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Bed rails can serve multiple purposes. Not only do they offer a handhold to make it easier to get in and out of bed, but longer models can prevent restless sleepers from falling off the bed. Additionally, different designs work better with certain bed and/or mattress types.
The best bed rails for adults are those that can support the full body weight of the person getting in and out of bed. They also require easy installation and a sturdy design with a good grip. Some models are adjustable or fold down to make entry and exit from the bed easier. We’ve assembled a list of the best bed rails for seniors that meet a variety of needs and offer stable support.
- BEST OVERALL: Able Life Bedside Extend-A-Rail
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Vaunn Medical Adjustable Bed Assist Rail
- BEST WITH NIGHT LIGHT: Platinum Health LumaRail Double-Sided Bed Assist Rail
- BEST LEGLESS BED RAIL: MedPro MGrip Adjustable Contoured Bed Rail
- BEST ADJUSTABLE: Stander EZ Adjust Bed Rail
- BEST FOLDABLE BED RAIL: Mybow Bed Rails Safety Assist Handle Bed Railing
- BEST DUAL BED RAIL: RMS Dual Bed Rail
Types of Bed Rails for Seniors
Bed rails for seniors are broken down into two categories: portable bed rails and hospital bed rails. Within these categories are subtypes that distinguish one type of bed rail from another.
Portable Bed Rails
- Adjustable: Adjustable bed rails can be lowered or raised in height and/or lengthened or shortened. They allow users to get the best and most supportive fit.
- Handles: Some bed rails have a single handle, while others have several bars for multiple grip options. Bed rails designed to prevent sleepers from falling off the bed while sleeping feature one or more bars so there are no gaps between the mattress and the bed rail. Bed rails that are designed to help people get out of bed feature an M-shaped handle that makes it easier to get a firm grip and pull themselves up.
- Bed rails with legs: Bed rails with legs have support legs that extend to the floor and support bars that slide between the mattress and bed frame or box spring. Many of these models adjust in height to fit mattresses and frames of different heights and designs.
- Legless bed rails: Legless bed rails have stability bars or a platform that fits between the mattress and bed frame. They do not have support legs that rest on the floor, but the handles and support bars usually adjust in height or length. These models work well in small spaces. They also reduce the potential for tripping on the bed-rail legs.
- Fold-down bed rails: Fold-down bed rails have handles that fold down so they’re flush with the mattress. They allow people to get in and out of bed with full clearance.
- Crossbar bed rails: Crossbar bed rails have more than one handle or handhold, and those handles are usually at different heights. These bed rails are a good option for those who need help getting out of a lying or sitting position. Crossbar bed rails can also be of help when they want to roll over.
- Dual bed rails: Dual bed rails have a support frame that extends underneath the mattress to support bed rails on both sides of the bed. They sometimes have stabilizing legs as well. These bed rails work well in rooms in which the bed is in the middle of the room and for couples who both need extra support.
Hospital Bed Rails
Hospital bed rails are considered medical devices, and this means they fall under governmental regulations. Hospital bed rails are the sturdiest option, but they can be expensive. Depending on someone’s circumstances, insurance may cover the cost of a hospital bed.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Bed Rails for Seniors
There are several factors that to consider when choosing the best bed rail for elderly users. The bed’s location, the weight of the person using the bed rail, and extra storage features are just a few of the things to keep in mind.
Bed Compatibility and Location
While many manufacturers create bed rails to fit as many mattress sizes and bed frames as possible, most do not fit every bed. The height of the mattress and bed frame/foundation may make some bed rails unusable. For example, extra-tall mattresses that are 20 inches or taller are often too tall for a bed rail unless the bed rails have an extension piece.
Measure the mattress and carefully read through the bed rail’s specifications to ensure the bed frame won’t interfere with how the bed rail functions. The mattress should fall within the bed rail’s acceptable height standards. Most manufacturers include the recommended mattress height on the product label. If the height isn’t listed, consumers may need to call the manufacturer or send an email to the company’s help line.
