What are the odds of dying from

Accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed?

Accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed is a serious concern in the United States. According to statistics from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), the lifetime odds of dying from this cause are 1 in 3,874.

Looking at the data on deaths per year from accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed in the US and the one-year odds of dying, it is clear that there has been some variability in the numbers over the years. In 2021, there were 1,089 deaths from accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed in the US, which translates to one-year odds of 1 in 304,895. This is slightly worse than the previous year, where the odds were 1 in 320,271 with 1,030 deaths.

Over the past two decades, the number of deaths from accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed has ranged from 497 in 2003 to 1,089 in 2021, with an average of 856 deaths per year. The one-year odds of dying from this cause have ranged from 304,895 in 2021 to 583,722 in 2003, with an average of 390,789.

It is important to note that accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed can be prevented. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants be placed on their backs to sleep, on a firm and flat surface without any soft objects or loose bedding. They also recommend room-sharing with parents for at least the first six months of life, but not bed-sharing. For adults, it is important to avoid sleeping in hazardous environments, such as on soft surfaces or with loose bedding.

While the numbers may seem high, it is important to keep in mind that the odds of dying from accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed are still relatively low compared to other causes of death. For other causes, see this list.

In conclusion, accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed is a serious concern, but it is a preventable cause of death. Following safe sleep practices can significantly reduce the risk of this happening to infants and adults alike. While the odds of dying from this cause are relatively low compared to other causes of death, it is still important to take precautions to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.