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CPSC Warns Consumers of Bunk Bed Entrapment Hazard and Mattress Support Collapse
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Consumer Product Safety Commission

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

CPSC Document #5007

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.



Add board to close space.
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.

Securely Fasten Supports to Ledges of Beds

009611