Best bed rails for adults and seniors
Compare safety bed rails for comfort and support
Bed side rails provide extra support for people with decreased flexibility, reduced strength or limited mobility go about their routine with more independence. There are dozens of bed safety guard options available to adults and their caregivers. We compared cost, features, weight capacity and FSA or HSA eligibility for our top picks below.
What is a bed rail, and who should get one?
A bed rail is a secure metal rail that runs along the side of a bed. It can be attached to the sides of the bed or installed beneath the mattress. The railing provides a handle that you can hold on to for support while getting in and out of bed. It also reduces the risk of rolling out once you’re on the mattress.
Bed rails are popular with seniors because fall-related injuries can be so severe. Anyone can accidentally tumble out of bed, but a fall can be devastating to an older person's health. Other problems associated with aging — including incontinence, vision problems, dementia — elevate the risk of a fall, particularly around beds.
However, bed side rails aren’t just for elderly adults. Those who have chronic fatigue syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or other conditions that cause dizziness or instability can benefit from some kind of bed side rail or support handle.
How to choose best bed rails for adults
When searching for a bed rail, there are several factors to consider. The most important one is whether the rail is compatible with your bed. Some side rails are universally designed to fit any bed size or mattress format, and others are designed for a box spring and mattress.
Next, determine the size of the bed and what type of bed rail will fit. Consider the rail length and height before you make a purchase. If you’re not sure, find a model with adjustable rails so you can find the sweet spot. Once you determine the specifics of what you need, look for a rail that provides the right level of support, comfort, convenience and style for your budget.
- Support: Most models can accommodate between 250 and 400 pounds — be sure that the assist rail can support enough weight to be useful to you. Bed side rails for adults can come with or without legs. For additional support, look for a model with both handles and legs. Assist handles are typically sold individually — you should get two if you want rails on both sides of the bed.
- Comfort: The whole point of a bed rail is to make it easier for you to get in and out of bed. Some bed rails have extra padding on the handles to make them more comfortable to grasp. We suggest looking for grip bars with foam padding, especially if you’re sensitive to the cold.
- Convenience: These days, some assist rails come with modern perks like LED lighting for bedside reading. Some also have convenience pouches or pockets so you can conveniently store items nearby. Pivoting handles are best when you need to lower the rail down temporarily (e.g., while making your bed). Travel bed rails for adults can weigh as little as 5 pounds and easily fit in most standard luggage.
- Style: Some types of side rails are smaller and less conspicuous than rails with crossbars and support legs. Most models are steel or aluminum, and some manufacturers offer more modern finishes for a less clinical aesthetic.
Our top bed rail picks
The ConsumerAffairs research team compared more than 50 bed rail models. To narrow our options, we looked at the average customer ratings and the total number of reviews. We gave preference to rails that are easy to install and come with a safety strap for extra security. All of our top picks come with a manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty or a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
Medline Bed Assist
The Medline Bed Assist bar rail slides under the mattress and is fastened by a safety strap for an extra secure fit. It features a curved gripping surface and a convenient nylon mesh storage pocket. This model fits most home beds and has height-adjustable legs designed not to slip. We like that it’s sturdy (and latex free) but still easy to install and disassemble.
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MedPro MGrip Adjustable Bed Rail
This MedPro model has a unique M shape that allows for multiple gripping positions. It has crossbars and an adjustable strap with durable steel buckles that are compatible with most beds and mattress formats. The rail is sturdy, easy to assemble and lightweight enough to make it portable.
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Drive Medical Home Bed Rails
This Drive Medical bed rail adjusts up and down (on both sides) with a spring-loaded release button. We like that the crossbars are easy to install and remove and that it fits all home-style beds. This particular model is designed to accommodate a king-size bed — rail lengths can be adjusted without tools to 37 inches, 43 inches or 57 inches, and the crossbar adjusts from 36 inches to 72 inches. It’s constructed from sturdy steel and has an attractive brown-vein finish.
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Stander EZ Adjust Bed Rail
Stander EZ bed side rails are compatible with most home and hospital beds, including California kings and adjustable beds. We like that it’s easy to fold the support rail down. The rail fits under any mattress measuring between 12 inches and 18 inches and is adjustable to 26 inches, 34 inches or 42 inches. Installation isn’t exactly tool-less, but Stander provides the four bolts and Allen wrench needed.
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LumaRail-FS Deluxe Bed Assist Rail
This model comes with LED lights, a padded 20-inch grab rail and anchor safety straps. It also has a modern white finish (not chrome) for a less institutional look. The LumaRail-FS rail accommodates single, queen and double beds as low as 12 inches to thick mattresses with toppers. Installation is easy, and the height can be adjusted from 29 inches to 37.5 inches to fit king-size beds.
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Medokare Hospital-Grade Safety Rail
Medokare hospital-grade bed side rails have a sturdy powder-coated steel frame and a convenient pouch bag. An extendable bar slips between the mattress and box spring on any size of bed. This model is ideal for slat bed beds, flat-panel beds or sleigh beds. However, it is not designed to accommodate adjustable beds.
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Lifestyle Solutions Bed Rail
Model LS7700 is a bed rail that gives you great value for the money. It’s sturdy, thanks to the chrome-plated steel construction, and it has extra padding for a more comfortable grip. The bed rail is easy to install on almost any bed in under five minutes. You can adjust the height up to 21 inches in increments of 1 inch.
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Types of bed rails
Comparing bed rails can be confusing if you don’t understand the different categories. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration divides bed rails into three different types.
Hospital bed rails
These are built into a hospital bed and can be adjusted. Bed rails for hospital beds are considered medical devices and are subject to government regulations. Safety bed handrails and guards designed for at-home elderly patients resemble hospital rails.
Portable bed rails for adults
All portable bed rails are intended for home use. The rail handles attach directly to the bed and can be removed. Safety bed rails for seniors come in a variety of different types and designs.
- Bed rails with legs are tucked under a mattress with two support legs resting on the floor. Most of these models have adjustable heights and lengths. Some are designed to fit any bed, but not all.
- Legless bed rails are also tucked under a mattress, but they do not have extra support legs. These also come with adjustable lengths and heights but may offer less stabilization.
- Fold-down bed rails look like handles but can be folded down to allow full clearance. Fold-down models are often available with adjustable lengths and storage options.
- Crossbar bed rails have multiple handholds and different heights to help you roll over and push up into a standing position. The weight of your mattress affects the sturdiness of the rail or bar.
- Dual bed rails provide support on both sides of the bed. Most people opt for dual rails when their bed is positioned in the middle of a room instead of against a wall. Most dual bed rails have crossbars that extend beneath the mattress.
Portable bed rails for children
Portable bed rails for children are also easily attached and removed. These bed rails are primarily used to improve the security of the sleeping child at night. Much like similar products designed for older adults, bed rails for children are easily attached and removed.
Bed rail FAQ
How much do bed rails cost?
Does Medicare cover bed rails?
Are bed rails safe?
Where can I buy bed rails?
Bottom line
The most important thing to remember is to find a bed side rail model that is compatible with your bed and provides the level of support you need. Extras like foam padding, pockets and LED lighting are nice if you have the budget. For more information about bed rail safety and regulation, visit The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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