What was recalled
If you recently purchased a do-it-yourself bean bag chair project from Comfort Research, it is important to pause and check your package contents immediately. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall on January 2, 2018, concerning specific Ultra Lounge bean bag chair covers manufactured by Comfort Research. This is not a recall of the foam beads themselves, but rather the fabric shell designed to hold them. These items were marketed as DIY packages, meaning they were sold without the foam bead filling included, allowing consumers to add their own fill material after purchase. While the concept of assembling your own furniture can be appealing for customization and cost savings, this specific product line has been identified as posing serious safety risks that necessitate its removal from homes with children.
To help you identify whether your item is part of this recall, you need to look closely at the physical characteristics of the cover. The recalled products are specifically the natural polyester Sherpa covers in a teardrop shape. The dimensions are precise: each cover measures 28 inches by 28 inches by 36 inches. A critical feature to note is that these covers are equipped with two zippers located on the exterior of the chair. Unlike some modern safety designs that incorporate child-resistant locking mechanisms, these standard zippers can be easily opened by children who are curious enough to pull them apart.
If you have the cover in your home, you should also inspect the three sewn-in tags attached to the product, as these provide the definitive proof of whether your item is subject to this recall. The first tag will display "id COLORS" on the front side and the registration number "RN48711" on the back. The second tag is a UPC label code that will read either "PO#12991" or "PO#13539" on its front face. Finally, the third tag contains the care and use instructions on one side and a warning notice on the other. If your cover matches these descriptions and tag details, it is part of the recalled batch. Although the recall does not specify the exact number of units sold or the specific retail stores where they were available, the identification markers above are sufficient to confirm if your product is affected. Please do not wait for further notification; take immediate steps to secure this item away from children.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is so serious, it helps to look closely at the physical design of the product and how children interact with it. The recalled items are not complete bean bag chairs; they are DIY covers sold without the foam bead filling. These covers are made from a natural polyester Sherpa material and feature two zippers on the exterior. While these zippers allow owners to fill the cover with beads later, they also create a significant entry point for curious children.
The core of the danger lies in the accessibility of those zippers. For an adult, opening a zipper is a deliberate action requiring specific dexterity and intent. However, young children are naturally driven by exploration and play. The recall notice highlights that the zippers on these Comfort Research covers can be opened by children who then crawl inside. Once a child manages to unzip the cover, they may easily slip into the hollow space within. This is not just about getting stuck; it is about the rapid onset of physical restriction.
When a child enters an enclosed space like this bean bag cover, they can quickly become entrapped. The flexible nature of the Sherpa material means it can conform to the body, potentially sealing around the head or torso. This entrapment is dangerous for two primary reasons: suffocation and choking.
Suffocation risk arises because the enclosed space limits airflow. If the cover collapses over a child’s face or if the child becomes disoriented inside, they may be unable to push the material away to breathe. Young children, in particular, have smaller airways and less strength to move heavy or resistant materials. Furthermore, even though these specific covers were sold without beads, the recall warns of the risk of choking on foam beads. This implies that if a child has access to the filling (either because they filled it themselves or found loose beads nearby), the combination of entrapment within the cover and the presence of small, ingestible objects creates a compounded hazard.
The mechanism of harm is often silent and rapid. A child might crawl in for fun, realize they cannot easily get out, and then panic. Panic increases oxygen consumption while simultaneously making coordinated movement harder. The two-zipper design, intended to make filling the chair easier, inadvertently provides multiple points of failure that a determined toddler can exploit. This is why the CPSC and Comfort Research emphasize immediate removal from children’s reach. The hazard is not theoretical; it is a direct result of the product’s accessibility to small hands and the potential for rapid physiological distress once inside.
Who is most at risk
The primary group facing immediate danger from this recall is young children, particularly toddlers and preschoolers who are in the developmental stage of exploring their environment through touch and movement. The specific mechanism of harm is not a mechanical failure or electrical shock, but rather the physical capability of small bodies to interact with the product in unintended ways. Because these bean bag chair covers are sold as a DIY package without pre-installed foam beads, they may appear less substantial or "empty" to an adult eye, potentially lowering a caregiver’s guard. However, for a child, the large, soft, exterior shell presents an inviting and accessible hiding spot. The critical vulnerability lies in the zipper design. While adults can easily open and close these zippers to insert filling or clean the cover, young children who have not yet developed the fine motor skills or strength to operate complex fasteners may still manage to pull them apart if left unattended.
