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

For further information please see Assistive Technology Australia?s website www.at-aust.org or phone our Infoline 1300 452 679 to talk to a health professional. You can also visit our centre at Blacktown ? see Supplier details for address. Please note that Assistive Technology Australia?s purpose is to provide impartial information. We do not buy or sell assistive technology but provide supplier details

Considerations

In certain circumstances there is an element of risk involved in the use of a device that attaches to the side of a bed such that there is the possibility of entrapment between the device and the mattress. This includes but is not limited to a bed pole (stick), bed rail or bed rail protector. The device may increase the risk of injury or even death to the bed occupant. Entrapment of limbs or body parts may occur with parts of the bed and the device. Some bed occupants may try to climb over a bed rail to get out of bed.

A risk assessment should be undertaken in each circumstance of use. The device should not be used in circumstances where there is a gap between the vertical components and the mattress. Users most at risk include those with physical or cognitive challenges or where the intended user's alertness is affected by medication.

Regular monitoring is recommended, particularly where the user's condition is changing.

Standards

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 also see
http://at-aust.org/home/assistive_technology/standards.html

TGA
Many of the items on the Assistive Technology Australia website are categorised as a Medical Device. Medical devices that are approved for use in Australia have been entered into a national database called the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), which is maintained by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). You can ask the supplier for the ARTG number for the device you wish to purchase and search the ARTG for the entry. To access information on the ARTG visit www.tga.gov.au

When buying a medical device it is advisable to only choose a medical device that is recommended by a healthcare professional and has been included on the ARTG.