The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Trapeze Bar + Reviews
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about the best trapeze bar models and which ones are the most appreciated. Looking for an adequate trapeze bar can be a drag, especially if you have a busy schedule. We have done some intensive research on the quality of the most known models sold on the market and we have concluded that the Graham-Field Lumex Versa-Helper Bed Trapeze 2940B is the one you should take into account. It’s a wonderful medical trapeze bar that has a weight capacity of 450 lbs, making it a great choice for obese people who find it hard to change their bed position. It is very durable because it is made of heavy-gauge steel and it also has two Link chains that ensure the durability and sturdiness of the product. If somehow this model is not available, you may want to consider the Drive Medical Bariatric Heavy Duty Trapeze Bar, which has great features as well.
Comparison table
1st Choice
It is adjustable and has two link chains that connect the bar to the frame. It has a 450 lbs weight capacity and it is easy to move through the room for different activities.
It has a weight of 72 pounds, making it hard for the caregiver to move it around if you want it to help you with physical therapy.
Because it is a free-standing trapeze bar, you can use it for different activities like helping you transfer from your bed to the wheelchair and it also can help you with your physical therapy, for building upper body strength and bone density.
2nd Best
It has a weight capacity of 650 lbs, making it great for obese people. It also has a chain link that connects the bar to the frame, making it more durable.
Because of its weight, it is not easy for caregivers to move it around the room, especially if the caregiver is a woman.
The materials this unit is made of and the high capacity make it a great device that can help obese people as well as skinny ones to move around. It is very durable and adjustable and you can use it for many years to come.
Also To Consider
It has a solid construction and a stable floor stand that ensure safety. It has a weight capacity of 250 lbs and the rubber bumpers will protect your walls.
You have to attach it to the bed, so the bed has to be compatible with the trapeze bar. The same goes for the floor stand.
This trapeze bar is a good choice for people who do not want to invest much, as well as for people who are not very heavy. It is easy to assemble and great for changing position in bed or transferring to a chair because of its sturdiness.
10 Best Trapeze Bars (Updated Reviews) in 2023
If you are looking to buy the best trapeze bar to help you transfer from your bed to a chair or just change your bed position, the choices may be overwhelming. There are many models available and you might not know where to start. That’s why in this trapeze bar review list, we have selected some of the highest-rated products out there to make your choice easier.
1. Graham-Field Lumex Versa-Helper Bed Trapeze 2940B
The Lumex Versa-Helper Bed Trapeze bar is a great solution for patients who have to be moved inside the hospital or at home. It is a heavy-duty device that can also be used by patients to adjust their bed position or to give them support when they want to achieve a sitting position by themselves.
The bottom of the grab bar can be adjusted so that the distance from the floor can vary between 44 and 55 inches. This helps patients adjust the height to their needs and depending on the bed model they have. It also helps with recovery exercises that patients have to do on the floor because it is a free-standing trapeze.
It has rubber bumper guards that prevent the damaging of the walls while it is moved around, and it also comes with a floor stand that is also included in the price.
Pros
Because it is a free-standing trapeze bar, you can move it anywhere you want, you can even take it out of the room if you want somebody inside the hospital to use it.
Its adjustability is good for people who want to use it for different purposes like helping them with transportation and physical exercises.
It has chain links that attach the bar to the frame, meaning that it is more durable compared to the ones that have fabric straps.
Cons
It’s true that the fact that you can move it around is a plus, but it weighs 72 pounds and it is quite heavy, especially if the patient’s caregiver is a woman.
The fact that it doesn’t come with the trapeze triangle is also a minus. You have to order it separately, although the manufacturers say that you can get it at half the price.
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2. Drive Medical Bariatric Heavy Duty Trapeze Bar
This trapeze bar made by Drive Medical is a very good product to be used for obese people that have a problem with movement because it has a weight capacity of 650 lbs. This means that it can be used by persons with heavy bodies as well as by skinny people who have problems with movement and can not move easily without help.
Also, heavy patients can benefit from this trapeze bar for bed mobility by being able to transfer from their bed to a wheelchair, for example, and they are able to easily modify the position they have in bed with the help of the trapeze bar.
You can adjust the chain so that it can slide from the edge of the headboard to the end of the boom so that you can acquire the position you desire. The Bariatric Heavy Duty Trapeze weighs 74 lbs and the boom length is 37 inches.
Pros
The 650 lbs weight capacity makes it eligible for obese people who have a hard time moving around and changing their position while they are lying in bed.
The fact that the chain is adjustable is also a plus. It is also easy to assemble according to buyers’ reviews.
The product’s weight is a pro this time because it means it’s more stable, which is very important for obese people. The person using it has to trust that the product can hold their weight, so if it were lighter it might not heavier people.
Cons
This indoor trapeze bar has only one chain that attaches the handle to the frame, meaning that the chances that the chain loosens are higher because all of the weight is applied to only one chain.
Because of its weight, it is not easily movable around the room.
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3. Lumex 2800GA Versa-Helper Trapeze with 2840GA Floor Stand
This Lumex Versa-Helper Trapeze package comes with the 2840GA Floor Stand. It is a trapeze bar for adults and you can attach it to your bed and also use it as a free-standing one. It is easily adjustable and it fits very well under the bed.
This feature gives you the opportunity to use it for changing your position in bed, as well as for performing your physical therapy exercises if your therapist recommended them. The trapeze bar can help you perform exercises that strengthen your upper body.
It has a weight capacity of 250 lbs and it has rubber bands attached to it so that, while moving it around, you won’t damage the walls. It can be used for beds that have metal frame boards only. The free-stand provides a solid and firm base for the trapeze. It is very strong and it has a good and stable construction.
