6 Mattress Raisers That Occupational Therapists Recommend

That slight groan as you push yourself up from a low chair or deep sofa is a familiar feeling for many of us. Now, imagine that same effort, first thing in the morning, from a bed that sits just a few inches too low. Proactively adjusting your environment with simple tools like bed risers is a powerful step in designing a home that supports your independence for years to come.

Friendly Disclaimer : This content is for educational & general research purposes only. Please consult healthcare providers or other qualified professionals for personalized medical, caregiving, or health-related advice.

Friendly Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support!

Why Bed Height Matters for Safe Transfers

Getting in and out of bed should be an effortless, single-motion movement, not a multi-stage effort. The ideal bed height allows you to sit on the edge with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent at a roughly 90-degree angle. This position creates a stable base, allowing you to use your powerful leg muscles to stand up, minimizing strain on your back, hips, and knees.

When a bed is too low, you’re forced to perform a deep squat in reverse every time you get up. This requires more muscular effort and puts unnecessary stress on your joints. Over time, this can exacerbate stiffness or discomfort. Conversely, a bed that’s too high forces you to slide down, creating an unstable landing that increases the risk of a fall.

From an occupational therapy perspective, optimizing bed height is a foundational principle of energy conservation and joint protection. It’s not about addressing a current problem; it’s about preventing future ones. By making this simple modification, you reduce the cumulative physical toll of thousands of transfers over the years, preserving both your energy and your joint health.

Utopia Bedding Risers: A Sturdy, Simple Solution

For many standard bed frames, a straightforward solution is all that’s needed. Utopia Bedding Risers are a prime example of a simple, effective design that gets the job done without complexity. They are typically constructed from a single piece of heavy-duty molded plastic, offering a stable and robust lift.

These risers often come in a set that provides a significant height increase, such as 5 or 8 inches, which is suitable for beds that are exceptionally low. The design usually features a recessed cup at the top to hold the bed leg securely. This no-frills approach makes them an accessible and budget-friendly first choice for anyone looking to make a quick, impactful change. Their simplicity is their greatest strength.

Home-it Heavy Duty Risers for Stability

If you have a particularly heavy bed frame—think solid oak, a large headboard, or an integrated storage system—then stability is your primary concern. Home-it Heavy Duty Risers are engineered specifically for this purpose. They are known for their exceptional weight capacity, often rated to support well over 1,000 pounds.

What sets these apart is their wider base and reinforced construction. This larger footprint distributes the weight over a greater surface area, dramatically increasing stability and preventing any potential for wobbling, especially on thicker carpets. For those who want maximum peace of mind and an over-engineered solution for safety, this type of heavy-duty riser is the professional recommendation. It ensures the bed feels just as solid and grounded as it did before being lifted.

iPrimio Stackable Risers for Custom Height

One size rarely fits all, especially when it comes to ergonomics. The "perfect" bed height is unique to your body and your mattress. iPrimio Stackable Risers address this by offering customizable height, allowing you to fine-tune the lift to your exact needs.

These systems typically include interlocking pieces, such as 1-inch and 2-inch risers, that can be stacked securely to achieve a specific height. This is invaluable for getting that perfect 90-degree knee angle. It’s also an excellent solution for couples of different heights, where a compromise of a few inches can make a significant difference in comfort and safety for both individuals. The ability to dial in the height makes this a smart, long-term investment in personalized safety.

DuraCasa Non-Slip Risers for Added Security

Bed risers are only as safe as their connection to the floor. On surfaces like hardwood, laminate, or tile, standard plastic risers can potentially slide over time. DuraCasa Non-Slip Risers are designed to solve this specific problem by incorporating a non-skid material, usually a dense foam or rubber pad, on both the top and bottom surfaces.

The top pad grips the bed leg, while the bottom pad grips the floor, creating a secure, locked-in system that resists shifting. This feature is a critical safety enhancement for anyone with hard-surface flooring in the bedroom. It prevents the bed from migrating away from the wall or shifting unexpectedly during transfers, providing a stable and predictable foundation every single time you get in or out of bed.

Slipstick Gorilla Risers for Recessed Support

Not all bed legs are created equal. Many modern bed frames use thin metal legs or casters (wheels) that can be unstable in a standard, shallow riser. Slipstick Gorilla Risers are specifically designed with a deep, recessed cup and a unique internal gripping system to securely hold these types of supports.

The deep well ensures that a caster wheel or narrow leg is fully contained, making it nearly impossible for it to slip out. Furthermore, many models in this category feature a rubberized O-ring inside the cup for added grip and a solid rubber bottom to protect floors and prevent sliding. If your bed frame has casters or legs less than a couple of inches in diameter, this type of specialized riser is the safest and most appropriate choice.

Whitmor Bed Risers: A Classic, Reliable Choice

Sometimes, the most enduring solutions are the simplest. Whitmor has been a long-standing name in home organization, and their classic bed risers are a testament to a reliable, time-tested design. Typically shaped as a simple square or cone, they are built from durable plastic and provide a straightforward lift.

These risers are an excellent, cost-effective option for standard bed frames with simple wooden or metal block legs, especially on carpeted floors where sliding is less of a concern. They represent a baseline of quality and function. For many situations, this classic design provides all the stability and height needed to improve transfer safety without any unnecessary features.

Key Safety Checks for Installing Bed Risers

Installing bed risers is a simple task, but attention to detail is crucial for safety. Before you begin, and after you finish, run through this checklist to ensure a stable and secure setup. It’s a five-minute process that provides lasting peace of mind.

• Measure First: Check that the width of your bed’s legs or casters will fit comfortably and securely within the recessed cup of the riser. The leg should not be perched on the edge.
• Check Weight Capacity: Always confirm that the total weight capacity of the riser set is well above the combined weight of your bed frame, mattress, and all occupants.
• Ensure a Level Surface: Install risers on a flat, even floor. If one leg is on a rug and another is on bare floor, it can create an unstable tilt. Ensure all risers in the set are the exact same height.
• The "Shove Test": Once installed, give the bed a firm push from the side, head, and foot. It should feel completely solid. If you detect any significant wobble or shifting, re-evaluate the installation, the riser choice, or the flooring surface.
• Re-Check Periodically: Make it a habit to quickly check the risers for stability every few months, especially when changing your linens.

Choosing the right bed riser is a small, deliberate act of designing your home for the life you want to live—one defined by ease, safety, and independence. It’s a simple adjustment that pays dividends in comfort and confidence every single day. By planning ahead, you ensure your home continues to be your most comfortable and empowering space.