A bed rail, or bed assist bar, can help provide extra stability and security for seniors who need a bit more support getting in and out of bed. They can be a great addition for a senior who is recovering from surgery or who lacks the strength and mobility to easily get out of bed on their own. Most bed rails are adjustable for a custom fit, and offer comfortable, non-slip grips. Some bed rails also adjust in length and could help prevent your loved one from accidentally rolling or falling out of bed.
Many bed rails install easily between the mattress and box springs and work with a variety of bed types and sizes. Whether you’re looking for a simple unit to function as a stand assist, or an adjustable unit that comes with storage, we reviewed several options that could work for your needs. Following our reviews, be sure to check out our buying guide for what to consider before making a purchase.
The Best Bed Rails For Seniors
Stander EZ Adjust Bed Rail
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.
Pros
- Can function more like a traditional bed rail to prevent falls
- Folds down when not in use
Cons
- The handle is not height adjustable
Key Features
- Rail length adjusts from 26″ to 34″ to 42″
- Includes an organizer pouch
- Works with mattress heights between 12 – 18″
- Safety strap for secure installation
Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 23″ H x 26″ W x 25″ D
- Product Weight: 14 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Able Life Bedside Extend-A-Rail
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.
Pros
- This unit is taller than some other models
- Works with adjustable beds
- Dual purpose use – bed rail and stand assist
Cons
- Height is not adjustable
- Storage pouch has to be purchased separately
Key Features
- Adjustable length from 20 – 30″
- Works with mattress heights between 8 – 16″
- Works with most mattress and bed types
- Installs between mattress and box spring
Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 30″ H x 20″ W x 18″ D
- Product Weight: 8 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Medline Bed Assist Bar With Storage Pocket
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.
Pros
- Includes a nylon pocket for storing personal items
- Height is adjustable at two locations for a custom fit
Cons
- Some users had difficulty attaching the storage pouch to the unit
Key Features
- Height adjustable from 36 – 44″
- Curved, ergonomic hand grip
- Can be placed on either side of the bed
- Breaks down for easy storage
Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 36 – 44″ H x 14″ W x 28″ D
- Product Weight: 6 pounds
Our Best Bed Rails Guide
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.
Bed Rail Style
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.
Adjustable Height and Length
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.
Storage and Accessories
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.
