Best Bed Rails for Seniors

By Amanda Lasater

Jun 8th, 2022

By clicking on the product links in this article, Mattress Advisor may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Read full disclosure statement.

As we age, simple things can turn into unintentional accidents. One in three adults over the age of 65 fall each year, which is the leading cause of accident-related deaths for seniors. It’s essential that older adults are practicing bedroom safety.

Bed rails are a great feature to add to your loved one’s bedding to help prevent falling or rolling out of bed. These simple tools can help them reclaim their independence and security. With many bed rail models on the market, it can be hard to know which one will work best for your situation. 

Here are our top picks for the best bed rails for seniors and what you should consider when picking out your own.

Our Picks for the Best Bed Rails for Seniors

essential medical supply bed rails

Best Overall

Essential Medical Supply Height Adjustable Hand Bed Rail

Designed to help seniors get in and out of bed, the Essential Medical Supply Height Bed Rail is an excellent way to promote a safe sleep.

This bed rail is made with chrome plated steel, which remains sturdy when installed. It’s designed with a non-slip hand grip and allows adjustable heightening. With the extendable bar that can be heightened to whatever works best for your bed, this bed rail can be used on all mattress sizes. It includes a strap that secures to the other side of the bed to prevent movement and will support up to 300 pounds. 

drive medical bed rails

Best Budget

Drive Medical Adjustable Height Home Bed Assist Handle

The Drive Medical Adjustable Height Home Bed Assist Handle Rail is simple to use in a home-style setting. It’s designed to assist the elderly when getting in and out of bed.

This bed rail can fit on either side of your mattress by simply placing the handle slides under the mattress. With a non-slip foam designed onto the base bar, each rail will hold securely in place with ease. The removable handle is made of all steel, chrome-plated construction that is extremely durable. With a tool-free and quick assembly, you can have this bed rail up in minutes. It can hold up to 250 pounds.

adjustable bed rails

Best Luxury

Stander EZ Adjust Bed Rail, Adjustable Senior Bedrail and Bedside Standing Assist Grab Bar with Organizer Pouch

A bed rail bar that provides independence, balance, and support for getting in and out of bed. The EZ Adjust Bed Rail serves as a bedside grab bar to prevent falls from every happening.

It can hold up to 300 pounds and offers three length adjustments including 26 to 34 to 42 inches. This bed rail can fold up out of the way when it’s not in use by simply releasing two knobs that will unlock the railing and collapse with ease. Compatible with most home or hospital beds, this bed rail can be installed on most mattresses and either side of a bed. Designed into the rail is an organizer pouch, offering three pockets and a safety strap. 

medical adjustable bed rails

Best Support

Medical Adjustable Bed Assist Rail Handle and Hand Guard Grab Bar, Bedside Safety and Stability (Tool-Free Assembly)

The Vaunn Bed Assist Rail offers the most support with a handle, hand guard grab bar, and sturdy legs to ensure it stays in place. This bed rail is designed for individuals who need help getting in and out of bed independently, safely and efficiently.

The rail is made with a heavy-duty powder-coated steel that can hold up to 250 pounds. There are slip-resistant foam pads on the handle, as well as horizontal stabilizer bars and floor standing legs. Unlike other bed rails, the floor standing legs offer optimal stability. This railing can offer an adjustable height and width, which makes it compatible with most standard sized beds.


What to look for in your next bed rails

As you get older, your sleep quality is still just as important. One way to protect yourself while sleeping is by installing bed rails. There are models designed for independent operation and others that require assistance from a caregiver. Here’s what to look to ensure you choose the best option for your situation. 

Rail material: Typically, the material that makes up bed rails is a heavy-duty steel or plastic. Neither are very comfortable, so additional features that offer a foam padding for comfort are useful. When it comes to material, you need to ensure that it’s durable and long-lasting. 

Bed Compatibility: Obviously, you should ensure you get the proper size bed rail based on the size of the mattress. However, you should also consider the construction that makes up your mattress. For instance, there are models specifically made for box spring mattresses. Make sure your mattress is compatible with the bed rail you choose and the measurements are equal. 

Weight: Bed rails typically have a weight limit, so be sure to confirm that the railing you choose can hold the senior who will be using it. 

Adjustability: It’s important to consider the height of the bed when purchasing bed rails. For instance, if it’s a low-profile bed, then folding full-length rails may not be the best fit. Bed rails are available in half-length, full-length, or adjustable sizes. With adjustable features, the individual gets to decide the length of the railing, which may be an important feature when considering each individual bed height. 

Bed-side: When considering the best bed rails for seniors, consider the bed-side situation. If one side of the bed is up against the wall, you only need to worry about getting a one-sided bed rail. If the bed is placed in the middle of the room with both sides open, you will need to find double-sided rails to prevent accidents happening on either side.  

Additional Features: Think of the additional features you’d like your bed rails to provide. Some models will offer adjustments in size, while others come included with an attached bag and gripped handles. The newer models can be designed with a motion-sensing LED night light, allowing seniors to see better if or when they need to get up out of bed. Consider the additional features that are most important to you to determine the perfect bed rail.


Conclusion

Older adults tend to nap and sleep more than younger individuals. Creating a safe place for seniors to sleep is essential to their holistic health and well being. Bed rails can protect elders from falling in or out of bed, all while providing them comfort while resting.