Medical beds are used in hospitals and nursing homes throughout the country, as well as in private residences. People who use these beds often have medical conditions that make it difficult to move around on their own. As a result, they may be particularly vulnerable if something goes wrong with their medical equipment.
On October 14, 2026, Medline announced the discontinuation of all Medline Brand beds and their removal from the market. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also issued an early alert concerning the products.
If you or a family member uses one of these beds, there are some important things to know about the announcement and what you should do next. Contact our Chicago defective medical device lawyers to discuss your legal options and schedule your free case evaluation today.
Which Medline Beds Are Included in the Discontinuation?
Medline’s announcement applies to all beds sold under its brand, regardless of when they were manufactured. This includes beds intended for use at home and those designed for patients receiving care in medical facilities.
The affected products include the following:
- Homecare beds
- Bariatric beds
- Long-term care beds
- Hand-control pendants
- Bed rails and mattresses
- Accessories and replacement parts
- Order packages containing affected beds
The company has decided to exit the market for these products entirely. However, some affected beds may still be used temporarily if customers follow the updated instructions Medline issued on October 24, 2026.
Why Has Medline Decided To Stop Selling Its Beds?
According to the FDA, Medline identified potential problems involving the electrical components in its beds. Under certain circumstances, these components can overheat and create a fire hazard.
For example, a bed’s electrical system might overheat if its motor becomes obstructed or if an extension cord is used. If the overheating becomes severe enough, it could cause a fire that puts the patient at risk of serious injury.
There have also been concerns about patients becoming trapped in the beds. This can happen when someone gets caught between a bed rail and another part of the equipment. Patients who cannot move without assistance may be especially vulnerable in these circumstances.
As of October 20, 2026, Medline had reported two deaths and 16 serious injuries associated with these issues. The FDA is continuing to review the situation.
What Should I Do if I Have an Affected Medline Bed?
If you own a Medline Brand bed, you should review the company’s latest instructions before continuing to use it. Although Medline initially announced a product removal, its updated guidance allows certain beds to remain in use while customers arrange for repairs or replacements.
Keep the following in mind:
- Unplug the bed when you aren’t making electrical adjustments
- Do not use extension cords to power the equipment
- Have another person help with moving the bed whenever possible
- Avoid attempting repairs unless Medline specifically authorizes them
Medline is offering repairs for some affected beds; other customers may qualify for a replacement or a refund, depending on their circumstances. You can contact Medline at 1-800-950-0128, option 7, for more information.
If you believe a Medline bed has caused an injury, receive medical attention and preserve any available evidence. You should also consider speaking with our product liability lawyer in Chicago about your legal rights and options.
Our Experienced Chicago Product Liability Attorneys Can Help After a Medline Bed Injury
If you or a loved one suffered injuries because of a defective Medline bed, you may be entitled to compensation. However, the announcement itself doesn’t automatically establish that Medline is legally responsible for every injury involving its products.
Meyers & Flowers can look into your case during a free consultation and offer you some initial legal guidance at that time. Contact us today to learn more by sending us a message online or giving us a call at (630) 576-9696.Â