
Adult portable bed rails — which are installed on the sides of beds to facilitate mobility and reduce the risk of falling — are advertised as safety devices for elderly people or those with medical conditions.
But they can also pose a safety hazard, creating a risk of entrapment that could lead to serious injury or even death. Several companies, as well as the Consumer Product Safety Commission, have recalled thousands of units in recent months, citing the risk of asphyxia and reports of deaths.