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Baby Inclined Sleepers Dangers and Recalls

In April 2019, Fisher-Price recalled 5 million dangerous inclined sleepers off the market, and various cases of deaths resulting from the use of inclined sleepers resulted in further recalls of  165,000 inclined sleepers by Graco, Summer Infant, Delta, and Evenflo.

Like any other baby gear, inclined sleepers had somehow made their way as a legitimate product safe for use with babies and when Fisher-Price Rock ’n Play Sleeper debuted in 2009, it quickly became one of the must-haves for parents.

With a 30-degree incline and padded sidewalls, the sleeper promised to allow hard-to-soothe babies to sleep peacefully. This Fisher-price model inspired other companies to make similar rocking-inclined sleepers.

And inclined sleepers market boomed from 2010:

Below is a chart showing growth in sales of inclined sleepers since 2010 when Fisher-Price’s inaugural brand saw a huge increase in demand of the devices;

This chart shows rising sales of the dangerous Fisher-Price Rock N' Play inclined sleeper that was launched in 2009 and was projected to hit $26.3 million in sales by 2013

Why use inclined sleepers in the first place? Key reasons/justifications given:

  1. Some parents find that an inclined sleeper helps their baby sleep better. Rocking or vibrating soothers are also thought to help babies sleep by simulating the motion they experienced in the womb.
  2. Inclined sleepers can be helpful for babies with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) because they sleep at an angle that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the throat.
  3. It can be difficult for parents to prop up pillows around their baby in a way that is safe and secure. An inclined sleeper takes care of this problem by offering a pre-set, stable incline.

Medical advice relied on by Fisher-Price in the design:

Fisher-Price’s original inclined sleeper, the Rock ’n Play Sleeper used a design that was based on wrong medical advice that babies sleep better elevated at a 30-degree angle.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has always recommended against using any kind of inclined sleeper for babies because of the risk of SIDS. CPSC has also not included inclined sleepers in its list of safe and recommended products and JPMA and ASTM do not have standards for inclined sleepers.

Without standards to determine its safety, this is one of the products that we didn’t recommend and now recommend even less.

Since the success of the Rock N’ Play by Fisher-Price, several other manufacturers followed suit and they seemed to come together to defend their products when the recall happened.

Here are some of their statements:

Graco: “Graco takes the safety of our products very seriously and we were deeply concerned by the recent events reported in the media,” the company said in a statement to CNN. “Our product development team reviewed all available data on inclined sleepers and confirmed that our products meet all ASTM International and CPSC safety standards for full-size bassinets/cradles.”

Delta Children: “The safety and security of our customers’ children is Delta Children’s highest priority,” a spokesperson told CNN. “Our hearts go out to the families who have lost a child. All of our products are designed and engineered to meet or exceed applicable ASTM and CPSC safety standards.”

The apologies go on and on…

This medical flaw, however, did not miss all the doctors.

2013: Independent Pediatrician Told Fisher-Price the Rock ‘n Play Was “Unsafe” 

In February 2013, Dr. Roy Benaroch, a board-certified pediatrician, wrote an email to Fisher-Price expressing concerns about the safety of the Rock ‘n Play. He warned that “parents are using this product as a routine sleeping area for their babies,” which is unsafe according to 2011 safe sleep guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics–multiple aspects of which were violated by the Rock ‘n Play design.

By 2018, Fisher-price had added a warning that the Rock N Play was unsafe for overnight sleep;

Warnings on Fisher-Price Rock N' Play inclined sleeper

2018: CPSC Requests a Full Report on the Rock ‘n Play from Fisher-Price 

Fisher-Price submitted a report to the CPSC ten days after they were first made aware of the issue. In the report,

Fisher-Price stated that they were aware of 14 fatalities associated with their Rock ‘n Play product and gave a description of each instance. The report asserted that “the hazard patterns, including extra bedding and infants rolling over into a prone position,” indicated that although nursery products are designed for sleep, this is not necessarily always safe.

