While comfortable, the bed can sometimes be a dangerous place. When you wake up in the middle of the night, it’s dark and disorientation can kick in for a few minutes. In a situation like this, it may be easier than you think to suffer a fall when getting out of or into bed.
One way to sleep soundly knowing that you or a loved one will be safe when you need to get up at night is to purchase a bed rail.
These rails come in a variety of different styles and are suited for many different situations. They can range from bed assist rails, to bed canes, to bed guard rails, to bedside steps.
While most of these products are intended as bed rails for elderly users, they can also be used by those who have sustained an injury or are recovering from surgery as well.
It’s important to know which bed rail will best meet you or your loved one’s specific needs. There are a lot of considerations that go into a purchase like this. So we’ve researched and curated the best bed rails for a variety of different needs.
Best Bed Assist Rail
Pros:
- Comes with motion-sensing LED light attached
- Includes anchor strap that can accommodate any size bed, even a king
- Padded handle that is 20” in length
- Adjustable in height from 30”-42”
- Glow strips on each handle for easy access at night
- Weight capacity of 350 lbs.
Cons:
- Cannot be used on beds lower than 12” or bed frames that are on the floor
- Some users find that the LED light is low quality
If you’re looking for a standard bed assist rail, you can’t go wrong with the LumaRail Bed Assist Rail by Platinum Health. It’s your standard, heavy-duty bed rail, but with a twist.
The vendor has taken into account the fact that most people are getting into and out of bed at night – a time when it is difficult to see anything, even your bed rail. You could even say that if you can’t see the rail, it defeats the purpose of the rail.
The LumaRail deals with this problem by attaching a motion-activated LED light to the rail. So, when you or a loved one has to get into or out of the bed at night, they can see where the rail is and where they’re going.
In addition, the LumaRail includes glowing strips on each side of the handle, so the user can see where to grip when they wake up in the middle of the night.
Even without the fancy lights, the LumaRail is still a quality product. It has an impressive weight capacity of 350 lbs. And still the product itself only weighs 9 lbs., making it easy to maneuver and move, even for patients that have trouble lifting heavier objects.
You can also trust that the LumaRail is attached to your bed when you need to use it. It comes with an anchor strap that can fit any size bed, even a King. And it is one of the few bed rails to feature an adjusting stabilizing bar, made to fit any size bed. The stabilizer can be adjusted from 35”-45” in length.
Some of the potential downsides are downsides that are common with all single-side bed rails like this. The LumaRail is not necessarily made for adjustable beds or beds that have a frame lower than 12”. Multiple consumers have also complained that the LED light has problems. This is not the case with every unit sold, but it seems to be a common thread among the purchasers who express disappointment in some way.
The LumaRail is not going to make much of a guard rail either. But that’s not necessarily what you would want to purchase it for. It’s 20” padded handle is perfect for those who need it to help in getting into and out of bed. There are other bed rails to purchase if you’re looking for one to keep you in the bed once you go to sleep.
If you’re just looking for single-side bed assist rail, then the LumaRail is your best bet. It provides one of the strongest frames on the market. And with its extremely deep stabilizer and anchor strap, it is made to stay in place no matter how much pressure you put on it. Finally, the LumaRail surpasses most other bed rails because it takes into account an obvious danger that most overlook – darkness.
While the LumaRail is more expensive than your generic bed rails, it is worth paying up for the quality and thoughtfulness of the design.
Best Bed Guard Rail
Stander EZ Adjustable Bed Rail
Pros:
- Longer than most bed rails
- Extendable from 26”-34”-42”
- Comes with multiple storage pouches
- Easily folds down while still staying strapped to bed
- Works on any size bed, from Twin to California King
- Can fit most mattress sizes
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
Cons:
- Vender says it doesn’t work on adjustable beds (though some users have found that it does)
- Relatively expensive
- Assembly is a little more difficult than other rails
- Product is relatively heavy at 14 lbs.
The Stander EZ Adjustable Bed Rail is one of the most accommodating bed rails on the market. Unlike most of the rails in this guide, it acts more as a bed guard rail than a rail to assist with entering and exiting the bed (though it can do that).
Most bed rails you find are only able to adjust in one direction – higher or lower. The Stander EZ Bed Rail’s one downside is that it can’t adjust in height. But it can be maneuvered in a variety of other ways. In fact, the Stander EZ Rail is extendable from its standard 26” length to your choice of 34” or 42” in length.
And this product is made to stay attached to your bed. It comes with two stabilizing bars that extend 25” under your mattress. In addition, it comes with an anchor strap that is supposed to fit any size bed.
