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Make Getting In and Out of Bed Easier: Tips for Seniors with Mobility Issues

Make Getting In and Out of Bed Easier: Tips for Seniors with Mobility Issues

No need to buy a new bed if you need a taller one. You can raise your existing bed's height by using bed risers, mattress toppers and support systems. Here are some of the best ways to make your bed taller... without buying a new one.
Scott Grant, CSA®, SHSS®
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Getting in and out of bed doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. You can make your bed the perfect height for easier mobility with simple changes.

Start by using sturdy bed risers under your bed frame. Stackable risers allow you to raise your mattress 3 to 8 inches higher. You’ll be able to get your legs in and out with less strain on your knees and hips.

Or add a mattress topper for 3 to 4 inches of extra cushioning and support. A memory foam topper molds perfectly to your body for maximum comfort.

Install bed rails and handles, too. Gripping these supportive rails gives you stability and confidence in getting in and out of bed.

Consider rearranging furniture as well to allow ample walking space around your bed.

With a few adjustments, you can transform your bed into a safe haven that’s kind on your joints and easy to access day or night.

Keep reading for more tips to make your bed the ideal height for mobility and comfort.

Use Bed Risers to Raise Your Bed Frame Height

Bed risers are probably the most simple tool you can use to make your bed taller. They go right underneath the feet or wheels of your bed frame and come in all sizes.

With these simple little tools, you can raise your bed anywhere from an inch to 8 inches.

Adjustable Stackable Bed Frame Risers for Elevation & Under-Bed Storage - Heavy-Duty Furniture Riser for Table, Couch, Desk, and Chair - Set of 4 Large & 4 Small Bed Lifts - Black Home It

Home-it Adjustable Furniture Lifts

$19.99
as of 03/17/2024 4:32 pm

Most bed risers come in sets, and on top of being great for raising the height of the bed, this also creates a brand new storage space under the bed! These risers come in white or black and are a set of 8.

Four risers are 3” high, and the other four are 5” high, allowing you to raise the bed height another 3, 5 or 8 inches. Their modular design allows you to stack them on top of each other, giving you that super tall 8” boost if you want it.

These risers can support up to 1,300 lbs. and won’t scratch or dent your flooring . The feet or wheels of your bed will fit securely into the cup part of the risers, giving you peace of mind and all the extra height you’d need.


Define Essentials Heavy Duty Multi Height Bed Risers and Bed Lifts - Set of Four 5" and Four 3" Heavy Duty Adjustable Bed Lifts - Adjustable to 8, 5 or 3 Inch Heights

Define Essentials Heavy Duty Multi Height Bed Risers

This is similar to the Home-It, with eight modular risers that allow you to lift your bed 3, 5, or 8 inches.

However, it’s got a more heavy-duty construction and can hold up to a whopping 2,000 pounds without scratching up floors. If you have a heavier bed frame, these are a better option.


iPrimio Aluminum Bed Risers - Heavy Duty Metal, 5 Inch Lift, 6 Pack, Up to 9,000lbs - Bed Raising Blocks, Furniture Risers - Tall, Safe, Sturdy Bed Lifts for College Dorm, Couches, Dorm Bed Riser

iPrimio Aluminum Bed Riser

$79.99
as of 03/17/2024 4:32 pm

Check out these aluminum bed risers for a slightly different design and even more supporting capacity.

The aluminum construction is extremely heavy-duty, supportive, and durable, as these can hold over 9,000 pounds per leg – which means about 36,000 pounds overall.

It can do all of this without scratching your floors. This is guaranteed because of the rubber bottoms. This keeps your floors safe and prevents your furniture from slipping and sliding with the risers.

This set also allows you to raise your bed higher than the others – up to 5.5 inches – so although it’s a bit more expensive, it’s worth the investment if you need that big height increase.

mattress toppers to raise mattress height
Beds like these that are low to the ground are difficult for people with hip, knee, and back problems to get in and out of.

