Abstract: A side panel safety apparatus for a bed, and a related method comprises: a horizontal stabilizer for placement at least partially underneath a mattress of said bed; and a vertically-extending panel attached substantially perpendicularly thereto; wherein: placement of said horizontal stabilizer at least partially underneath said mattress secures said vertically-extending panel in a substantially-vertical orientation along a side of said bed. One embodiment further comprises a cover covering both said mattress and said horizontal stabilizer. Another embodiment comprises the foregoing side panel safety apparatus in combination with a safety rail of said bed, further comprising: said safety rail; wherein: said horizontal stabilizer blocks a person in said bed from moving a part of said person's body into contact with said safety rail such that said body part becomes entrapped from said contact.