Best Bed Trapeze Bars for Repositioning in Bed

Best Overall

Lumex Floor Stand for Versa-Helper Bed Trapeze, Chrome, 2840A

Lumex Floor Stand Bed Trapeze

Popular free-standing, foldable bed trapeze

Best Bariatric Trapeze

Lumex Versa-Helper Trapeze Bar for Bed Mobility

Graham-Field Bariatric Trapeze

Free-standing bariatric trapeze that holds up to 450 lbs

Most Affordable

Drive Medical Competitor Trapeze Bar

Drive Medical Trapeze Bar

Affordable and light-weight bed trapeze

Best Overall

Lumex Floor Stand for Versa-Helper Bed Trapeze, Chrome, 2840A

Lumex Floor Stand Bed Trapeze

Popular free-standing, foldable bed trapeze

Best Bariatric Trapeze

Lumex Versa-Helper Trapeze Bar for Bed Mobility

Graham-Field Bariatric Trapeze

Free-standing bariatric trapeze that holds up to 450 lbs

Most Affordable

Drive Medical Competitor Trapeze Bar

Drive Medical Trapeze Bar

Affordable and light-weight bed trapeze

If you’re a senior with limited mobility, you may want to consider getting a bed trapeze for adjusting positions or moving around the house.

A bed trapeze can help you preserve your independence or make it easier for another person to help you. Let’s delve into how bed trapezes are used for seniors, and take a look at the best bed trapezes out there!

What’s a Bed Trapeze Used For?

Bed trapezes are devices that are used for senior mobility. The bed trapeze offers an elderly individual something to hold onto in order to adjust their bodies when they sit up, turn, and get in or out of bed if they don’t have (or prefer to avoid) physical support from another person.

As a multi-functional device, it can be used for many people in different situations. With access to a bed trapeze, the user can gather strength to get up by themselves and remain independently mobile.

When placed above a compatible bed, a trapeze can also be used as a form of exercise for regaining or maintaining a senior’s upper body strength and preventing injuries. 

How Does a Bed Trapeze Work?

As a patient mobility device, a bed trapeze bar is usually placed above or next to an elderly individual’s bed. If they want to move, the senior grabs the bar and pulls themselves up. The bed trapeze functions as a repositioning tool, allowing the senior to adjust themselves as needed. 

Through the suspension aid, they can:

  • Adjust themselves in bed, turning their body or repositioning for more comfort
  • Turn their body to an opposite side, reducing the risk of bedsores from remaining immobile in one position for too long
  • Lift themselves in order to place a bedpan underneath them (or allowing an aide to position a bedpan or disposable bed pad)
  • Pivot themselves to the edge of the bed in order to easily turn or pivot their legs to begin getting out of bed (from there, a bed assist rail, bed steps, or transfer pole can help the senior rise up out of bed)
  • Exercise through light upper body workouts and practice rehabilitation routines 

With this freedom of mobility, the elderly individual benefits from not always asking a caretaker to position them to their exact liking

The best bed trapeze should support your body when lifting yourself and be easy to use for a daily routine. 

Types of Bed Trapezes

Although all bed trapezes share the purpose of supporting mobility for seniors, some units are designed or work slightly different from each other. 

Consider your situation and need to determine what product will work best for you.

Free-Standing Trapeze Bar

A free-standing trapeze bar is placed on the floor and works best for patients who may need to stow the trapeze when it’s not in use. These units come in stationary and wheeled models. 

A free-standing unit can be helpful for small spaces because it’s not permanently installed in a single spot. Free-standing trapeze bars may also be able to handle heavier weights.

Ceiling-Mounted Trapeze Bar

A ceiling-mounted trapeze bar is a permanent fixture to help seniors get in and out of bed. 

It’s usually used when there is limited floor space in a room. Permanent installation requires the right hardware and possibly modifications to ensure safety.

Bed-Mounted Trapeze Bar

A bed-mounted trapeze bar is installed by locking onto the headrest or side rail of a bed to assist with the patient’s mobility when repositioning, setting up, or turning in bed. These bed trapezes can usually be attached directly to the bed, headboard, or frame.

7 Best Bed Trapezes for the Elderly

Once you know what you want in a bed trapeze bar, you can begin the selection process. We’ve provided a few options for you to choose from when considering the best bed trapeze for an elderly individual.

1. Graham-Field Lumex Versa-Helper Trapeze

Graham-Field Lumex 2800GA Versa-Helper Trapeze, Grey

Graham-Field Lumex Versa-Helper

Durable bed-mounted trapeze with adjustable height

Featuring a fully adjustable height from 43″ to 52″, this bed trapeze is best for changing positions to prevent bedsores and transfering to and from your bed. It has a weight capacity of 250 pounds and it comes with crafted grips.

