Shower Benches Recalled Due to Fall Hazard; Made by Ivena and Sold Exclusively at Costco (Recall Alert)

What was recalled

In September of 2021, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving home bathroom fixtures that many consumers might not immediately associate with serious safety risks. Specifically, this alert concerns Ivena brand shower benches constructed from teak wood. These items were marketed as durable, natural-wood seating solutions for bathrooms, but further investigation revealed structural vulnerabilities that led to their removal from the market. The primary product affected is the Ivena 20-inch teak shower bench. This specific model was designed with a light brown teak finish and featured padding on its feet to help stabilize it on slippery surfaces. Aesthetically, the benches were characterized by a row of wood paneling on both the seat and the bottom shelf, giving them a distinct, polished look that appealed to homeowners looking for high-end bathroom accessories.

For consumers trying to identify whether they own one of these recalled units, precise identification details are crucial. The product packaging prominently displays the item number 1049998 and the Universal Product Code (UPC) 8886474018015. Additionally, the benches themselves carry a specific label stating that they contain "100% wood from well-managed forests," which was likely intended to reassure buyers about the sustainability and quality of the materials used. Despite these reassuring labels and the sturdy appearance of the teak construction, the internal integrity of the benches proved insufficient for safe daily use, leading to their recall.

The scope of this recall is defined by where and when these items were available to the public. These Ivena shower benches were sold exclusively at Costco warehouses across the United States. They were not distributed through other retail channels or online marketplaces outside of Costco’s direct sales network. The recall was officially initiated on September 9, 2021, marking the date when consumers were formally notified to cease using these products. It is important to note that while the provided records do not specify the exact total number of units sold or recalled, the exclusivity of the retailer helps narrow down the potential pool of affected consumers. If you purchased a teak shower bench from Costco prior to this date, particularly one matching the descriptions and codes above, it falls within the scope of this safety alert.

Understanding the specific identity of the product is the first step in ensuring your bathroom’s safety. These were not generic items but distinct Ivena products with clear branding and packaging identifiers. The exclusivity to Costco means that if you did not shop there during the relevant period, you likely do not have one of these recalled benches. However, for those who did, the combination of the item number, UPC, and the physical description of the light brown teak with padded feet serves as the definitive checklist for verification.

The hazard, explained

At first glance, a wooden shower bench seems like one of the most stable items you could place in a bathroom. After all, wood is strong, and teak is famously dense and durable. However, the specific design of these Ivena shower benches introduces a critical structural vulnerability that simply does not exist in properly engineered wet-room furniture. The core issue lies in how the bench handles weight over time, particularly when that weight is applied dynamically—meaning, when someone sits down heavily or shifts their balance while standing up. Teak is excellent for resisting rot and water damage, which is why it is often used outdoors, but without proper internal reinforcement or joinery designed specifically for high-load scenarios, the wood panels can fail under stress.

In this case, the mechanism of failure is structural collapse. The recall data indicates that the benches do not just wear out; they break apart during use. This suggests that the connections between the seat, the bottom shelf, and the legs are not secure enough to hold a person’s full body weight plus any additional force generated by movement. When a user places their weight on the bench, the stress is distributed through these joints. If the glue fails, the screws pull out, or the wood itself cracks under the pressure, the entire structure can give way instantly. It is not a gradual sagging; it is a sudden loss of integrity.

Why does this lead to such serious injuries? The answer lies in the environment where these benches are used. A shower floor is typically made of tile, stone, or fiberglass—surfaces that offer very little friction, especially when wet and soapy. When the bench collapses, the user does not just step down gently; they fall directly onto a slick, hard surface from a standing height. The lack of traction means they cannot catch themselves with their hands effectively. Furthermore, because the failure is often unpredictable, there is no time to brace for impact. This combination of sudden collapse and a slippery landing creates a high risk for severe trauma.

