Last Updated on April 13, 2021 You need something to hold on to when going to the bathroom if you are an older adult or suffering from mobility impairments due to an injury or disease. People often rely on others for support, but there is a degree of fulfillment that comes with being able to do things by yourself, especially the little things like going to the toilet.
Toilet safety rails and grab bars are some of the most underrated toilet accessories. Maybe it’s because of the simple and elegant designs that make them look like decorations. What most people overlook is the support they offer. With a toilet safety rail or safety grab bar, getting on and off the toilet couldn’t be easier.
However, realizing their importance and the benefits you stand to gain by using them is the first step. The real job begins once you start shopping for one. One would think that shopping for such a standard and readily available product is easy, but unfortunately, it’s quite the contrary.
With so many brands in the market manufacturing these accessories and marketing their product as the best, distinguishing the legitimate products from the fakes has become harder than ever before. You can spend hours fiddling through tens, or maybe hundreds of products and still end up with one of low quality. On the other hand, you could walk into a store and go straight for your pick and end up with the best product.
The secret to finding the best toilet safety rails and grab bars lies in knowing the features to look for. Quality and durability are essential factors to consider, but since it’s going inside your bathroom, why not get one with good aesthetic value too. We will get into the factors that you need to consider when buying these accessories, but first, let’s check out some of the best toilet safety rails on the market.
Our Toilet Safety Rail Choices
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The Best Toilet Safety Rail
Medline Toilet Safety Rails
If you are in the market for a compact, yet superbly sturdy safety rail for your toilet, then the Medline Toilet Safety Rail might just be the product for you. It is especially best for people with smaller bathrooms.
This safety rail features a frame attached to the toilets bowl, and two safety sails on each side, which are supported by perpendicular “poles.” These rails can hold up to 250 lbs. However, since all the weight is placed on one spot and lacks an internal weight balancing system to prevent slipping or rolling, the frame is prone to bend when too much weight is exerted on it.
Pros
• Easy to install
• Easy to clean
• Easily adjustable
• Securely mounts onto the toilet bowl.
Cons
• It is a bit wobbly when used
• It is prone to bending.
Drive Medical Stand Alone Toilet Safety Rail
Unlike our previous pick, this is a standalone safety rail and therefore needs no attachments. This freestanding safety rail can fit both standard toilets and those with elongated toilet seats.
One feature that you will love on this safety rail is the magazine rack. It not only adds to its diversity but also makes it look good.
It has padded armrests for added comfort and can support up to 300 lbs. Also, the fact that it does not require to be attached makes it easy to travel with and use in other places like hotel toilets. Some users said that they also use it with chairs that have no armrests.
In terms of sturdiness, this safety rail is top-notch. Unfortunately, some users’ reported that it doesn’t fit well in toilets with elongated seats. Other than that, this is a pretty good pick.
Pros
• Sturdy
• Armrests are padded for extra comfort and grip
• Good for travel
• Comes with a magazine rack
Cons
• It does not fit well on toilets with elongated seats.
Vaunn Deluxe Bathroom Safety Toilet Rail
Are you looking for a toilet safety rail that is designed with an emphasis on safety? We present the Vaunn Deluxe Bathroom Safety Toilet Rail. It has a heavy-duty steel metal frame that can hold up to 300 lbs. the anti-slip padded handles ensure that the user has a firm and secure grip.
Its height can be adjusted between 2.5 and 33 inches. Since it is a freestanding safety rail, it can be moved around the house and even transported wherever the user wants to.
Also, putting this safety rail together is a walk in the park. It doesn’t require any assembly tools and even folds up to a compact, easy-to-store shape when not in use.
Pros
• Can support up to 300lbs
• Portable
• Folds up for storage
• Heavy-duty steel frame
Cons
• Some individuals might find it hard to use due to the narrow space between the arms.
OasisSpace Stand Alone Toilet Safety Rail
Sturdiness and durability! That is what the OasisSpace Stand Alone Toilet Safety Rail offers. It is made of a corrosion-resistant aluminum frame and can hold-up up to 300 lbs. The aluminum finish on this safety rail adds on to its aesthetic value and general neatness.
