Side Wedges with Draw Sheet
- Rail-Free Fall Prevention - the Side Wedges System provides fall prevention without bed rails, directly supporting the Mental Capacity Act 2005 least restrictive intervention principle; where a bed rail risk assessment identifies entrapment or restraint risks associated with bed rail use, side wedges represent a less restrictive alternative that maintains a protective barrier without the entrapment, restraint, or dignity concerns associated with physical bed rails.
- Vapour-Permeable Draw Sheet - the wipe-clean, vapour-permeable draw sheet attaches to the mattress using quick-release buckles; vapour permeability maintains the skin microclimate for residents lying on the sheet surface, consistent with NICE CG179 microclimate management principles; the draw sheet provides the attachment platform for the wedge fastenings and holds the system in position without requiring the mattress to be lifted.
- 20cm High Side Wedges - each 90cm long wedge stands 20cm high and is fastened to the draw sheet via a 10cm hook and loop strip that runs along both sides of the sheet; the padded wedges form a gentle lateral barrier that prevents the patient from rolling out of bed while allowing them to exit freely when needed, maintaining dignity and freedom of movement per CQC Regulation 10.
- Replacement and Accessory Options - the complete set (NCL-SW) includes the vapour-permeable draw sheet and wedges; replacement components available separately: extra wedges (NCL-WED), spare cotton draw sheet (NCL-SWC), spare wipe-clean draw sheet (NCL-SWPU), full-length cotton or PU draw sheet (NCL-SWFS), full-length draw sheet with two pairs of wedges (NCL-SWFS-W), and double bed draw sheet (NCL-SWD).
Side Wedges with Draw Sheet - Rail-Free Fall Prevention - Low Restraint
The Side Wedges System provides fall prevention without physical bed rails, using a vapour-permeable wipe-clean draw sheet attached to the mattress via quick-release buckles, with 20cm high foam wedges fastened to both sides. The less restrictive alternative to bed rails under the Mental Capacity Act 2005; preserves freedom of movement and dignity. Replacement components available separately across six accessory references.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reference | NCL-SW |
| Wedge Dimensions | 90 x 20 cm per wedge |
| Draw Sheet | Vapour-permeable, wipe-clean |
| Attachment | Quick-release buckles to mattress |
| Wedge Fastening | 10cm hook and loop strip each side |
| Includes | Draw sheet and wedges (complete set) |
| Accessories | NCL-WED, NCL-SWC, NCL-SWPU, NCL-SWFS, NCL-SWFS-W, NCL-SWD |
Regulatory Compliance
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 requires that any intervention restricting a person's freedom of movement must be the least restrictive option that achieves the safety objective. Bed rails constitute restraint in law for patients who lack capacity to consent; side wedges, which the patient can exit independently, represent a less restrictive fall prevention alternative that should be considered before bed rails are implemented. NICE NG45 (falls in older people) and NICE NG97 recommend considering bed rail alternatives where appropriate. CQC Regulation 10 (dignity) is supported by the system's preservation of resident movement and self-determination. CQC Regulation 12 (safe care) is supported by the fall prevention function. The bed safety risk assessment should document the consideration of alternatives before bed rails are selected.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a side wedge system clinically appropriate as a bed rail alternative?
Side wedges are appropriate where the bed safety risk assessment concludes that the primary risk is rolling out of bed rather than active entrapment or fall from a height, and where the resident retains sufficient awareness to respond to the wedge barrier or to exit the bed when they choose to. They are particularly indicated where bed rail use is identified as constituting restraint under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, or where the individual's dignity and freedom of movement are assessed as being significantly compromised by physical bed rails. The clinical team and occupational therapist should determine suitability based on the individual risk assessment and the resident's capacity, mobility, and behaviour during the night.
How is the draw sheet attached to the mattress and does this affect pressure care?
The draw sheet attaches to the mattress using quick-release buckles, positioned so the sheet lies flat on the mattress surface. The vapour-permeable material allows moisture vapour from the resident's skin to pass through, maintaining the skin microclimate consistent with NICE CG179 tissue viability guidance. The sheet does not significantly alter the pressure redistribution properties of the underlying mattress for most residents, but where a high-specification active pressure care mattress is in use, the tissue viability nurse should confirm compatibility before the draw sheet system is introduced, as the additional layer may affect the mattress's pressure mapping characteristics.
NCL-SW
Viewed products
- Rail-Free Fall Prevention - the Side Wedges System provides fall prevention without bed rails, directly supporting the Mental Capacity Act 2005 least restrictive intervention principle; where a bed rail risk assessment identifies entrapment or restraint risks associated with bed rail use, side wedges represent a less restrictive alternative that maintains a protective barrier without the entrapment, restraint, or dignity concerns associated with physical bed rails.
- Vapour-Permeable Draw Sheet - the wipe-clean, vapour-permeable draw sheet attaches to the mattress using quick-release buckles; vapour permeability maintains the skin microclimate for residents lying on the sheet surface, consistent with NICE CG179 microclimate management principles; the draw sheet provides the attachment platform for the wedge fastenings and holds the system in position without requiring the mattress to be lifted.
- 20cm High Side Wedges - each 90cm long wedge stands 20cm high and is fastened to the draw sheet via a 10cm hook and loop strip that runs along both sides of the sheet; the padded wedges form a gentle lateral barrier that prevents the patient from rolling out of bed while allowing them to exit freely when needed, maintaining dignity and freedom of movement per CQC Regulation 10.
- Replacement and Accessory Options - the complete set (NCL-SW) includes the vapour-permeable draw sheet and wedges; replacement components available separately: extra wedges (NCL-WED), spare cotton draw sheet (NCL-SWC), spare wipe-clean draw sheet (NCL-SWPU), full-length cotton or PU draw sheet (NCL-SWFS), full-length draw sheet with two pairs of wedges (NCL-SWFS-W), and double bed draw sheet (NCL-SWD).