The Bed Rail Protector – Strap On, is a padded bed side rail protector. This item may be of interest if you are wondering how to stop patients falling out of bed. We supply these mainly to hospitals and aged care facilities.
About the Bed Rail Protector – Strap On
The cover is a hospital-grade material on the inside and outside. This is a wipeable surface for hygiene.
Confused patients may benefit from using this product. They may be at risk of bed rail entrapment. They may also hurt themselves by hitting the bed rails or getting arms, legs, head, etc. stuck in the rails.
The specially made wipeable PVC cover helps protect against urine, faeces, vomit, blood, etc. You can remove the cover for washing. Generally you can wipe it clean. It is hard-wearing and long lasting.
There are two adjustable webbing straps, and two Hook & Loop Tape straps to keep it in place on the bed side rail.
Some alternatives to this product are:
Wipe clean with a hospital grade disinfectant or remove foam, attach buckles and wash up to 80°C (176°F). Air or tumble dry on a cool setting, ensuring the drum is cool. Ensure the product is dry before using or storing.
Warning: When bed rails are used, it is possible for people to be entrapped between the edge of the mattress and the bed rail. This may also happen if a Bed Rail Protector is being used. This entrapment can lead to death due to positional asphyxiation, so it is very important to do a risk assessment for the Patient and regularly check that they do not manoeuvre themselves into a dangerous position. This entrapment can happen if an old mattress with very soft sides is on the bed, if a mattress that is too narrow is on the bed, or if an Air Cell type mattress is used.
What is the difference between the ‘Slip Over’ and ‘Strap On’ Bed Rail Protectors?
The difference is that the strap on ones do not ‘envelope’ the bed rails – they simply fold over the top and are attached with adjustable buckles. The Slip Over ones are designed to fit over the rails with Mediflextra on the inside next to the patient, with different patterned material on the outside. They are secured with Hook & Loop tape straps and are big enough to fit over most standard bed rails.
Do the Bed Rail Protectors have to be removed to lower the rails?
We recommend removing the Bed Rail Protectors while the bed rails are down. Many facilities leave them on, so it depends on the type of bed rails you have. In America, where there are many split Bed Rails, they need to be removed completely.
General Manual Handling Warning: Manual Handling products are designed to assist carers to help patients. They will not make the carer stronger or fitter, but with correct training and use of the products, should make manual handling easier and safer for both staff and patients. When training, practise with an able-bodied colleague. If any procedure is not comfortable or is difficult and puts the carer or patient in a dangerous position, the participants should call out to stop the manoeuvre, recover and recommence. Never jeopardise your health by straining, twisting or being incorrectly positioned when manual handling. Always select the most appropriate equipment for the patient’s current condition and if in doubt, use mechanical equipment. Ask your Manual Handling adviser for individual guidance.
Correct Buckle Threading: Click here to view a video showing the correct way to thread a buckle onto the webbing. It is vital that the buckles on this product are correctly fitted. Contact us if you need to order a replacement buckle if one is broken.