Weight Capacity
Bed rails have a maximum weight capacity that usually falls between 250 and 400 pounds, with 300 pounds being the average. It’s important not to push the boundaries when it comes to weight capacity because bed rails can bend or collapse if the maximum weight limit is exceeded.
Additional Features
- Adjustable handles: Some handles can raise or lower to fit various bed sizes and people of different heights.
- Safety straps: Safety straps are a common feature on single-sided bed rails. They secure the support frame to the opposite side of the bed frame or wrap around the entire mattress for added stability.
- Stool: Some bed rails have a fold-out stool to store bedside items. This feature is especially helpful in guest bedrooms or for those who have a hard time reaching a nightstand. These stools may not be stable enough to sit on, so check the recommendations. After use, the stool folds for easy storage.
- Lights: Bed rails with night lights can make nighttime bathroom trips easier. Some are motion-activated, while others can be manually turned on and off. Some models also include glow strips on the bed rails so users can see where it’s located in the dark.
- Storage: Storage pockets can hold books, remote controls, or a cell phone. They’re handy, keep necessities within reach, and keep clutter under control.
- Padding: Padded or textured handles are easier and more comfortable to grip and hold.
Our Top Picks
The brands and models on our list perform well for their intended purpose. Some are the best bed rails for adults who need help only to get out of bed. Others are the best bed rails for elderly adults who get restless at night and risk falling off the bed.
Best Overall
Able Life Bedside Extend-A-Rail
The Able Life Bedside Extend-A-Rail is a legless bed rail with a support frame that fits between the mattress and foundation and/or bed frame. It comes with a safety strap to secure the support frame to the opposite side of the bed. The Able Life fits mattresses 8 to 15 inches tall and can extend from 20 to 30 inches in length for added safety and a more customized fit.
It has three bars/handles, offering several grip options. A 300-pound maximum weight limit makes it usable for the average-size person. It’s designed to fit twin, full/double, queen, king, and California king mattresses, as long as they’re within the height specifications. This model gets the top spot because it meets the balance between security and stability without getting in the way of nighttime movement.
The only downside of the Able Life is that it has a 15-inch height limit. Those who have a taller mattress won’t be able to use this model because there aren’t any extension options.
Product Specs
- Bed rail type: Adjustable legless
- Maximum weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Dimensions: 18 by 20 by 20 inches
Pros
- Extendable handle length
- Safety strap for added stability
- 300-pound maximum weight limit
- Multiple handles for grip versatility
Cons
- Cannot fit mattresses taller than 15 inches
Get the Able Life Bed rail for seniors on Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Walmart.
Best Bang for the Buck
Vaunn Medical Adjustable Bed Assist Rail
The Vaunn Medical Adjustable Bed Assist Rail features a full alloy steel frame with turn-knob extension pieces on the support frame that fits between the mattress and foundation, extending the stability frame from 36 to 43 inches. A 20-inch handle with a padded, waterproof grip helps seniors keep hold and pull themselves up.
This bed rail fits mattresses from twin to king-size and adjusts in height to fit different bed frames. It comes with a safety strap to secure the rail to the opposite side of the bed. Rubber feet on the legs keep them in place. Despite the low price, this bed rail offers adjustability, durable construction, and easy installation. However, although this model is height-adjustable, it is not designed for mattresses taller than 15 inches.
Product Specs
- Bed rail type: Adjustable with legs
- Maximum weight capacity: 250 pounds
- Dimensions: 43 by 20 by 36 inches
Pros
- Easy-grip handle
- Extendable support platform
- Safety strap adds stability
Cons
- Cannot fit mattresses taller than 15 inches
Get the Vaunn bed rail for seniors on Amazon.
Best with Night Light
Platinum Health LumaRail Double-Sided Bed Assist Rail
The LumaRail dual bed rail provides stability and protection on both sides of the bed. It offers several height positions, taking the rail height from 17 to 21 inches. It can also extend from 40 to 56 inches in length to fit single, twin, and double beds. The LumaRail has a high 400-pound weight limit.