The incident reports confirm this dangerous dynamic. Consumers have reported 81 distinct instances where the bench collapsed, broke, or fell apart while in use. Four of these incidents resulted in documented injuries, including a fractured tailbone, persistent head and body aches, and significant bruising. A fractured tailbone is particularly telling; it indicates that the user landed directly on their bottom with substantial force, which only happens when a support structure fails completely rather than just tipping over. The "persistent" nature of the head and body aches suggests that users may have hit their heads or bodies against the hard walls or floors during the fall, highlighting how quickly a minor convenience item can become a serious safety threat if its structural limits are exceeded.

• Sudden Structural Failure: The bench does not warn you before it breaks; it fails all at once.
• No Traction for Recovery: Wet floors prevent users from grabbing the bench to stabilize themselves as it gives way.
• Hard Impact Surface: Falling onto tile or stone converts the energy of the fall directly into bodily injury.

Who is most at risk

The individuals facing the highest level of danger from this Ivena shower bench recall are primarily those who rely on the bench for stability and balance while bathing. Because the product was sold exclusively through Costco, it likely reached a broad cross-section of American households. However, the specific nature of the hazard—a sudden collapse or structural failure under load—creates a particularly acute risk profile for older adults and individuals with mobility challenges. When a shower bench fails, the user is often in a precarious position: wet, potentially slippery, and possibly seated on a hard surface or the floor of a tub. For someone with strong core stability and healthy bone density, a fall might result in a minor bruise or a momentary shock. For others, the consequences can be catastrophic.

Elderly users are disproportionately vulnerable to the injuries documented in this recall. The reported incidents include a fractured tailbone and persistent head and body aches, which are classic signs of high-impact falls in older populations. As we age, bones naturally lose density, making fractures more likely even from moderate heights. Furthermore, the recovery process for an elderly person who suffers a spinal or hip fracture can be prolonged and debilitating, potentially leading to a loss of independence. The "persistent" nature of the headaches and body aches reported in the four injury cases suggests that the impact was significant enough to cause soft tissue trauma or whiplash-like symptoms, which can linger long after the initial event.

Individuals with balance disorders, muscle weakness, or those recovering from surgery also face heightened risk. These users often depend on their shower bench not just for comfort, but as a critical safety aid to prevent slipping. When that aid fails structurally, it removes their primary point of support exactly when they need it most. The collapse can occur without warning, leaving no time to brace or adjust position. This sudden loss of support can lead to falls onto hard bathroom surfaces, such as ceramic tile or fiberglass tubs, increasing the likelihood of head injuries and joint trauma. The fact that eight-one incidents were reported indicates that this is not a rare manufacturing defect but a systemic issue affecting many users, meaning the statistical probability of encountering a faulty unit is relatively high.

Additionally, while less common in this specific demographic profile, parents purchasing these benches for children with special needs or temporary injuries must also be vigilant. Children have different center-of-gravity dynamics and may move more unpredictably on a wet surface. If the bench collapses under dynamic movement rather than static weight, the risk of head injury increases significantly due to their smaller size and developing bodies. Therefore, anyone who depends on this piece of furniture for safe hygiene practices should treat the recall with immediate urgency, recognizing that the safety mechanism has failed by design.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Determining whether your bathroom furniture is part of this specific recall requires a careful, physical inspection of both the product itself and its original packaging. Because the recall involves items made by Ivena and sold exclusively at Costco, the first step is to confirm where you purchased the bench. If you did not buy it from Costco, it is likely not part of this particular safety alert, though it is always wise to verify the manufacturer details on any product label.

If you have the original box or packaging, look for specific printed identifiers. The exterior packaging must display the item number 1049998 and the Universal Product Code (UPC) 8886474018015. These numbers are your primary digital keys to confirming the product's identity in official databases. If you have discarded the box, do not worry; the physical characteristics of the bench itself are distinct enough to identify it without the packaging.

