Why are bed rails padded when vest restraints are used?

Using padded bed rails in conjunction with vest restraints primarily serves to prevent injuries during a fall. When restraints are applied, there is an increased risk that the patient may try to move or may accidentally slide off the bed. Padded rails act as a protective barrier that can help cushion the impact if a patient unintentionally falls or rolls against the bed rails, reducing the likelihood of bruises or more serious injuries.

While comfort is important and aesthetics can be a consideration, the primary focus in a clinical setting is always on safety and injury prevention. Compliance with hospital policy may also be a factor, but this would generally stem from the recognized need to protect patients from harm. Therefore, the use of padding is integral to a strategy aimed at ensuring patient safety while using restraints.