Our Top 10 Picks for the Best Bed Rails & Bed Sticks

A bed rail or bed stick can help you or a loved one to transfer in and out of bed each day safely. This is crucial as our mobility can become impaired as we age, making simple daily tasks increasingly difficult or unsafe. Bed rails for adults enhance independence for the elderly and those living with a disability by preventing falls in the bedroom.

In Australia, falls are the most significant contributor to hospitalised injuries and the primary cause of injury deaths. Furthermore, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare database shows a total of 15,333 (approximately seven per cent) of falls leading to hospitalisation in 2019-20 involved furniture, including beds and chairs.

One end of a bed rail or bed stick is secured beneath the mattress of a bed, while a rail or pole(s) extend from the other end. The bed pole(s) or rail is used as a supportive grip to get into or out of bed or reposition for comfort. The best bed rail for elderly or disabled individuals combines functional support and safety while meeting the user’s unique needs.

Selecting the best bed rail or bed stick for you or your loved one requires thoughtful consideration of personal needs, mattress compatibility, and design. This article reviews the 10 best bed rail Australia, including special features, durability, and price.

Patient Handling 10 Best Bed Rails and Bed Sticks in 2022

Our expert team has hand-picked the recommendations below based on the bedroom mobility aids we trust to stock at Patient Handling. All our bed sticks, rails, and mobility devices are sourced from reliable manufacturers.

As prices may fluctuate over time, we’ve included direct purchase links for each product and the below comparative pricing guide:

• $ = under $100
• $$ = $100 to $150
• $$$ = over $150

1.    Deutscher Side Mounted Fixed Bed Stick

Price: $$

Brand: Deutscher

Best for: the Deutscher Walmsley Bed and other medical beds

Manufactured in Australia, our bestselling Deutscher Side Mounted Fixed Bed Stick is compatible with any medical bed with a rail size of 32mm wide and up to 51mm high. It is easily clamped to the left or right side of the mattress platform without the need for tools.

For added safety, the top of the bed stick is fitted with a 50mm ball to protect the user from injury should they fall. This ball also provides an excellent gripping surface. The Deutscher bed stick can withstand up to 50kg of force in all directions.

This bed stick is fixed and cannot be folded. It measures 560mm in height, including the ball grip.

Best Seller

Deutscher Side Mounted Fixed Bed Stick

Deutscher Healthcare Beds

$144Buy Now

2.    Deutscher Side Mounted Folding Bed Stick

Price: $$$

Brand: Deutscher

Best for: Quick and convenient access

The specifications and benefits of this Deutscher Side Mounted Fixed Bed Stick is equivalent to the fixed bed rail option detailed in the recommendation above. However, the additional cost is attributable to the added folding feature of this bed stick.

The foldable bed stick can be secured to the left or right side of the bed by clamping down to the mattress platform. It is suitable for any medical bed with a rail size of 32mm wide and up to 51mm high. Safety tested to withstand up to 50kg of pressure in all directions; this bed stick will provide solid support when getting into or out of bed.

The folding functionality benefits carers who may require quick access, making it one of the best bed sticks for elderly and disabled patients receiving care.

Deutscher Side Mounted Folding Bed Stick

Deutscher Healthcare Beds

$280Buy Now

3.    Dawson Bed Stick

Price: $

Brand: K Care

Best for: home care with medium mattresses

Constructed of a lightweight yet durable powder-coated steel frame, this Dawson Bed Stick easily slides under single to queen-sized mattresses. Measuring 570mm wide and 530mm high, the Dawson bed stick does not require any set-up and can be used on either side of the bed.

The two vertical poles provide the user with stability and a supportive surface to pull themselves into a sitting position.

Due to the simple build and general bed compatibility, the Dawson bed stick is one of the best bed mobility aids for seniors in their homes and medical care facilities.