The LumaRail has an integrated, motion-sensing LED light that turns on to illuminate nighttime bathroom trips. It also has GlowSafe strips on the bars to make both bars visible in the dark—a feature that can help users get in and out of bed safely in low light. Padded hand grips add texture and comfort when using the bed rails. The only downside? This model doesn’t fit queen-size or larger mattresses.
Product Specs
- Bed rail type: Dual bed rail, legless
- Maximum weight capacity: 400 pounds
- Dimensions: 17 to 21 inches by 40 to 56 inches by 20 inches
Pros
- Motion-activated LED light
- Glow strips on each bar for safer movements
- Soft, textured grip
- High 400-pound weight limit
Cons
- Cannot fit queen-size or larger mattresses
Get the LumaRail bed rail for seniors on Amazon.
Best Legless Bed Rail
MedPro MGrip Adjustable Contoured Bed Rail
The MedPro MGrip Adjustable Contoured Bed Rail is a legless model that includes two safety straps, one for each bar of the support frame. In between is a foam-covered M-shaped bar designed to help people pull themselves up and out of bed. (Note: This particular model is not designed to prevent people from falling off the bed.) The two safety straps wrap around the mattress to secure it in place.
The MedPro MGrip also has a built-in storage pocket that’s ideal for trinkets and accessories such as a remote control, book, cell phone, or anything else users might need during the night. It has a maximum weight limit of 300 pounds. The rail also has two height settings to extend the fit options. However, the manufacturer does not offer mattress height recommendations.
Product Specs
- Bed rail type: Adjustable legless
- Maximum weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Dimensions: 31.5 by 17.72 by 21.06 inches
Pros
- 2 adjustable heights
- 2 security straps to hold the rail in place
- M-shaped bar design for pulling out of bed
Cons
- Doesn’t include mattress height recommendations
- Not designed to keep the user from falling off the bed
Get the MedPro bed rail for seniors on Amazon.
Best Adjustable
Stander EZ Adjust Bed Rail
The Stander EZ Adjust Bed Rail fits mattresses from 12 to 16 inches tall. Mattress sizes include twin, full/double, queen, king, and California king. This model can extend from its 26-inch length to either 34-inch or 42-inch settings. The legless design keeps it from eating up floor space, and safety straps help hold it in place.
This bed rail can fold down for easier entry and exit from the bed, and there are extra bars to prevent users from falling off the bed. The Stander EZ comes with a cover that includes three built-in organization pockets. It can support up to 300 pounds. Keep in mind that this bed rail doesn’t work well with beds that are low to the floor, typically those lower than 12 inches. It can also be hard to fold down the rail from inside the bed.
Product Specs
- Bed rail type: Adjustable legless
- Maximum weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Dimensions: 25 by 26 by 22 inches
Pros
- 3 length options
- Includes a cover with 3 built-in storage pockets
- Legless design saves floor space
- Folds down for easier exit and entry
Cons
- Doesn’t work well for beds that are lower than 12 inches
- Difficult to fold down from inside the bed
Get the Stander bed rail for seniors on Amazon or at The Home Depot.
Best Foldable Bed Rail
Mybow Bed Rails Safety Assist Handle Bed Railing
The Mybow Bed Rails Safety Assist Handle Bed Railing has wooden braces supported by a metal frame and joints. This model gets our vote for the Best Foldable Bed Rail because of its trigger-release feature. The trigger is strong, but older adults with weaker hands can still pull the trigger without trouble. Users can slide over the top to enter or exit the bed. The Bed Rails Safety Assist Handle Bed Railing can then be snapped back into place.
This model can support people who weigh up to 300 pounds. It offers added stability with a design that requires attaching the metal braces to pieces of plywood that are then slid between the mattress and bed frame. (The installation process is more involved with this model when compared with others on this list, but this step adds impressive stability.) Another consideration with this model is that it can fit mattresses only up to 8 inches tall, which can be fairly limiting. It comes in larger, longer variations that can fit taller mattresses, but these variations require additional braces with certain mattress heights.
