The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), United Kingdom issued a Medical Device Alert concerning pressure relieving air mattresses and overlays (All models and manufacturers).

The MHRA is aware of fatal domestic house fires starting from lit cigarettes being dropped onto non-fire-retardant bedding covering air mattresses and air overlays. This resulted in a breach of the mattress or overlay material, and leakage of the pumped air aided combustion and the spreading of the fire.

The MHRA recommends users of the followings:

• Identify affected devices used in a home environment.
• Review and if necessary update the risk assessments and local procedures to ensure that the possibility of fire due to patients smoking in bed is included.
• For patients at risk, consider using alternative pressure area care equipment and fire retardant bedding.
• Ensure patients are aware of the dangers of smoking in bed.

For details, please refer to MHRA website:

• http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Publications/Safetywarnings/MedicalDeviceAlerts/CON322754

If you are in possession of the product, please contact your supplier for necessary actions.

Posted on 11 October 2013