Bed levers Tūwhiti moenga

A bed lever has a metal loop (handle) that extends up the side of your mattress, which is held in place by a wooden base that is fitted underneath your mattress.  

A bed lever can help you:

• get on and off your bed
• sit up in bed (moving from a lying position to a sitting position)
• roll over or change your position in bed
• move to the side of the bed
• sit safely on the side of bed
• balance as you lift your legs onto the bed and position yourself in bed.

Bed levers can be very useful if you have problems with mobility, moving around your bed or difficulty getting into or out of bed. You must have enough upper body strength and movement to use a bed lever safely. 

Bed levers may not always be installed on your preferred side of the bed — your healthcare provider will work with you to help decide where best to install it, depending on your situation and needs. 

If you have had a joint replacement, such as a hip replacement, follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider on:

• which side of the bed to install the bed lever
• the safest way to get into and out of bed to protect your new joint.

When not to use a bed lever

There are certain times when it may not be a good idea to use a bed lever. Talk to an occupational therapist about your options.

You should not use a bed lever if you:

• get disoriented
• find it difficult to make decisions or follow instructions
• have epilepsy or another condition that causes you to make involuntary movements
• are using medication that affects how alert you are
• have had recent shoulder, stomach, or open-heart surgery
• have had recent spinal surgery (unless your healthcare provider recommends one)
• are at risk of injuring your shoulder
• tend to fall out of bed — bed levers will not stop you falling out of bed, do not use them as bed guards
• weigh more than the maximum weight for the bed lever
• have an air mattress or an adjustable bed that lets you raise and lower the head — once you raise the head of the bed, the lever is no longer secure.

It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the type of bed lever you have. You might need help to install it.

Bed levers are typically installed about a third of the way down the bed — when you are lying in bed, this should be at about hip level. Your healthcare provider will work with you to decide on the best position. The handle should be within easy reach when you are lying down, or sitting on the edge of the bed.

Make sure that when the bed lever is in place and you are in bed, you can still reach things like your bedside light and phone.

Getting into bed

1. Position yourself so you are standing with the back of your legs touching your bed, and the bed lever is between you and your pillow
2. Hold onto the bed lever to provide support as you sit down on the bed
3. Move your bottom as far back onto the bed as you are able to.
4. Hold the bed lever as you move your legs onto the bed. You may need to lift your legs one at a time onto the bed, or get help to do this.
5. Continue holding the bed lever as you move yourself into a good position for sleeping.

Getting out of bed

1. Hold on to the bed lever, and move yourself close to the edge of the bed.
2. Still using the bed lever, roll onto your side
3. Push yourself into a sitting position – use one elbow on the mattress to help push you up if you are able, at the same time as using your other arm to hold onto the bed lever and pull yourself into sitting.
4. As you move into sitting, move your legs over the side of the bed. Move your bottom toward the edge of the bed until your feet are flat on the floor.
5. Once you are sitting on the edge of the bed, give yourself a few moments to adjust to being upright. Make sure you feel balanced.
6. To stand, hold the bed lever with one hand and push yourself off the bed with the other.

Every time you use your bed lever, make sure it is fitted firmly between the bed base and mattress and there are no gaps between the upright part of the lever and the mattress.

Check it every day to make sure it is secure and has not moved out of position.

If you notice the lever often moves out of position or the tubing has bent, contact the person who installed it. 

If you need any more information about how to use your bed lever safely, contact the supplier or an occupational therapist.

Age Concern has a directory of businesses and organisations that supply disability and mobility equipment for people of all ages.

Equipment suppliers —Age Concern