Product Specs
- Bed rail type: Wood, fold-down bed rail
- Maximum weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Dimensions: 37 by 17 by 17 inches
Pros
- Trigger release is easy to use
- Prevents users from falling off the bed
- Easy entry and exit over the top of the bed rail
- Stable installation design
Cons
- Fits mattresses only up to 8 inches tall
- Installation requires plywood and tools
Get the Mybow bed rail for seniors on Amazon.
Best Dual Bed Rail
RMS Dual Bed Rail
The RMS Dual Bed Rail offers easy installation and adjustability to fit twin and full-size beds. The steel rails slide underneath the mattress and connect to each other. Nonslip grips on the support rails help keep this design in place.
On both sides of the bed, there are 29 inches of bed rail to keep sleepers in bed and help during entry or exit. There are three bars that users can grab, depending on how they need to use the bed rail. The RMS also has retractable rails to adjust the height. This model has a simple but effective design; however, the height adjustability mechanism is stiff and can easily pinch fingers.
Product Specs
- Bed rail type: Legless dual bed rail
- Maximum weight capacity: 250 pounds
- Dimensions: 58 by 29 by 23 inches
Pros
- Easy installation
- Sturdy design
- 3 bars to keep sleepers in bed or pull out of bed
Cons
- Stiff release mechanism design
Get the RMS bed rail for seniors on Amazon or at RMS.
Our Verdict
The Able Life bed rail for seniors is a sturdy design that provides easy entry or exit while also keeping the user safely in bed. It’s easy to install, stable, and fits a wide range of mattress sizes and heights. The Vaunn bed rail for seniors saves a few dollars but still brings stability and provides a comfortable, easy grip.
How We Chose the Best Bed Rails for Seniors
We considered several factors when compiling this list of the best bed rails for seniors. We looked for designs that offer easy installation, excellent stability, and durability. Each bed rail also listed has a maximum weight limit of at least 300 pounds. We considered models that are designed to keep people in bed versus those that help people pull themselves in and out of bed. Some models meet both of those needs, but others are more specialized. Extra features like storage pockets and safety straps were also taken into consideration.
FAQs
Bed rails give seniors and their families peace of mind. They can also help maintain independence and safety throughout the night. For any lingering questions, we have the answers. Please refer to the list below for some of the most commonly asked questions and answers about bed rails for seniors.
Q. Are bed rails necessary for seniors?
Bed rails are not necessary for all seniors. However, they’re an added safety feature that can help seniors get in and out of bed, reducing falls and maintaining independence.
Q. Do bed rails prevent falls off the bed?
Some types of bed rails are designed to prevent falls. That doesn’t mean they’re 100 percent effective, but they typically extend nearly the full length of the bed. These models also have multiple handles, so they don’t leave gaps beneath the top rail through which a senior could potentially slide out of bed.
Q. Can I add rails to a regular bed?
You can add bed rails to a regular bed. Make sure to get a bed rail that fits the mattress and bed frame height.
Q. What’s the difference between a bed frame and a bed rail?
A bed frame supports the mattress and elevates it off of the floor. A bed rail either attaches to the bed frame or slides between the mattress and bed frame or foundation to provide a stable handle or rail for those getting in and out of the bed.
Q. Where can I buy bed rails for seniors?
You can buy bed rails for seniors on Amazon and at many home improvement stores. They have a wide selection, with rails in different types, styles, and sizes.
Q. How much do bed rails cost?
Bed rails can cost as little as $35 to $40. However, extra features and larger/longer types can cost closer to $100 to $150.
Q. Does Medicare cover bed rails?
Medicare does not cover detachable bed rails. Depending on one’s coverage and the nature of the insured’s health, it may cover a hospital bed with built-in bed rails in certain circumstances.