Spit Hoods Used in Psychiatric, Medical Settings Across US

Investigation finds unregulated use of controversial restraint device in multiple states

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An in-depth investigation by the Seattle Times has found that spit hoods, a controversial restraint device that can inflict "psychological distress, suffocation and even death," are being used in state-run psychiatric facilities in at least 15 states across the US, with the practice going largely unregulated.

Why it matters

The use of spit hoods in medical and psychiatric settings raises serious concerns about patient rights, safety, and dignity. As a restraint device, spit hoods have been criticized as dehumanizing, with the former chief medical officer at Connecticut's only maximum security psychiatric hospital stating he would never use them.

The details

The Seattle Times investigation found that state-run psychiatric facilities in at least 15 states confirmed the use of spit hoods to "subdue or control" patients, who are in some cases also strapped down or sedated. The practice appears to be largely unregulated, with the reporter only able to get responses from 29 of the 50 states.

  • The investigation was conducted and published in February 2026.

The players

Hannah Furfaro

A reporter for the Seattle Times who conducted the in-depth investigation into the use of spit hoods in psychiatric and medical settings across the United States.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“a "dehumanizing" device that he would never use”

— Former chief medical officer at Connecticut's only maximum security psychiatric hospital (Seattle Times)

The takeaway

The use of spit hoods in medical and psychiatric settings, often without regulation or oversight, raises serious concerns about patient rights, safety, and dignity. This investigation highlights the need for greater scrutiny and accountability around the use of such controversial restraint devices in these sensitive care environments.