Safe Inflatables: What to Look For

Not all inflatables are designed the same. The majority of differences have to do with durability, convenience of use, and appearance. As we examine in the Accident & Injury section, the vast majority of all serious injuries reported are caused by lack of supervision, lack of proper tethering, overloading, or sudden deflation. However, there are several specific safety features that you should look for in a safe inflatable. Safety Air Systems does not endorse any specific manufacturer, but consider the following safety features a must regardless of your source.

• Bouncer Wall Netting
  Bouncer walls should have some kind of see-through netting or mesh panels. The single major cause of inflatable-related injuries is simple lack of supervision. Wall netting allows responsible adults to supervise the behavior inside a bouncer and stop rowdy or dangerous behavior before someone is injured. Netted walls do not weaken the structural integrity of a bouncer in any way. Additionally, netted or mesh walls allow air flow into the inflatable and in the event of a sudden deflation, anyone temporarily trapped within will have no problem getting plenty of air.

• "Finger Safe" Netting
  Not just any type of netting is completely safe, however. The netting or mesh on the walls of a bouncer should have holes that are too small for a child's finger to fit into. Fingers, hair, and even teeth can get caught in netting with holes too large. Be sure any bouncer you purchase has netting fine enough to that a small finger cannot fit through the holes.

• Bouncer "Steps"
  Bouncers should have some kind of inflated or cushioned step leading into the entrance. Children falling while attempting to exit a bouncer is a common source of minor injuries. These can be significantly reduced by using bouncers with a step in front of the opening.

• Slides: Sealed Chamber
  Inflatable slides are required by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission to have a sealed air chamber that prevents rapid collapse of the slide in the event of loss of air pressure. See our USCPSC Guidelines section for full details. Note that many manufacturers do not have this sealed chamber. The most serious accidents tend to happen on these larger inflatables, so be sure you purchase one that complies with all regulations.