When you Google “Murphy bed,” one of the top suggested related searches is “Can a Murphy bed kill you?” In a nutshell, yes. A Murphy bed has the potential to kill you. Murphy bed-related injuries and deaths have occurred when they are not properly secured and used.
There are few and far between cases. The harrowing story of an inebriated man suffocating inside a closed Murphy bed made headlines in 1982. In 2005, two women were entrapped and suffocated by an improperly installed Murphy bed, and a Staten Island man died in 2014, allegedly as a result of a defective Murphy bed. However, as Jody Rosen of The New York Times Magazine put it in a 2018 piece about these freak accidents, “it was hardly an epidemic; statistically speaking, you were probably as likely to die by tripping over an ottoman or walking under a falling piano.”
Since its invention a century ago, Murphy-bed technology has advanced dramatically. If you Google the term “Murphy bed,” you will also come across a related search that asks, “Are Murphy beds Safe?” The research is unequivocal. When you’re on top of the bed, they won’t fold up against the wall. When the frame is mounted correctly on the wall, it will not fold down on you.
It can cause injury, just like any other household product or appliance, when used incorrectly, but as Rosen pointed out, death by Murphy bed is extremely unlikely. Frayed cords, poor maintenance, and proximity to water are all factors that contribute to otherwise safe household appliances becoming dangerous.
Why Might Murphy Beds Be Dangerous?
Table of Contents
Murphy beds, also known as wall beds, have grown in popularity over the last few years due to their space-saving capabilities and sleek, modern look. While they may be a great way to make the most of your space, they can also be quite dangerous if not used properly.
Murphy beds are designed to fold into the wall, creating a hidden storage space. However, if not closed properly, the bed can suddenly collapse and cause injury to anyone who is in its path. In addition, Murphy beds often utilize heavy springs and counterbalances, which can be dangerous if they are not maintained properly. If these components are not in good working order, the bed may not remain securely in its closed position, creating a potential hazard.
Finally, Murphy beds can pose a risk to small children, as the beds can be difficult to open and close, which may lead to a trapped child. For these reasons, it is important to ensure that the bed is properly installed and maintained and that any children are supervised when the bed is being used.
What Are The Common Dangers With Murphy Beds?
There are some things that you should avoid when using a Murphy bed. For example, there are hardware and lifts that are associated with these kinds of frame beds. In addition to staying protected, what are the ways that you can reduce your risk of suffering an injury?
Pinch Points
The biggest threat associated with a Murphy bed is the pinch points located at the bends of the bed. Hinges are also connected to the hardware that sets up the bed frame to the wall. When folded up, a Murphy bed is intended to be used. For this reason, a set of hinges must be installed on the frame. Its hinges will be locked when the bed is flat against the wall. The hinges will not only bend but also be locked. The hinges must be secured to prevent the bed from falling off the wall randomly. If you are not careful, this trap may turn into a finger.
How To Avoid Getting Pinched
Keeping your child away from the Murphy bed when lowered and folded can prevent skin pinching and even breakage. When using the Murphy bed, be mindful of where your hands are. As Murphy beds are neither particularly dangerous nor particularly hazardous, they are dangerous because of user error. When it comes to safety, make sure to keep in mind where your hands are when operating the Murphy bed.
Murphy Bed Might Fall Down
Another concern people have when it comes to Murphy beds is that the frame might fall on them. Since this style of bed frame is intended to lift and fall, there is little danger. It might hurt if the frame falls on your head if it is heavier than a traditional bed.
Pulling The Bed Off The Wall Safely
Murphy Beds are renowned for their capacity to detach from the wall, but there is also the chance that the hardware will detach on its own. When you have a Murphy bed in your home, you want to ensure that you pull it off the wall safely. Ensure that you support the bed frame so it doesn’t fall back onto the wall. You’ll want to use some kind of support system like a bed frame, a ladder, or a crane hook. Once you have the bed frame secured, you can lower the bed slowly.
It’s essential to keep the bed frame secure and stable as you lower it so you don’t damage the wall or the bed frame itself. During the process, if you encounter any resistance, either stop and adjust the support system or use a ratcheting system to lower the bed slowly and evenly. This will help ensure that the bed frame is not damaged.
Once the bed frame is down, check for any additional support before you start using the bed. You may need to add a few screws or additional support for the bed frame so that it is secure and won’t wobble when used. Taking the time to ensure that your Murphy bed is safely pulled off the wall will ensure that you get the most use out of it for years to come.
Here are a few common household hazards statistically more likely to cause harm than a Murphy bed mishap.
Lint in Dryers
Failure to remove lint from a dryer causes approximately 2,900 fires per year, according to the United States Fire Administration. Every year, these fires cause 100 injuries and five deaths.
