Best Trapeze Bars for Improved Bed Mobility
Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. If you buy an item via links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
The bedroom, and the most important item the bed, is supposed to be your haven. This is where you are comfortable and relaxed, and getting the restful sleep, that everyone needs to become reenergized for the coming day.
But for the infirm, and those with impaired mobility, the bed may become a problem. Shifting positions in bed, and getting in and out of bed, if you haven’t the strength, is challenging. You may need to rely on a caregiver to help with these activities, which is not what you want if you want to remain independent.
A bed trapeze bar can be a helpful bedroom mobility aid. It provides the patient with extra leverage with repositioning, and it assists with bed transfers. In this article, we will cover the best freestanding and wall-mounted bed trapezes that can help users with limited mobility to get into and out of bed, as well as change positions more easily and safely.
Bed Trapeze Bars Comparison Chart
CostCare Freestanding Trapeze Bar | Lumex Freestanding Trapeze Bar | Invacare Bed-Mounted Offset Trapeze Bar | HealthCraft SuperPole with SuperTrapeze | Drive Medical Heavy-Duty Freestanding Trapeze Bar with Wheels | |
 |  |  |  | ||
Weight Capacity | 250 lbs | 450 lbs or 600 lbs | 250 lbs | Trapeze capacity: 150 lbs Pole capacity: 300 lbs | 1000 lbs |
Type of Trapeze | Freestanding | Freestanding | Bed-mounted | Ceiling-mounted | Freestanding |
Price |
What is a Bed Trapeze Bar?
A trapeze bar is an assistive device that can be used in the bedroom. It is designed to assist with bed repositioning and bed transfers. It consists of a metal frame that sits over the patient’s bed, connected to it is a suspended chain, which has a triangle-shaped hanging handlebar at the end of it. The user grabs onto the handlebar to provide extra leverage when changing positions, or while transferring into and out of bed.
This assistive device requires the individual to use both arms to shift position while they grip onto the handlebar. It is suitable for those with good core upper body strength. They are normally a cheaper alternative than a manually operated or electrically powered mobile lift.
Who is a Bed Trapeze Bar Suitable for?
Bed trapeze bars are recommended for individuals who need to spend considerable amounts of time in bed and who are unable or find it difficult to change position, or for those who find it challenging trying to get into and out of bed on their own.
Users who can benefit most from using a bed trapeze bar include:
- Users with impaired mobility – Conditions such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy, or strokes can all affect someone’s lower mobility as well as their balance. This can mean changing positions, such as switching from a lying to a sitting position, can be challenging. Transferring to and from a bed to a wheelchair can be unsafe if the user is unsteady on their feet. A bed trapeze can make bed repositioning and transfers easier and safer for individuals with restricted lower mobility.
- Post-operative users – Users who have undergone recent surgery, such as a hip or knee replacement, may need to change positions regularly while in bed to remain comfortable while they recuperate. Changing positions while in bed can often prove painful. The use of a trapeze bar can allow users to switch positions, and assist with transfers without having to struggle.
- Overweight users – Bed repositioning and transferring to and from a bed can prove a real struggle for heavier individuals. Often they may need to rely on a caregiver to assist with these tasks. This can be dangerous if the patient suffers a fall, which could result in injuries for both parties. A bed trapeze can assist with independent transfers for plus-sized patients and reduce the risk of falls.
Benefits of Using a Bed Trapeze
The use of a bed trapeze can provide a number of benefits including:
- Assists with easier and safer transfers – Sit to stand transfers can prove problematic and dangerous for individuals with impaired mobility. If the patient is incorrectly lifted, it could lead to injuries for both the caregiver and patient, and it could result in a fall. A bed trapeze can reduce the strain on the caregiver, and it can make bed transfers easier and safer. The patient can grab onto the handlebar to help pull themselves up from a lying to a seated position, and while still holding the handlebar, they can steady themselves as they stand up.
- Assists with Repositioning – For the bed-bound or the infirm, changing positions regularly while in bed is not only important in order to remain comfortable, but it can also help to reduce the risk of bed sores. For individuals who need to spend prolonged periods in bed, it is recommended that they change positions every couple of hours to redistribute pressure on their limbs. Often the patient will need to rely on a caregiver to assist with repositioning if they are unable to do this on their own. A trapeze bar can allow the individual to reposition themselves independently without the need for any further assistance.
- Improves the patient’s independence – Often the patient may feel guilty having to request assistance if they need to get in or out of bed, or need help being repositioned. A bed trapeze reduces the reliance on a caregiver, and it allows the individual to independently reposition themselves, as well as get into or out of bed when they require, without needing to call for assistance.
- Helps with rehabilitation – For bedridden individuals, spending extended periods in bed can cause muscles to weaken. It can also increase the risk of blood clots. This can be detrimental for those recovering from an illness or injury. A trapeze bar can be a great way to exercise the upper body region and help reduce muscle loss. It can assist the patient in regaining strength and improve wellbeing, thus helping to speed up recovery times.
