A home hospital bed safety rail is a component that secures to a home bed, offering a helping hand to support loved ones with mobility limitations. These rails help provide a sturdy grip while entering/exiting the bed and prevent harmful falls. 

Bed safety rails can be purchased as part of a hospital bed kit or individually.

When evaluating different hospital bed rails for your needs, here are the top five things to consider: 

• Support Requirements: What are the user’s mobility limitations? Will the patient be using the rail independently for transfers? Are they at risk of falls? It’s important to understand which safety features are most important for your loved one.
• Portability: Will the bed rail stay in one place, or are you looking for a more portable solution? Plenty of lightweight bed rails can easily be packed and taken with you on trips.
• Installation Complexity: Some bed rails can be easily installed in seconds with straps– no tools required! Others are a bit more involved and require formal installation to secure to your bed frame.
• Storage: Many bed rails come with organizer pouches to store items, as well as storage bags for the rail itself.
• Budget: Of course, budget is always a consideration. Bed rails can range from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on your needs. 

With these factors in mind, let’s cover some of the most common types of home hospital bed rails.

When ordering a new hospital bed, many models allow you to select which handrail style you prefer at the time of purchase. 

While handrail styles vary significantly across brands and models, here are some examples of common variations: 

• Quarter and Half Rails: These are standard horizontal metal rails. Quarter bed rails are smaller, while half rails have a wider surface area
• Soft Rails: Designed with soft plastic rather than metal, these rails offer a more ergonomic surface.
• Qbar Assist Rails: A quad shaped bar which provides additional support during transfers

Again, the available bed rail options may vary significantly depending on the model and brand. 

If your home hospital or long term care bed does not come with the style of bed rail that you prefer (or if you require a more portable solution), you can purchase bed rails separately. These rails are compatible with most bed types, regardless of brand.

The Halo Safety Ring Bed Rail is a revolutionary new design in bed rails. With a unique circular shape, it promotes easy accessibility and prevents falls. 

• Rotatable Circular Configuration: Users can rotate the handle 90 degrees to help support entries and exits with ease, as well as reduce the risk of falls
• Ring Design: Users can grasp the rail at whatever angle works best for them. With multiple different ergonomic handholds, loved ones will always feel sturdy and supported. 

Pros: 

• Lightweight & portable
• Circular design has many flexible handholds
• Rotatable to support many different use cases

Cons: 

• More limited fall protection zone compared to other rails
• Can be more expensive than other rails

If you’re looking for an affordable add-on bed rail that can easily be attached and detached to home hospital beds in seconds, look no further. Portable bed assist rails are the solution!

These rails can often be purchased for under 100$. They are smaller than typical bed rails, and feature a lightweight aluminum design that can slide under any mattress for easy installation. 

Bed assist rails do not require tools for set-up, and many models can easily be packed up and brought with you during travel. 

Bed assist rails can come both with and without legs. Legs offer additional stability but may be less portable than other models. 

Pros: 

• Affordable, often under $100
• Lightweight and very portable
• Easy Installation

Cons:

• May not be as sturdy with light mattresses

Weighing just 1.5 pounds, the Bedside Econorail can make transitions in and out of bed easier and safer for all adults! It can safely support up to 300lbs, effortlessly setting up in seconds by sliding under a mattress. Featuring an ergonomic cushioned handle and storage pouches to hold bedside items, it can make a world of a difference for adults that struggle with mobility. 

For a bit of extra stability, Medline’s Bed Assist Bar with legs is perfect for thinner mattresses. It features an ultra-soft grip for comfort, a handy storage pocket, and straps for added safety. Installation is completely tool-free, and the assist bar supports users of up to 250lbs with ease. For under $50, it’s an incredible mobility tool that won’t break the bank.

Featuring a circular design with a vertical mounting bar, the Halo Safety Ring has become a bed rail favorite for a reason. It supports transfers, allowing users to select from many different grip points. Despite its size, it can accommodate an impressive 1,000lbs weight capacity. 

Whether you’re looking for a portable bed rail that can come with you on trips or choosing a rail as part of a hospital bed set purchase, bed rails play an important role in the overall independence and safety for loved ones. 

If you have any questions about which bed rail would be right for your needs, please contact our team of product experts here at Med Mart. With decades of experience helping families equip their homes with the right mobility solutions, we’d love to help you find the perfect fit.