26% of household falls occur in the bathroom (source). The safer your bathroom is, the longer you put off the fall that leads to the nursing home. That’s why I’ve hand-picked these products to prevent falls from occurring in the first place.
I definitely prefer the toilet frame design that sits on the floor, and not the one that sits on the toilet bowl under the seat. The floor variety is more stable. If you push down harder on one side than the other, the toilet prevents the frame from tilting over. The floor variety is also easier to clean because it’s not literally on the toilet bowl.
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Click below to go to the Vive Toilet Rail page on Amazon.
- SIT AND STAND SAFELY: Supporting up to 300 pounds, the sturdy, stand alone toilet rail conveniently provides safety and security when sitting down or standing up in the bathroom. Perfect for the elderly, handicapped and for those recovering from injury or surgery, the rail prevents slips and falls for additional peace of mind.
- EASY TOOL-FREE ASSEMBLY: The freestanding toilet rail is easy to assemble: no tools required. Handles can also be easily removed for convenient storage. Lightweight and durable, the frame is corrosion resistant, perfect for long term use.
- COMFORTABLE NON SLIP HANDLES: Rail handles are padded with a soft foam for pain-free support. The foam padding creates a comfortable, non-slip surface for a secure grip when sitting or standing. Handles and frame are also easily cleaned by wiping down with a standard disinfectant solution.
- VERSATILE STANDALONE FRAME: Safety rail base is a wide 26.5”, easily fitting in smaller bathrooms. Freestanding safety rails can be used with standard and elongated toilets or at the sink or vanity. The bottom rails are 19” deep, adding tip-proof stability to the frame.
- VIVE LIFETIME GUARANTEE: Unconditional lifetime guarantee so you can purchase now with confidence
Who Needs a Toilet Rail?
If our knees bent the way they used to, getting on and off the toilet wouldn’t be a problem. With arthritis and weakness, though, sitting down on and getting up from the toilet can present a falling risk.
A toilet rail can help stabilize sitting and standing at the toilet for anyone with a weakness or stability issue, such as people who have had:
- knee replacement
- general surgery
- stroke
- weakness
- disability
- balance issues
Use a Toilet Rail to Prevent Bathroom Falls
A toilet rail sits firmly on the floor, and surrounds the toilet on the back and sides. Installing it is a matter of placing it behind the toilet and letting it rest on the floor. The purpose is to give you two sturdy handrails to use for sitting down and for standing up.
My Favorite Toilet Rail
My favorite toilet rail is the Vive found on Amazon. Vive sells this rail with a lifetime guarantee. Customers uniformly say this unit is sturdy and stable.
It’s very lightweight. You can move it from room to room without disassembling it. To move it to another location, you can undo the tighteners and then re-tighten on site.
- SIT AND STAND SAFELY: Supporting up to 300 pounds, the sturdy, stand alone toilet rail conveniently provides safety and security when sitting down or standing up in the bathroom. Perfect for the elderly, handicapped and for those recovering from injury or surgery, the rail prevents slips and falls for additional peace of mind.
- EASY TOOL-FREE ASSEMBLY: The freestanding toilet rail is easy to assemble: no tools required. Handles can also be easily removed for convenient storage. Lightweight and durable, the frame is corrosion resistant, perfect for long term use.
- COMFORTABLE NON SLIP HANDLES: Rail handles are padded with a soft foam for pain-free support. The foam padding creates a comfortable, non-slip surface for a secure grip when sitting or standing. Handles and frame are also easily cleaned by wiping down with a standard disinfectant solution.
- VERSATILE STANDALONE FRAME: Safety rail base is a wide 26.5”, easily fitting in smaller bathrooms. Freestanding safety rails can be used with standard and elongated toilets or at the sink or vanity. The bottom rails are 19” deep, adding tip-proof stability to the frame.
- VIVE LIFETIME GUARANTEE: Unconditional lifetime guarantee so you can purchase now with confidence
Three Points of Stability
The Vive rail surrounds the toilet on the sides and in the back. If has three feet on the floor, with the front open so you can get to the toilet. The toilet itself is part of the stability, because the rail cannot get past the toilet on either side. So if you place more weight on one side, the toilet prevents the rail from collapsing to that side.
The Vive Rail Fits Most Toilets
The Vive will fit around any standard toilet, whether that toilet is round or elongated. In case your toilet is not standard, the Vive’s dimensions are:
- 28 in. wide
- 19 in. deep
- 25.5 in. wide at the middle
- 21 in. wide at the handrails
- height is not adjustable.