Examine the construction materials and finish closely. The recalled item is specifically a 20-inch teak shower bench. Visually, it will be made of light brown teak wood. A key distinguishing feature is the presence of padding on the feet; this padding is designed to protect your floor but also serves as a visual marker for this specific model. Look at the seating area and the bottom shelf; both should feature a row of wood paneling that runs along the structure. This paneling detail helps distinguish it from other Ivena models that may look similar but do not carry the same collapse risk.

Check the product label attached directly to the bench frame or seat. You are looking for a sticker or engraving that explicitly states, "100% wood from well-managed forests." This certification mark is part of the specific batch included in this recall. While many wooden products carry eco-friendly labels, the combination of the 20-inch size, the light brown teak finish with foot padding, the wood paneling on the seat and shelf, and this specific text confirms you have the recalled unit.

If you are unsure, compare your bench against these physical traits one by one. The collapse hazard is linked to the structural integrity of this specific design during use. Therefore, even if the numbers on the box are missing, the physical description of a light brown, 20-inch teak bench with padded feet and paneling is highly indicative of the recalled product. When in doubt, it is safer to assume it is the recalled item and contact Costco or Ivena for verification rather than risking a fall.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have one of the recalled Ivena shower benches, your primary and most straightforward option is to return the item for a full refund. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has confirmed that Costco, the exclusive retailer for this product, is handling the remedy. Because the structural integrity of the bench is compromised—evidenced by reports of collapse and breakage—there is no offer for repair or replacement parts. The only safe path forward is to remove the hazard from your home entirely and receive your money back.

You might be wondering how this process works if you do not have your original receipt. Good news: Costco is proactively contacting all known purchasers directly regarding this recall. This means that in many cases, you do not need to hunt down paperwork or contact them first. They will reach out to inform you of the return process and ensure you are reimbursed. However, if you have not heard from them yet, or if you prefer to take immediate action, you can initiate the return at any Costco warehouse location. Since these benches were sold exclusively through Costco, their customer service desk is equipped to handle these specific returns without the need for a printed receipt in many instances, provided you can verify your membership and approximate purchase date.

If you are unable to visit a store or wish to get more information before proceeding, you can contact Ivena directly. They have set up a dedicated toll-free line at 844-818-9388. You can call this number between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, to speak with representatives who can answer questions about the recall status or guide you through the return logistics. Alternatively, for written details or digital confirmation, visit www.ivenainternational.com and navigate to the "Recalls & Product Notices" section. This online portal serves as an official resource for verifying the recall and understanding any updates to the remedy process.

The reason this is a full refund rather than a repair is critical to understand. The hazard involves the bench collapsing, breaking, or falling apart during use. These are not cosmetic issues; they are fundamental failures of the product’s construction that pose a severe fall risk. Attempting to fix the wood paneling, padding, or joints would not guarantee safety, and no authorized repair kit has been issued by the manufacturer or the agency. Therefore, accepting a refund is not just a financial transaction—it is the only way to eliminate the danger to you and your household. Please do not attempt to sell, donate, or give away the bench, as it remains dangerous even if it looks intact.

To summarize your immediate next steps: stop using the bench today. Check your email or Costco membership correspondence for their direct outreach. If you need to act independently, bring the bench to your local Costco for a full refund, or call Ivena at 844-818-9388 for assistance. Your safety is worth more than the cost of the item, and this remedy ensures you are made whole without keeping a hazardous object in your bathroom.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using your shower bench immediately. Perhaps you have already grown accustomed to its height and comfort, or maybe you are simply busy and the prospect of packing up a heavy wooden item feels like an unnecessary chore right now. You might look at the bench and see only a sturdy piece of teak wood, not realizing that the structural integrity is compromised. However, ignoring this recall is not just about missing out on a refund; it is about accepting an unacceptable level of physical risk in one of the most dangerous rooms in your home.

The core danger here is sudden, unexpected collapse. Unlike a slow wear-and-tear issue that might give you warning signs, the failure mode for these Ivena benches is catastrophic during use. When the bench gives way while you are standing on it or sitting down, there is no time to react. You are not just dropping a few inches; you are falling with significant force onto a hard, slippery surface. The CPSC reports indicate that this has already happened 81 times to other consumers. In those instances, the bench did not just tip over gently; it broke apart or collapsed under weight, turning a routine hygiene activity into a medical emergency.

