How to Get Out of Bed Easier with a Bed Cane
By Manage At Home | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use a bed cane (bed rail) for safer, easier bed exits. Step-by-step guide for seniors and anyone needing extra support.
Quick answer
Using a bed cane (also called a bed rail) gives you a stable handhold to push yourself up and out of bed safely, reducing fall risk and strain on your body.
Why a bed cane helps more than just grabbing the mattress edge
Mattress edges compress and offer no reliable support. A bed cane provides a rigid handle anchored to the bed frame, so you can pull or push yourself upright without the bed shifting. This is especially helpful for seniors or anyone recovering from surgery who lacks upper body strength.
The EasyFit Plus+ Bed Rail works with most bed types including divan and slatted beds, and comes in two height options to match your bed height. That means you don't have to worry about compatibility or a poor fit.
Choosing the right height for your bed cane
If the cane is too low, you'll have to bend awkwardly to reach it. If too high, it won't give you enough leverage. The EasyFit Plus+ Bed Rail offers two height options, so measure your bed height (from floor to mattress top) and pick the one that lets you grip the handle with your arm at a comfortable 90-degree angle when sitting on the bed edge.
Step-by-step: How to use a bed cane to get out of bed
- 1. Position the bed cane securely: Slide the bed cane between your mattress and box spring (or under the mattress on a slatted bed) until the base is flat and the handle is at the bedside. Ensure the handle is within easy reach when you're lying on your side. A common mistake is placing it too far from your shoulder. The handle should be near your upper arm, not your feet.
- 2. Roll onto your side and grasp the handle: Roll toward the edge of the bed. Reach out with your top hand and grip the bed cane handle firmly. Keep your bottom arm bent and ready to push against the mattress. Don't grab the handle with both hands at once—you need one hand to push off the mattress. Grip with the hand closer to the cane.
- 3. Push yourself up to a seated position: Press down on the bed cane handle while simultaneously pushing off the mattress with your other hand. Keep your back straight and use your legs to help swing your feet off the bed. Avoid jerking or pulling the cane sideways; the rail is designed for downward force. If you feel unstable, pause and lower yourself back down.
- 4. Pause and steady yourself before standing: Once seated on the edge, keep one hand on the bed cane handle. Take a few breaths, then use the cane to help pull yourself to a standing position. Keep your feet flat on the floor. Rushing from sitting to standing is a common fall risk. Use the cane as a steady support, not a lever to yank yourself upright.
- 5. Remove or store the cane when not in use: If the cane is in the way during the day, lift it out from under the mattress and store it beside the bed. The EasyFit Plus+ Bed Rail is quick to install and remove. Always check that the cane is fully re-seated under the mattress before using it again. A loose cane can slip when you lean on it.
Product facts
- EasyFit Plus+ Bed Rail: The EasyFit Plus+ Bed Rail can be used on most types of bed including divan and slatted beds. You don't need a special bed frame; this rail fits your existing bed, so you can install it without buying new furniture.
EasyFit Plus+ Bed Rail - EasyFit Plus+ Bed Rail: Available in two different height options making it suitable for use on different bed heights. You can choose the height that matches your bed, ensuring the handle is at a comfortable and effective position for getting up.
