Bunk Bed Manufacturers To Provide Free Mattress Support Kits
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 1989
Release # 89-077
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.