The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers, including older adults, to immediately stop using Mobility Transfer Systems adult portable bed rails. The federal agency says nearly 300,000 of these portable bed rails that can entrap users, and result in serious injury or death, have been sold since 1992.

At least three people have died after becoming entrapped in one model of the bed rails:

• A 78-year-old Michigan woman in an assisted living facility who died in 2006
• An 85-year-old Oklahoma man in a nursing home who died in 2007
• A 90-year-old disabled woman living in California, who died in 2013

What portable be rail models should older adults stop using?

The CSPC warning applies to 10 models of bed rails, manufactured and sold by Mobility Transfer Systems Inc. and by Metal Tubing USA Inc. CPSC evaluated the bed rails and found that consumers can become entrapped between the bed rail and mattress, or within portions of the bed rail itself, leading to asphyxia.

The bed rails were made and sold by Mobility Transfer Systems Inc. from 1992 to 2021, and by Metal Tubing USA Inc. in 2021 and 2022.

Neither company has agreed to recall the bed rails or offer a remedy to consumers despite the products being found dangerous and responsible for several deaths. CPSC is weighing possible future action in this matter.

Consumers may have purchased the bed rails from the following online retailers: Walmart, Amazon, MTSMedicalSupply.com, VitalityMedical.com, Alimed.com, and others. The products sold for between about $30 and $170.

Consumers should also be aware that the portable bed rails products have been advertised for sale on secondhand sites, such as eBay.com.

The warning applies to these bed rail models

• Freedom Grip (model 501)
• Freedom Grip Plus (model 502)
• Freedom Grip Travel (model 505)
• Reversible Slant Rail (model 600)
• Transfer Handle (model 2025)
• Easy Adjustable (model 2500)
• 30-Inch Security Bed Rail, single-sided (model 5075)
• 30-Inch Security Bed Rail—Extra Tall, single-sided (model 5075T)
• 30-Inch Security Bed Rail, double-sided (model 5085)
• 30-Inch Security Bed Rail—Extra Tall, double-sided (model 5085T)

The name “Mobility Transfer Systems” and the model number are printed on a label located on the grip handle of the bed rails. The bed rails are made of white or chrome metal tubing.

CPSC is urging consumers to immediately stop using these adult bed rails. Disassemble and dispose of the bed rails and report any related incidents to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov, or call CPSC’s Consumer Hotline at 800-638-2772.

Read the CSPC news alert for photos of the hazardous bed rails and the full CSPC consumer warning.

Many older and disabled Americans may find themselves depending on portable bed rails. Adult portable bed rails may help protect a frail, injured, or older loved one with limited mobility from falling out of bed or provide them with some extra support as they are being cared for. But this CSPC warning is an important reminder that not all bed rails on the market are safe.

For more lifesaving information, visit CPSC.gov.