Dawson Bed Stick

K Care Chairs, Commodes and Assistive Aids

$90Buy Now

4.    Cobra Bed Stick

Price: $

Brand: Care Quip

Best for: affordable quality

The namesake of this Cobra Bed Stick is the solid powder-coated steel zig-zagged coil support that easily slides between the mattress and bed base. The pole assists users in turning, repositioning, and safely transferring to and from the bed.

Reaching a height of 510mm, this is a non-adjustable but highly affordable bed rail that does not require any assembly.

The Cobra bed stick is easy to install and remove on either side of the bed. This is one of the best bed rails for adults on a budget who require or appreciate added support when adjusting positions or transferring.

Care Quip Cobra Bed Stick

Care Quip Daily Living Aids

$48Buy Now

5.    K Care Removable Bed Rail

Price: not listed

Brand: K Care

Best for: firm support

This white powder-coated steel bed rail by K Care is easy to install or remove without needing tools. As it is stabilised by positioning under the mattress, it is recommended to use this bed rail on double-sized mattresses or larger.

The bed rail slides under the left or right side of the bed to provide stability and support for transfers and repositioning.

Measuring 600mm wide and 475mm high, this is one of the best bed rails for seniors with mobility issues who may be prone to falling from bed.

6.    Care Quip Dropside Bed Rail

Price: not listed

Brand: Care Quip

Best for: bedside support and quick caregiver access

Featuring a side rail that easily drops down below the height of the mattress by a simple release mechanism. The Care Quip Dropside Bed Rail is easy to install and remove and is constructed of sturdy powder-coated steel.

As the bed rail slides between the mattress and bed base, it is compatible with most bed sizes. However, larger mattresses will offer more support and counterbalance the pressure placed on the bed rail when used.

This is one of the best bed guard rails for home and healthcare settings and can be used for patient restraint when necessary. The 400mm height and extended width of 810mm prevent injury from falling, while the quick release mechanism provides carers easy access.

Dropside Bed Rail

$220Buy Now

7.    Care Quip Bed Rail Removable

Price: not listed

Brand: Care Quip

Best for: simple and reliable design

This bed rail has a basic yet proven design that effectively supports elderly and disabled individuals by preventing falls around the bed.

The powder-coated steel tubing is designed to provide added stability for users who need assistance turning or getting into or out of bed. As with all our best bed rails for adults, the Care Quip rail is easy to install and remove.

Measuring 600mm high and 500mm wide, this bed rail is ideal for individuals who primarily need an affordable option to assist in adjusting and transfers. The shorter width and basic design make for sturdy support but may not be the most suitable guard rail to prevent falls from the mattress compared to larger options stocked by Patient Handling.

8.    Care Quip Smart Rail

Price: not listed

Brand: Care Quip

Best for: height adjustments and comfort

The Smart Rail is designed to support safe transfers into and out of bed. The unit offers many great features, including contoured padded grips for multiple gripping positions and non-slip rubber feet.

Like our other recommendations for the best bed rail for elderly and disabled patients, this rail is easy to install by sliding under the mattress. However, the support legs on the Smart Rail provide added stability.

Constructed of powder-coated steel, the support rail simply lifts to unlock and swings outward for support when standing and transferring. The rail height is adjustable between 210 to 660mm and measures 410mm wide.

This is one of the best bed rails for seniors or those with a disability who require an adjustable height rail and may appreciate the added comfort of padded grips.

9.    Dropside Bed Rail

Price: $$$

Brand: Aspire

The dropside bed rail protects users from rolling off the edge of the bed and aids in transfers.

The U-shaped base of this rail slides under the mattress and is easy to install and remove without tools. It is compatible with most beds, but as the weight of the mattress stabilises the rail, larger mattress sizes are recommended.

The rail is easily lowered by raising and then unlatching the cradled hook. The unit is made from a strong powder-coated steel structure and is further supported by a lower cross rail for added stability.

The rail measures 500mm high and 900mm wide.

Dropside Bed Rail

$220Buy Now

10. Betterliving Bed Rail Protectors

Price: not listed

Brand: Betterliving

Best for: premium comfort

Differing slightly from our other bed rail recommendations, these soft and comfortable bed rail protectors are a valuable accessory to prevent injury to elderly and disabled individuals confined to a bed for any period.