Despite acknowledging the deaths and the risks, Fisher-Price’s report concluded that it did not believe that its product was defective or presented a substantial product hazard or an imminent hazard, or created an unreasonable risk of injury. It further denied that its product caused or contributed to any death or bodily injury.

On May 31, 2018, CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) issued a safety alert to all consumers regarding the deaths of babies that had occurred while sleeping in inclined sleep products. The agency strongly urged parents to use restraints when placing infants in these types of products; however, because of limitations on CPSC’s authority, the specific names “Rock ‘n Play” or “Fisher-Price” were not included in the alert.

In a way of pushing back against the CPSC claims and warnings, Fisher-Price hired a consulting firm that did a comparative risk analysis of Rock N’ Play vs other cribs and bassinets/cradles.

This chart shows Fisher-Price trying to justify that its inclined sleepers were as safe as cribs and bassinets but they were wrong.

The results of the Fisher-Price-sponsored study found that the fatality of Rock N’ Play was less than those of crib by close to half per million. As you may expect, CPSC wouldn’t just take their numbers without further scrutiny.

2019: CPSC Contracts an Outside Doctor to Evaluate the Risk of Infants Sleeping at an Incline:

Fisher-Price presented CPSC with an analysis, to which CPSC didn’t feel confident enough in the data regarding the risks associated with Rock ‘n Play Incline Sleepers. Consequently, they contracted Dr. Erin Mannen to study whether infants sleeping at an incline pose a greater suffocation hazard due to rolling over. The $248,000 consulting assignment came up with the following findings;

  • If an infant is sleeping in an inclined surface they may suffocate quicker due to the increased muscle activity required of the abdominal turn core muscles.
  • Inclined sleep products that require more neck and trunk adjustments may cause infants to have difficulty breathing while trying to stay in the correct position. Additionally, if an infant rolls from lying on their back (supine) to their stomach (prone), they will attempt to fix their posture themselves.
  • One big difference between sleeping on a traditional flat mattress and an inclined sleep product is muscle synergy (or how muscles have to work together). If an infant rolls from lying on their back (supine) to their stomach (prone), it’s probably the first time they’ve experienced that position. As a result, there are new demands placed on their muscles.
  • The results of the oxygen saturation test show that infants who sleep in incline products are at a higher risk of suffocation.
  • The evidence collected implies that inclined sleep products make it simpler for babies to roll from supine to prone. The flexed trunk and head lifting abilities while the baby is lying down in an inclined sleep product points towards the fact thatsupine toprone rollingis easier to achieve.
  • If babies sleep in an inclined product where they can roll from supine to prone, then they would get tired faster because of the high demands it takes to keep a safe posture and avoid suffocation.

Other countries too had concerns about Fisher-Price Sleeper:

Australia:

In May of 2010, after the Rock ‘n Play was released in America, regulators from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission contacted Fisher-Price. They were curious if Fisher-Price had plans to sell the product in Australia. In response, a representative from Fisher-Price sent them a sample version of the Rock ‘n Play.

Some weeks later, an Australian regulator responded to Fisher-Price with concerns about the safety of the inclined sleeper. The regulator had the following to say about the sleepers;

Although the Fisher-Price Newborn Rock n Play Sleeper is promoted as an infant bedding alternative, we recommend against using it as such. Infants should not be left unsupervised in these products and we believe that the packaging and promotion should reflect this sentiment.

Canada:

After trying to sell the Rock ‘n Play in Canada, Fisher-Price was told by Health Canada that the product did not meet regulations for bassinets. The Canadian regulator advised Fisher-Price that if they had to sell the Rock n’ Play model in Canada, it would have to instead market it as a Soother.

First Reported Deaths from Inclined Sleepers:

2011/12

At the same time that regulators in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom were expressing concerns about the safety of Rock ‘n Play, Fisher-Price was made aware of injuries and deaths associated with it. On October 26, 2012, a consumer reported to Fisher-Price that her two-month-old son “had stopped breathing” while using Rock ‘n Play in October 2011.

