Reviews of Best Bed Rails for Adults and Seniors

If you or a loved one has a hard time sitting up or getting out of bed you know that it can be a big blow to a person’s independence.

Needing help to sit up or stand when getting out of bed can happen for many different reasons. Some people might be suffering from an injury. Other people might be recovering from a surgery, which is what happened to me. Still, other people might be getting a little older and aren’t as strong and steady as they used to be.

Perhaps even more worrisome than struggling to sit up or stand when getting out of bed, is worrying about yourself or a loved one being injured falling out of bed. The risks associated with falling out of bed can often be even greater for seniors – especially if they are living alone.

Luckily, you can add a bed rail to your bed at home to help give your bed some of the functionality of a hospital bed so you can regain or keep your independence and stay safe.

My Story

After having heart surgery it was very challenging for me to learn how to get out of bed by myself despite the fact that I was younger and in pretty good shape. Luckily, the nurses taught me how to get out of bed on my own with the use of the adjustable hospital bed and the attached bed rail.

So when I got home I was discouraged to find out how difficult and painful it was to get out of a traditional bed without assistance. Yes, an adjustable bed would have been helpful, but what I really missed was having something to grab onto once I managed to roll onto my side.

Bed Rail Buying Guide for Adults and Seniors: Features to Look For

Each person’s needs can vary, but here are some important things to keep in mind and features to consider when purchasing a bed rail.

Height

The first thing you want to consider is the height of the bed rail. When you are thinking about the height you want to consider how high the rail will be over the top of the mattress. Depending on the size of the person you are buying the rail for and how they will be using it you might have certain height preferences.

For me I needed help getting up from a lying position and I found it most helpful if the top of the rail was the approximate height of my top shoulder after I rolled onto my side.

Length

The second thing you want to look at before buying a bed rail is its’ length. In other words, how far do you need it to go along the side of your bed?

Most people will want the rail to start by their shoulder. If you just want something to grab onto to help yourself sit up so you can get out of bed you don’t need anything that is too long. Exactly how long it should be depends on the length of your torso. The taller you are the longer the bedrail can be without it getting in your way or requiring you to scoot down in the bed in order to get up.

If you also need the rail for something to grab onto when stand up make sure that you can grip the handle securely to help ensure your safety. Some models have smooth handles while others have textured handles or soft-grip handles to prevent the user’s hand from slipping.

If the purpose of the rail is to prevent the user from falling out of bed you will want to make sure that you are looking at models that are long enough.

Adjustability

Some models are a fixed size. Other models have adjustable heights and lengths. Still other models have the ability to fold down and out of the way when you aren’t using it or don’t need it.

If you are feeling unsure about what size you want to buy, choosing a model that has adjustable height and length settings could be a good idea.

Is It Meant for a Certain Side of the Bed

Most models are made in such a way where they can be used/placed on either side of the bed.

If you find yourself considering a rail that is made for a specific side of the bed make sure you buy a rail for the side that you need.

Weight Capacity

Just like every person is unique, bed rails are different as well. They are not all designed the same way and that includes how much weight they can safely support. So you want to know how much weight the bed rail you purchase is designed to support.

So the first thing you want to think about is how much you weigh. The next thing you want to think about is how much you, or the person you are buying it for, will need to rely upon the rail. Will you need just a bit of assistance to sit up or stand when getting out of bed or will you need to rely on the bedrail to support the majority of your weight?

Knowing how the rail will be used and how much weight it will need to support will help you choose a model that is appropriate for you.

Handle/Grip

Most bed rails are rectangular in shape with the top of the rail being straight and parallel to the top of the mattress. Grabbing the top of these rails will suit most people just fine. However, some people might prefer a different gripping option or angle.

Another thing to consider is if it is OK for the handle/gripping surface to be a smooth surface or would that make it too hard to grab securely – especially if your grip isn’t very strong. If you worry about the rail being difficult to grip know that many rails come with a padded or textured gripping surface to make it easier to grab onto.

How Is It Secured

With pretty much every bed rail part of the frame, or base, is usually slid between the mattress and box spring to help support it and keep it in place.

In addition to having part of the framing go in between the mattress and box spring, most models will also have a strap that wraps around the box spring, or bed frame, that further secures the rail to prevent it from sliding around, which is a fantastic feature – especially if the person using it is more unsteady.

