CPSC Warns Consumers of Bunk Bed Entrapment Hazard and Mattress Support Collapse

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CPSC is aware of deaths to children under age six that involved head entrapment under bunk bed guard rails. To reduce the risk of your child slipping feet first into the space between the lower edge of a guardrail and the top surface of the mattress, CPSC advises:

1. Never allow children under 6 years-old on the upper bunk.
   
   
2. Close the space between the lower edge of the guardrail and upper edge of the bedframe to 3 1/2 inches or less.
   
   

In addition, CPSC received reports that children, primarily age one and under, died when they became entrapped between the bed and the wall. A guardrail placed next to the wall, on the lower bunk as well as the upper bunk, will help reduce this risk of entrapment.

CPSC is also aware of young children who died when their bunk bed mattress and mattress foundation collapsed while they were playing on or under the beds. Mattresses and/or foundations resting only on ledges need fastened cross wires, or other means of support to help prevent dislodgement, even when beds are used as twin beds.

Attach additional boards to the bunk bed to close up any space more than three and one half inches between the lower edge of the guardrails and the upper edge of the bed frame to prevent possible entrapment and strangulation.

Securely fasten supports to ledges of both beds with screws or bolts.

Supports can be provided by wood slats, metal straps, or sturdy wires.

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CPSC DOCUMENT #5001

Falling mattresses or foundations can cause injury or even kill a small child. Mattresses and/or foundations resting only on ledges need cross wires, or other means of support to help prevent dislodgement, even when beds are not stacked.

SECURELY FASTEN SUPPORTS TO LEDGES OF BOTH BEDS WITH SCREWS OR BOLTS.

SUPPORTS CAN BE PROVIDED BY WOOD SLATS, METAL STRAPS, OR STURDY WIRES.

If mattresses or foundations on either bunk bed rely on side rail ledges as the only means of support, consumers should write to: Bunk Bed Kit, P.O. Box 2436, High Point, NC 27261, and ask for a free cross wire support kit.

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