How to Choose a Bed Rail That Works For You

Weather you need a little something extra to push off of in the morning, or something to make sure you don't fall on the floor at night, there are a number of different bed rails on the market. Do you need a half rail, a full rail, under the bed or between the mattress and box spring? These are questions that we don't think about every day. Different rails offer varying types of support, and what works for an 8-year-old probably won't work for a 78-year-old.

When looking for a bed rail, you first need to decide what you need it for. Is this rail to keep you from rolling out of bed at night, or is it one to help you stand up in the morning? Maybe you need both. Another thing to remember is who you are buying the rail for. A small rail might work great for a child, but may be too small or flimsy for a larger adult.

The first type of bed rail is referred to as a "security" or "safety" bed rail. These usually run most if not the full length of the bed. Security rails generally go under the mattress and have a rail on each side of the bed and have one or both sides adjustable to make it easier to get in and out of bed. There are also one sided security rails. They are L-Shaped, and slide under the mattress on one side of the bed. If you have a bed that is against the wall or there is another body in the way, this might work for you. Some bed rails are designed to keep a person safely in bed by making it difficult to raise or lower the bar by that person once they are in the bed. These are only recommended for people with a caretaker to aid them in both getting into and out of bed.

The second type of bed rail is referred to as a "grip" or "transfer" rail. These are generally one sided L-shaped pieces that fit underneath the mattress, but models that stand on the floor are not unheard of. They provide a handle for you to grab when you're getting into bed, and something to push off of when you're getting out. Most of the transfer rails are going to be stationary, but there are a couple that actually swing one side out from the bed (secured by a latch) to offer a better grip to stand up with. These transfer rails can often double as security rails. While they do not extend the full length of the bed, they can still prevent people from falling out of bed at night.

The last type of bed rail can best be classified as a travel bed rail. These are portable and require less setup than security rails and most transfer rails. They are, L-shaped and have straps that go around the base of the bed/box spring. This allows for a secure fit with little setup/breakdown time, perfect for hotel rooms or other unfamiliar beds.

So, what bed rail is best for you? Hopefully you have enough information to make an educated decision. If the bed rail isn't for you, make sure you consult the person that is going to be using it daily. Some people don't like to feel "trapped" in by a security rail and would much prefer a grip. Likewise, someone with a grip rail may still feel like they are going to fall out at night.