Extension Cords
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, extension cords cause more than 3,000 residential fires each year, resulting in an estimated 50 deaths.
Space Heaters
Space heaters are blamed for more than 25,000 residential fires in the United States each year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. According to the organization, these fires result in more than 300 deaths. In addition, approximately 6,000 people are treated in emergency rooms each year for burn injuries caused by coming into contact with hot surfaces on a space heater.
Ceiling Fans
Who would have guessed that something as innocuous as a ceiling fan could be so dangerous? Every year, nearly 20,000 people are injured as a result of ceiling fans that fall due to improper mounting. Lowes recalled thousands of ceiling fans earlier this year due to the risk of blades flying off and injuring people.
Mandolins
Mandolins are used to thinly slice produce, but they frequently result in the user slicing their fingers. According to Cooking Light, they are no more dangerous than a chef’s knife, but using a mandolin requires concentration and deliberate motions to avoid injuring yourself. According to the article, most mandolines come with many attachments and safety guards, which can be intimidating and cumbersome.
Treadmills
Using at-home workout equipment can be hazardous, especially if you’re alone and using heavy weights. Treadmills can also be dangerous. According to a Men’s Journal article, “30 cases of treadmill-related deaths in the United States were reported between 2003 and 2012, averaging out to about three deaths per year.”
Candles
Every day, candles cause up to 23 fire-related injuries, according to the National Fire Protection Association. The most common causes are unattended candles or the presence of combustible material too close to the candle flame.
To respond to the question, “Can a Murphy bed kill you?” The truth is that it is possible, but it is extremely unlikely and no more dangerous than any other household appliance or product. The average treadmill is statistically far more dangerous (and requires far more effort to use) than a Murphy bed.
Why do people not like Murphy beds?
Murphy beds have the potential to be a very useful and space-saving addition to any room, but they do come with some disadvantages. For starters, Murphy Bed owners will need plenty of storage space in order put their bed away at night time or when not using it as an extra seating area during daytime hours; this could mean moving other items around too far away from where you want them! Another problem that may arise if someone falls on top of our murphy mat rather than off its edge would likely result is injury.
How do you make a Murphy bed safe?
The Murphy bed is a fun and cozy place for children to play in, but it can be dangerous if they’re not supervised. To prevent any accidents while you are away from home or work lock up the upright position of your sons’ beds with this simple key fob!
Are Murphy beds uncomfortable?
So, how do you find a comfortable Murphy bed? The answer is simple. You buy the mattress and mattresses separately so that it’s custom to your body type or preference!
Can you leave a Murphy bed down all the time?
A Murphy bed is a great space-saving solution for smaller homes and apartments. It is a bed that can be tucked away vertically into a wall, cabinet, or closet when not in use. But is it possible to leave the Murphy bed down all the time?
The answer is yes, but there are a few things to consider before making this decision. First, you should consider the structural integrity of the wall where the bed will be installed. If the wall is not strong enough to support the weight of the bed, additional support may be needed. You should also consider the impact of the bed being down all the time. If the bed takes up a lot of space in the room, it may create a cramped and cluttered feeling.
Another consideration is the functionality of the bed. If you plan to leave the bed down all the time, you should invest in a higher quality Murphy bed that is comfortable for sleeping on. The mattress should be thick enough to provide proper support, and the frame should be strong enough to handle the weight of the bed and its inhabitants.
Finally, you should also consider how often you plan to use the bed. If it’s only going to be used occasionally, then it’s probably best to keep it tucked away. Leaving it down all the time isn’t a bad idea if it is used regularly. Just follow all the safety guidelines, and keep the area around the bed free of clutter.
Leaving a Murphy bed down all the time can be an excellent solution for those looking to maximize their small space. But it is essential to consider all the factors before making this decision, as it could potentially impact your space’s overall function and feel.
Are Murphy beds safe for kids?
When you have young children or friends staying over, the last thing on their minds is being confined to a bed! That’s why there are Murphy Beds with safety straps and ties that keep everyone secure. You can even use these innovative fixtures as leg locks so they never get out of reach when storing away your extra room at night time without worrying about what might happen if there were an accident while sleeping – nothing serious will ever come close enough for any danger.
Can Murphy beds fall?
People who sleep on wall beds may be at risk for injury since they have a slight chance to break or even detach from walls, which could then fall onto someone nearby.
Do Murphy beds lock in place?
Murphy beds are safe and reliable choice for your home’s bedroom as any other type of mattress. With locking legs, you can be sure that these sturdy mattresses won’t open up on their own once installed – providing peace of mind in knowing they’ll stay closed at all times!
Are Murphy beds good for everyday use?