Convenience/Storage

Some models might come with some storage features that are attached directly to the side of the bed rail. This isn’t really an essential feature, but it is nice to be able to have a book, glasses, remote controls, cell phones or other items conveniently next to you in bed. This is especially true for people who spend time in bed when they are not sleeping. Remember that it might be hard to reach or place items on a nightstand next to your bed once a bed rail has been installed.

You might not want to break your budget to get a rail system just because you can use it to store a few items, but it might be worth a couple of extra dollars when comparing similar models with and without storage options.

Bed Rail Reviews

Stander EZ Adjust Bed Rail

The Stander EZ Adjust Bed Rail is a fantastic option for most people and is our highest-rated model. This full-featured bed rail has almost every adjustable and convenience feature you might be looking for.

There are only two things this model doesn’t have. First, its height isn’t adjustable. Second, there is no padded grip to grab onto, which could be an issue for people who struggle to grab the rail with enough strength. That being said, the Stander EZ Adjust Bed Rail will be viewed as a top-of-the-line option for most people.

Height

It is 23 inches high and should be considered appropriate for mattresses 12-18 inches high.

Length (Width)

It adjusts from 26 to 34 to 42 inches.

Adjustability

As we just stated the length is adjustable. In addition to the adjustable length, the rail can pivot downward 180 degrees so it is out of the way when not in use. Pivoting down also makes it easier to make the bed.

Is It Meant for a Certain Side of the Bed

It can be installed on either side of the bed.

Weight Capacity

300 pounds

Handle/Grip

Smooth metal frame. There is no padded or textured gripping surface.

How Is It Secured

You can secure it to the bed frame with the included safety strap.

Storage Features

It comes with a handy organizer pouch included.

Learn More & Check Current Price Here

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Able Life Bedside Extend-A-Rail

 

The Able Life Bedside Extend-A-Rail, Adjustable Senior Bed Safety Rail is typically priced just a little less than the Stander EZ Adjust Bed Rail and is one of our highest rated options. It is a great choice for most people. It is just a little shorter in height and has a little less length when compared to the Stander EZ Adjust rail.

The only things this unit doesn’t have that you might be looking for is adjustable height, the ability to pivot out of the way when not in use, a padded handle to grip onto, and it doesn’t come with an organizer pouch for storage.

Height

It is 20 inches high and should be considered appropriate for mattresses 8-16 inches high.

Length (Width)

It adjusts from 20 to 30 inches in length.

Adjustability

As we previously mentioned it has an adjustable length. It DOES NOT fold or pivot down so it is out of the way when it is not in use.

Is It Meant for a Certain Side of the Bed

It can be installed on either side of the bed.

Weight Capacity

300 pounds

Handle/Grip

You grab onto the smooth metal frame. There is no padded or textured gripping surface.

How Is It Secured

The metal tubing from the bottom of the frame slides between the mattress and box spring to help support the rail and keep it in place. It also comes with a safety strap so you can securely anchor the rail to the bed to prevent it from slipping.

Storage Features

It doesn’t have any storage features, but you can buy an organizer pouch accessory separately. In my opinion, if I was interested in having the storage pouch I would probably just get the more feature-laden Stander EZ Adjust Bed Rail that is listed above this model.

Learn More & Check Current Price Here

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Freedom Grip Plus Bed Rail, Support Bar Assist Handle

If you only need something to grab onto to help you sit up in bed and/or help you stand up the Freedom Grip Plus Bed Rail, with its cushioned grip is a perfect option. It has the most customizable height options of all the models we reviewed. Plus, it has a short length so it will be harder for it to get in your way when you aren’t using it.

If you need something longer with crossbars you might want to check out one of the models listed above this one.

Height

The height adjusts by 1″ increments from 21.5″ – 24.5″ high (when measuring from the base of the mattress). It should be appropriate for mattresses that are between 9″ and 16″ thick.

Length (Width)

The length on the Freedom Grip Plus Bed Rail is not adjustable. This model is all about providing a handle for people to grab onto and that is it. The handle is 9″ long

Adjustability

As we previously mentioned it has an adjustable height, but it doesn’t have an adjustable length like some other models on our list. It is also good to note that it DOES NOT fold or pivot down so it is out of the way when it is not in use.