2012

On December 7, 2012, Fisher-Price received a report of an infant death that had occurred in September 2011. The autopsy did not reveal any specific cause of death, and SIDS was ruled as the cause of death. After receiving the report, Fisher-Price attempted to follow up with the consumer twice by email and once by phone but received no response back from the consumer. As a result, it closed the case on January 14, 2014.

2018:

Ten days after the initial complaints, Fisher-Price gave a report to the CPSC on February 16th, 2018. In this report, they mentioned that 14 fatalities have been associated with the Rock ‘n Play and described each one in detail. They went on to say that many of these deaths were not caused by failures of the product itself, but rather due to incorrect use such as infants rolling over into a prone position or extra bedding being present. Out of the 8 known incidents, infants in the Rock ‘n Play either stopped breathing, turned blue/pale, or exhibited some sort of distress.

More deaths:

These inclined infant sleepers would be linked with 94 deaths in only 10 years after their release to the market.

The CPSC (US Consumer Product Safety Commission) received 1,100+ reports of incidents relating to infant-inclined sleep products, including 73 infant deaths, from January 2005 through June 2019.

The 2021 investigation of infant deaths in inclined sleepers by the US House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Reform was focused mainly on Fisher-Price’s Rock ‘n Play, which was the first inclined sleeper available on the market.

Other independent Organizations urge Fisher-Price to recall Rock n’ Play:

Consumer Reports

In February 2020, Consumer Reports indicated that Fisher-Price had agreed to recall all the 4.7 million units of Rock N’ Play units in the market. The CR’s investigations had revealed that at least 32 infants had died from this infant since 2009.

AAP:

The American Academy of Pediatrics has urged the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to recall the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play after 32 sleep-related infant deaths have been linked to it as of 2019.

Warnings took a long time to come:

On May 31, 2018, CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) issued a safety alert to parents, warning them that babies had died while sleeping in inclined sleep products. The agency urged parents to use restraints when putting their infants in those products. However, because of limitations on CPSC’s authority at the time, the alert did not mention the Rock ‘n Play or Fisher-Price by name. Under Section 6(b) of the CPSA, the CPSC is not allowed to disclose any information that a manufacturer provides in its full report unless one of the following has occurred: 1) The Commission has sued the manufacturer 2)The firm agrees to a voluntary corrective action plan 3) The release of information public health and safety requires public disclosure.

Why CPSC Response was delayed after 2019 findings:

Despite the findings calling for an immediate recall of the product, no such action was taken by CPSC until 2022 – almost 2 years later. In these 2 months, another 10+ deaths were reported. This begs the question: why did it take CPSC so long to take action?

It is likely that the Trump administration’s policy of minimizing recalls played a role in the delay. In fact, during Trump’s tenure, CPSC issued the fewest recalls since it was created in 1972.

Former CPSC chair Ann Marie Buerkle stated that “the agency was hamstrung by an insufficient budget and workforce” and that it was hard to get agreement from commissioners for recalls because they “feared the political fallout from parents”.

A 2018 report from the Government Accountability Office also found that the CPSC lacked the resources to effectively carry out its mission and that it had not been able to fill many critical staff positions.

It is clear that the lack of resources and personnel at CPSC contributed to the delayed response to the dangers of infant-inclined sleepers. The prevailing political environment of less regulations touted by the Trump administration also played a role.

Congress passed the Consumer Product Safety Act in 1972 to create the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The CPSA’s stated goal is to protect consumers from products that pose unreasonable risks of injury.

Finally – Ban on inclined Sleepers for Infants:

On May 16, 2022, the President signed into law the Safe Sleep for Babies Act of 2021 (SSBA), which requires that “inclined sleepers for infants, regardless of the date of manufacture, shall be considered a banned hazardous product” under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA). Pursuant to this authority, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC, or Commission) is proposing to codify the ban on inclined sleepers for infants.

Soon afterward, the Canadian Agency also recalled Fisher-Price’s Rock N’ Play units with more recall details here.

This is a snapshot from the Canadian authority on the recalls of Fisher-Price Rock N' Play in May 2019

What is an inclined sleeper?

