Safe beds for patients

[Morainey]

Has anyone had any experience with these kinds of bed enclosures? I think they look goofy as heck, but do we find that they are effective?

[~PedsRN~, BSN, RN]

We call these net beds. :) I work on a peds unit, and we use them often for escape artists and wanderers (where it's simply NOT safe for them to be up and about). However, these *ARE* considered restraints (non-violent) and as a result they require a crap load of documentation. But they are definitely effective in keeping kids where they should be! They are not helpful if you have a kid who pulls at lines, etc. But to keep a kid safe from falling? They are effective.

They have little pockets through them for the lines and cables.

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

Once had an adult patient tip one of these guys over. That was pretty spectacular.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

The company who made Vail beds were essentially shut down by the FDA for a dangerous product. Public Health Notification from FDA: Vail Products Enclosed Bed Systems

Full Enclosure Bed

Also referred to as a “vail bed”, this is a canopy bed with nylon netting on all four sides that is zipped into place. The purpose is to protect patients who are confused, agitated, or suffering from other cognitive impairment(s) which may put them at high risk for wandering, or for injuring themselves or others. Manufacturers say these beds are beneficial in that they “reduce sitter costs” and “reduce risk of patient and staff injury” (newcaretherapties.com). However, in June 2005, the FDA took several Vail Products, Inc. enclosed beds (model numbers 500, 1000, and 2000) off the market because they posed risks of suffocation and entrapment. At that time, approximately 5,000 of these beds were distributed nationwide, and the FDA was aware of approximately 30 adverse event reports, including at least 8 deaths, resulting from entrapments, falls, and other incidents. Full enclosure beds are still available from other companies (such as NewCareTherapies and Safe-TCare), with variations to the Vail beds that purport to decrease entrapment and suffocation risks.

FDA’s Recommendation for Vail Bed Users

Because of the suffocation risk, FDA advises hospitals, nursing homes and consumers who have a vail enclosed bed system to stop using it and move the patient to an alternate bed

Vail Products Closes Shop after FDA Action | HomeCare Magazine

I am not sure they are used outside of peds if at all.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

They are used for all age populations, but infants..

[annietorontoo2]

The Vail bed was pulled off the market true. However, since the bed was re-designed and no longer can the patient lift the mattress and entrap or be suffocated. Look for Vivax medical-SOMA beds.