Specialized Safety Beds

Safety beds for Autism, also known as secure sleep systems or enclosed beds, are specially designed to prevent falls, wandering, and other potential safety hazards during sleep. They provide a protective barrier around the bed, often with features such as high-padded side rails, escape-proof enclosures, locking mechanisms, mattress covers, and soft padding.

Specialized safety beds for children or adults with Autism who elope can be covered by insurance, Medicaid, or grants, depending on the child’s needs and the documentation provided. These beds usually cost over $5000, but most safety beds—such as The Safety Sleeper®, Cubby Beds, and Safe Place Beds—can be covered if deemed medically necessary and usually require the following:

  • Model Review. Review models that might work for your loved one; start with the manufacturer. Manufacturers can connect you with a local DME (durable medical equipment) provider who can assist you with the paperwork.
  • Prescription from a physician.
  • A letter of Medical Necessity explaining the child’s elopement risk, sleep disturbances, or injury potential, as well as how the bed meets the need, is written by a member of your loved one’s healthcare team. It can be written by a neurologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, or other provider familiar with writing letters of medical necessity.

A strong letter will have the following:

  • Describe Specific Safety Concerns and Risks: Has your loved one wandered at night? Turned on appliances? Are they able to recognize danger? Open doors? Go outside unsupervised
  • History: Outlines everything you’ve already tried to solve the issue (e.g., baby monitors, video cameras, door alarms, behavioral therapy, alarms, sleep aids). Did they work
  • How does this impact daily life: Is sleep deprivation affecting their learning, mood, and participation? Increased behavioral episodes?
  • Is your family life disrupted by having to take shifts to stay awake? Caregiver burnout? How is this affecting other children in the house? The impact on daily life should demonstrate interference with health, development, and family functioning.
  • Connect the dots between the problem and the solution.
  • Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provides submission.

Examples of safety beds include:

Cubby Bed
https://cubbybeds.com/
A specialized bed is designed to provide a secure, calming sleep environment. Unlike conventional mattresses, it features an enclosed design, padded walls, and Sensory-Friendly materials to create a soothing, safe space. With blackout features, soft textures, and soundproofing, it helps reduce overstimulation.

Safety Sleeper®
https://safetysleeper.com/products/200-model-safety-bed-for-children-and-adults?variant=43271341572251
This bed is designed with reinforced panels and stabilizing options to help withstand heavy use, supporting safety and comfort for individuals with Autism.

zPods
https://zpodsforsleep.com/
Spacious sensory sleeping pods designed for teens and adults, crafted from durable materials that prevent ripping, tearing, or breaking. These beds offer customizable features, including adjustable lighting, fan control, and integrated Bluetooth speakers, allowing users to create a personalized sleep environment.

Autism Society Options Policy

This Resource Guide was developed to provide families and professionals with an opportunity to find resources related to autism in the Inland Empire in one place.

All information provided or published by the Autism Society Inland Empire is for information purposes only. Specific treatment, therapy or services should be provided to an individual only at the direction of the individual’s doctor, caregiver, or other qualified professional. References to any treatment or therapy option, program, service, or treatment provider are not an endorsement by the Autism Society. References of treatments, therapies, programs, services, and/or providers are not intended to be comprehensive statements. You should investigate alternatives that may be more appropriate for a specific individual. The Autism Society assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information published or provided. The Autism Society Inland Empire provides information, but it does not constitute medical or legal information. Referrals provided are suggestions to organizations that might help, but do not constitute a recommendation. The Autism Society Inland Empire cannot be held responsible for consequences that arise from individual dealings with a professional or organization. The inclusion of any organization does not imply endorsement, and omission does not imply disapproval. The Autism Society Inland Empire may add or remove organizations from this list at its discretion.