There are no legs that extend to the floor, so the Stander EZ Bed Rail can work regardless of your bed’s height. The top of the rail is also 22” inches from its base, meaning it can fit a variety of mattress sizes (as most range from 10”-16”).
The most notable difference between this bed rail and others is that it is designed as a large triple-railed product, which can swing down to the bedside for easy-entry.
The fact that this is a swinging rail, though, means that it’s not necessarily intended for the same purposes as other rails. While there is nothing wrong with keeping it raised and using it to assist with bed entry, it would be pretty difficult to get out of the bed with the bar raised.
As a result, this product is primarily used to secure a user when in bed. It can also be used to help less mobile users maneuver themselves once in the bed. Once fully extended, you’re unlikely to find another rail that secures one side of a bed that completely.
In addition, the Stander EZ Rail comes with several pouches, which make storage of regular household items (TV remote, books, glasses, etc.) much easier. And while this product is great for purchasers who want to secure one side of their bed, it can have its downsides as well.
For one thing, this rail is heavier than many other rails at 14 lbs. Some older users may find it difficult to lift the rail back up from its down position once they are in bed. Also, with its many moving parts, the Stander EZ Rail can be more difficult to assemble than many other, straightforward bed rails.
Best Dual Bed Rail
LumaRail Dual Bed Rail by Platinum Health
Pros:
- Great for couples or anyone who wants to get up on either side of the bed
- LED Sensor Light on both sides
- Padded handrails on both sides
- Anchor strap to attach to the bed
- Weight capacity of 400 lbs.
Cons:
- Some users find that the LED light is low quality
- Base may be too wide to fit closely on both sides of smaller bed frames
Sometimes you need a bed rail that is more suited for couples. Or maybe you just want the peace of mind in knowing that you can safely enter or exit the bed from whichever side you choose. If this is your situation, then the best option is the LumaRail Dual Bed Rail by Platinum Health.
At less than $100, this product is a pretty good deal, considering you’re getting a product for two people. The rail is sturdy, holding up to 400 lbs. and coming with an anchor strap you can use to secure it to the bed frame. Unlike a lot of single-side bed rails, the LumaRail doesn’t necessarily anchor under the mattress, but runs along the ground underneath the bed. Overall, assembly may be a bit more time-consuming than a single-side bed rail, but it is not too difficult.
This bed rail is also unique in that it comes with two motion-sensing LED lights on each rail. This is especially helpful considering that, most of the time, you’re exiting the bed at night. I will note, however, that some purchases have found their LED lights to be lacking, either falling off of the rail or running out of batteries too soon.
Even though the LumaRail is an item built for two, it weighs the same as most single-use bed rails (at just under 9 lbs.), making it easy to slide or transport if needed.
The handles are a standard 20” long on both sides, and they can adjust from 17” in height to 21”, fitting most bed sizes. The bars running under the bed frame can also adjust to fit the width of most beds, going from a minimum of 40” wide to a maximum of 56”.
While most people who sleep with a partner will probably have a larger sized bed (at least a full or larger), the total length of the rails that slide underneath the bed may make this product too large for twin and XL twin beds.
In addition, while it is not advertised as a product made to fit adjustable beds, the nature of this dual rail (it doesn’t need to slide under the mattress), may make it suitable for adjustable beds.
Best Bed Cane
Pros:
- Sturdy
- Small and inconspicuous
- Comes with storage pouch
- Comes with anchor strap
- It is small and easy to store or travel with
Cons:
- It is small and will not stop anyone from rolling out of the bed
- It is relatively heavy
- It isn’t adjustable
Sometime you just need a little assistance when getting into and out of the bed. You may not want a large rail, but something smaller and relatively inconspicuous. If you or a loved one are in the market for a small but sturdy bedside rail look no further than the Stander Bed Cane.
A bed cane can be perfect for those looking for peace-of-mind when getting into and out of bed. You may not need a lot of assistance, but you want to know you’re safe. The Stander Bed Cane is small and sturdy. It is attached to a sturdy wooden stabilizing plank that slides 22” under your mattress. In addition, an anchor strap can be fastened to your bed for extra support.
Depending on the thickness of your mattress, the wooden plank may be noticeable when you sleep. But the vast majority of buyers have found that the stabilizing plank goes unnoticed once fastened in place.
In addition, this product comes with a storage pouch, making it easy to store and find TV remotes, cell phones, books, hearings aids, glasses, etc. The Stander Bed Cane is also adjustable, fitting mattresses 16”-21” thick.