Vive Rail Assembly
The rail consists of a few pieces that you will need to assemble together. You just tighten the connections by hand, no tool is needed. It’s very simple but if you have an issue with this type of work, you’ll need to ask for help.
Vive Toilet Rail Materials
The toilet rail handles are made of a non-latex soft foam with a non-slip coating. The rail is steel, and there are four points of rubber at the four corners that meet the floor.
How to Clean the Vive Rail
To clean the toilet rail, spray it with a disinfectant, and wipe with a soft cotton cloth. You can also spray the cloth first and wipe down the rail with that.
Stability Concerns for Special Medical Situations
The Vive rail is not bolted to the floor. This means that excessive weight on one side will cause a tipping action on that side. Because the toilet is in the way, the rail will not collapse to one side.
However, it does not offer 100% stability, either. The rail is designed to accept weight from both sides. Uneven pressure will cause a slight tipping action which will affect sensitive users.
If you are worried about a one-sided use event where you slip to one side and cannot push down equally on both sides, consider having a contractor bolt the rail to the floor.
Toilet Seat Depth with the Vive Rail
The Vive rail helps you to stay stable while sitting down and standing up. It does not raise the height of the toilet seat. This means you will need to sit just as deeply with the Vive rail as you would without it.
If you have trouble sitting because your knees or some other issue makes it hard for you to bend that deeply, you might consider getting a toilet seat riser. These sit on the toilet deck and raise where your bum hits the seat. They allow you to bend less than you have to without them.
- Expertly designed as a bathroom safety solution for individuals who have difficulty sitting down or getting up from the toilet
- Lightweight, portable, and easy-to-clean heavy-duty molded plastic adds 5" to height of toilet seat
- Simple locking device provides a reliable, secure fit on almost any toilet with tool-free installation
- Easily add or remove supportive metal arms based on personal preference and need. Inside seat width is 8 inches. Inside seat depth is 9 inches
- Seat dimensions: 16.5"(D) x 17"(W) x 5"(H); Width between arms: 18"; Overall height: 10"; Weight capacity: 300 pounds. Heavy-duty worm screw
- PADDED SEAT- Warm, soft, padded seat makes toileting comfortable. Most raised toilet seats are made of hard plastic which is cold to the touch-making toileting uncomfortable. The ULTIMATE raised toilet seat allows for extended sitting without discomfort. Platinum Health Hi-View Blue color makes seat easier to distinguish from its surroundings than old style white seats. Helps prevent slips and falls for elderly, visually and cognitively impaired users.
- ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT- Allows for perfect toilet seat height settings and maximum safety and comfort. Fast, easy, tool-less height settings also means that as health conditions change, the toilet seat height can be adjusted to accommodate the changing needs. Never buy another raised toilet seat again. Ideal for post-op hip and knee patients. Adjust height as range of motion improves.
- PADDED ARMRESTS- Sturdy, weigh-bearing armrests create secure leverage points to allow the user to more easily sit and stand when compared to other raised toilet seats. Armrests also provide extra physical and psychological safety benefits as they prevent falls and help with an overall sense of security and peace of mind.
- FITS ALL TOILETS- Regular or elongated, the ULTIMATE raised toilet seat fits them all, including uncommon shapes and sizes. Takes guesswork out of whether your raised toilet seat will fit your toilet properly and safely. NO CUMBERSOME INSTALLATION REQUIRED!- The Ultimate seat simply slides right over your toilet and rests firmly and safely on the floor. Easy to remove when not required.
- MULTI-FUNCTION, 3 PRODUCTS IN 1!- Can be used as a raised toilet seat, a bedside commode and as a shower chair. Commode pail with lid included for bedside use. The commercial-grade polyurethane foam will never absorb water and the medical-grade aluminum frame will never rust. All components are easy to clean and disinfect.
- PCP 7007 elevated toilet seat; Doubles as a stability safety frame & raised toilet seat
- Ideal for patient recovery from knee, hip fracture, back, lower body surgery, strains, muscle injury
- Medical grade, lightweight and portable moves between bathrooms; Easy to remove when not in use
- Designed for limited mobility, seniors, the disabled; Simple to clean for assisted living caregivers
- Ships pre-assembled; Includes molded plastic seat with bottomless splash guard to direct waste into toilet; Seat height adjusts 18 to 23 inches; Overall width 21 in; Width between arms 18"
Using a Toilet Rail in a Tub? No!
Some customers have asked if they can use this rail in a tub. It is not engineered for a tub, and I would say “no” you should not do that.