Types of Bed Trapezes
There are two main types of bed trapeze bars, which include:
Freestanding Trapeze Bar
This type of trapeze bar consists of a freestanding floor stand that has legs that slide under the bed and which also overhangs the patient’s bed. The base of the frame can be fitted with wheels for easier maneuverability and positioning, while other models are available without wheels.
The position and height of the handlebar is adjustable. This allows the user of different heights to use the assistive device safely and comfortably. A freestanding bed trapeze is suitable for most types of beds, including hospital beds and standard beds, providing there is sufficient clearance room for the legs of the trapeze bar to fit under the bed.
Bed trapezes generally have weight capacities of up to 300 lbs, bariatric models are available with higher weight capacities.
Bed & Ceiling Mounted Trapeze Bar
A bed-mounted trapeze bar attaches directly to the bed, either to the headboard or footboard, depending on the model. They are compatible for beds that have a metal frame. They should not be used for any other type of bed as it could prove dangerous for the patient, it may give away otherwise.
Apart from a bed-mounted trapeze bar, there are also ones available that can be affixed onto the bedroom ceiling. These are suitable to assist the patient in repositioning and transitioning from a lying to a seated position while in bed.
Bed and ceiling mounted trapeze bars have a compact footprint, which makes them ideal for smaller bedrooms where space is limited.
How to Choose the Right Bed Trapeze Bar?
A trapeze bar can be a useful assistive bedroom device, allowing individuals with impaired mobility or who are infirm, to independently reposition themselves. This will also help them to get into and out of bed without having to rely on others for assistance.
When choosing a bed trapeze, it is important to remember that it is not a one-size-fits-all bed mobility device. To ensure you select the best bed trapeze bar for your specific needs, consider these factors:
Available Space
The available space in the patient’s bedroom is an important factor you will need to consider. A freestanding trapeze bar will take up the most space as it is designed to stand on the floor behind the headboard, and it requires the bed to be away from the wall. You will need to ensure there is a sufficient floor space behind the bed if you’re considering a freestanding model.
If space is limited, a bed or ceiling mounted trapeze bar will be a better alternative, as it maximizes valuable floor space, making it suitable for more compact bedrooms.
Weight Capacity
Always check the weight capacity of the trapeze bar to ensure it is able to bear the patient’s full weight. Exceeding the advertised weight capacity may cause the trapeze bar to break or collapse, which could result in potential injuries to the patient.
Freestanding trapeze bars generally have higher capacities than wall or ceiling mounted models. Most trapeze bars on the market have weight capacities of up to 250 lbs. For heavier individuals, there are freestanding bariatric models available that have higher weight capacities, with some able to support up to 1000 pounds.
Assembly & Installation
Trapeze bars are simple to assemble and install. Freestanding models can be assembled in a couple of minutes without requiring any tools. Bed-mounted trapeze bars are also quick to assemble and fit. They usually just have to be placed on the metal headboard and then secured.
Ceiling-mounted trapeze bars will require more work to install. This usually involves drilling pilot holes into the ceiling and then securing the grab bar to the ceiling using fasteners, and finally attaching the trapeze handle to the grab bar.
Type of Bed
The type of bed the patient has, may dictate whether they need to opt for a freestanding or mounted bed trapeze model. A bed-mounted trapeze bar is only suitable for a bed that has a metal frame. While a freestanding trapeze bar is suitable for both hospital and standard beds, providing there is sufficient clearance room for the floor base to fit under the bed.
Best Bed Trapeze Bars
1. CostCare Freestanding Trapeze Bar
Best Budget Freestanding Trapeze Bar – CostCare Freestanding Trapeze Bar
The freestanding bed trapeze from CostCare is perfect if you’re looking for an economical bed mobility aid that can assist a patient in repositioning as well as helping them to get into and out of bed safely.
Assembling the trapeze bar is a breeze. It requires no additional tools, so it can be installed quickly and easily. The trapeze frame is constructed from heavy-gauge steel, so it is both durable and sturdy. The freestanding trapeze bar has a weight capacity of 250 lbs, making it suitable for most users.
The adjustment levers located on the legs, allow you to adjust the height (45.7″ – 53.1″), length, and the horizontal position, thus ensuring it is easily accessible for users with differing arm reach lengths.
The base of the frame measures 27.6″ wide so it can comfortably fit under a twin bed or larger bed, as long as there are a a couple of inches clearance space available. The trapeze bar comes fitted with wall bumpers, which helps to prevent any scrapes and knocks on the headboard and wall surfaces.
Key Specs:
- Height: 45.7″ – 53.1″
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
- Base width (open): 27.6″
2. Lumex Freestanding Trapeze Bar by Graham-Field
Best Constructed Freestanding Trapeze Bar – Lumex Freestanding Trapeze Bar by Graham-Field
The Lumex freestanding trapeze bar by Graham-Field is a well-constructed bed trapeze. With its wide, and secure base, it will ensure patients can safely change position in bed, and transfer to and from their bed independently without having to struggle.