One upside to purchasing this bed cane is that it is convenient and easy to move. It also doesn’t matter what the height or size of your bed frame is, as the bed cane simple slides under the mattress. You will, however, need to make sure you have a mattress that can accommodate the Stander Bed Cane.
If you’re buying the Stander Bed Cane though, you need to know what you’re getting. You’re not getting a bed guard rail, or even an adjustable rail. You’re getting a small stabilizer that’s perfect for mild bedside assistance, but doesn’t do much else. For those who don’t need a large rail for assistance, a bed cane is a perfect fit.
Best Bed Rail for Travel
Stander Bed Rail Advantage Traveler
Pros:
- Compact
- Foldable, so it can easily be carried or fit in a suitcase
- Holds 400 lbs.
- Storage Pouch
- Can fit every mattress size
Cons:
- Pouch may not leave a lot of room for grasping handle
- May be too large for some smaller suitcases, especially if they have other contents
- Size of handle isn’t very large
A lot of people are looking for the largest bed rail out there. But if you travel a lot or need a bed rail that can accommodate your travel, you may have different criteria in mind. You’re probably not looking for a very large bed rail, but something that is easy to transport. At the same time, you don’t want to skimp on strength.
The Stander Bed Rail Advantage Traveler is the perfect bed rail for travel. It is compact, foldable, and made for carrying. The Advantage Traveler has all the amenities of a typical bed rail as well. It can hold up to 400 lbs. It comes with a safety strap and can accommodate any size mattress, from 10”-16”. It even comes equipped with a storage pouch (with two pockets on each side of the rail). On top of all that, this bed rail, once folded, is small enough to fit inside a large suitcase.
With such a portable bed rail, you might be tempted to think it’s not as sturdy as other, larger bed rails. But that’s simply not the case. It may not be large enough to prevent someone from rolling out of the bed, but it is definitely sturdy enough to support you when getting into and out of the bed. With its steel alloy design and 400 lbs. weigh capacity, the Stander Advantage Traveler is difficult to beat.
As mentioned above, the Stander Advantage Traveler isn’t the largest bed rail (at 17” across its base), but that’s kind-of the point. It’s easy to fold and carry. It weighs about 8 lbs., which isn’t the lightest rail, but given how sturdy it is, this isn’t too much of a downside. In addition, the product’s anchor still goes 21” deep under the mattress. And at 21” in height it is large enough to fit the typical 10”-16” mattress.
Best Bed Rail with Steps
Pros:
- 6 Different heights
- Rails on both sides
- Motion-activated LED light
- Can hold up to 400 lbs.
- Extra-wide landing base with non-slip step
Cons:
- Weighs 21 lbs., so not necessarily easy to move
- Can be difficult to assemble
- Does not attach to bed frame like most other rails, but does have Velcro straps that can be attached to a frame
- It is large, so it may be difficult to fit in smaller bedrooms
- Does not keep you from rolling out of bed
Sometimes you need more support than what a typical bed rail can offer. If, for instance, you or a loved one has had major surgery, or if you have had serious difficulty getting into and out of your bed, you may be looking for something a little more substantial. The Step2Bed bed rail is probably your best bet for an all-around safe experience.
The product is one of the few on the market that has a wide-base step combined with two rails for easy entry and exit from a bed. It is designed so that a user can use both rails to steady themselves, but doesn’t have to worry about them obstructing their exit. The shorter rail typically does not come above the mattress itself, making it easy for you to swing your legs over to the step. The taller rail (32” in height) rises above the mattress like a typical bed rail so you can easily grab it when you’re still in the bed.
The Step2Bed also comes with a motion-activated LED light that faces outward from the bed and illuminates (for 30 seconds) an impressive 121 square feet. The extra-wide frame (32” across) also gives you the peace of mind to know that you will not miss the step when getting out of bed.
The base of the Step2Bed can also be adjusted to six different heights, ranging from 2.5” off the ground to 7.5”. This is important considering many beds range in height and many users may need a lower step for ease of entry or a higher step to fit their bed frame. And this feature makes the Step2Bed essential if you or a loved one has a tall bed frame that you don’t want to get rid of. The Step2Bed is designed specifically for this situation.
The Step2Bed doesn’t come without its downsides though. The first is that it is relatively heavy, at 21 lbs. This could make it difficult to move, especially if you or a loved one have recently had surgery or suffered an injury.