Once inside, the risk escalates from simple entrapment to suffocation. Children in this age group lack the physical strength and cognitive awareness to extricate themselves once they are deep within the confines of the cover. Unlike a rigid container, a bean bag chair cover made of natural polyester Sherpa is soft and pliable. As a child struggles or attempts to breathe, the material can collapse around their face, creating an airtight seal against their nose and mouth. This creates a terrifying scenario where the very comfort features of the product become the source of danger. The foam beads, which are sold separately, add another layer of risk; if they are already inside or are added later, they can shift and weigh down on the child’s chest, restricting their ability to expand their lungs even further. Even without beads, the volume of the fabric itself can obscure vision and airways, leading to panic and rapid exhaustion.
While older children might be able to climb in and out with ease, they are not entirely safe from the choking hazard associated with the foam beads if the cover is damaged or partially filled. The small, bead-like filling material poses a significant choking risk if ingested, which is a common behavior for younger kids who put objects in their mouths. Furthermore, caregivers and parents are at indirect risk due to the stress of potential emergencies and the financial burden of replacing unsafe furniture. Although no incidents have been reported to date, the nature of this hazard means that accidents can happen in seconds, often when a child is playing quietly nearby. Therefore, the "most at risk" category is not just defined by who might get hurt, but by who has the least ability to prevent or escape the situation once it begins: small children left alone with large, zippered fabric structures.
- Toddlers (ages 1–3): Highest risk due to curiosity, climbing abilities, and inability to understand danger or free themselves.
- Preschoolers (ages 4–5): Still vulnerable due to smaller body size and developing motor skills that may allow them to open zippers but not escape effectively.
- Caregivers: At risk of emotional trauma and legal liability if an accident occurs in their home or care setting.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before you take any action or contact the manufacturer, the most critical step is confirming exactly which product is in your home. Because bean bag chairs can look remarkably similar from a distance, relying on general descriptions like "large brown chair" won't be enough to ensure you are dealing with the specific units involved in this CPSC recall. You need to verify the details against the official record for Comfort Research’s Ultra Lounge bean bag chair covers. It is important to note that this recall applies specifically to the covers sold as part of a DIY package, not necessarily pre-filled chairs from other brands or models.
Start by locating the physical item and identifying its key characteristics. The recalled product is a teardrop-shaped cover made from natural polyester Sherpa fabric. If you purchased this as a do-it-yourself project, your cover should measure exactly 28 inches by 28 inches by 36 inches. Unlike many modern bean bags that are sold ready-to-use, these specific covers were sold without any foam bead filling included in the box.
The most reliable way to confirm your item is part of this recall is by inspecting the three sewn-in tags attached to the cover. Please check each one carefully:
- Tag One: Look for a tag that reads "id COLORS" on the front and displays the code "RN48711" on the back.
- Tag Two: This is your UPC label. Check if it lists the purchase order number as either "PO#12991" or "PO#13539". If your tag has a different PO number, this specific recall may not apply to your unit.
- Tag Three: This tag typically contains care and use instructions on one side and a warning notice on the other. While the text here is standard for such products, its presence confirms you have one of the three-tagged items in question.
If your bean bag cover matches all these physical descriptions—the teardrop shape, the Sherpa material, the specific dimensions, and most importantly, the tag details listed above—you should treat it as part of this recall. The CPSC report notes that no incidents have been reported yet, but the potential for entrapment is serious. Do not rely on memory or external photos; find the physical tags on your actual product to be certain.
What to do — step by step
If you own a Comfort Research Ultra Lounge bean bag chair cover that matches the description in this recall, your immediate priority is safety, not convenience. Because the hazard involves young children crawling inside the cover and becoming entrapped or suffocated, you must act quickly. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Comfort Research have identified a clear path to resolve this issue, but it requires you to take specific actions right away. Please follow these steps carefully to protect your household and secure your remedy.