Use Mattress Toppers/Support Systems to Raise Your Mattress Height

Another innovative way to make your bed taller is with a simple mattress topper or wedge. Typically, these may be easier for seniors to install because it doesn’t require picking up the entire bed, just the mattress.

While you won’t get quite as much height from these as you would from bed risers, you also get extra comfort and support from your mattress, making for a better night’s sleep.

Here are some of the best ones on the market today.

GhostBed Memory Foam Topper

GhostBed Cooling 3-inch Thick Mattress Topper

from $195.00

This mattress topper from Ghostbed is made of 3 inches of gel-infused memory foam and will help you add a bit of height to your mattress overall. But it also has many other senior-friendly features, making it a great choice.

First, it has 5 different pressure-relieving zones that address pressure relief and comfort of the head, shoulders, torso, legs, and feet.

The zones are also “channeled” to promote airflow and reduce moisture to keep you comfortable while sleeping. These zones will specifically help address the pain and discomfort that older bodies deal with when sleeping.

Second, it comes with a waterproof cover that keeps it in place without it sliding around. The cover can be removed without touching the foam, making it easy to throw in the washing machine for a quick wash.

Finally, if you move around a lot when sleeping, this one is as “quiet as a ghost!”


Lucid 3 Inch Mattress Topper Queen - Gel Infused Memory Foam – Memory Foam Mattress Topper Queen – Ventilated Design – CertiPur Certified

LUCID 3-inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper

$89.99
as of 03/17/2024 4:32 pm

For a little 3” boost, check out Lucid’s memory foam mattress topper. Unlike most other memory foam toppers, it’s made out of gel memory foam, which adds extra pressure relief on certain points in the body and traps heat.

The design is also optimized for maximum airflow and ventilation, keeping your body at the ideal temperature for sleeping all night. Simply place the mattress topper on your mattress, cover it with your fitted sheet, and doze right off.


Linenspa 4 Inch Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper - Queen

Linenspa 4 Inch Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper

$139.99
as of 03/17/2024 4:32 pm

This is an Amazon bestseller, possibly because of the comfort of memory foam and the unbeatable price. It adds an extra 4 inches to your bed, also more than most other toppers, which average around 2 inches.

Two and a half inches of this topper is made of high-density foam for support, and the very top (1.5 inches) is in memory foam.

It’s easy to clean, comes with a polyester mesh zippered cover, and absorbs any motion so you don’t disturb your partner. This is a great two-in-one product for extra height and comfort all night.


Avana Mattress Elevator - Under Bed 7-Inch Incline Foam Support, Queen

Avana Mattress Elevator

$134.99
as of 03/17/2024 4:32 pm

Finally, consider a mattress wedge to elevate your bed as well.

Most mattress toppers give you an overall boost in height. Still, these wedge-design toppers provide extra height for your upper body, alleviating acid reflux, sleep apnea, snoring, and more at night and making it easier for seniors to get up and out of bed.

The inclined design provides comfortable support and added height, so see if this mattress topper works for your lifestyle!

Summary and Final Comments

If you’re a senior caregiver looking for an easy way to make their bed taller, bed risers are probably the best option.

However, if you’re a senior looking for an easy way to elevate your bed, I’d go with a simple mattress topper because they’re much easier to install. You can even get two if you need that extra height.

Either way, raising the height of your bed is a great idea so that the pressure on your arthritic hips and knees is relieved when getting into and out of bed.

If more help is needed to help get in and out of bed, also look at my guide to the best bed rails for seniors. These bed rails help give a stable place for seniors to hold onto while entering or exiting their bed for additional safety.

Do you have any other tips for making beds taller? Share them below.

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Scott Grant, CSA®, SHSS®

Scott Grant, CSA®, SHSS®

With over 20 years of experience and certifications as a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® and Senior Home Safety Specialist (SHSS)®, Scott Grant provides reliable recommendations to help seniors maintain independence through informed product and service choices for safe, comfortable living.

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