The A-frame, medical-grade foam cushions minimise the risk of bruising or pressure injuries. The foam is enclosed in a lightweight, easy-to-clean cover that is soft to the touch.

The protectors are easily fitted over static and collapsible bed rails and secured at the base with a Velcro strap. These protectors provide added comfort and safety without hindering access to or functionality of the bed rail.

Available in a standard and large size, the Betterliving protectors are compatible with most metal bed rails and are one of the best bed rail accessories for those who may bruise easily.

What to Consider When Buying Bed Rails

Bed rails and bed sticks are helpful tools for many seniors and those living with a disability to regain their independence. However, they may not be suitable for everyone, and you should carefully consider certain factors before purchasing.

Individuals with cognitive impairment or poor safety awareness are more likely to injure or entangle themselves in bed rails. Further, some individuals may try to climb over the rails to get out of bed, which can also lead to entrapment and injury.

A bed rail or bed stick may be unsuitable when physical or cognitive impairment may create an additional risk of harm.

Types of bed rails

If your risk assessment determines that bed rails can enhance an individual’s mobility and quality of life, there are some additional factors to consider, such as the type of bed rails. As discussed above, bed rail types can include:

• Removable bed rails for adults are easy to install and remove without tools and are one of the most popular options.
• Bed rails with legs are often height adjustable and offer additional weight support.
• Legless bed rails slide under the mattress and are supported by the weight of the mattress.
• Medical bed rails are designed to be compatible with hospital and medical beds. Their quality and features are often regulated for consumer safety.
• Dual bed rails are installed on both sides of the bed to prevent falling out of bed and can often be connected beneath the mattress for enhanced stability.

Bed rail features

In addition to the type of bed rail, it’s important to consider design features and benefits that will meet the unique needs of you or your loved one, such as:

• Bed compatibility: bed rails and bed sticks are not compatible with all mattress sizes and beds. For further advice, you can contact the manufacturer or Patient Handling to determine the best bed rails for adjustable beds, medical beds, and home-based settings.
• Length: bed rail length can significantly vary. The best bed guard rails to prevent falling off the edge of the bed are generally longer in length.
• Weight: bed rails are larger and heavier than bed sticks and are generally less portable.
• Adjustable: some bed rails, typically those with support legs, are height adjustable.
• Comfort accessories: some bed rails and bed sticks include contoured and padded grips for added comfort. Further, additional padding or bed rail protector cushions are ideal for individuals who bruise easily.
• Price: the type and features of the bed rail will affect the cost. However, Patient Handling is committed to offering the best bed rails and bed sticks for every budget.

Where to buy bed rails and bed sticks

Bed rails can be purchased online and in select storefronts. However, as mattress compatibility can vary between designs, many prefer to discuss suitable options with their doctor or speak to an industry expert, such as Patient Handling.

Patient Handling is a trusted Australian supplier and registered provider under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Our extensive range of bed rails and bed sticks is covered by NDIS funding as an Assistive Technology device. As an NDIS participant, you are generally eligible to receive full NDIS funding to cover the cost of your bed stick or rail.

The request for a bed rail or bed stick is part of your overall NDIS support plan. You can find further details on NDIS eligibility and conditions NDIS eligibility and conditions here.

Conclusion

Bed rails and bed sticks can enhance independence for those with mobility issues. However, there are several factors to consider when purchasing the best bed rail Australia. Further, it’s crucial to note that bed sticks or rails may risk injury to cognitively impaired individuals, who may injure or entrap themselves.

Selecting the right bed rail for your or your loved one’s needs can significantly reduce the risk of falls in the bedroom. You should evaluate your personal needs and mattress compatibility requirements and consult your doctor or health care provider for further advice.

The experienced team at Patient Handling are also available to help guide you through the selection process to ensure you find the best bed rail or bed support product to meet your needs.