.
POINTS TO CONSIDER
Consider whether the item is designed to suit a particular brand of bed, or a particular style of bed (e.g. domestic or hospital bed);
Bed rail
- Consider whether it fits a single, double or Queen size bed;
- Consider whether a bed rail is suitable for the individual. For a person who is confused, a bed rail may be distressing. A child or a person who is confused may attempt to climb over a bed rail in order to get out of bed - this poses safety concerns. Other methods to encourage the person to stay in the bed may need to be considered;
- Ease of dismantling the bed rail for storage (need for tools);
- Ensure there are no sharp or hazardous edges;
- Ensure there are no entrapment hazards;
- Ensure the overall height of the rail rises sufficiently higher than the mattress, to provide a satisfactory height to be effective;
- Ease of lowering the bed rail for access into the bed;
- Provision of safety catches, to minimize the risk of the bed occupant undoing and lowering the bed rail;
- Ease of making the bed with the rail in situ (or ease of removing the bed rail).
Bed rail protector
- Consider whether it suits the brand of bed rail in use;
- Consider whether it can be laundered or cleaned if required;
- A bed rail protector may not be a safe option where the person's face may be against the protector whilst sleeping (reduced air flow). Other methods of encouraging the person to remain in bed may need to be considered.
Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information about standards contact us or visit http://ilcaustralia.org.au/Using_Assistive_Technology/standards_regulation
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