Another potential problem is that the Step2Bed is not anchored under the mattress like many other bed rails. Some users have complained of sliding at times. But the latest version of the product has attempted to solve this by Velcro that can be attached to a bed frame and adding rubber feet to the bottom of the adjustable legs.
Overall, the Step2Bed is a good deal for what you’re getting. At over $120 it’s more expensive than many other bed rails, but given the size and added features, it’s actually a pretty good deal.
Best Value
Pros:
- Cheaper than most other bed rails
- Manufacturer claims it holds 350 lbs.
- Product only weighs 6.1 lbs.
- Comes with anchor strap
- Has storage pouch
- Adjustable
- Easy to assemble
Cons:
- May not be as sturdy as other products
If you’re looking for value without skimping on quality, then the Medical King Bed Assist Rail is right up your alley. At under $50 the product is extremely cheap, but still comes with all of the trappings of a more expensive bed rail.
It is fully adjustable, with the top mattress side bar ranging from 15”-21” in height and the lower bed frame rail ranging from 17”-20.5”. As a result, this rail can fit most bed and mattress sizes. Overall, the product can range from a minimum of 33” in height to a maximum of 42”.
In addition, the bed rail can hold up to 350 lbs. And it comes with a padded hand rail and an easy-access storage pouch.
The assembly is extremely easy, and the product is typically ready for use within 5 minutes.
As far as the downsides go, there is one big one. While most users find that the rail fits their needs perfectly, many have noted that it can be a little less sturdy than rails. One reviewer claimed that the rods under the mattress bent over time and the anchor strap came loose. They noted that this didn’t cause any major problems, but it should be something to watch for. Another user claims that, although they were under the weight capacity limit, the product broke within two weeks.
Obviously, this is speculative, but it’s worth keeping in mind. This is a cheaper product, so there is a chance the material may not as strong as other bed rails. That being said, the vast majority of purchasers find that this rail is as sturdy as advertised.
Other Considerations
Type of Bed
Many times, the type of bed you have can be the deciding factor when buying a bed rail. While many of the rails are designed to fit a wide range of bed sizes, some can only fit a certain style.
Additionally, the size of your mattress matters as well. Many bed rails are not made to fit some of the thicker mattresses, or mattresses that have thick pads layered on top of them. Many bed rails are designed to fit standard 10”-16” mattresses, while others can fit mattresses in excess of 20”.
The type of bed frame you have is important too. Is your bed frame on the floor? Extremely close to the floor? Or higher up than most beds? This can be important to consider before purchasing a bed rail. Some bed assist rails (like the dual-sided ones) have to be able to go under a bed frame. Others (like the bed cane) can be slid under the mattress regardless of how the bed frame is resting. In addition, some single-side bed rails can’t fit bed frames that are higher or lower than normal.
Finally, you have to keep in mind that some bed rails may not be able to accommodate an adjustable bed. One thing we’ve noticed when researching is that many bed rails do not advertise that they can function with adjustable beds or hospital-type beds. Some users or manufacturers specify later that they can, but if you use one of these beds, it may be useful to contact the vendor or a former customer before purchase.
Overall, you have to keep a variety of factors in mind when deciding to purchase a bed rail. The most important, many times, is the type of bed, mattress, and rail you want to purchase. To avoid having to return a product or being stuck with something you can’t use, make sure you read our reviews of each rail above and do your research to understand how each product will fit with your bed.
Mobility of Person Using the Bed Rail
The mobility of the person using the bed rail is probably the most important consideration when purchasing a bed rail. It’s the whole reason you’re buying one, so you want to get it right. And it could determine what kind of bed rail you’re looking for.
For instance, if the user is extremely mobile but is getting worried about the possibility of falling when getting into and out of bed, a bed cane or small rail may be the most useful purchase. On the other hand, some potential users will require something like the Step2Bed combined step and dual rails. Sometimes you need a little more stability
Layout of Bedroom
The layout of your bedroom can make a big difference in determining which rail to purchase. First, you have to be sure that the rail can even fit in your room. Second, you have to take note of how your room is furnished.
While something like the Stander EZ Bed Rail or the Stander Bed Cane will likely fit in any sized room, a product like the Step2Bed Rail or any kind of dual rail product will require space.
You should also take into account the position of your bed in the room. If you don’t intend to rearrange the layout of your bed room, it is best to understand the dimensions of the product you’re purchasing.
Conclusion
A bed rail can be essential for anyone who needs extra assistance when getting into and out of bed. Depending on your situation, the type of rail you choose can make a big difference. We know that the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming, so we hope this comprehensive list can assist you in finding the perfect bed rail for all your needs.
Comments are closed