13 Best Bed Rails for Seniors

Falls are the number one cause of injury and injury-related death among people over 65 in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bed rails could help make your bedroom safer and reduce your risk of falls, provided you choose one that is right for your needs.

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Who Might Benefit From Bed Rails?

Older adults who have difficulty getting in and out of bed due to muscle weakness or problems with balance may benefit from the support of bed rails. In addition, bed rails may help protect anyone who is at an increased risk for falling out of bed, such as those who experience restless sleep or take medications that cause abnormal dreams and other sleep disturbances. Doctors may also recommend bed rails for seniors who wander due to dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Does Medicare or Insurance Cover Bed Rails for Seniors?

Medicare usually won't pay for detachable bed rails. However, hospital beds that have built-in rails may be covered in some cases. Private health insurance that includes coverage for safety items may help to pay for some of the cost if a doctor determines that the rails are medically necessary.

Important Considerations When Choosing Bed Rails for Seniors

Focusing on key points of comparison can make it simpler to choose the best bed rails for your needs. Some things to consider include: 

• Bed rails come in a variety of types. Bed handles are small and designed to assist only with transferring while bed-assist rails are slightly larger and offer more room to grip. For fall prevention, rails that run the full length of the bed are ideal.
  
  
• Size and height of your bed. Bed rails typically fit beds up to a certain size. If your bed is elevated, you may need taller rails or ones with a built-in step.
  
  
• Weight capacity. Choose rails that are strong enough to support your body weight.
  
  
• Footed or footless. Bed rails with feet may provide more stability, and footless options held in place by the mattress are simple to remove.
  
  
• Some bed rails can be raised or lowered to suit your height.
  
  
• Ease of assembly. Most bed rails require at least some assembly. Some simply snap or slide together while others need tools and hardware for assembly.
  
  
• Fixed or pivoting. Pivoting bed rails turn to help you get in and out of bed more easily. Often, they cost more than fixed options.
  
  
• Foam padding can make bed rails easier to grip.
  
  
• Built-in storage. Some bed rails have pouches or bins that let you store small items like eyeglasses and reading materials within quick reach.
  
  
• Establish a budget for your new bed rails before you shop.

13 Best Bed Rails for Seniors

The following list includes the best bed rails currently available for seniors. Review the key features and potential drawbacks of each option to decide which one will work best in your bedroom.

1. Medline Bed Assist Bar

The Medline Bed Assist Bar is an economical, simple-to-assemble grab bar that fits most queen beds. To simplify use, the bar features a cushioned arched top and legs that adjust with the push of a button. Straps help secure the bar to the bed for added security.

Key Features

• Lowest-priced option on this list
• Comfortably padded handle
• Nylon storage pocket
• Push-button height-adjustable legs
• Safety straps for added security

Potential Drawbacks 

• Only recommended for queen-size beds
• May not provide a large gripping surface
• Unlikely to prevent rolling out of bed
• Weight capacity of 250 pounds may not be adequate for some people

2. Stander BedCane

The Stander BedCane is a grab bar designed for individuals who only need a little extra help getting in and out of bed. With its low-profile design, the bed rail takes up very little space and can fit all standard bed sizes. Ample padding and an ergonomic shape make the rail simple to grip. A four-pocket storage pouch helps you keep your belongings organized and readily accessible.

Key Features

• Fits all standard-sized beds
• Low-profile design takes up less space
• Ergonomic handle is simple to grip
• Ample padding to ensure comfort
• Four-pocket storage pouch

Potential Drawbacks

• Can't be used with adjustable beds or extra soft mattresses
• May not provide a large gripping surface
• Unlikely to prevent rolling out of bed

3. Signature Life Sleep Safe Bed Rail

The Signature Life Sleep Safe Bed Rail is designed to simplify transferring and reduce the risk of rolling out of bed. With the push of a button, you can adjust the height and the length of the bar to suit your needs. When not needed, the rail folds down to allow for full access to the bed. A divided storage pouch gives you quick access to items that are reached for frequently.

Key Features

• Adjusts for height and length at the push of a button
• Folds out of the way
• Fits all standard bed sizes
• Divided storage pouch
• Tool-free assembly

Potential Drawbacks

• Higher priced than many other bed rails
• No padding
• Can't be used with adjustable beds or extra soft mattresses

4. Drive Medical Home Bed Rails

For those who want rails on both sides of the bed, the Drive Medical Home Bed Rails are a smart solution. Removable crossbars make it possible to install the rails on any standard bed, and both the height and length adjust at the push of a button. Steel tubing makes the rails strong and sturdy for ease of use and peace of mind.

Key Features

• Comes in different sizes to fit standard beds
• Can be used with any type of mattress
• Adjusts for height and length with the push of a button
• Installs on both sides of the bed

Potential Drawbacks

• Complicated assembly
• Doesn't fold down
• No padding
• No storage

5. Health Craft Smart Rail System Bed Rail 

With its innovative pivoting design, the Health Craft Smart Rail System Bed Rail moves from a perpendicular to a parallel position, putting it in the ideal position to support your weight when you're standing and sitting. The low-profile bar has a comfortably padded top and adjusts for height with the quick push of a button.

