The Alerta 2 Bar Bed Rail Bumpers with Netting provide padded protection across the full length of 2-bar profiling bed side rails. The phthalate-free PU construction (not PVC) is antibacterial, impermeable and stretchable, designed for repeated institutional laundering between patient use. The central breathable netting section maintains airflow along the rail surface, prevents moisture accumulation against the skin, and allows care staff to observe the patient through the rail without removing the bumper. Zip fastening secures directly onto the metal rail bars and holds position through patient movement and repositioning without shifting.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 200cm |
| Rail Compatibility | 2-bar profiling beds |
| Material | Phthalate-free PU (not PVC) |
| Surface Properties | Antibacterial, impermeable, breathable, stretchable |
| Netting | Central breathable netting section |
| Fastening | Zip fastening onto rail bars |
| Extended Version | 220cm version available (NCL-ALT-115) |
Bed rail bumpers address the entrapment and contact injury risks identified in MHRA Bed Rail Safety Guidance (including Safety Notice MDA/2001/017) by providing a padded buffer between the patient and hard metal rail surfaces across the primary entrapment zones. CQC Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment) requires that risks to patient safety are identified and mitigated; for patients assessed as requiring side rails, rail bumpers are a standard mitigation for rail-related contact injury. MHRA guidance identifies 7 entrapment zones in the bed rail system; bumpers reduce risk at zones where the patient contacts the rail surface directly. Under Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA 2005) guidance, any fitted bed rail must be subject to a documented risk assessment and, where applicable, a capacity assessment before fitting. Phthalate-free PU construction supports NHS IPC standards for patient-contact equipment in shared clinical environments.
What is the difference between the 200cm and 220cm bumper versions?
The 200cm bumper (NCL-ALT-112) fits standard 2-bar profiling beds where the side rail length is approximately 200cm. The 220cm extended version (NCL-ALT-115) is designed for profiling beds with a longer rail span, such as beds fitted with a 20cm extension kit. Fitting a 200cm bumper on a longer rail leaves an unpadded gap at the foot end; the 220cm extended version eliminates this gap. Measure the installed rail length before ordering to confirm which length is appropriate.
Do the bumpers require any tools to fit or remove?
No. The zip fastening allows the bumper to be fitted and removed from the rail bars without tools. This supports rapid carer access to the patient during emergency repositioning and makes between-patient cleaning straightforward. The bumper should be removed and laundered between patients in line with NHS IPC guidance for shared clinical equipment.
Part of our comprehensive Medical Beds and Accessories range. Bed accessories optimise clinical functionality and resident safety in care home and nursing home environments.