The consequences of ignoring this warning can range from severe bruising and soft tissue damage to serious orthopedic injuries. We have documented cases where users suffered fractured tailbones, which are notoriously painful and take a long time to heal. Others reported persistent head and body aches, suggesting that the falls were hard enough to cause whiplash or concussive symptoms even without a direct hit to the skull. In a bathroom environment, the risk is compounded by water on the floor. A fall from a standing height onto wet tile can lead to hip fractures, especially for older adults, or head trauma that requires immediate medical attention. These are not minor scrapes; they are injuries that keep people out of their daily routines for weeks or months.

Beyond the immediate physical pain, there is the long-term impact on your independence and peace of mind. A serious fall can lead to loss of confidence in using shower benches altogether, forcing you to rely on assistive devices you might not want or need. It can also result in high medical bills and lost time from work while you recover. The bench was marketed as a safety aid, but if you continue to use it after the recall notice, you are inadvertently turning it into a hazard. The structural failure is inherent to the manufacturing defect; it will not resolve itself with careful handling. Continuing to use it is essentially gambling with your physical safety every single time you step into the shower, and the odds of injury are no longer theoretical—they have already materialized for dozens of others.

Please do not let convenience outweigh your safety. The risk of a fractured bone or a serious head injury is far too high to ignore. Take five minutes today to box it up and contact Costco. Your health is worth more than the temporary hassle of returning a product.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a critical failure in the structural integrity of Ivena shower benches, the underlying issue highlights a broader safety principle for any product designed to support human weight in wet environments. Shower benches, chairs, and stools are not merely furniture; they are medical-grade assistive devices that must withstand dynamic loads, constant exposure to moisture, and chemical cleaners. To stay safe with similar products, it is essential to understand that "waterproof" often refers only to the material's resistance to rotting, not its ability to maintain structural strength over time. Wood, even high-quality teak, can develop invisible micro-fractures at joints where metal hardware meets wood fibers. These weak points are exacerbated by the thermal expansion and contraction caused by hot showers followed by cooler air, a cycle that loosens screws and glues long before a catastrophic collapse occurs.

One of the most effective ways to prevent injury is to establish a routine inspection protocol for any assistive bathroom equipment. You should check for stability at least once a month, or immediately after any deep cleaning. Look for wobble, listen for creaking sounds when weight is applied, and inspect the feet for slippage. If your bench has rubber pads, ensure they are intact and not hardened by age; smooth surfaces on wet tile are incredibly dangerous. Furthermore, consider the environment in which you place these items. Placing a shower bench on uneven grout lines or slippery tiles increases the risk of lateral movement. Using non-slip mats under the feet of the bench can provide crucial stability, acting as a secondary safety measure against the very kind of shifting that leads to falls.

Beyond physical maintenance, proactive consumer awareness is your best defense against defective products. Manufacturers and retailers are required by law to report significant hazards to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), but it is up to you to act on that information. Regularly visit www.saferproducts.gov to search for recent recalls relevant to your home. You can also sign up for email alerts specific to bathroom fixtures or mobility aids. Many people assume that items purchased years ago are "safe by default," but recall campaigns often target batches produced over long periods due to subtle manufacturing flaws that only appear after extended use.

Finally, remember that safety is a shared responsibility between the manufacturer and the user. While you cannot control how a product was built, you can control how it is used. Never stand on a shower bench to reach high shelves, and always ensure that the weight limit specified by the manufacturer is not exceeded. For older adults or those with balance issues, consider installing wall-mounted grab bars in addition to freestanding benches. Wall anchors provide a fixed point of stability that no portable furniture can match, significantly reducing the risk of injury from slips or equipment failure. By combining vigilant maintenance with broader safety infrastructure, you create a resilient system that protects you regardless of individual product failures.