A bed or chair alarm lets a caregiver know when the person they look after starts to get up, so they can come and help. It is common in home care and in nursing facilities for people who are unsteady on their feet or forget to call for help. There are two main types: pressure sensor pads, which sound when weight comes off the pad, and magnetic clip alarms, which sound when a cord clipped to clothing pulls free. This guide compares the alarms in our patient alarms and sensor pads collection, most of them from the Blue Jay Alarm Alert line, using details from the manufacturers' listings.
At a glance
| Product | What is in the box | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm Alert Standard Patient Alarm with Bed Sensor Pad | Standard alarm (BJ115305) and bed pad (BJ115307) | Alerts when the person leaves the bed |
| Blue Jay Standard Patient Alarm with Chair Sensor Pad | Standard alarm (BJ115305) and chair pad (BJ115207) | Alerts when the person stands from a chair or wheelchair |
| Alarm Alert Deluxe Patient Alarm with Chair Sensor Pad | Deluxe alarm and chair pad | Chair monitoring with the deluxe unit |
| Alarm Alert Standard Patient Alarm by Blue Jay | Alarm unit, brackets, 9V battery; pad not included | Replacing an alarm unit or pairing with a pad you already have |
| Blue Jay Alarm Alert Bed Sensor Pad, 10 x 30 inch | Bed pad only, rated for 1 year | Replacement pad for BJ115205 and BJ115305 alarms |
| Alarm Alert Magnetic Alarm with Clothing Clip | Alarm, adjustable cord with magnet and clip, brackets, 9V battery | Bed or chair, without a pad |
How pressure sensor pads work
The pad goes under the sheet or the seat cushion and plugs into the alarm unit. When the person lifts their weight off the pad, the alarm sounds. The Blue Jay bed pad can be placed under the shoulders or under the buttocks: under the shoulders it sounds when the person sits up, and under the buttocks it sounds as they leave the bed. Chair pads are smaller and go on the seat of a chair, recliner or wheelchair.
The 10 x 30 inch bed pad is rated for one year of use and has a writable surface for the person's name and the date it went into service, which helps you know when to replace it. On the standard alarm, you reset it by pressing the reset button or when the person sits back on the pad, and a yellow light blinks when the 9V battery is low.
How magnetic clip alarms work
The magnetic clip alarm uses a cord with a metal clip that attaches to the person's clothing. The other end is a magnet on the alarm unit. When the person stands and moves away, the magnet pulls off and the alarm sounds. You can adjust the cord length, pick high or low volume, and choose a music or alarm tone. It mounts with a U-bracket on a bed or chair, a wall bracket, or hook-and-loop.
A clip alarm has no pad to wear out or slip out of place, which some caregivers prefer. The trade-off is that it only works if the clip stays attached to the person's clothing.
Which type should I choose?
- Mostly at night, in bed: a standard alarm with a bed sensor pad.
- Mostly sitting in a recliner or wheelchair: a standard or deluxe alarm with a chair pad.
- Both bed and chair: one standard alarm unit works with both the Blue Jay chair pad (BJ115207) and bed pad (BJ115307), so you can buy the unit once and add the pads you need.
- The person pulls at or moves pads: consider the magnetic clip alarm.
Setup tips
- Test the alarm from where the caregiver usually sits or sleeps to make sure it can be heard.
- Keep a spare 9V battery on hand and watch for the low-battery light.
- Write the start date on the bed pad and replace it at the end of its rated life.
- Pair the alarm with something to hold, such as a bed assist handle or trapeze (see our bed rails, assist handles and trapeze guide), and keep a walker or rollator and a bedside commode within reach for night-time trips.
Shop the full Blue Jay range on our Blue Jay brand page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bed pad and a chair pad?
Only if the person spends unsupervised time in both places. The standard Alarm Alert unit works with either Blue Jay pad, so you can start with one and add the other later.
How long does a sensor pad last?
The Blue Jay bed sensor pad we carry is rated for one year of use. Check each pad's listing for its rating.
Will an alarm prevent falls?
An alarm only tells the caregiver that the person is getting up. It does not stop a fall by itself, so it works best as one part of a plan with the person's care team.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. A bed or chair alarm adds an alert for the caregiver; it does not replace supervision. Talk with the person's care team about a fall-prevention plan.