An inclined sleeper is a type of product that is designed to hold an infant at an incline, usually between 30 and 45 degrees. There are two types of inclined sleepers:

Pillow-like sleepers with soft bedding: These products look like a traditional bassinet or playard but have a wedge or other pillow-like device to prop up the infant at an incline.

Hardsided sleepers with a built-in incline: These products look like a traditional bouncer, swing, or car seat but have a mechanism to lock them into place at an incline.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, to help reduce the number of deaths from SIDs, all infants should sleep on flat and firm surfaces. This means that babies should sleep by themselves, without any bumpers, soft bedding, pillows or stuffed toys around them.

Crib bumpers and inclined infant sleeper products can cause a baby to suffocate.

The key difference between inclined sleepers and AAP-recommended sleepers is that inclined sleepers hold babies at an incline, usually between 30 and 45 degrees, while AAP-recommended sleepers lay infants flat on their backs.

What are the dangers of using an inclined sleeper?

There are several dangers associated with using an inclined sleeper and we’ll discuss each in detail.

1. Increased risk of SIDS

The primary danger of using an inclined sleeper is that it increases the risk of SIDs.

A study published in The Lancet found that babies who slept at a 30-degree incline were 37 times more likely to die from SIDS than babies who slept on a flat surface.

Other studies have found that the risk of SIDS is increased by as much as 50% when babies sleep on an inclined surface.

2. Increased risk of suffocation

In addition to the increased risk of SIDS, babies who sleep in inclined sleepers are also at an increased risk of suffocation.

When babies reach the age when they are able to roll around, the risk of suffocation increases even further. This is because they can roll from their back to their stomach and become trapped in the sleeper.

3. Increased risk of entrapment

Inclined sleepers also pose a danger of entrapment. This is when a baby becomes trapped between the sleeper and another object, such as a wall or piece of furniture.

4. Increased risk of falls

Another danger of inclined sleepers is that they can tip over, especially if they are not used on a level surface. This can cause babies to fall out and be injured.

5. Strangulation hazards

Inclined sleepers also pose a strangulation hazard. This is because the baby’s head can become trapped between the bars of the sleeper or between the sleeper and another object.

6. Other hazards

In addition to the dangers listed above, inclined sleepers can also pose other hazards, such as:

• Fire hazard: Some inclined sleepers have been recalled due to fire hazards.

• Injury hazard: Some inclined sleepers have been recalled due to injury hazards, such as sharp edges.

7. Products that have been recalled

Due to the dangers associated with inclined sleepers, many products have been recalled. Some of the most notable recalls include:

• Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play: In April 2019, Fisher-Price recalled 4.7 million Rock ‘n Play sleepers after reports of over 30 infant deaths.

• Kids II: In January 2019, Kids II recalled 694,000 inclined sleeper products after the death of five infants.

• Graco: In July 2019, Graco recalled 700,000 inclined sleeper products after the death of four infants.

• Summer Infant: In October 2018, Summer Infant recalled 68,000 inclined sleeper products due to entrapment and suffocation hazards.

New Safety Standards and AAP Guidelines:

The “Safe Cribs Act”, banning the production, sale, and distribution of crib bumpers and infant-inclined sleepers (sleep surface incline greater than 10 degrees), was first passed as the “Safe Sleep for Babies Act” by the US Congress in June 2021 and then again by the Senate in March 2022.

AAP Recommendations on Safe Sleep:

Below is the summary of the revised safe sleep guidelines released by AAP in 2021;