The trapeze bar is simple to assemble and only requires a 14mm wrench. It can be installed quickly in the patient’s bedroom without any difficulty. It comes in a choice of weight capacities, including a 450 or 600 lbs version.
To ensure maximum accessibility and comfort, the height of the handlebar can be adjusted from 43 to 52 inches. The location of the handlebar can be moved along the full length of the boom to ensure it is easily reachable by the user. The rubber bumper guards on the trapeze will protect bedroom walls from any knocks or scratches.
Key Specs:
- Weight capacity: 450 lbs or 600 lbs
- Product weight: 72 lbs
- Width between base: 27″
- Height: 76 7/8″
3. Invacare Bed-Mounted Offset Trapeze Bar
Best Bed-Mounted Trapeze Bar – Invacare Bed-Mounted Offset Trapeze Bar
One of the drawbacks of freestanding trapeze bars is they require more space. If there is insufficient floor space in the patient’s bedroom for a freestanding model, a bed-mounted trapeze bar can be a good alternative.
The Invacare bed-mounted offset trapeze bar is suitable for hospital beds that have a metal headboard. It simply clamps onto the metal headboard without requiring any tools. The trapeze is constructed from heavy-gauge steel. This means it is durable, and it can support weights of up to 250 lbs.
The height of the frame and the handlebar position and distance is fully adjustable to maximize accessibility, and to ensure it provides good support. To ensure the handlebar is easy to grip, it has a nylon coating. There’s also an additional horizontal bar in the handle, which the user can grab onto.
Key Specs:
- Height: 61″
- Reach: 34″
- Weigh capacity: 250 lbs
- Product weight: 17 lbs
4. HealthCraft SuperPole with SuperTrapeze
Best Ceiling Bed Mounted Trapeze Bar – HealthCraft SuperPole with SuperTrapeze
The ceiling-mounted SuperPole with SuperTrapeze from HealthCraft is essentially a two-in-one device providing both horizontal and vertical support.
The vertical pole provides the patient with something to grab onto when transferring to and from bed. This makes it perfect for those who are unsteady on their feet. The horizontal SuperTrapeze grab handle assists the user in changing from a lying to a seated position. The grab handle has two offset handgrips, which helps to increase leverage, and allows the patient to transition from a lying to a seated position more easily and requiring less effort. The grab handle is padded, so it is easy to grip. It is also height-adjustable, which helps to provide maximum support.
While most ceiling-mounted trapeze bars require holes to be drilled into the ceiling to fit one, this one does not. This makes it ideal if you live in a rented property, and you’re unable to make any structural changes. It also does not require any mounting brackets or screws or bolts to install one, instead it uses a jackscrew expansion system.
To fit it, you just need to place the trapeze bar next to the bed, and you then turn the jackscrew, which causes it to expand, which helps to secure it between the ceiling and floor. It is suitable for ceilings between 93″ – 99″.
The SuperPole is fitted with rubber pads, which means it won’t mark or damage the floor or ceiling. The bed mobility aid only requires less than 5″ of floor space, so it is suitable for smaller sized bedrooms. It can be can easily be removed and repositioned elsewhere if required. The SuperPole has a weight capacity of 300 lbs, while the SuperTrapeze can support weights up to 150 lbs.
One of the major benefits of this type of trapeze bar, is it is compatible with all types of beds, including hospital beds and waterbeds. This makes it an extremely versatile bed mobility aid.
Key Specs:
- Handgrip range: 29″
- Trapeze diameter: 0.875″
- Pole weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Trapeze weight capacity: 150 lbs
- Product weight: 18 lbs
5. Drive Medical Heavy-Duty Freestanding Trapeze Bar with Wheels
Best Bariatric Freestanding Bed Trapeze Bar – Drive Medical Heavy-Duty Freestanding Trapeze Bar with Wheels
With its 1000 lbs weight capacity, the Drive Medical heavy-duty freestanding trapeze bar is particularly suited for bariatric use. The steel frame construction means it is durable and will provide safe and reliable support for larger individuals with impaired lower mobility.
The trapeze bar is simple to assemble, requiring just a wrench, rubber mallet, and drill to install. The base of the trapeze comes fitted with two wheels, which allows the caregiver to easily maneuverable and position it without having to drag or lift it.
The trapeze measures 73″ (H) x 43″ (W) x 48.5″ (L) so it’s slightly larger than some of the other freestanding ones we have reviewed. You will need to ensure there is sufficient room in the patient’s bedroom to install it.
To accommodate different bed designs, and room configurations, the trapeze bar is fully adjustable. The boom swivels from 0 degrees to 180 degrees, and the height of the handlebar can be raised or lowered. The chain can be slid to its desired position, to maximize ease of use.
Key Specs:
- Height: 73″
- Width inside between legs: 37.5″
- Weight capacity: 1000 lbs
- Product weight: 100 lbs