The toilet rail has stability because the toilet itself prevents the rail from arching over to either side. If it sits in an open area without a bulky toilet between the rails, it loses that part of its strength. Keep it wrapped around the toilet where it belongs.
- The Whisper Bath Lift is designed to assist individuals while entering, exiting and enjoying a bath with renewed independence
- Tool free, two piece bath lift construction is easy to assemble and install, with sleek folding capability for transportation and storage
- 4 quick release suction cups ensure anti slip security on the bathtub floor, while a padded seat and backrest provide exceptional comfort
- Rise, lower, and recline the backrest of the bath lift upto 50 degrees with a water tight hand control featuring bright, easily accessible buttons
- Seat Dimensions: 16.54"(D) x 13.7"(W) x 2.3" 18.8"(H); Back of Chair Height: 25.1"; Base Width: 22"; Backrest Recline: 140 Deg; Weight Capacity: 300 pounds; Batteries: 1 - 12V 1.3Ah
- Durable
- white
- powder-coated steel construction; Tool Free installation
- Width adjusts from 3" - 7" and handle design provides secure hand position
- Stainless steel locking mechanism and non-wearing rubber pads provide scratch-proof security
- ENHANCES BATHROOM SAFETY: Ideal for those with limited mobility, balance issues or difficulty standing for long periods of time, the Vive metal grab bar provides greater leverage and support in the bathroom and other indoor locations. The white steel grab bar enhances stability for greater independence by minimizing the risk of slips and falls.
- VERSATILE INSTALLATION OPTIONS: Easily mount the metal grab bar vertically, horizontally or diagonally depending on your particular needs. The white grab bar and included mounting hardware is suitable for installation on acrylic, fiberglass surfaces as well as drywall and plaster walls. Additional mounting hardware will be necessary for securely installing the grab bar on ceramic tiles.
- DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL: Constructed with a strong stainless steel, the white metal grab bar is corrosion-resistant for exceptional durability and safely supports up to 500 pounds. The steel grab bar measures 1.25” in diameter, creating an easy, secure grip for all hand sizes.
- CLEAN AND STYLISH: Finished with a smooth white satin finish, the stainless grab bar seamlessly blends with most home decor. Unsightly mounting hardware is safely concealed beneath decorative stainless steel flanges for a sleek, clean appearance.
- VIVE GUARANTEE: 60 day guarantee so you can purchase now with confidence.
Using a Toilet Rail at a Couch or Chair? No!
Do not use a toilet rail to help sitting or standing at a couch or chair, either. You can get devices specifically for help at couches and chairs that offer far more stability than a toilet rail can give you. Those devices use the weight of the couch or chair to give you stability.
- STAND UP WITH GREATER EASE: Providing safe, stable assistance, the Stand Assist by Vive allows individuals to rise from chairs, sofas and recliners with greater ease. The dual support handles create a stable foundation for pushing up to a standing position without twisting and turning, minimizing the risk of hazardous falls.
- EASY INSTALLATION: Fitting snugly around the base of secure cushions or beneath loose cushions, the stand assist can be used with any cushioned seat, including plush sofas, recliners and upholstered chairs.
- ADJUSTABLE FRAME: Constructed with a durable aluminum, the stand assist frame safely supports up to 300 pounds. Easy to assemble and adjust, the sleek black frame blends with most home decor for a discreet look.
- COMFORTABLY SOFT GRIP COVERS: Lightly padded with a soft foam, the stand assist handles provide a comfortable, yet secure grip for greater leverage and support.
- VIVE GUARANTEE: Lifetime guarantee so you can purchase now with confidence.
- Seat Lift Assist : Ergonomic Safety grab bar provides balance and support for sitting and standing motions, help patient, elderly to stand up easily from most couches, chairs, or recliners.
- Multifunction Handrail：Grab bar have 3 cushioned support handles aid for who need to sit down or rising from different seated positions. Special design for help rising from the floor and bend or crouch down to pick something up.
- Bed Rails For Elderly: Ideal standing handrail assist disable, seniors, elderly to get in and out of bed or stand and prevent them fall down.
- Good Assistant : Rheumatoid arthritis patients, disability, seniors,pregnant, elderly, suffering from sciatica, knee replacement, prevent them from slip or fall down.
- Lightweight and Portable：This handicap grab bar is easily move to needed spots.Great for assist stand from toilet and helpful for doing gardening or household tasks.