  • The baby should sleep on a flat hard surface that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s rule from June 2021. This safety standard state that any infant sleep product must meet existing federal rules for cribs, bassinets, play yards, and bedside sleepers. Parents shouldn’t use items for sleeping unless they are promoted as being meant specifically for slumber.
  • Devices that require an infant to sit upright, such as car seats, strollers, swings, infant carriers, and slings are not recommended for regular sleep in the hospital or at home. This is especially true for infants younger than 4 months old.
  • According to research, breastfeeding lowers the chance of sleep-related infant mortality. Although any human milk is more beneficial than no human milk, feeding partial human milk for at least two months has been shown to significantly reduce the probability of sleep-related deaths. The AAP or American Academy of Pediatrics suggests giving only human milk to infants until they reach six months old, and continuing if both parent and child desire it for up to one year or longer.
  • The AAP recommends that for at least the first six months, parents sleep in the same room as their baby, but not necessarily in the same bed.
  • AAP also advises parents to keep infants and parents away from nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, opioids, and other drugs.
  • It’s important to keep up with the baby’s immunizations.
  • Studies indicate that using pacifiers can help reduce the risk of SIDS.
  • Do not use commercial devices that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS or other sleep-related deaths; evidence suggests these products are ineffective. Additionally, using such products may give caregivers a false sense of security and cause them to become complacent. Home cardiorespiratory monitors should also not be used as a strategy to reduce the risk of SIDS.
  • Parents are recommended to put their infant in supervised, awake tummy time for short periods of time beginning shortly after they’re discharged from the hospital. This is done to facilitate infant development and minimize positional plagiocephaly. The goal is to have the infant do at least 15 – 30 minutes total daily by 7 weeks old.
  • Although there is no scientific evidence to recommend swaddling as a strategy against SIDS, if you do choose to swaddle your infant, always place them on their back. Additionally, weighted swaddles, clothing or objects are not safe and should not be used. If your infant begins attempting to roll (which usually occurs around 3-4 months but may happen earlier), it’s time to stop swaddling as it might lead to suffocation if they end up in the prone position while wrapped.

FAQs

Are inclined sleepers safe for babies?

Inclined sleepers are not safe for babies. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a ban on the production, sale, and distribution of infant-inclined sleepers (sleep surface incline greater than 10 degrees). Prior to the CPSC ban, AAP and Consumer Reports issued warnings and urged Fisher-Price to recall its 4.7 million units of inclined sleepers that were on retail shelves in the US in 2019.

Studies have linked inclined sleepers to 94 deaths from 2009 to 2019 and several independent labs and experts have deemed them unsafe.

Why are inclined sleepers unsafe for infants?

There are several reasons why inclined sleepers are unsafe for infants. First, they can cause babies to roll into a position where they can’t breathe. Second, the fabric on inclined sleepers can block an infant’s airway. Third, the hard plastic or metal bars on some inclined sleepers can hurt an infant if they roll into them. Finally, the cushioned fabric on inclined sleepers can make it difficult for infants to turn their heads, increasing the risk of suffocation.

What should I do if I have an inclined sleeper?

If you have an inclined sleeper, you should stop using it immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or replacement product. You can also return it to the store where you purchased it for a full refund.

What are some safe alternatives to inclined sleepers?

There are several safe alternatives to inclined sleepers, including bassinets, cribs, and playards. Bassinets and cribs are regulated by the CPSC and must meet certain safety standards. Playards are also safe alternatives, but they should only be used for short periods of time and never for overnight sleep.

are all inclined sleepers recalled?

Yes, all inclined sleepers are recalled. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a ban on the production, sale, and distribution of infant-inclined sleepers (sleep surface incline greater than 10 degrees). With the passage of the Safe Sleep for Babies Act in 2021, inclined sleepers will be permanently banned in the United States.

Below is a table compiled by Consumer Reports with all details of recalled inclined sleepers;

