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Medline Bed Assist Bar Review

Best Low-Cost Bed Rail

The Medline Bed Assist Bar is an affordable, durable bed rail that features tool-less assembly and a handy organizer pouch. The legs provide extra stability during transfers in and out of bed, and the latex-free padding on the handle is designed for comfort.

Pros and Cons of the Medline Bed Assist Bar

Pros:

  • The Medline Bed Assist Bar is affordable, with retail pricing ranging between $40 and $55.
  • The height-adjustable legs make this bed rail exceptionally stable.
  • It has a handy organizer pouch that’s perfect for small items, such as reading glasses, a flashlight, a cell phone or a book.

Cons:

  • The Medline Bed Assist Bar only measures 14″ wide, so it likely won’t prevent an individual from falling out of bed.
  • Medline doesn’t list a user weight limit for this device, so it’s unclear if it can be safely used by bariatric patients.

Overview of the Medline Bed Assist Bar

The Medline Bed Assist Bar is an affordable, user-friendly bed rail that installs on most standard beds ranging in size from twin to queen. This assistive device features a handy storage pocket, padded hand grip and height-adjustable legs for added stability.

Average retail price $40 – $55
Weight 6.4 lbs
Dimensions  36″-44″ H x 14″ W x 28″ D
Height of top rail User-adjustable height from 36″ to 44″
Bed size Fits most twin, full (double) and queen-sized beds
Materials Hollow steel tubing topped with latex-free foam on hand rail
Assembly Requires tool-less assembly – arrives flat-packed in nine pieces
Added features Includes a removable 13″ x 9″ nylon storage pocket
Colors Available in black only

How Much Does the Medline Bed Assist Bar Cost?

The price of the Medline Bed Assist Bar ranges from about $40 to $55. In general, pricing for this device tends to be lower at big box stores and through large e-commerce sites, and pricing is usually higher at independent medical supply stores.

Because the Medline Bed Assist Bar is manufactured in China, the actual retail cost may fluctuate based on global supply chain issues, crude oil prices and production delays related to COVID-19. Like all bed rails, this Medline device is made from metal, so any increase in raw material costs will likely result in higher retail pricing.

Full Review of the Medline Bed Assist Bar’s Features

The Medline Bed Assist Bar is a simple device that’s designed for individuals who need extra support while getting in and out of bed. It’s widely available without a prescription through many department and houseware stores, pharmacies and online retailers.

The entire device, including the strap, nylon storage bag, metal bars and latex-free foam handle padding are black.

Like most removable bed rails, installing the Medline Bed Assist Bar is easy. Users simply slide the support rails between the mattress and the box spring and then extend and secure the nylon strap. Once the rail is in place, the height of the legs can be adjusted using the push-button locks. The ends of the legs are capped with non-marking feet to protect against floor damage.

Because the Medline Bed Assist Bar measures just 14″ wide, it’s not suitable for use with individuals who need a bed rail that will protect them from falls while laying in bed.

Features of the Medline Bed Assist Bar:

  • Tool-less assembly
  • Easy to install on most regular beds
  • Stabilizer legs that extend to the floor
  • Latex-free foam padding on handle
  • Fits most twin, double and queen-sized standard beds
  • Can be positioned anywhere along the length of a mattress
  • Includes a storage pocket for small items
  • Ergonomic grab handle is comfortable to use
  • Priced at under $55
  • Black color
  • Ideal for use while transferring, as well as for repositioning while laying in bed

Who Should Consider the Medline Bed Assist Bar?

The Medline Bed Assist Bar is a relatively affordable, user-friendly bed rail that’s designed to appeal to a wide range of users.

Seniors Who Need a Transfer Device 

Individuals who have difficulty transferring in and out of bed may find that the Medline Bed Assist Bar gives them the support they need to transfer safely, with or without assistance from a caregiver.

Seniors Who Have Difficulty Repositioning Themselves In Bed

Individuals who have difficulty repositioning themselves in bed may want to consider the Medline Bed Assist Bar. The padded grip bar on this assistive device makes it comfortable to use, and the integrated nylon storage bag is the ideal spot for small bedside items such as remote controls, inhalers and a flashlight.

What Are People Saying About the Medline Bed Assist Bar?

The Medline Bed Assist Bar is one of the most popular and best-rated bed rails on major e-commerce sites and at big-box retailers.

Users say that the Medline Bed Assist Bar is well-built, sturdy and strong, and it can be easily installed on either side of a bed. One reviewer points out that the portion of the bed rail that slides between the mattress and the box spring is made of flattened, rather than rounded, steel, which eliminates the indentations caused by other bed rails over time.

Although most reviews are very positive, some consumers express concerns over the height of this bed rail. One person cautioned that the Medline Bed Assist Bar can’t be installed correctly if the mattress sits less than 16″ from the floor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Bed Railing?

A bed railing is a simple device that’s designed to help prevent falls from bed and aid in transfers and repositioning. Bed railings for adults come in two basic styles: permanent and temporary.

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Are Bed Rails Safe for the Elderly?

Commercially produced bed rails designed for adults are widely used in homes and residential care facilities. Before purchasing one for yourself or a loved one, seek advice from your medical provider.

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Can You Add Bed Rails to an Adjustable Bed? 

Whether you can add bed rails to an adjustable bed depends on a few factors. If the bed frame only pivots at the head of bed, it’s quite likely that a short bed rail can be installed. If the adjustable bed has multiple pivot points, chances are that it may not be compatible with a regular bed rail.

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What Can I Use Instead of a Bed Rail?

If you’re using a bed rail primarily as an assistive device to make transfers in and out of bed easier and safer, you may find that a floor-to-ceiling grab bar can provide the same functionality as a bed rail. Also known as a SuperPole, this assistive device is tensioned against the floor and ceiling, making it easy to install in most residential bedrooms with standard-height ceilings.

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Can You Put Bed Rails on Any Bed?

While bed rails are designed to fit a wide variety of beds, there are a few bed styles that can’t accommodate these assistive devices. In general, bed rails aren’t compatible with water beds, Murphy beds, trundle beds or sofa beds.

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What Are the Types of Bed Rails?

There are three basic types of bed rails: removable bed rails designed for adults, removable bed rails for children and permanent bed rails that are fastened directly to the bed frame, as with a hospital bed.

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How Do You Prevent Someone With Dementia From Falling out of Bed?

Individuals with dementia are at an increased risk of falls from their beds for a variety of reasons. This risk can be reduced by lowering the overall height of the bed, using a hospital bed with full-length fixed bed rails and installing a perimeter mattress or bolsters.

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