NEW YORK — Approximately 222,000 adult bed assistance rails are being recalled due to risks of entrapment and asphyxiation, stemming from a reported fatal incident that occurred in a residential care setting.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission released a statement on Thursday regarding this recall, involving three different models of portable bed rails produced by Medical King. Concerns have arisen because users may find themselves in a dangerous situation, getting trapped between the rail and the mattress or within the rail itself.

As of now, one death has been linked to this issue: a 66-year-old man lost his life in November 2023 after being caught between his mattress and a bed rail in a South Carolina care facility, as indicated in the recall announcement.

Consumers who own the recalled bed rails are advised to cease using them immediately. They should reach out to Medical King for a complimentary repair kit or a replacement, which will vary based on the specific model.

The affected models include the “Bed Assist Rail with Adjustable Heights” (model numbers 7007 and 7057) and the “Bed Assist Rail Without Legs” (model number 7037). Notably, there are no brand-specific labels on these bed rails. They were available for purchase online from January 2020 to March 2024 on various platforms, including major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and eBay.

Medical King recommends that consumers verify if their rail is included in the recall by checking their receipts or purchase records. Additional information is accessible on the company’s designated recall webpage.

Additionally, the CPSC highlighted that this recall marks the ninth instance of recalls concerning adult portable bed rails since 2021, involving various companies. Together with two other product warnings, these recalls have been linked to serious injuries and 18 fatalities.

Among other recalls, Medline also announced a recall of 1.5 million adult bed rails in May following two incidents of entrapment resulting in deaths.

The CPSC emphasizes the importance of adhering to the latest mandatory safety regulations for adult portable bed rails and recommends safety measures for installation. These suggestions include ensuring compatibility between the bed rail and mattress, closing any gaps, and refraining from using multiple rails concurrently.