Medline said Friday that it is giving customers new instructions and options for repair, replacement or refund after its Oct. 14 recall of all Medline Brand beds, rails, mattresses and accessories. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration published the company’s announcement on Nov. 13, 2026.
The company said it recalled the products because of a possible fire hazard and a risk of entrapment, which could lead to a patient being hurt or killed. Medline said that as of Nov. 8, it had received reports of seven deaths and 35 serious injuries tied to these problems. The announcement did not describe how the deaths and injuries occurred.
According to the announcement, Medline distributed the products in the United States and Canada between 2011 and 2026. They went to durable medical equipment providers, long-term care facilities and directly to end users. The recall covers all Medline Brand beds on the market and the associated rails, mattresses and accessories, such as pendants and motor boxes. The announcement did not say how many products are covered.
Medline began notifying customers by letter on Oct. 14 and sent updated letters on Oct. 24. The company said recalled beds may stay in use until they are repaired or replaced, if users follow its instructions. Beds should be unplugged from electrical outlets right away. When the bed needs adjusting, it can be plugged in while the patient is repositioned and unplugged again afterward.
The instructions also say not to use extension cords to power the bed. Whenever possible, a second person should be available to help with using and moving the bed.
Under the repair and replace program, certain existing beds may be eligible for repair. Repaired beds may then be used under their Instructions for Use. If Medline decides a bed or accessory cannot be repaired, the company said it will work with customers to determine whether they qualify for a replacement or a full or partial refund of the original purchase price. Those options may be available for items bought in the last five years.
Medline said people should not try to repair, modify or alter its beds unless the company specifically directs them through an authorized repair process.
To find out whether a bed is eligible, customers should contact the provider or distributor that sold or supplied it. People who bought directly from Medline can call Medline Recall Customer Service at 800-950-0128, option 7. The line is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time, Monday through Friday. Questions can also be sent to recalls@medline.com.
The company said it will soon begin distributing repair and replace Customer Guides to patients and users. The guides, along with product SKUs (stock numbers) and label instructions, will be posted on Medline’s recall web page. The announcement did not give a date for the distribution.
Problems with the products can be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online, by mail or by fax.