Murphy beds offer an excellent solution for anyone looking to transform a spare bedroom into their home office without sacrificing comfort or convenience. The thicker mattress on Murphy wall beds means they’re much more comfortable than other kinds, especially when you need bedtime reading time in your own space!
Are Murphy beds strong?
Metal Murphy beds offer an excellent balance between durability and portability. They can be moved around easily, but they’re not as durable or heavy-duty as other options on the market today – which means you’ll have some Replacements Parts Needed if something happens along their lifespan!
The most common type of material for making these types is steel rather than aluminum, so it will resist corrosion from environmental factors better over time without getting scratched up easily either due to its weight within reason though there are always exceptions when dealing directly combatting rusting at least until we start talking about
How do Murphy beds stay up?
Murphy beds are designed with a counterbalanced mechanism that allows them to be easily opened and closed. This works by combining springs, counterweights, and a supporting frame. When the bed is in the up position, the counterbalanced mechanism keeps the bed in place, even with the weight of a mattress and bedding on top! When you want to lower the bed, you pull the bed down, the counterbalanced mechanism releases, and the bed lowers smoothly and safely. It’s a simple but effective solution for those tight spaces!
Do you have to remake a Murphy bed every night?
The Murphy Bed offers an excellent solution for those who want to have the best of both worlds-functional furniture and a great bed. There’s no need to redo your room every day; just fold up this affordable option when it suits you!
How much weight can a Murphy bed hold?
The answer to this question will depend on the specific model you have. Generally, most Murphy beds have been tested to hold up to 2,000 pounds, although you should always check with the manufacturer of your particular model to ensure that your bed meets this requirement. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the weight capacity of the walls that the Murphy bed is mounted to. If the walls are not strong enough to accommodate the weight of the bed and the users, it could ultimately cause the bed to collapse.
It’s also important to remember that Murphy beds are designed to hold the weight of people sleeping in them, not to support heavy objects like furniture or boxes. So if you’re planning to use your Murphy bed for storage, it’s essential to consider the weight of the objects you plan to store and the bed’s weight capacity. Although most Murphy beds are designed to hold up to 2,000 pounds, it’s always best to avoid exceeding this weight limit.
Can you get crushed by a Murphy bed?
While it is possible and has happened in some cases, that doesn’t mean that Murphy beds are inherently dangerous. It is more likely to occur if the bed is not properly installed or if proper safety precautions aren t taken—like making sure to lower and lock the bed before anyone gets in or out of it. Even then, this type of accident can usually be prevented by following specific safety guidelines and taking preventive measures, such as installing a secure latch or lock on the cabinet enclosure so that no one can open it without proper authorization. Ultimately, Murphy beds are safe when used correctly; just always remember to take safety seriously!
Are Murphy beds secured to wall?
Yes, Murphy beds are typically secured to the wall and other support components. Depending on the specific bed you have, installation will vary but should include drilling into studs in order for it to be secure. The frame of a Murphy bed is designed so that when unfolded there is an upper and lower portion which must be secured with screws into the studs in your wall. Along with screws, some companies may suggest using special anchors designed for this purpose. Additionally, if your room has a drop-down ceiling or you have not been able to gain access to studs in your wall, there are products available such as mounting brackets specifically made for these scenarios. It’s important that all instructions from the manufacturer are followed carefully when installing or moving a Murphy bed; overlooking any detail could lead to damage of property and even injury from an improperly installed piece of furniture
What is the problem with Murphy beds?
While Murphy beds are a great space-saving solution, they do come with their own set of problems. One of the main issues is that they require a significant amount of wall space. This could potentially encroach on the room’s square footage, especially if the room is small to begin with. Additionally, the bed’s construction can cause an imbalance in the center of gravity when loaded, making it less stable. Another common issue is the risk of fingers and other appendages getting trapped in the pinch points located at the hinges and along the frame as the bed is being lowered or raised.
Has anyone ever gotten stuck in a Murphy bed?
Although cases are rare, there have been instances where people have gotten stuck in a Murphy bed. The most common situation involves fingers or other appendages getting caught in the bed’s hinge points or along the frame. However, it’s important to note that these incidents usually occur due to improper use or installation of the bed.
How do you make a Murphy bed safer?
To make a Murphy bed safer, make sure it is properly installed and securely attached to the wall to prevent it from falling or unexpectedly folding up. Regularly inspect the bed’s hinges and frame for any signs of wear or damage. Avoid overloading the bed as it can affect its balance and stability. Lastly, always supervise children when they’re around or using the Murphy bed to ensure safety.
Experienced Executive Assistant with a demonstrated history of working within the furniture industry. Skilled in furniture styling, visual communication, project management, and proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite. Strong arts and design professional with a (BA) Creative Direction for furniture design focused on Industrial Design from School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
