Bunk Bed Manufacturers To Provide Free Mattress Support Kits

WASHINGTON, DC-- In a unique approach to consumer safety, a number of bunk bed manufacturers are providing consumers with a free modification kit for certain bunk beds. On bunk beds sold without cross wires or similar mattress supports on both upper and lower bunks, the mattress and foundation may collapse, possibly causing injury or death to a bed occupant or to a child playing under a bed.

Consumer Product Safety Commission Acting Chairman Anne Graham said, "This retrofit program represents an innovative solution because the kit fits a number of brands of bunk beds. We are pleased that the companies are working cooperatively with us."

The Commission is aware of four deaths to children since 1980 which occurred when the mattress and foundation of the bunk beds became dislodged and fell on them. In three of these incidents, the children were playing on the floor under the bed. The bunk beds in these incidents were not manufactured by any of the participating firms.

Consumers should examine their bunk beds. If mattresses or foundations on either bunk bed rely on side rail ledges as the only means of support, consumers should write to BUNK BED KIT, P.O. BOX 2436, HIGH POINT, NC, 27261 and ask for a free cross- wire support kit. The mattress support kit will be shipped free of charge.

CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY ALERT

FROM THE US. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20207

August 1989

SAFETY WARNING - BUNK BEDS

Failing mattresses or foundations can cause injury or even kill a small child. Mattresses and/or foundations resting only on ledges need cross wires, or other means of support to help prevent dislodgement, even when beds are not stacked.

If mattresses or foundations on either bunk bed rely on side rail ledges as the only means of support, consumers should write to: Bunk Bed Kit, P.O. Box 2436, High Point, NC 27261, and ask for a free cross wire support kit.