It doesn’t matter how tall you are because with this safety rail; you can adjust its height between 24 and 31 inches. In terms of storage and portability, it can be folded into a pretty compact shape and carried anywhere.
The handrails are padded with soft rubber to provide you with a comfortable non-slip grip. Also, all its outside legs are fitted with a non-skid tip to provide more stability.
Pros
• Height is adjustable between 24 and 31 inches
• Can support up to 300 pounds
• Made of a corrosion-resistant aluminum frame
• Soft, padded non-slip rubber on the handrails
Cons
• In some toilets, the bar at the back pushes the lid forward
• It is quite challenging to adjust the height; hence it might be cumbersome when used by multiple people.
RMS Toilet Safety Frame & Rail
If you are looking for a toilet safety rail that will offer you absolute convenience, then you better check this one out. It has a solid build and requires no assembly. Its design can fit into any toilet, making it suitable for use in any household.
The armrests on this safety rail are covered with a durable foam that offers a firm, non-slip grip and optimum durability. Its sturdy construction can support up to 300 pounds and has an adjustable height. Its legs are also fitted with small rubbers to ensure you don’t slip when holding onto it.
Pros
• Does not require any further assembly
• Soft and comfortable non-slip grips
• The armrests are made of a durable foam
• Can fit in most toilets
Cons
• It can tilt over when you support yourself on one arm.
Carex Toilet Safety Rails
This is a standalone safety rail; hence it does not require any attachments. It is especially suitable for anyone that might want to move around with it. It also comes in handy when using the bathroom sink.
Its sturdy construction can hold up to 300 pounds comfortably, and its design makes it very easy to hold on to. It measures 20″ x 23.2″ x 33″ hence can fit in most toilets and weighs only 9 pounds.
Users say that it is pretty easy to assemble, and the fact that it doesn’t require to be attached to the toilet makes it that much easier to put together.
Pros
• Sturdy construction
• Easy to use and assemble
• Lightweight
• Portable
• Versatile
Cons
• The support can tilt sideways if you don’t apply the same amount of pressure on both sides.
Vive Stand Alone Toilet Rail
It doesn’t matter the size or shape of your toilet. The Vive Stand-Alone Toilet Rail can fit on almost any type of bathroom. The armrests on this safety rail are equipped with extra padding to provide more comfort and a better non-slip grip.
Being a standalone unit, it can be moved and used anywhere. It has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds and comes with a magazine rack for added convenience. What impresses most users about this safety rail is its sturdy construction and maneuverability.
Pros
• Easy to use and assemble
• Comfortable armrests with rubber grips
• Sturdy construction
• Portable
Cons
• If not pushed all the way back to the toilet, it can slip on a tile surface.
HEPO Improved Toilet Rails
With a created fixed clamps design, it facilitates comfortable standing and sitting on the toilet, no matter which side the user supports themselves with. Assembling has never been made easier. The HEPO toilet rail does not require any tools or drilling for assembly, you simply put it together, and you’re done.
It has an ergonomic, comfortable, sturdy design that can support up to 300 pounds. Also, its anti-slip handle is made of high-quality HDPE material that is non-toxic and does not hold any odor. That, together with the fact that it has six adjustable height levels and can fit on any toilet, makes a pretty good safety toilet rail.
Pros
• Easy to assemble
• Comfortable ergonomic design
• Specially designed clamps to prevent tilting
• Six adjustable height levels
Cons
• It is not very stable when used by a very tall and heavy person.
Our Grab Bar Choices
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The Best Toilet Grab Bars
Moen R8962FD Home Care Flip-Up Bathroom Grab Bar
The Moen 30-inch Grab Bar provides you with a robust and steady handhold with minimal space requirements. Its shiny aluminum finish gives it aesthetic value and makes your toilet look great. That, coupled with the fact that it flips up and out of the way, makes it suitable for any type of bathroom, no matter its size or décor.
This safety grab bar can hold up 300 pounds and can be fitted at any height along your toilet wall, thus making it suitable for persons of any stature or build.
Pros
• Flips up and out of the way
• Sturdy
• Durable
• Stainless steel finish
Cons
• The holes on the plate that attaches to the bar are drilled too far apart.
