Consumer Groups Request CPSC Ban, Refunds for Adult Portable Bed Rails

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is considering banning adult portable bed rails, after 62 consumer groups submitted petitions alleging the product is responsible for deaths among the elderly and frail. According to the petitioners, the bed rails can entrap and asphyxiate the elderly, and the risk of falling from climbing over the rails may be greater than the risk of falling from not having any rails at all. The petitioners claimed 155 people died because of adult portable bed rails between 2003 and 2012, CPSC said. Comments are due by Aug. 5.

The consumer groups also requested a public recall notice and refunds for all adult portable bed rails. CPSC said it would consider the requests, but not in the context of this proceeding to determine whether a ban is necessary.