The idea behind bed exit alarm pads are simple–a thin, comfortable pad equipped with a sensor. If your loved one or patient moves off the pad, it will trigger an alarm, alerting you to their movement.
This system–called an exit alarm–is particularly useful for people with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. If they wake up in the night and try to wander around unattended, they could be in danger. Thankfully, bed sensing pads alert caregivers to help keep patients or loved ones safe.
Sensing bed pads can be a life-saving device when used correctly. Read on to learn about our top picks, as well as our comprehensive list of everything to know before purchasing.
The Best Bed Exit Alarms
Smart Caregiver Wireless and Cordless Weight Sensing Bed Pad
Smart Caregiver’s kit can protect your loved one from unnecessary harm in an effecient manner.
The kit comes with a 10’’ by 30’’ bed sensor pad made of soft, easy to clean, incontinence-resistant vinyl. In addition to the sensor pad, you’ll also get a wireless bed alarm that can be 100 feet from the bed pad.
The wireless feature is helpful for both caregiver and patient or loved one as the actual alarm doesn’t need to be in the same room as the sensing pad. This is beneficial in case the alarm sounds because it won’t disorient or agitate your patient or loved one, allowing you to check in and gently guide them back to bed.
When used properly, the pad should last for one year with daily use before needing to order replacement pads, but if something doesn’t function properly, Smart Caregiver does provide a one-year warranty.
The alarm has low, medium, and high volume options as well as a gentle chime alert so you can modify the volume to your liking.
Pros
- You don’t have to be in the same room as patient or loved one
- Various sound options and alerts
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Batteries not included
- There could be a delay between movement and alarm
- Not latex-free
Key Features
- Wireless bed alarm
- Cordless 10’’ x 30’’ bed sensor pad
- Low, medium, and high volume options
- Requires CCC batteries
- One-year warranty
Specifications
- Brand: Smart Caregiver Wireless
- Model: 433BR1-SYS
- Dimensions: 30 x 10 x 2 inches
Secure Bed Exit Alarm Set for Fall and Wandering Prevention
Secure’s sensing bed pad kit isn’t wireless, but it’s still effective. The system comes with an alarm monitor made of a tough ABS plastic plus a velcro holder for easy carrying and storing.
The bed pad is 12’’ by 30’’, incontinence-proof, and antimicrobial. It is not made with any latex, so you don’t have to worry about any potential sensitivities.
Most wired alarms have plastic connectors that are prone to break over time, but Secure’s has a metal connector that ensures durability and long-term function.
The alarm will go off immediately when the pad detects movement and will reset when the patient returns to the pad or you hold down the Reset button for three seconds.
Beware–this alarm is a loud one, and it will definitely wake you up in time, as well as your patient or loved one, and possibly others in the area. If you’re looking for a quiet alarm, this one isn’t for you.
Pros
- No weight restrictions
- Latex-free
- Comes with two starter batteries
Cons
- The alarm is very loud
- Not compatible with “non-standard” bedding like a foam mattress pad
Key Features
- Tamper-resistant ABS plastic alarm monitor
- Yellow velcro holder
- 12’’ x 30’’ antimicrobial, incontinence-proof pad
- Requires AAA batteries
- Foldable
- Metal connecting pin
- Low-battery indicator
- 45 day warranty for pad, 1 year warranty for monitor
Specifications
- Brand: Secure
- Model: 45BSET-1Y
- Dimensions: 30” x 12”
Smart Caregiver Wireless Alarm With Bed Sensor Pad and Chair Sensor Pad
This exit alarm system made by Smart Caregiver includes a wireless alarm that syncs up to both a bed sensor pad and a chair sensor pad.
Users can be 100 feet from the pad, and if the alarm goes off, all you need to do is reapply weight to the pad or click the button on the side of the monitor.
The bed pad works best when placed between the shoulder blades so it will go off the moment a patient or loved one sits up in bed. The chair pad can comfortably be used in any wheelchair or favorite lounging chair, which is great for patients or loved ones you’re concerned could hurt themselves if attempting to stand on their own.
Pros
- Comes with two different pads for both the bed and a chair
- Cordless
- Adjustable volume
Cons
- Batteries are not included
- You might not want or need a chair pad
Key Features
- Wireless bed/chair alarm
- Comes with two sensor pads
- CCC batteries will be needed
- One year warranty
Specifications
- Brand: Smart Caregiver Corporation
- Model: 433BC1-SYS
- Dimensions: 30 x 10 x 2 inches
Our Best Bed Exit Alarms Guide
Before purchasing a bed exit alarm for your loved one or patient, make sure to consider the small details that will make the bed pad and monitor as useful and long-lasting as possible.
Wireless Versus Wired
There’s a huge difference between wired and wireless sensing exit alarm kits. Wired options usually are more cost-efficient and tend to sync up movement with sound more quickly. With wired kits, the moment there’s movement off the bed, the alarm will be triggered. With wireless sensing bed pads, that’s not always the case. It’s possible there will be a delay as the sensor translates movement to the trigger.
Cost and synchronization are the two benefits of the wired exit alarms, but the need to install the alarm in your patient’s or loved one’s room while still being loud enough for you to hear could be a drawback. The alarm could potentially be distressing or cause added confusion, especially to those who have dementia.
This is only compounded by the fact that most bed exit alarm pads max out at 30” wide, so if used in a larger bed, there is the potential for it to sound if your loved one rolls to another side of the bed. With wireless kits, you don’t have to worry about waking your loved one, and you can simply put them back to bed without disturbing their sleep or frightening them.
Alarm Options
Loud sounds can be extremely triggering for people with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. To avoid unnecessary stress on your loved one it’s nice to have options for the volume and ringer style of the sensing bed pad alarm if going with a non-wireless option. But your ears are important too! If possible, we suggest purchasing an alarm that has various volume options that can mold to you or your loved one’s auditory needs.
Bed Exit Alarm Pad Fabric
Most bed exit alarm pads are made of vinyl as the material is soft, durable and easy to clean. It also provides good protection for those who suffer with incontinence issues. Yet some bed pads also contain latex, which is a material commonly used for various medical products because of its elasticity and versatility, but it isn’t safe for everyone.
In fact, latex can cause allergic reactions like hives and rashes for many people. Though it’s not necessary to purchase a sensing bed pad that’s latex-free, especially since most bed exit alarm pads are installed under the fitted sheet, it might instill peace of mind that you’re buying a product that won’t cause unwanted irritation.
Bed Exit Alarm Pad Lifespan
Due to normal wear and tear, bed exit alarm pads will eventually need to be replaced. Be sure to take note of the manufacturer’s specifications regarding this–often times they indicate one year’s use before a replacement needs to be ordered, some as little as 45 days. Of course, your pad might last much longer, especially with proper use and care. That being said, it might not hurt to have a backup ready in case the pad does give out so there will be no gap in care.
Batteries
All bed exit alarms will require batteries. Some kits come with batteries to start you off, but that’s an exception to the rule. Read up on the product beforehand to figure out what kind of batteries you’ll need (many require CCC) and buy beforehand so you’ll be ready to use your bed exit alarm as soon as it arrives!