Product Name
(Click to go to the CPSC recall page)
Date RecalledRecall Details
(Click on a link below to read our article on the recall)
Baby Matters Nap Nanny and Chill Infant ReclinersJune 13, 2013About 165,000 sleepers were recalled after five infant deaths were linked to the products. A sixth death was reported after the recall, in 2014.
Delta Inclined Sleepers With Adjustable Feeding Position for NewbornsJan. 29, 2020About 5,900 sleepers were recalled because of infant fatalities linked to similar products.
Dorel Juvenile Group’s Disney Baby Doze and Dream Bassinet and Eddie Bauer Slumber and Soothe Rock BassinetJuly 31, 2019About 24,000 sleepers were recalled because of infant fatalities linked to similar products.
Evenflo Pillo Portable NapperJan. 29, 2020 (U.S.); June 4, 2019 (Canada)About 3,100 sleepers were recalled in the U.S. because of infant fatalities linked to similar products. About 1,100 were recalled in Canada because they didn’t meet the country’s regulations for bassinets, cradles, and cribs.
Fisher-Price Rock ’n Play SleeperApril 12, 2019 (U.S.); May 15, 2019 (Canada)About 4.7 million sleepers were recalled in the U.S. because of more than 30 reported fatalities. In Canada, there were two recalls: one involving about 2,000 products sold from December 2009 to February 2011, and the other involving about 600 products sold between January 2018 and April 2019. (The recall does not apply to Fisher-Price Rock ’n Play Soothing Seats, almost identical products sold in Canada but not marketed for sleep.)
Fisher-Price inclined sleeper accessory sold with Ultra-Lite Day & Night Play YardsJune 27, 2019About 71,000 sleepers were recalled because of infant fatalities linked to similar products.
Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Rock ’n Glide SoothersJune 3, 2021About 120,000 soothers were recalled after four infant deaths were linked to the products.
Fisher-Price 2-in-1 Soothe ’n Play GlidersJune 3, 2021About 55,000 gliders were recalled after infant fatalities were linked to similar products.
Graco Little Lounger Rocking SeatsJan. 29, 2020About 111,000 sleepers were recalled because of infant fatalities linked to similar products.
Graco inclined sleeper accessories included with four playard modelsDec. 16, 2020About 51,000 sleepers were recalled because of infant fatalities linked to similar products.
Kids II Rocking Sleepers, such as the Ingenuity Moonlight Rocking Sleeper and the Bright Starts Playtime to Bedtime Rocking SleeperApril 26, 2019About 694,000 sleepers were recalled after the company’s sleepers were linked to five infant fatalities.
Kolcraft Cuddle ‘n Care 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline Sleepers and the Preferred Position 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline SleepersFeb. 20, 2020About 51,000 inclined sleeper accessories sold with two bassinets were recalled because of infant fatalities linked to similar inclined sleepers.
Sumr Brands SwaddleMe By Your Bed SleepersJan. 29, 2020About 46,300 sleepers were recalled because of infant fatalities linked to similar inclined sleepers.

How are inclined sleepers dangerous?

Inclined sleepers are not safe for babies. These products prop infants up at a 30-degree angle, which can restrict their airway and cause them to roll out of the device and become trapped underneath it. Inclined sleepers have been linked to 94 deaths so far, as well as increasing the risk of crib death–the leading cause of death in infants one month to one year old.

A baby’s airway is much narrower than an adult’s. So when a baby sleeps on its back, there’s a greater risk that the tongue will fall back and block the airway. When babies sleep on their stomachs or sides, gravity helps keep the tongue from falling back.

When babies sleep on an incline, there’s a danger that they’ll roll into a position where their chin is pressed down onto their chest. This can restrict their airway and cause them to suffocate.

Inclined sleepers also increase the risk of SIDS. SIDS is the leading cause of death in babies one month to one year old.

If you have an inclined sleeper, the best thing to do is to get rid of it. If you know someone who has one, tell them about the dangers and encourage them to get rid of it.

why are inclined sleepers bad?

Inclined sleepers are bad for babies as the 30 degrees incline can restrict their airway and cause them to roll out of the device and become trapped underneath it. Inclined sleepers have been linked to 94 deaths so far, as well as increasing the risk of crib death–the leading cause of death in infants one month to one-year-old.

A baby’s airway is much narrower than an adult’s. Studies have linked these sleepers to SIDs and other dangers. So when a baby sleeps on its back, there’s a greater risk that the tongue will fall back and block the airway. When babies sleep on their stomachs or sides, gravity helps keep the tongue from falling back.

When babies sleep on an incline, there’s a danger that they’ll roll into a position where their chin is pressed down onto their chest. This can restrict their airway and cause them to suffocate.

Why are inclined sleepers dangerous?

There are many dangers associated with inclined sleepers. As mentioned above, the 30 degree incline can restrict a baby’s airway and cause them to roll out of the device and become trapped underneath it. Inclined sleepers have also been linked to 94 deaths so far.