Key Features

• Pivoting mechanism gives you extra support when moving from standing to sitting
• Height-adjustable legs
• Comfortably padded
• Safety strap for added security
• Fits beds of all sizes

Potential Drawbacks

• Most expensive option on this list
• No storage
• Unlikely to prevent rolling out of bed

6. Able Life Bedside Extend-A-Rail

The Able Life Bedside Extend-A-Rail lets you customize the length and height of your bed rails to best suit your needs. Once assembled, the footless rail simply slides under the mattress and straps onto the bed frame for a secure fit. A storage pouch is available for purchase separately.

Key Features

• Fits all standard bed sizes
• Push-button height and length adjustments
• Safety strap for added security

Potential Drawbacks

• No padding
• Storage pouch must be purchased separately
• Can't be used with adjustable beds or extra soft mattresses

7. Zelen Bed Steps Stool With Handle

If you have a high bed, the Zelen Bed Steps Stool With Handle may make getting in and out a simpler, safer process. A built-in step stool shortens the distance that you need to step. The design includes two cushioned grab bars positioned perpendicular to the bed, so you can hold on with both hands as you lay down and stand up.

Key Features

• Dual perpendicular bars to assist with transferring
• Soft-grip cushioning for comfort
• Wooden step stool for access to high mattresses
• Rubber strips reduce slippage and help protect flooring

Potential Drawbacks

• More expensive than many other rails
• No storage
• Complicated assembly
• Unlikely to prevent rolling out of bed

8. Stander EZ Adjust Bed Rail

The Stander EZ Adjust Bed Rail provides the benefits of a length-adjustable bed rail that folds out of the way as needed at a lower price than similar products. Adjusting the rail is as simple as pushing a button on the strong tubular metal frame. For storage, the rail comes with a divided pouch.

Key Features

• Lower price than many other adjustable rails
• Push-button length adjustments
• Folds out of the way
• Fits all standard bed sizes
• Divided storage pouch

Potential Drawbacks

• Not height adjustable
• No padding
• Can't be used with adjustable beds or extra soft mattresses

9. LumaRail-FS Deluxe Bed Assist Rail

When you need to get out of bed at night, the LumaRail-FS Deluxe Bed Assist Rail can light your way. Its built-in motion sensor controls a bright LED light that illuminates the bedside when you start to get up. Glow-in-the-dark indicators help you easily locate the amply cushioned grab bar. The footless grab bar is height adjustable to accommodate thick mattresses and toppers.

Key Features

• Amply padded top
• Built-in storage pouch
• Height adjustable
• Motion-sensing height light
• Light strips help you find the rail in the dark
• Fits all standard beds
• 400-pound weight capacity exceeds many other rails

Potential Drawbacks

• No storage
• Unlikely to prevent rolling out of bed

10. LYLSXY Bed Rail Hospital-Grade Bed Rails

Constructed out of iron in accordance with hospital safety standards, the LYLSXY Bed Rail Hospital-Grade Bed Rails are an ultra-strong, sturdy bedroom transfer aid. The rail features a divided design that makes it clear where to place each hand, helping to ensure you have a strong hold on the bar.

Key Features

• Hospital-grade iron construction
• 440-pound weight capacity is the highest on this list
• Fits beds of all sizes
• Divided bar helps to ensure proper hand placement
• Can be used with adjustable beds

Potential Drawbacks

• Complicated assembly
• No padding
• No storage
• Not adjustable
• Most expensive grab bar-style bed rail on this list
• Unlikely to prevent rolling out of bed

11. Able Life Bedside Mighty Rail

Lightweight and fully collapsible, the Able Life Bedside Mighty Rail is a convenient option for traveling or using in guest bedrooms. The tapered design with a cushioned, arched top allows the bar to take up less space and ensures a comfortable grip. To keep essentials readily accessible, the rail has a four-pocket storage pouch.

Key Features

• Tapered design conserves space
• Comfortably padded arch handle
• Fits all standard bed sizes
• Four-pocket storage pouch
• Lightweight collapsible design for travel

Potential Drawbacks

• Not adjustable
• Grip surface may not be large enough for some users
• Can't be used with adjustable beds or extra soft mattresses
• Unlikely to prevent rolling out of bed

12. Step2Bed Bed Rails

With its built-in, height-adjustable step stool, the Step2Bed Bed Rails give you a boost to help you get into a high bed with greater ease. When you get up at night, a motion-activated light shines across a 121 sq. ft. area to help you see. Installation is as simple as attaching a series of hook-and-loop straps to your bed frame.

Key Features

• Economical compared to rails of similar type
• Step stool makes it easier to get in and out of high beds
• Built-in LED lighting helps you see at night
• Height-adjustable
• Hook-and-loop straps simplify assembly and work with beds of all sizes
• Grip tape helps reduce slippage

Potential Drawbacks

• May not be as stable because it doesn't anchor to the bed
• Grab bar only on one side
• Unlikely to prevent rolling out of bed

13. MOBB Home Bed Assist Handle

Crafted out of molded plastic rather than metal, the grab bar of the MOBB Home Bed Assist Handle stays warmer in cold conditions to ensure your comfort as you get in and out of bed. The deep storage bin built into the adjustable rail has a removable lid to keep items free of dust and safely contained.

Key Features

• Plastic construction allows the bar to feel warm on cold nights
• Storage bin with lid
• Push-button height adjustments
• Fits all standard size beds

Potential Drawbacks

• No padding
• Grip surface may not be large enough for some users
• Can't be used with adjustable beds or extra soft mattresses
• Unlikely to prevent rolling out of bed