About: The Graham-Field Lumex 2800GA Versa-Helper Trapeze is a bed-mounted trapeze that is best suited for changing positions on your bed and transferring to and from your bed.

The Graham-Field Lumex comes in a choice of two colors, grey or chrome. Its height is adjustable from 43″ to 52″. It’s also equipped with comfortably crafted grips.

Key Features

  • Fully adjustable height between 43” to 52”
  • Comes in either grey or chrome
  • Excellent durability and comfort

Product Specifications

  • Weight capacity: 250 pounds
  • Item weight: 22.4 pounds
  • Product dimensions: 46.5 x 16.5 x 4.9 inches

Pros

  • The trapeze is very durable
  • Best for adjusting to prevent bedsores and as use as a transfer device

Cons

  • Works only for metal-frame headboards or footboards
  • Might be insufficient for some people’s situations for adjustment

2. Graham-Field Bariatric Trapeze

Highest Weight Capacity
Lumex Versa-Helper Trapeze Bar for Bed Mobility

Graham-Field Bariatric Trapeze

Free-standing bariatric trapeze with adjustable height and handle bar

This fully adjustable bed trapeze allows seniors to transfer in and out from their beds, chairs and other places. It is heavy-duty and has a weight capacity of 450 pounds.

About: The Graham-Field 2940B Bariatric Trapeze is a free-standing trapeze bar that gives its senior users reliable support and mobility from their beds, chairs, and other places.

The Bariatric Trapeze has a chrome metal finish and color. If you want a hospital bed trapeze with adjustable height and hand bar location, you might like this option. It’s capable of giving the elderly a comfortable experience.

A 14mm wrench is required for an easy and proper assembly. The bariatric style allows it to be placed in rooms for people who constantly need to get up. Its rubber bumper guards also protect walls.

Key Features

  • Fully adjustable 
  • The floor stand is included
  • Color choice: chrome
  • Manufactured with chrome metal
  • Easy assembly

Product Specifications

  • Weight capacity: 450 pounds
  • Item weight: 72 pounds
  • Product dimensions: 41.5 x 30.8 x 4.5 inches

Pros

  • Heavy-duty
  • Adjustable for seniors

Cons

  • It might be expensive on some budgets
  • Its large size might not fit in some rooms
  • Heavy to move

3. Drive Medical Competitor Trapeze Bar

Most Affordable Bed Trapeze
Drive Medical Competitor Trapeze Bar

Drive Medical Competitor Trapeze Bar

Lightweight, affordable, easy installation bed trapeze

A hospital-grade bed trapeze which is lightweight, but strong helps elderly to easily transfer out of bed with little assistance. Easy to install on bed frame and made with heavy gauge steel tubing for maximum strength.

About: The Drive Medical Competitor Trapeze Bar is a bed-mounted trapeze bar that provides support and movement for seniors. Drive Medical’s Trapeze Bar allows the elderly to reposition themselves and transfer out of bed with little assistance.

Installation is quick and easy thanks to the bed frame mounting style. Its lightweight build is portable yet stable. This hospital-grade bed trapeze bundle includes a strap and triangle, so you’re all set to go!

Key Features

  • Manufactured with heavy gauge steel tubing
  • Lightweight, but strong
  • Easy installation

Product Specifications

  • Weight capacity: 450 pounds
  • Item weight: 5.5 pounds
  • Product dimensions: 60 x 28 x 2 inches

Pros

  • Heavy-duty
  • Adjustable

Cons

  • Can only be used with Drive Medical’s hospital beds
  • May be hard to attach if you don’t have the right bed

4. Invacare Trapeze Bar Two-Piece Design 7740A

Best for Portability
Invacare 7740A Two-Piece Design Trapeze Bar and Handle, 168 lbs Weight Load LimitG, Grey

Invacare Trapeze Two-Piece Bar

Easy install bed-mounted trapeze with two-piece design

Featuring a two-piece design with an added locking pin for safety and a horizontal bar for efficient gripping, this bed-mounted trapeze allows seniors to position themselves and get out of bed with easy assistance.

About: The Invacare Trapeze Bar is a bed-mounted trapeze bar with a two-piece design secured with an additional locking pin for enhanced safety. It’s the perfect tool for seniors to adjust their position and get out of bed with easy assistance. 

Invacare’s Trapeze Bar is manufactured in a heavy-gauge, octagonal steel finish that provides excellent durability. It’s adjustable to suit senior users’ needs, and includes a three-year limited warranty and a tool-free assembly.

