Suction cup grab bars have received a bad rep over the years and deemed to be unsafe by many people. But the best suction cup grab bars now have many safety features and if used correctly can be a valuable addition to any bathroom. We’re not talking about scaling walls with them, like Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible, just using them for that extra stability we sometimes need.
Let’s discover how these simple aids can help improve your safety in the bathroom. When you suffer a fall, one of the last things you want is to be found naked in the shower unable to get up—not very dignified, is it? We’re here to look at five of the best suction grab bars to turn your bathroom into a safe haven for anybody.
- No tools required for installation.
- Can be used on any flat, non-porous surface.
- Wide suction cups and comfortable non-slip grip will support up to 300 pounds.
- Suction shower handle available in two lengths; 11.5 inches or 16 inches.
- Extra long 17-inch suction grab bar.
- Textured rubber grip on inside of handle for comfort and to prevent slipping.
- Easy tool-free installation with large locking levers—can be installed horizontal on a bathtub or vertical on a shower wall.
- Stylish suction balance assist bar with a choice of white plastic or brushed nickel finish.
- Contoured large installation levers with finger holes for ease of use—no tools required for installation.
- Large handle with non-slip undersurface for grip when wet.
- Ultra Grip 12-inch shower wall grab bar with safety indicator to show when bar is locked.
- Extra-strong, dual-locking suction cups for increased stability.
- Simple blue and white design for vision impaired individuals.
- Compact suction balance assist bar/handle suitable for travelers.
- Can be used on both bathtubs and shower walls.
- Easy to install and remove in seconds to any flat, non-porous surface.
Who Should Use a Suction Grab Bar?
Figures from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) reported that nearly a quarter of a million nonfatal injuries a year in the U.S. were bathroom related. Bet you never realized your bathroom was that dangerous! Over two-thirds of the accidental injuries were in the bathtub or shower—not surprising when you consider how wet and slippery they get.
The best suction grab bars aren’t just for the elderly either. Anybody who struggles with mobility or balance issues may find a grab bar makes showering or bathing so much easier. In fact, injuries around the tub or the shower are proportionately most common between the ages of 15 to 24.
If you’re traveling, a suction grab bar is something you can slip in your case for that extra safety away from home. Guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 are very strict concerning the placement and quality of grab bars used in public buildings. As a result many hotels don’t install grab bars, while grab bars for home use or mobile use aren’t regulated by the ADA.
Are Suction Grab Bars Safe?
Suction grab bars are a popular item these days and if used correctly can be a great addition to your bathroom safety equipment. But remember, they’re not 100 percent fail proof. Many can easily lose their suction, especially if you don’t check them before use.
Suction grab bars are recommended for balance assist, but shouldn’t be used to support your full bodyweight. A fixed and more permanent shower or bath grab bar will offer more safety for people who need a stronger pulling action getting in and out of the tub or shower. If you need more than a little tug, get regular bars fitted instead or as well as suction grab bars.
Safety Tips to Consider When Using a Suction Grab Bar
As with all grab bars for the bathroom, suction-type handles and bars are only as safe as their mounting. Suction cup grab bars demand the proper surface to be fixed securely. Most manufacturers state the product will work best on a flat, non-porous surface with some bars claiming to work on tiles, glass and fiberglass or plastic.
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when installing. A dry surface is required and cleaning with alcohol to remove any debris or residue is recommended. An uneven surface or textured surface will result in a cup which isn’t securely fixed. Avoid covering two tiles or the grout line—there must be no way for air to get under the cup/pad.
The position on the wall or shower door will also affect the safety of the bar. Try to choose a bar which doesn’t stick out too much and place in a position you won’t catch yourself on it. The following YouTube video gives more general guidelines for placing grab bars in the shower.
What Are the Best Suction Grab Bars?
With so many suction grab bars on the market, it’s difficult to know which is best for your needs. In general shorter grab bars tend to be more sturdy, but some people may require that extra length for more stability. Features like a safety indicator that show when a bar is secure can be useful too. But always check the bar manually before using it, for that extra peace of mind.
We’ve taken with a pinch of salt the many user complaints of bars not sticking unless they’ve applied to specific surfaces. Many of the suction cups when used correctly for stability are very strong, with some even known to rip the tiles off the wall. Unfortunately most complaints arise when people don’t follow the guidelines and use the suction bars for too much weight support or don’t apply them regularly.
For a less permanent solution, or something for traveling with, the best suction grab bars can be great for keeping safe in the shower or tub. Be careful not to choose a suction grab bar with too large suction pads that will limit the size of tile it can be used on. These are the top five, in our opinion, best suction grab bars available today.
Vive Health
Suction Shower Handle If you favor style as well as substance, this product from OXO Good Grips could be one of the best suction grab bars for you. In a choice of white plastic or elegant brushed nickel, there’s a whole range of matching shower accessories available too. Large contoured levers for installation fold into the handles for a simple yet stylish design. Powerful suction cups have been designed to accommodate a variety of tile patterns and can also be used on any other smooth, non-porous surface. This assist bar has a larger surface area, giving you more to grab hold of for extra stability. The non-slip underside of the bar can be gripped securely even when wet for more confidence when showering.
