This lightweight, portable, and durable pick from Drive Medical slides under the mattress to add a secure grip for getting in and out of bed. The height is adjustable from 15 - 20 inches to accommodate a variety of mattress heights, and the unit features non-slip foam on the legs to offer increased stability. The unit can also be attached to either side of the bed.
Assembly is easy and this unit is extremely portable and folds flat, so it's great for taking on vacation or moving to other beds if needed. The unit features solid all steel construction which is also easy to clean when needed.
This choice features a 3 foot long bar that slides between the mattress and box spring and an adjustable height handle. The unit comes with non-slip sleeves and a strap that secures it to the other side of the bed to prevent the rail from moving. The handle has a non-slip grip for comfort and support and can be adjusted from 17 - 21 inches high.
The bed rail is lightweight but can support up to 300 pounds, and can be broken down for travel or storage. There are also upgrade options available for this pick, including a unit with floor supports or choices that include a bed rail pouch for storing and organizing your belongings.
This pick by Stander is unique because the bed rail can adjust in length, so it not only helps provide additional support while getting in and out of bed, but can function more like a traditional rail and help prevent falls out of bed. Like our other choices, this bed rail slides between the mattress and box spring and works with beds of all sizes and most mattress heights.
We like that the bed rail can be folded down when not in use, so it's not in the way when fixing the bed. The bed rail also comes equipped with an organizer pouch which is perfect for storing small items for easy nighttime access.
Similar to our previous pick, this Able Life bed rail can extend in length from 20 to 30 inches and functions as both a support handle for getting in and out of bed and a rail to prevent nighttime falls. The rail slides between the mattress and box spring and is secured with a strap on the other side of the bed. It works with most mattress heights and bed types, including adjustable beds.
You can purchase a storage pouch separately, which is helpful for keeping personal items close at hand.
This Medline bed rail is height adjustable with a simple push button and features a curved, comfortable hand grip for stability. The height can be adjusted at the hand grip or at the legs, depending on your preference and to help find a custom fit. The bed rail is easy to install and completely breaks down for storage or transport.
We like that this choice comes with a nylon storage pocket for keeping books, glasses, medications, and any other personal items close at hand.
When choosing a bed rail for yourself or a loved one, it's important to consider the type of support needed in order to ensure you're making a safe choice that works for your needs and with your bed type. Here are a few things we recommend considering before making a bed rail purchase.
Does your loved one need extra support or assistance while getting in and out of bed, or do they need a rail that will help keep them in bed safely? It's important to consider their needs and mobility level, because some bed rails only function as stand assists, while others offer more support by acting as a bed rail to help keep your loved one in bed and prevent accidental falls.
No matter which style you choose, we recommend looking for a unit that is strong and stable and offers a snug, secure fit when installed on the bed. You may also want to look for a unit with a comfortable, non-slip hand grip, especially if your loved one can get in and out of bed themselves and is just looking for that extra bit of support.
Some of the bed rails in our review are height adjustable only and are meant to function more as stand assists. When looking for this type of rail, be sure to take the user's height into account but also the overall height of the bed and mattress. Many seniors use beds that are lower to the floor to make it easier to get in and out of bed, and some rails may not adjust low enough to work with these types of beds.
Other bed rails feature adjustable lengths, which help these products function more like true bed rails which can help prevent falling or rolling out of bed. Again, be sure to take the user's height and bed size into account when measuring how long the rail may need to be.
Whether you need adjustable height or length, we also recommend looking for a product that's easy to adjust with a simple button, but is secure enough not to slide around while in use. It may take a bit to find the perfect height or length, so being able to easily adjust will make a big difference when trying to find the right fit.
If your loved one will be using the bed rail every day, storage of the unit may not be an issue, but if they are only going to be using the unit temporarily while recovering from surgery or an injury you could look for a unit that easily disassembles for storage or transport. Some of the units we reviewed also fold down when not in use, saving space in the bedroom and making it easier to fix the bed.
Another aspect to consider is whether a storage pouch or bag would be a handy accessory. Several models come with storage bags that make it easy to keep personal items close by.