The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday posted an Early Alert on Medline-brand beds and accessories after Medline reported two deaths and 16 serious injuries tied to fire, entrapment and asphyxiation hazards^1,2.

The agency said Medline is discontinuing and exiting the market for all Medline-brand beds and associated products, including homecare, bariatric and long-term care beds, plus pendants, accessories, replacement parts and bed-containing order packages².

Medline identified a potential fire hazard involving beds, hand-control pendants, control or motor boxes and actuators². Under certain conditions, including excessive loading, jammed motors, fluid in a pendant, extension cords or unapproved accessories, electrical parts may overheat, smoke, spark, melt, burn or catch fire, the FDA said².

The FDA also cited a risk of entrapment or asphyxiation if Medline beds are used with bed accessories, if a user lies on a pendant, or if rails are loose or wobbly².

Medline sent customers an urgent field safety notice on Oct. 14, 2026, then updated it on Oct. 24². The later notice says affected beds may remain in use until repaired or replaced if users unplug them when not making adjustments and do not use extension cords^1,2.

Medline is offering repair for some beds and replacement or a full or partial refund of the original purchase price for others, generally for products bought in the last five years, the FDA said². Reuters said Medline did not immediately respond to a request for comment¹.

The FDA said it is reviewing the issue and asked users to report problems to Medline and to MedWatch². Not medical advice.

Sources

1. ReutersUS FDA issues warning on Medline beds after 2 deaths, 16 serious injuries4:00 PM
2. FDAEarly Alert: Medline Removes or Corrects All Medline Brand Beds and Accessories8:00 AM

Read the original at Reuters ↗