Changing Lifestyles
Safe-er-Grip Bath Handle For somebody looking for a longer grab bar for stability, the Changing Lifestyles Safe-er-Grip bar comes with an extra long 17-inch bar. This product is designed more for stability than support and isn’t designed to hold entire bodyweight. The longer length means you can get a firm hold from anywhere you need. Suction cups on the handle feature tab levers for easy placement and adjustment. Tiles need to be smooth and non-porous but larger suction cups make it unusable on 4-inch tiles found in many bathrooms. A textured rubber grip in a contrasting gray accent, adds comfort and prevents slipping for extra stability.
OXO
Good Grips Strong Hold Bar If you favor style as well as substance, this product from OXO Good Grips could be one of the best suction grab bars for you. In a choice of white plastic or elegant brushed nickel, there’s a whole range of matching shower accessories available too. Large contoured levers for installation fold into the handles for a simple yet stylish design. Powerful suction cups have been designed to accommodate a variety of tile patterns and can also be used on any other smooth, non-porous surface. This assist bar has a larger surface area, giving you more to grab hold of for extra stability. The non-slip underside of the bar can be gripped securely even when wet for more confidence when showering.
Carex Health Brands
Ultra Grip Bar This 12-inch shower grab bar from Carex Health again features a visual indicator to show whether the bar is securely fixed in place. Simply place on the bathroom wall or bath tub and flick the locks into place. When the indicators turn green, the bar is secure. Featuring extra-strong, dual-locking suction cups for added stability, the Carex bar is easy to install and lightweight enough for travel. The clip system for attaching the bar is easy to use and the handles have a comfortable grip to them. Both the clips and grip have a striking blue color, ideal for users with impaired vision or the elderly.
Changing Lifestyles
Safe-er-Grip Balance Bar Installing the best suction grab bars in your bathroom can be great for improving your safety at home, but what about when you’re out on the road? This suction handle from Changing Lifestyles is compact enough to squeeze into the smallest of cases and ideal for your hotel bathroom. To apply you simply position the pad/cup and squeeze the two handles together for a secure fix. The handles are a decent size and can be used by most adults or children alike for extra safety in either the shower or tub. You could even attach it to the bottom of your tub and rest your foot on it to stop your body sliding in longer tubs. And when you’ve finished you just pop the tabs at the side of the suction pad to remove it.
our #1 rated
Pros
Comfortable and secure grip.
Non-slip handle when wet.
Large levers for easier installation.
More stylish than similar suction grab bars.
Cons
May not stick well to marble tiles or vinyl shower surfaces.
Suction is very strong when first applied but may need reapplying before each use—seal will weaken over time.
our #2 rated
Pros
Extra length provides more stability and more to grab hold of.
Easy to apply with locking tabs for a secure fit.
Textured rubber grip on underside of handle.
Sold in multipacks if needed.
Cons
Wider suction pads may not fit narrower tub edges or common 4-inch tiles.
Recommend reapplying with each use as may fall if left unattended for longer periods.
our #3 rated
Pros
Comfortable and secure grip.
Non-slip handle when wet.
Large levers for easier installation.
More stylish than similar suction grab bars.
Cons
May not stick well to marble tiles or vinyl shower surfaces.
Suction is very strong when first applied but may need reapplying before each use—seal will weaken over time.
our #4 rated
Pros
Security indicator for safe installation.
Powerful
dual-locking suction cups.
Easy to use clip system.
Contrasting blue design for more visibility.
Comfortable grip handle.
Cons
Requires a perfectly smooth surface to work—recommend cleaning tiles with alcohol before installing.
Larger suction cups are just under 4 inches and may not fix to smaller bathroom tiles.
our #5 rated
Pros
Compact enough for frequent travel use.
Easy to apply and remove the strong suction pad.
Handle is suitable for use by both adults and children.
Great value for money.
Cons
People with larger hands may struggle to use the handle.
Many customers have found it works better on glass than tile.
Cheaper plastic construction.
Our Choice
The best suction grab bars can be an inexpensive but an essential aid in the bathroom for many people with stability issues. The elderly or people with kids will find them useful for both the tub and the shower. And best of all, they’re easily installed or removed if you need help in the shower when traveling.
For a hotel, or on trips to friends’ homes, they won’t damage the wall or leave any marks in most cases. In your own bathroom, it’s advisable to install more permanent screw in bars which will better support your bodyweight when needed. Many people even use a combination of fixed grab bars with additional adjustable suction grab bars for added stability.
Although many would argue that suction grab bars aren’t safe, the suction grab bar from Vive Health has added features for extra safety. An indicator lights shows whether the bar is securely attached and the maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds exceeds the 250 pounds required by the American Disability Act. In our opinion, the Vive Health Suction Shower Handle and Bathroom Balance Bar is top of the best suction grab bars you can buy today.
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