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Reviewed / Hiccapop /Aossa / SpinLife
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Getting a good night's sleep is important for everyone. From soft bedding to a darkened room, everyone has an ideal scenario to feel comfortable and safe in bed. One bed safety item that some individuals may benefit from is a bed bumper. If you or someone you know has a tendency to move a lot in their sleep for any reason, a bed bumper can keep them from falling out of the bed to prevent injury and maintain a restful slumber.
Below, we explain what bed bumpers are and how they might be helpful for kids, seniors, or the disabled. We’ll also feature five different examples that buyers love.
What is a bed bumper?
A bed bumper is a piece of equipment that keeps someone from rolling out of bed. Bed bumpers come in a variety of materials, from a foam piece that fits securely under bedding to a taller metal rail. Bed bumpers can help prevent bed sores and provide additional comfort and/or safety to someone while they sleep.
People of all ages may use a bed bumper, from toddlers who are transitioning to a standard bed, to seniors who may need extra leverage when getting into and out of bed. Individuals with disabilities can also benefit from a bed bumper, including people with physical limitations who may slide around in bed or need an additional sense of comfort.
There are quite a few options to choose from, and finding one that gives both the user and their caregiver the greatest peace of mind is key. We’ve got a list of five popular options that may help you find the exact class of product to match your personal situation.
Bed bumpers and bed rails reviewers love
Rounded foam bumper
Promoting safe sleep spans past when your child is an infant. Try these foam bumpers to keep little ones secure in bed.
A rounded, foam bed bumper, such as this one by Hiccapop, is soft and can be placed under bedding so it blends. If the sheet is snug, the bumper should stay in place, especially since there is a grip on the bottom that keeps this bumper from sliding around.
At about 4 feet long and 5 inches high, the Hiccapop bed bumper is good for smaller individuals or those who need a gentle reminder they are edging close to the side of the bed. Purchase just one or a pair for a bed that isn’t against a wall.
These foam bed bumpers are easy to install and are immensely popular with parents.
Foam wedge
Sleeping at a slight angle can prevent bed sores and promote better airflow for breathing while asleep. This Aossa Wedge can help.
Similar to the Hiccapop, this Aossa wedge is made of foam. But instead of forming a dome, the wedge slants down in the shape of a triangle so someone can easily lean into the wedge and use it as an additional pillow or to prevent bed sores.
At 34 inches long and 7 inches high, this wedge is taller than the foam bumper but shorter than some of the other options listed below. Since this item cannot be easily secured by a sheet and isn’t physically mounted to the bed, it can be used in combination with one of the below bed rails to potentially prevent falling.
It’s functional and has been used by some with conditions like Parkinson’s disease, but it’s certainly not the most secure option one can buy. It may be a good fit for those with a solid sense of independent body movement that just need a little extra help.
This wedge cushions the outside of the bed. It can be used with a larger bed rail or in cases where minimal support is required.
EZ adjust bed rail
No need to worry about complicated installation with this reversible bed rail. This product from Stander slides right under your mattress and is secured with a strap.
Walmart sells this adjustable bed rail, which can be secured under a mattress. Since this bed rail is made of metal and is solid, it is great for keeping individuals from falling out of bed. The grab bars expand anywhere from 24 to 42 inches in length and are 22 inches high, making this product the tallest option listed here.
This bed rail folds down to give the user room to get in or out of bed. The mesh cover keeps the user comfortable, and the bonus storage pocket can hold a remote control, glasses, or a book. The bar supports 300 pounds of weight as well. If you’re looking for the best bed rails for seniors or adults, this is one well-liked option to consider.
This adjustable bed rail folds down and supports up to 300 pounds. Just be careful to minimize gaps between the rails and the bed itself.
Foldable bed rail
The mesh lining on this bed rail ensures anyone who rolls into it won't be disturbed while asleep.
Kohl’s sells a metal bed rail with a removeable, washable, mesh cover that’s soft if someone rolls into it but still sturdy. This bed rail also folds down for ease of transition into and out of bed. At 43 inches in length and 18 inches high, this item fits a bed up to a queen-sized mattress. It’s one of the more popular bed rails for kids.
As such, its materials don’t appear to be suited for higher weight classes. If used for adults, the user should be small and mostly independent.
If you want a folding bed rail for kids and toddlers, this is a popular choice that limits gaps in its design.
Sleepsafe Basic Safety Bed
For extra security (and peace of mind), parents will love the Sleepsafe Basic Safety Bed that has wheels to be moved around as needed.
Individuals who need additional safety features may benefit from this Sleepsafe Basic Safety Bed rather than a traditional bumper or rail. It’s fully enclosed but has windows so the user feels secure and not stuck. The Sleepsafe bed also has wheels, so it’s easy to move but can lock in place as well. Starting around $6,000, it’s the priciest option listed here, but it provides maximum security for the user and peace of mind for caregivers.
It also has optional accessories for IV poles and a weight capacity of up to 350 pounds.
This costly solution may be preferred for individuals with complex medical conditions. It eliminates the concerns associated with bed rails and bumpers.
How to use bed rails safely
While bed rails are intended to be a safety accessory for users of any age, they can still be a source of danger if the user becomes caught, scrapes against the rails, or tries to hop over them during the night. Here are some tips to be aware of.
- Monitor: Monitoring is essential. Especially when you first install your new bumper or bed rail, watch the user closely to ensure everything is as secure as possible. There should be little to no gaps between the bed and the product, and it should be able to withstand the person grazing its sides.
- Gaps: If you do have a bed rail with a gap between two rails—though we’ve limited that style in our list—you may want to consider a bed rail cover to fill them in. It potentially mitigates one possible source of bed rail injury.
- Read instructions carefully: When installing any safety product, instructions should be read to the letter to ensure everything functions as intended. If attached incorrectly, the rails may not be as secure as they should be.
- Consider an additional means of defense: Other safety tips, like keeping the user’s bed as low as possible or putting down safety mats, may be advised in conjunction with one of these products or on its own. A bed rail/bumper is not a guaranteed solution, and adding one of these security measures alongside a bed rail might make the user even safer.
While these products are designed to provide security there is, of course, no guarantee they work perfectly every time. We hope this article helps kickstart your research, but some additional investigation may be necessary to select the very best rail or bed bumper for your specific needs. A consultation with a medical professional, occupational therapist, or physical therapist may also be helpful.
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