Step 1: Immediately remove the chair from your home or restrict access. The recall notice states that consumers should immediately take bean bag chairs with the recalled covers away from children. This is not a suggestion; it is a critical safety measure. If you have young toddlers, babies, or even older children who might treat the chair as a play space, the risk of entrapment is real. The zippers on these specific covers can be opened by children, allowing them to crawl inside the empty shell. Once inside, they may become stuck or suffocate on the foam beads if filled, or simply become trapped in the confined space. If you cannot remove the chair from your home entirely right now, you must ensure it is completely inaccessible to children. Do not let them climb on it, jump on it, or use it for play until the issue is resolved.
Step 2: Gather your product details before contacting support. To ensure you receive the correct assistance and refund, have your specific item ready. As noted in the recall facts, these covers were sold as DIY packages without foam bead filling. Look for the three sewn-in tags on your cover. Confirm that one tag reads "id COLORS" on the front with "RN48711" on the back. Check the second tag for a UPC label code of either "PO#12991" or "PO#13539". Having this information ready will speed up the process when you speak with Comfort Research.
Step 3: Contact Comfort Research to initiate your full refund. The remedy for this recall is a full refund. You do not need to keep the defective cover, nor are you required to pay for return shipping if specified in their instructions (though you should confirm this during contact). Reach out to Comfort Research via their toll-free number at 844-578-8933. Their customer service team is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can visit www.comfortresearch.com and click on the "Safety Recall Notices" link for more detailed information and online support options.
Step 4: Follow the company’s instructions for disposal or return. Once you have contacted Comfort Research, they will guide you through the final steps of the refund process. This may involve mailing the cover back to them or disposing of it safely depending on their current protocol. Do not attempt to repair the zipper or modify the cover yourself, as this does not address the fundamental design flaw that allows children to enter and become trapped. The only safe solution provided by the manufacturer is to return the item for a full refund.
Step 5: Verify your refund has been processed. After completing the steps above, keep an eye on your payment method to ensure the refund is credited. If you encounter any delays or difficulties, do not hesitate to contact Comfort Research again using the same phone number or website. Your safety and satisfaction are the priority, and they are equipped to handle your inquiry.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have determined that your bean bag chair cover matches the details of this recall, it is important to understand exactly how the remedy works and what steps you need to take to resolve the issue. In this specific case, the manufacturer has not offered a repair kit or a replacement cover with improved safety features. Instead, the official remedy provided by Comfort Research is a full refund. This means that rather than sending you a new part to fix the existing product, they are offering to give you your money back so you can choose to replace the item elsewhere or simply stop using it entirely. This approach is often taken when the design flaw itself—the placement and accessibility of the zippers—is inherent to the product’s structure, making a simple repair insufficient to guarantee child safety.
To initiate this refund process, you will need to contact Comfort Research directly. The company has established a dedicated toll-free hotline for consumers affected by this recall. You can reach them at 844-578-8933. It is helpful to keep in mind their hours of operation when planning your call; they are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you find it more convenient to handle this via the internet, you can also visit their website at www.comfortresearch.com. Once there, look for the "Safety Recall Notices" link, which should provide additional digital resources or forms to assist with your claim.
Before you make contact, it is wise to have your purchase information ready. While the recall notice does not specify every single document required, having proof of purchase such as a receipt or order confirmation can often speed up the refund process. You should also have the product tags handy, specifically the ones that identify the item as part of this lot: the tag reading "id COLORS" with "RN48711" on the back, and the UPC label showing either "PO#12991" or "PO#13539." These details help customer service representatives quickly verify that your specific unit is covered under this recall program.
