Alerta 2 Bar Anti-Entrapment Bumpers with Netting, PU Mesh Base, Limb Protection for Profiling Beds
- Under-Mattress Mesh Base - a connected mesh panel sits beneath the mattress, bridging the gap between the bottom of the side rail and the mattress surface; specifically addresses MHRA entrapment zone 4 - the space between the rail and the mattress edge.
- Velcro Fastening - Velcro attachment (rather than zip) allows the under-mattress mesh base to be positioned and secured beneath the mattress without tools; net inserts on the bumper panels maintain ventilation and staff visibility.
- Phthalate-Free PU Fabric - antibacterial, impermeable, breathable construction on both the bumper panels and the under-mattress mesh base; compatible with standard profiling beds fitted with 2-bar metal side rails.
- MHRA Zone 4 Entrapment - MHRA guidance identifies 7 entrapment zones in bed rail systems; zone 4 (between the rail and mattress) carries elevated serious injury risk; this product is the specified solution for closing that gap under CQC Regulation 12.
Alerta Anti-Entrapment Bumpers with Under-Mattress Mesh Base - MHRA Zone 4 Compliance
The Alerta Anti-Entrapment Bumpers with Under-Mattress Mesh Base are the most clinically specific product in the Alerta bed rail safety range. Standard rail bumpers address entrapment zones 1, 2 and 3 (the rail surface and the gaps between rail bars); this product addresses zone 4 - the gap between the bottom of the side rail and the top of the mattress surface - by fitting a connected mesh panel beneath the mattress that fills the space permanently. Zone 4 is identified in MHRA Bed Rail Safety Guidance as carrying elevated risk of serious injury from entrapment, as the gap is below the visible surface of the rail and may not be apparent to care staff during routine rail checks. The bumper panels cover the rail bars; the under-mattress mesh closes zone 4.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Design | Bumper panels + under-mattress mesh base (connected unit) |
| Rail Compatibility | 2-bar profiling beds with metal side rails |
| Material | Phthalate-free PU fabric |
| Surface Properties | Antibacterial, impermeable, breathable |
| Bumper Inserts | Net inserts for ventilation and staff visibility |
| Fastening | Velcro (bumpers and mesh base) |
| MHRA Zone Addressed | Zone 4 - gap between rail and mattress (primary clinical differentiator) |
Regulatory Compliance
The Anti-Entrapment Bumpers with Under-Mattress Mesh Base are the only product in the Alerta bed rail range that directly addresses MHRA entrapment zone 4 - the space between the lower rail and the mattress surface. MHRA Bed Rail Safety Guidance (including Safety Notice MDA/2001/017 and updated guidance) requires that all 7 entrapment zones are assessed and mitigated as part of a bed rail risk assessment; zone 4 is frequently cited in adverse incident reports involving serious injury and death from bed rail entrapment. CQC Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment) requires documented mitigation of all identified patient safety risks; where a patient has been assessed as at risk of rail-to-mattress gap entrapment, this product is the appropriate clinical response. MCA 2005 applies to all rail fitting decisions. MHRA guidance also requires that all bed rail accessories are compatible with the specific bed make and model in use; confirm Lomond or other bed model compatibility before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MHRA entrapment zone 4 and why does it require a different product?
MHRA Bed Rail Safety Guidance identifies 7 entrapment zones in the bed system. Zone 4 is defined as the gap between the lower edge of the side rail and the top of the mattress. Standard bumpers address the rail bar surfaces (zones 1-3) but do not close zone 4 because this gap is below the rail, between the rail foot and the mattress edge. The under-mattress mesh base of this product physically fills that space by fitting beneath the mattress, eliminating zone 4 as an entrapment hazard without altering the rail or mattress positioning.
Why does this product use Velcro fastening instead of a zip?
The under-mattress mesh base needs to be positioned flat beneath the mattress, which requires a fastening method that works against a flat surface rather than around a rail bar. Velcro tabs allow the mesh base to be secured to the mattress or base panel without requiring the circular rail-bar grip that a zip provides. The bumper panels also use Velcro for consistency; both components are installed and removed without tools, supporting rapid carer access and between-patient cleaning.
Part of our comprehensive Medical Beds and Accessories range. Bed accessories optimise clinical functionality and resident safety in care home and nursing home environments.
NCL-ALT-118
Viewed products
16 other products in the same category:
- Under-Mattress Mesh Base - a connected mesh panel sits beneath the mattress, bridging the gap between the bottom of the side rail and the mattress surface; specifically addresses MHRA entrapment zone 4 - the space between the rail and the mattress edge.
- Velcro Fastening - Velcro attachment (rather than zip) allows the under-mattress mesh base to be positioned and secured beneath the mattress without tools; net inserts on the bumper panels maintain ventilation and staff visibility.
- Phthalate-Free PU Fabric - antibacterial, impermeable, breathable construction on both the bumper panels and the under-mattress mesh base; compatible with standard profiling beds fitted with 2-bar metal side rails.
- MHRA Zone 4 Entrapment - MHRA guidance identifies 7 entrapment zones in bed rail systems; zone 4 (between the rail and mattress) carries elevated serious injury risk; this product is the specified solution for closing that gap under CQC Regulation 12.