Key Features

  • Two-piece design secured with a locking pin
  • The handle’s horizontal bar provides additional grip
  • Durable steel manufacturing
  • Adjustable height 
  • Tool-free assembly
  • Limited 3-year warranty

Product Specifications

  • Weight capacity: 168 pounds
  • Item weight: 4.65 pounds
  • Product dimensions: 34 x 1.25 x 61 inches

Pros

  • Easy tool-free assembly
  • Extremely durable
  • Efficient gripping for leverage and movement
  • Extra safety measures when setting up

Cons

  • Weight capacity may be too low for certain users
  • Your bed might not be durable to hold it
  • Installment bolts might be missing

5. Lumex Floor Stand for Versa-Helper Bed Trapeze 2840A

Best Freestanding Trapeze
Lumex Floor Stand for Versa-Helper Bed Trapeze, Chrome, 2840A

Lumex Floor Stand for Versa-Helper Bed Trapeze

Free-standing, foldable bed trapeze

This trapeze bar is an excellent add-on for a bed trapeze. It’s individually-leveled floor bars provide firm and proper support. It can easily be folded for easy storage and handling.

About: The Lumex Floor Stand for Versa-Helper Bed Trapeze 2840A is an excellent free-standing trapeze bar that acts as a terrific add-on for your trapeze. It has individually-leveled floor bars acting as a firm and secure floor base for proper support.   

This stand comes in either grey or chrome. If you ever need to attach your bed trapeze to the Lumex Floor Stand, the set up is easy to follow during setup. If you need to store or move the floor stand, it can fold up for portability.

Key Features

  • Compatibility with The Graham-Field Lumex 2800GA Versa-Helper Trapeze
  • Available in grey and chrome color
  • Folds up for easy storage and handling
  • Firm and secure floor base 

Product Specifications

  • Weight capacity: 250 pounds
  • Item weight: 24.1 pounds
  • Product Dimensions: 42 x 30.5 x 2.8 inches 

Pros

  • Compact for storage and setup
  • Provides excellent support for a bed trapeze

Cons

  • Trapeze not included
  • Only compatible with Versa-Helper Trapeze 2800A and 2800GA

6. HealthCraft E2 Ceiling Mounted Trapeze

Best Ceiling Trapeze
HealthCraft e2 Ceiling Mounted Trapeze

HealthCraft E2 Ceiling Mounted Trapeze

Ceiling-mounted trapeze

Featuring a sleek design, this bed trapeze is easy to use for seniors in bed. It is made with durable steel and can easily be mounted on ceilings.

About: The HealthCraft E2 Ceiling Mounted Trapeze is suitable for any ceiling with its innovation. Unlike other trapeze devices, it can latch onto any ceiling. Its sleek design allows for easy use for seniors in bed.

As a ceiling-mounted bed trapeze, a senior’s bed doesn’t have to be away from the wall. Made with durable steel, HealthCraft gives you an excellent option for movement. Just be sure to keep it secure.

Key Features

  • Manufactured in alloy steel
  • Available in white
  • Mounts directly on structural studs or any ceilings

Product Specifications

  • Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
  • Hand Grip Length: 6.25″ or 10.25”
  • Ceiling Bar Length: 24” or 32″
  • Ceiling Bar Diameter: 1.25”

Pros

  • Won’t obstruct your view
  • Can slide away when not in use

Cons

  • Measurements indicate it may not work in all homes

7. Medline Trapeze Bar Attachment to Bed

Medline Trapeze Bar Attachment To Bed

Medline Trapeze Bar Attachment to Bed

Bed-attaching trapeze bar, available in standard and bariatric

This chrome-plated, steel tubing trapeze bar attachment is extremely durable and works well for transferring and repositioning elderly patients. It can be placed on a headrest or a compatible base, and it supports up to 250 pounds.

About: The Medline Trapeze Bar Attachment acts as a useful tool for elderly patients in bed with their repositioning and sitting. 

Thanks to its chrome-plated steel tubing, it provides excellent durability when handling certain weight amounts. You can place it on a headrest or a compatible base. It also supports up to 250 pounds.

Key Features

  • Manufactured in chrome-plated, steel tubing
  • Tool-free design and assembly
  • Available in Standard and Bariatric 

Product Specifications

  • Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
  • Product Weight: 28 pounds
  • Product Dimensions: 72 x 3.75 x 23.25 inches

Pros

  • Sets up over the bed or on an optional base
  • Works well for transferring and repositioning elderly patients

Cons

  • Base sold separately
  • Trapeze might not have comfortable padding

Bed Trapeze Alternatives

If you don’t think the bed trapezes we’ve shown you are right for you, we have some alternatives that might suit you better.

1. Vaunn Medical Bed Rail Assistant

A Trapeze Alternative

Vaunn Medical Bed Rail Assistant

Durable bed rail that can assist user in positioning themselves

Featuring a fully adjustable rail equipped with slip-resistant handle and floor-standing legs, Vaunn Medical Bed Rail Assistant fits on both sides of any bed size providing excellent support and stability.

About: The Vaunn Medical Bed Rail Assistant provides a reliable alternative to your average bed trapeze. It works on either side of any bed size and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds.