Understanding why a refund is the chosen remedy can provide some peace of mind. A full refund acknowledges that the product, as sold, cannot be made safe for its intended use in homes with young children without significant alteration. By opting for a refund, Comfort Research is taking responsibility for the hazard and allowing you to make a different choice about your home’s safety. Do not attempt to stitch the zippers shut or modify the cover yourself, as this may void any potential refund eligibility and could still leave the item unsafe if other parts of the design remain accessible to children. Your best path forward is to remove the chair from your home immediately, ensure it is kept away from children until you have contacted the company, and then follow their instructions to receive your reimbursement.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable to feel hesitant about disrupting your daily routine or parting with a piece of furniture that might seem perfectly fine on the surface. After all, the bean bag chair cover itself does not have a broken zipper or a torn seam; it looks intact, and the foam beads inside are likely just as soft and inviting as they were when you first unpacked them. However, ignoring this recall is not merely an inconvenience—it introduces a silent, severe risk to any child in your home. The core issue is not that the chair will break down or fall apart, but rather that its design creates a trap that young children are uniquely vulnerable to falling into.
The specific hazard lies in the zippers on the exterior of the Comfort Research Ultra Lounge cover. These zippers can be opened by children who have the dexterity and curiosity to manipulate them. Once the zipper is undone, there is nothing preventing a child from crawling inside the hollow space of the bean bag chair cover. This is not just about getting stuck; it is about immediate physical danger. Inside the cover, the child is surrounded by loose foam beads and enclosed fabric, creating an environment where they can quickly become entrapped. The risk of suffocation or choking becomes real as the child struggles to breathe in the confined space or inhales the small foam particles that are designed to fill the chair.
While the Consumer Product Safety Commission has not reported any incidents involving injuries or fatalities for this specific recall, the potential for tragedy is high enough to warrant immediate action. Children, particularly toddlers and young kids, may panic when they cannot easily exit a confined space. Their movements might only tighten their position further against the foam beads, making self-rescue nearly impossible without adult intervention. By continuing to use the chair in your home, even with supervision, you are leaving a door open for a sudden accident that could have been prevented by simply removing the hazard.
Ignoring this recall also means keeping a dangerous object within reach of those who cannot understand the risk. A child does not view the bean bag as a piece of furniture to sit on; they see it as a large, soft tunnel or tent to explore. The moment they slip inside and the zipper slides shut, or they are unable to push the fabric away from their face, the situation escalates rapidly. There is no time for negotiation or careful planning in an emergency involving suffocation. Taking immediate steps to remove this item from your home is the only way to ensure that your family remains safe from this specific, preventable threat.
Staying safe: broader tips
While specific product recalls address immediate defects in particular batches of goods, true home safety relies on a proactive, layered approach to prevention. Understanding the general principles behind why certain hazards occur can empower you to create a safer environment for your family, regardless of what products you currently own. This is especially true for items that involve soft materials, large volumes of small components, or heavy furniture, as these categories share common risk profiles that extend far beyond any single manufacturer’s error.
One of the most critical lessons from hazards involving entrapment and suffocation is the importance of environmental awareness regarding small, loose items. Bean bag chairs, stuffing materials, and even certain types of packing peanuts can pose significant risks if they are accessible to young children. To mitigate this, it is wise to keep such items stored in high, locked cabinets or behind closed doors when not in active use. For households with toddlers or pets who might be curious about crawling into confined spaces, always inspect the area around these products before allowing free movement in the room. Ensuring that zippers, seams, and openings are securely fastened and out of reach is a simple but effective habit that prevents accidental entry into hazardous pockets of space.
Beyond soft goods, consider the stability of your larger furniture pieces. Furniture tip-over is one of the leading causes of injury to children in the home. Just as you would secure a bookshelf or a television, anchor all tall or heavy furniture to the wall using appropriate hardware. This includes dressers, TV stands, and even large floor lamps. The physics are straightforward: a child climbing on an unanchored piece of furniture can shift its center of gravity enough to cause it to topple forward. Regularly check that these anchors remain tight and undamaged, as vibration from daily use or changes in humidity can loosen them over time.
Finally, make recall awareness a routine part of your household maintenance. Sign up for email alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other relevant agencies. These notifications are not meant to alarm you but to inform you of potential issues before they result in harm. Additionally, register your major purchases whenever possible; this ensures that manufacturers can contact you directly if a safety update is needed. By combining vigilance with general best practices like anchoring furniture, securing small parts, and staying informed, you build a resilient safety net that protects your family from a wide range of everyday risks.