Is It Meant for a Certain Side of the Bed

It can be installed and used on either side of the bed.

Weight Capacity

250 pounds

Handle/Grip

It comes with a cushioned non-slip cover.

How Is It Secured

The handle is attached to a board that slides between the mattress and box spring. Most people shouldn’t have problems with this bed rail sliding out of place.

Storage Features

It doesn’t have any storage features or accessories.

Learn More & Check Current Price Here

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MEDPRO Adjustable Contoured Bed Rail

Each person is different and so it makes sense that we might have different needs or preferences when it comes to how we want to grab onto a bed rail. The MGrip Adjustable Contoured Bed Rail by MedPro addresses the different ways people like to grasp their bed rails with this innovative model that provides multiple gripping positions.

It isn’t super long (wide), but if you are OK with that this affordable model is a great option for a lot of people.

Height

It is 31.5 inches high when measuring from the bottom of the mattress. It can be adjusted to 20 inches high by removing the middle bar. Given its adjustable height, it should be considered appropriate for all mattress heights.

We should also note that manually removing the middle bar to lower the height takes a little work. It isn’t the end of the world and once you have it set up at your desired height you won’t need to worry about it again, but it isn’t as simple as pushing a button and sliding the rail to the next position.

Length (Width)

It is 17.7 inches long. This is fine if you only need assistance sitting up and getting out of bed, but if you need something to help prevent you from falling out of bed you will probably want to look at something that is longer.

Adjustability

It has 2 adjustable height settings, but it can not pivot down and out of the way when not in use and the length is not adjustable.

Is It Meant for a Certain Side of the Bed

It can be easily installed and used on either side of the bed.

Weight Capacity

300 pounds

Handle/Grip

The foam contoured M-shaped handle rail allows you to have several gripping positions.

How Is It Secured

The metal tubing from the bottom of the frame slides between the mattress and box spring. That along with the adjustable strap and durable steel buckles allow the MGrip Adjustable Contoured Bed Rail to adapt to and securely fit all mattress types.

Storage Features

It comes with a handy organizer pouch included.

Learn More & Check Current Price Here

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Medline Bed Assist Bar

The Medline Bed Assist Bar is the most affordable bed rail we are reviewing here. This is intended to be used more as a transfer handle that can be used to help people sit up and get out of bed. Due to its’ shorter length, it isn’t as effective at preventing people from falling out of bed. The good news is that it doesn’t get in the way and require you to maneuver around as much, like a longer model would when you are getting into and out of bed.

One unique thing about this assist bar is that in addition to the typical features you might expect it has height adjustable legs that help to give the bar extra support and stability.

Another bonus about this unit is that it is easy to assemble and doesn’t require any tools.

Height

The height can range between 36″-44″ from the floor depending on how you set it up.

Length (Width)

The Medline Bed Assist Bar is 14 inches long. If you only need help sitting up and getting into or out of bed it is more than wide enough, but if you need something to stop you from falling out of bed you will want to look at a different option.

Adjustability

The only adjustable feature on this model is the height.

Is It Meant for a Certain Side of the Bed

It can be placed on either side of the bed.

Weight Capacity

The manufacturer doesn’t list the weight capacity for this model, but it is most likely rated at 300 pounds like the other models listed here. If you read the reviews on Amazon you will see that several people who are over 200 pounds are using the Medline Bed Assist Bar successfully. The other thing to remember is that you probably won’t be putting 100% of your weight on the rail as you are using it.

Handle/Grip

It comes with a curved soft-grip handle to help prevent slips as you grip the bar. This curved grip works for most people just fine, but if you want a horizontal gripping surface remember that you aren’t getting that with this model.

How Is It Secured

Safety straps that wrap around the mattress are included for extra reinforcement.

Storage Features

Included with the rail is a 13″ x 9″ nylon bag for storage.

Learn More & Check Current Price Here

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Conclusion

Having a bed rail or transfer handle can give seniors and other adults a tremendous feeling of independence, safety, and self-confidence. The key is to think about your needs and how you intend on using the rail before you buy it. If you can keep those things in mind the information we provided here should help you choose a model that will be great for you.