In addition, babies who sleep in inclined sleepers are at an increased risk of SIDS. SIDS is the leading cause of death in infants one month to one-year-old.

Does sleeping inclined help sleep apnea?

2017 studies found that sleep elevation can be helpful for people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where a person’s breathing stops during sleep, usually due to blocked or narrowed airways.

The researchers noted that tilting people 7.5 degrees in bed reduced OSA severity by 31.8% on average. This incline level also helped reduce shallow breathing and improve sleep efficiency.

2020 research Trusted Source studied the effect of different bed inclines on people who snored regularly, finding that snoring stopped in 22% of people at 10 degrees and 67% of people at 20 degrees.

Inclined sleeper vs bouncer vs baby lounger:

Inclined sleepers, bouncers, and baby loungers all have their own pros and cons. In general, inclined sleepers are the least safe option, followed by bouncers, and then baby loungers.

Inclined sleepers prop babies up at a 30-degree angle, which can restrict their airway and cause them to roll out of the device and become trapped underneath it. Inclined sleepers have been linked to 94 deaths so far.

Bouncers are slightly safer than inclined sleepers, but they can still be dangerous if babies are not supervised while in them. Bouncers can tip over if babies wiggle too much, and babies can fall out of them if they are not buckled in properly.

Baby loungers are the safest option of the three, but they should only be used under supervision. Baby loungers can tip over if babies wiggle too much, and babies can suffocate if they roll onto their stomachs while in them.

In general, it is safest for babies to sleep on their backs on a flat surface. This can be in a crib, bassinet, or playard. If you use an inclined sleeper, bouncer, or baby lounger, make sure to always supervised your baby and never leave them unattended.

What is like sleeping inclined vs flat?

The act of sleeping on an incline has been regarded as a possible method to treat several issues such as bad circulation, sleep apnea, snoring, acid reflux and more. The most convenient way to do this is by making use of an adjustable bed.

On the other hand, sleeping on flat surface is the most common and what most people are used to. It is the typical way we have been taught to sleep, on our backs with a pillow under our head. This position can help prevent wrinkles, neck pain, and drooling while you sleep. Some people may find it more difficult to fall asleep on their back but once they are out, this is generally considered the healthiest sleeping position.

There are a few key differences between sleeping on an incline versus flat that you should be aware of before making a decision on which is best for you.

When you sleep on an incline, your head is elevated above your heart. This can help to reduce tension headaches, snoring, and even sleep apnea. It can also ease acid reflux symptoms by keeping your stomach contents from moving up into your esophagus.

Sleeping on an incline can also improve circulation since gravity is working against you. This is especially beneficial for those who suffer from poor circulation or varicose veins.

Are inclined sleepers good for reflux babies?

While they may be marginal benefits of using slightly elevated surfaces for sleep with kids with acid reflux, the risk of SIDS and other dangers associated with inclined sleepers is not worth it. We recommend avoiding them altogether.

Inclined sleepers are dangerous for babies as the 30 degrees incline can restrict their airway and cause them to roll out of the device and become trapped underneath it. Inclined sleepers have been linked to 94 deaths so far, as well as increasing the risk of crib death–the leading cause of death in infants one month to one-year-old.

Are baby loungers regarded as inclined sleepers?

As the product’s name suggests, an inclined sleeper is designed to keep your baby at an incline while they are sleeping. A baby lounger, on the other hand, can be used for different purposes such as napping, nursing, and tummy time.

Most of the baby loungers in the market look like beanbags, and they are not meant to be slept in overnight. The design of the baby lounger elevation does not rise to 30 degrees and is also regarded by CPSC as non-sleep product.

LOunges such as DockATot or Snuggle Me Organic have come under sharp criticism after the ban of inclined sleepers but are still marketed as “multi-use” products.

DockATot’s website suggests using the product for “tummy time, naps, travel, and lounging around the house.” However, there are no warnings or disclaimers about the dangers of using the product for overnight sleep.

The Snuggle Me website claims that the product can be used for “naps, tummy time, and lounging around,” but there is no mention of using it for sleep.