The slip-resistant handle allows seniors more effortless access to getting in and out of bed. The height of the rail is easily adjustable and is sturdy on floor surfaces. The rail also has a built-in pouch that’s perfect for holding your small belongings.

Key Features

  • Adjustable height
  • Slip-resistant handle
  • Comes in charcoal black
  • Floor-standing legs

Product Specifications

  • Weight capacity: 300 pounds
  • Item weight: 6.45 pounds
  • Product dimensions: 18 x 13.9 x 3.6 inches 

Pros

  • Compact for storage and setup
  • Provides excellent support for a bed trapeze
  • Fits with all bed sizes

Cons

  • Quality of parts varies

2. Vive Bed Ladder Assist Recovery

Another Trapeze Alternative
Vive Bed Ladder Assist - Pull Up Assist Device with Handle Strap - Rope Ladder Caddie Helper - Sitting, Sit Up Hoist for Elderly, Senior, Injury Recovery Patient, Pregnant, Handicap - Padded Hand Grip

Vive Bed Ladder Assist Recovery

Budget-friendly bed assist ladder that allows user to pull themselves up

The Vive Bed Ladder Assist is perfect for people with limited mobility or spinal issues. It features a fully adjustable ladder length you can use to easily pull yourself up and out.

About: The Vive Bed Ladder Assist lets you move around when you have limited mobility or back issues. By attaching it to your bed, you can pull yourself up and out. The length can also be adjusted.

Each strap is five inches long and comfortably padded. Its must-have compact size makes it portable for travel.

Key Features

  • Non-slip padded handles covered in EVA foam
  • Adjustable ladder length

Product Specifications

  • Weight capacity: 300 pounds
  • Item weight: 4.3 ounces
  • Product dimensions: 7.48 x 6.45 x 1.25 inches 
  • Strap length: 5 inches

Pros

  • Perfect for people with spinal issues
  • Fully adjustable
  • Portable

Cons

  • Some people may not be used to how it’s used
  • Might not hook onto the bed
  • Might not be appropriate for some medical conditions

Features to Consider When Choosing a Bed Trapeze Bar

The right bed trapeze bar should suit your physical and budgetary needs to provide reliable assistance for you or a beloved senior

Be sure to consider the following factors when choosing a bed trapeze.

Installation and Assembly

When looking for the best bed trapeze for your needs, consider finding one that offers easy assembly and installation

Bed-mounted trapeze bars tend to be the easiest to install, but some seniors find that they don’t feel quite as secure (although they should be perfectly safe with proper installation). 

Free-standing bed trapezes feature a moderate level of installation which may take some time to set up, but doesn’t usually require any special tools.

Ceiling-mounted trapeze bars are probably the most difficult to install, requiring drilling into the ceiling in order to securely mount the system.

For bed-mounted trapeze bars, it’s crucial to ensure that everything is installed correctly and is compatible with the bed, as installing on an improper bed frame might compromise the trapeze’s stability. If you’re using a bed trapeze in conjunction with an adjustable bed, make sure the bed’s upright and angled positions are taken into account when installing the trapeze.

Weight Limits

Most bed trapeze should be capable of accommodating large amounts of weight. However, some models can carry more weight than others. Find out how much weight the bed trapeze can withstand to prevent accidents due to exceeding the weight limit.

Portability

Depending on the size or weight, some bed trapezes may be easier or more difficult to disassemble and transport when traveling. 

Bed-mounted trapezes are the most travel-friendly, while free-standing bed trapezes are very large and therefore inconvenient to transport (except in a few one-off scenarios). Ceiling-mounted bed trapezes aren’t suitable for travel due to being permanently mounted to the ceiling. 

Adjustability

Regardless of what type of bed trapeze you choose, you can choose between models with a set size or one that’s adjustable to match a user’s height. We always recommend an adjustable model so you can fine-tune the positioning to meet the needs of the elderly individual using it.

Dimensions

Since some rooms may be more spacious than others, you should take measurements of your room to ensure that the trapeze dimensions are appropriate before you purchase. Keep in mind that some bed trapeze requires a bit of clearance behind the headboard.

Who Uses Bed Trapeze?

Since a bed trapeze works in both hospitals and at home, many people find a use for these devices in a variety of settings.

Elderly Adults

  • Used primarily for mobility when a senior’s strength declines over time.
  • It offers the opportunity to move independently in bed without assistance.

Medical Patients

  • Benefit from getting up and changing positions. 
  • Best suited for patients in accidents, with illnesses, or going through an operation.
  • For patients with disabilities or injuries, they also double as a physical therapy and rehabilitation tool for strengthening the upper body.

Heavier People

  • Alleviates the difficulty of having caretakers lift people weighing over 300 pounds.
  • It helps them get up from flat positions that might be difficult to get up without assistance.

We hope this guide has helped you choose an appropriate bed trapeze!

Last update on 2022-01-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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