Vaunn Medical Adjustable Safety Rail
This medical secure bathtub rail can be used by adults, older adults, and even kids. It offers excellent support for anyone with limited mobility.
This safety grab bar features a 14-inch handle on one side that provides convenient access to the tub. It is made of heavy-duty steel and can hold up 300 pounds. Its adjustable clamp enables it to be attached firmly to the wall of the tub. It can be attached to any tub whose wall thickness is between three and seven inches thick.
It has an integrated locking mechanism; hence you don’t require any tools to secure it firmly to the wall of the tub. Also, its white powder coating on its stainless steel bars give it a modern look that can blend into any bathroom décor.
Pros
• Can support up to 300 pounds
• Suitable for use by both right and left-handed users
• Made of heavy-duty materials
Cons
• It cannot be used on fiberglass tubs.
Medline Bathtub Safety Grab Bar
This safety grab bar features a bi-level handgrip that not only provides safety getting in and out of the tub but also offers an unobstructed view.
It has a crank-style mechanism for attaching it to tub walls and can fit any tub with a thickness of between 2.75 and 6.25 inches thick. The inner side of the attachment mechanism is padded with a rubber lining, so it doesn’t damage or scratch your tub.
Pros
• Comes with a multi-level handle
• Rubber line pads for protecting your tub’s surface
• Can fit on most tubs
Cons
• The line pads tend to get loose after a long period of use
• Doesn’t fit older tub models
Zelen Handicap Rail Grab Bar
This stylish safety grab bar by Zelen provides steady support for people with limited mobility issues conveniently. With this grab bar, you don’t have to worry about space as it is fitted next to the toilet ad occupies negligible space.
It has an elegant t-shaped design with a stainless steel finish. Its sturdy, durable construction can support up to 440 pounds. It also features an up to down pole that adds on to its stability. The entire assembly is scratch, rust, and corrosion resistant for optimum durability.
Pros
• Elegant design
• Stainless steel finish
• Compact
• Stable
• Durable
Cons
• Requires drilling
• Might be too short for some users
WochiTV Stainless Toilet Safety Rails
This stainless steel bar is designed for the elderly, people with injuries, pregnant women, and anybody else with limited mobility.
They have a flip-up design that can effortlessly be rotated 90 degrees vertically to get them out of the way and save on bathroom space. The stainless steel surface gives them a modern look, and their matte texture is ergonomic.
Its sturdy construction can support a maximum of 300kgs. The package comes with everything you need to install, and the company also provides a free after-scale service for up to 90 days after purchase.
Pros
• Modern look
• Can support heavy individuals
• Great customer service
• Folds up 90 degrees to provide more bathroom space when not in use
Cons
• Requires drilling
Our Buying Guide
Material
Most toilet rails and grabs bars are made of plastic, steel, or aluminum. Those made of aluminum are the most popular because they are more sturdy and durable. You can also go for one made of stainless steel since it is corrosion-resistant and doesn’t bend or break easily.
Handles
Toilet rails and grab bars come with different types of handles. Some have adjustable handles, while others are fixed. Also, some handles are padded while others are not. Those with padded handles provide safer use since the padding is non-slip. However, non-padded handles usually have an excellent finish and a modern look.
Adjustability
Adjustability is an essential factor to consider, especially when the safety handrail or grab bar is meant to be used by more than one person. You should go for one with simple adjustment features since they are less cumbersome.
Weight capacity
Weight capacity is a vital factor to consider, especially for overweight users. Most handrails and grab bars can support up to 300 pounds, but you can also get one that supports up to 400 pounds.
Design
When shopping for a safety handrail or grab bar, look for one with flexible safety rails since they can accommodate different toilet types and environments.
Conclusion
Getting on and off a toilet can be very hard for the elderly and other people with mobility limitations. Safety handrails and grab bars offer the much-needed support they require to help them on and off the toilet or tub without anyone’s help.
Whenever you go shopping for a toilet safety handrail or grab bar, consider the factors that we have discussed on the buying guide to ensure that you end up with a high-quality product. You can also choose one from the ones that we have reviewed in the article.