Navigating the journey of aging with grace and independence can present a unique set of challenges. At Transfer Master, we understand the importance of ensuring your safety at home, especially in areas like your bedroom, where comfort and security are paramount.
When it comes to enhancing mobility within the bed, providing support for getting in and out of bed, and preventing falls throughout the night, bed rails are a widely-used tool designed to provide support and prevent falls.
But, they are not the only solution. In our ongoing mission to enhance your quality of life and maintain your independence, we invite you to explore alternatives that can offer safety while respecting your dignity.
The Importance of Safety in the Bedroom
Your bedroom should be a sanctuary, a place where you feel completely secure. As we age, it’s crucial to acknowledge potential risks, such as falls and injuries, which can be particularly damaging to our health. It’s in the quieter, less conspicuous areas like your bedroom where these risks can lie unnoticed, especially during nighttime or in low-light conditions.
Implementing suitable bed equipment is a significant step toward minimizing these risks. Such equipment doesn’t only serve a physical support function — it also encourages independence and aligns with your desire to lead an active lifestyle.
What Are the Limitations of Bed Rails?
Bed rails have long been a standard solution for bedroom safety, acting as a barrier on the sides of the bed to help you reposition and get in and out of bed with less difficulty. However, like most solutions, bed rails come with their own set of limitations.
While they’re effective in preventing falls, bed rails can sometimes lead to other injuries if they’re not installed correctly or if you purchase the wrong ones for your bed.
Bed rails can hinder the sense of independence and freedom of movement that you value. They can also add complexity to your daily routines rather than simplify them if they prove hard to operate. At Transfer Master, we believe in solutions that enhance rather than restrict your lifestyle.
Five Alternatives To Bed Rails Worth Exploring
When it comes to ensuring your safety and well-being during sleep, exploring alternatives to bed rails can help you discover the most effective solution for your unique needs and preferences.
1. Low Beds
One promising alternative to bed rails is the use of low beds. Designed to be closer to the ground, these beds help minimize the distance you might fall, helping to preserve your well-being. Their lower height can also simplify the process of getting in and out of bed, boosting your confidence and independence.
However, low beds may present challenges for some people. If you have severe mobility issues, the lower height could make it more difficult to stand up without assistance. For caregivers, bending down to the level of a low bed could prove challenging. That’s why we created our adjustable Supernal Hi-Low beds to serve as a comfortable and suitable alternative.
2. Bedside Mats
A simple yet effective safety measure to consider is bedside mats. These mats, made of soft, cushioned material, are placed beside your bed, providing a protective layer in case of falls. They work to minimize the impact and reduce the likelihood of severe injuries.
Bedside mats offer several benefits. They are easy to install, need minimal maintenance, and do not restrict your movement or independence. Plus, they can add an extra layer of comfort, assuring you that a safety net exists should a fall occur.
However, it’s important to bear in mind that while bedside mats can protect against injury from falls, they don’t prevent the falls themselves. Because of this, they should be considered as part of a larger safety plan rather than a standalone solution.
Bedside mats can also pose a tripping hazard if not properly secured and can be hard to maneuver around for some people, particularly those using mobility aids.
3. Positioning Aids
Positioning aids are another tool worth considering in your quest for bedroom safety and independence. These are various devices designed to help you change positions while in bed.
Positioning aids come in various forms, including adjustable backrests, bed wedges, and leg lifters. These devices are created with your comfort in mind, aiming to make positional changes safer and easier.
Like other alternatives, positioning aids have their pros and cons. On the plus side, they can significantly reduce the physical strain associated with changing positions in bed and help maintain a degree of independence. They also offer a tailored approach to safety, as you can choose different aids based on your specific needs and preferences.
On the downside, some positioning aids may be challenging to use without assistance, particularly for those with limited upper body strength or dexterity. It’s also crucial to ensure that the aid is a good fit for your bed and doesn’t create additional hazards.
4. Electric Adjustable Hospital Beds
Electric adjustable hospital beds serve as another alternative to bed rails. Designed with your safety and comfort in mind, these beds can be adjusted to various positions at the touch of a button. They offer you the flexibility to raise or lower the bed, adjust the head or foot sections, and more.
Electric adjustable hospital beds come with several advantages. They can reduce your risk of falls by allowing you to adjust the bed to a comfortable height when getting in or out. They can also encourage better sleep and relaxation by helping you find the most comfortable position for sleep or rest.
At Transfer Master, we specialize in providing a wide range of high-quality medical adjustable beds that can help you experience the benefits of a hospital bed while living comfortably at home. With the ability to effortlessly adjust the bed to different positions, our electric adjustable hospital beds can help you remain independent, even as you age in place.
5. Bed Rail Covers
While bed rails can pose safety concerns, they can be made considerably safer by adding certain features. One such enhancement is the use of bed rail covers. In particular, our bamboo rail covers can greatly improve the safety and comfort of your bed rail experience. Our bamboo covers also offer a touch of luxury, adding to the overall comfort of your bed.
They’re also washable, making them easy to maintain and helping your bed rails stay clean and hygienic. As a bonus, bamboo is known for its durability and natural antibacterial properties, offering an extra layer of protection.
However, it’s crucial to remember that while bed rail covers improve safety, they don’t entirely eliminate the risks associated with bed rails. They should be used as part of a comprehensive approach to bedroom safety.
How To Enhance Safety Measures With Bed Rails
While we explore alternatives to bed rails, it’s also worth noting that you can minimize some of the inherent risks associated with bed rails by using the right safety measures and equipment. At Transfer Master, we incorporate several safety features into our beds and mattresses to mitigate some of these risks.
For those who choose to use bed rails, our beds can be fitted with half-length rails, offering support without the risks posed by full-length ones. We recommend using a pair of these on each side of the bed for those who need additional support.
Moreover, all of our mattresses include border protection at the edges. These more rigid areas can help prevent you from becoming trapped under the bed rails. They also assist in helping you stay in the middle of the bed and make it easier to get on and off the mattress.
These safety measures can work together to create a safer, more comfortable environment for you, allowing for a good night’s sleep while reducing potential hazards. Whether you choose to use bed rails or opt for an alternative solution, your safety and comfort are our top priority.
The Bottom Line
As we journey together towards aging in place, your safety and independence remain our utmost priority. Selecting the right bed safety solution is a significant step toward this goal.
Whether it’s bedside mats, positioning aids, electric adjustable hospital beds, or bed rail covers, each alternative has its unique strengths and considerations. Your personal needs, lifestyle, and health should be at the heart of this important decision.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Transfer Master is here to support you every step of the way toward a safer, more comfortable living experience at home.
Interested in learning more about how our beds, mattresses, and accessories can support your home living? Contact us today.
Sources:
Adult Portable Bed Rail Safety | FDA
Biomechanics and injury risk assessment of falls onto protective floor mats | PMC
Recommendations for Health Care Providers Using Adult Portable Bed Rails | FDA
Investigating the Antibacterial Characteristics of Japanese Bamboo | PMC