- Bed Rails for Elderly Adults: Assist seniors, elderly to get in and out of bed or stand for preventing falling.
- Stand Assist Grab Bar : Ergonomic grab bar provides balance and support for sitting and standing motions, help patient, elderly to rise easily from most couches, chairs, or recliners.
- Multifunction Bed Rail：lift assist grab bar have 3 cushioned support handles aid for who need to standing up, sitting down or rising from the floor and bend or crouch down to pick something up.
- Suitable Crowd: Rheumatoid arthritis patients, elderly, post-surgery mobility-impaired people, prevent them from slip or fall down.
- Note : It is not recommended for very frail people over 80 years of age. And maybe it can't support who over 200LB.
Can the Vive Toilet Rail Be a Tripping Hazard?
Properly placed, the Vive rail is not a tripping hazard. The front of the unit sits under the toilet, not where your feet will go.
If you look at the picture below, you can see that the girl’s feet reach past the tips of the toilet rail front feet. There is a small section of rail that is parallel with her feet. Users consistently say they do not have tripping issues with this design, and that makes sense. When you are sitting, the tip of the footing is parallel with the back of your feet. But once you are standing, the bowl prevents your feet from going back to where the rail feet sit.
How to Buy the Vive Toilet Rail
The Vive Toilet Rail is consistently 5-star rated for stability and strength. Click the button below to see it on Amazon.
- SIT AND STAND SAFELY: Supporting up to 300 pounds, the sturdy, stand alone toilet rail conveniently provides safety and security when sitting down or standing up in the bathroom. Perfect for the elderly, handicapped and for those recovering from injury or surgery, the rail prevents slips and falls for additional peace of mind.
- EASY TOOL-FREE ASSEMBLY: The freestanding toilet rail is easy to assemble: no tools required. Handles can also be easily removed for convenient storage. Lightweight and durable, the frame is corrosion resistant, perfect for long term use.
- COMFORTABLE NON SLIP HANDLES: Rail handles are padded with a soft foam for pain-free support. The foam padding creates a comfortable, non-slip surface for a secure grip when sitting or standing. Handles and frame are also easily cleaned by wiping down with a standard disinfectant solution.
- VERSATILE STANDALONE FRAME: Safety rail base is a wide 26.5”, easily fitting in smaller bathrooms. Freestanding safety rails can be used with standard and elongated toilets or at the sink or vanity. The bottom rails are 19” deep, adding tip-proof stability to the frame.
- VIVE LIFETIME GUARANTEE: Unconditional lifetime guarantee so you can purchase now with confidence
- Handles are adjustable and rotate back to allow a wide range of comfortable and secure positions
- Toilet rail with closed cell foam armrests provide a comfortable, secure grip | Great for elderly or adults post surgery
- Toilet safety frame adjusts in height from 26 to 31 inches to accommodate standard or elevated toilet seats | tool free assembly
- Easy to clean aluminum frame mounts securely onto bowl with adjustable bracket 18 to 24 inches
- Width adjustment between armrests: 8" - 24" | Overall depth: arm 16.75", at leg 12" | weight capacity: 300lbs
- SITTING & STANDING AID – This free-standing bathroom toilet safety frame rail provides a stable support for users to sit or rise from all commodes and toilets. Ideal for seniors, elderly, handicapped or those with arthritis, limited mobility and/or those recovering from injury/surgery. The Vaunn medical safety toilet rail prevents accidental slips or falls, common in the bathroom.
- DURABLE & STURDY SUPPORT – Our reliable ADA compliant toilet safety frame is engineered with bathroom safety mind. This high-strength and heavy duty toilet rail features metal steel frames to support the user’s weight up to 300 lbs. Anti-slip padded grab bars ensure a firm and secure grip.
- EASY TO USE – Works with all types of commodes and toilets (i.e. round, elongated toilet, single-piece etc.) Can also be used in other parts of the house (i.e. living room, kitchen, and bedroom.)
- ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT - The height of the medical toilet safety frame rail adjusts between 27.5” to 33” inches to accommodate the varying needs of its users. It will work on an RV toilet too
- NO TOOLS REQUIRED - No installation necessary. No added fixtures to adjust. Simply center Toilet Safety Frame around your existing toilet bowl. Additionally, the Vaunn toilet rail is portable and folds easily for storage and convenience.
- Comes with convenient magazine rack
- Freestanding around toilet to fit both standard and elongated seat toilets
- Comes with padded armrests for added comfort
- Easy, tool free assembly
- Width Between Arms: 21"; Arm Height: 25.5"; Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