Pros
The fact that you can attach it to the headboard and also use it with the floor stand and put it on the side of the bed makes it very versatile and you can customize the space in your room while also expanding its use.
The trapeze handle bar is included, so you won’t have to order it separately in order to enjoy easy maneuverability and comfort.
The trapeze pull up bar is attached to the frame with a chain link, giving it a stronger grip. This way you can also adjust its length to your needs.
Cons
The 250 lbs weight capacity limits the use of this product. Obese people and strong men that are not obese, but heavy-weighted, won’t be able to use it.
It can be attached only to metal bed frames, a feature that also limits its use.
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4. Invacare Trapeze Bar 7740A
The Invacare 7740A is a trapeze bar for hospital bed use, not a free-standing one. It has an extra lock pin for the trapeze bar that assures the safety of the product. It is easy to assemble and you don’t need a lot of tools to do it because it has a simple design.
Unlike for other models, for this trapeze bar, the manufacturers added a horizontal bar that gives an extra grip for better support. This allows you to move easier when you change your position in bed.
It is made of steel and weighs only 17 pounds. It also protects the walls by having wall bumpers. It supports 168 lbs and is a good choice for people who do not have a lot of space inside their room. It can help you get out of bed and change your position quickly and comfortably.
Pros
Every time you need to change your position, the grip you have on the trapeze bar has to be a comfortable one. While having your hands at the same height might be a little uncomfortable, the extra horizontal bar resolves this problem and makes your movements effortless.
This Trapeze bar from Invacare is very light, so it shouldn’t be hard for someone to assemble it. Due to the simple design, the process of attaching it to your bed will be done in no time.
The fact that it is made of steel is a big plus. This adds to its durability and robustness.
Cons
If you want to use the product as a free-standing trapeze bar, you have to buy the trapeze stand separately. Without it, you can not move it around.
When it comes to adjustability, the link chain does not provide it, but somehow, the horizontal bar, which is higher, compensates. Not enough to be ergonomic though.
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5. Drive Medical Competitor Trapeze Bar
The Medical Competitor Trapeze bar from Drive is a hospital bed trapeze bar that can be attached to a bed that has an inbuilt rail receptacle. It is designed to help patients transfer from the bed to a chair and to help them move while in bed. The trapeze triangle is attached to the frame by a fabric strap which is adjustable.
The strap can move around the frame as you need to change its position and has two bumpers that prevent the strap from falling off.
The manufacturers say that the frame is made of heavy-gauge steel that helps the trapeze bar support up to 450 lbs. This adds extra durability. The package comes with the trapeze triangle and strap included.
Pros
The Drive Medical Competitor Trapeze Bar is very easy to assemble because its frame does not have a complex structure and it is very light.
The fact that the frame is made of heavy gauge steel gives it durability.
It can support up to 450 pounds in weight, which means most people should be able to use it without a problem.
The fabric strap is adjustable so owners can choose the right height for the job.
Cons
The strap is made out of fabric. This does not mean that it can break or that you are in danger of falling while using it, but the strap will deteriorate much faster than it would if the triangle was attached to the frame with a chain link.
Also, it is not very versatile. You can only attach it to a bed that has an inbuilt rail receptacle, meaning that you won’t be able to use it if your bed does not have this feature.
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6. Medline MDS80617TRI Offset Trapeze Bar Bracket
This trapeze bar bracket from Medline is actually the triangle handle assembly for the MDS80615T trapeze bar. It is 13 inches long and is a very good and sturdy accessory for the trapeze bar and is very easy to connect. It has a weight of 3.6 pounds and it does not require any special tools when you assemble it.
It is made of heavy-duty chrome-plated steel, a material that offers it great durability and adds safety to the patient’s movements. It offers a very good grip, being ergonomically designed for many hand shapes.
It is a very good product for people who need a sturdy triangle which offers them the feeling of security while they are trying to change their positions or to transfer to a chair. The trapeze bar frame it attaches to can be mounted to the bed or to a floor stand and all of them are made of the same durable materials.
Pros
One of the most important pros is that it is made of heavy-duty chrome-plated steel. This means that it is very strong and reliable and it offers great support even for heavy people.
This is an important aspect because trapeze bars have to be able to ensure that the ones using them have great trust in their movements, and this model offers just that.
The chain link that connects the bar to the frame is also very reliable and it will not deteriorate fast.
It only weighs 3.6 pounds so it’s easy to handle, while the installation should also be a breeze.
Cons
It doesn’t have rubber band grips, so it might not be that comfortable to use and it can be attached only to the MDS80615T model. So if you want to purchase it thinking that you could attach it to another kind of frame you should think twice.
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7. Medline Trapeze Bar Attachment To Bed
This trapeze bar for bed use from Medline is a bed-mountable model but it also to be attached to a floor stand produced by Medline as well. If you want to use it together with a floor stand you should know that not every product fits. It includes clams and it is easy to assemble.
However, you should know that it will take two people to assemble it because it is heavy. It weighs 25 pounds and the clams and the trapeze bar attachment come inside the same box, so it’s not possible for anything to get lost during transportation.
It is designed to help you change your position while in bed or transfer from the bed to a chair. It also fits onto a hospital bed that has standard dimensions and it is very sturdy, made of resistant and durable materials.
Pros
It is made of durable materials that are heavy and resistant enough to support a person weighing up to 250 lbs without any problems.
It comes with padded mounting brackets that protect the walls. It is an affordable trapeze bar and, according to many trapeze bar reviews, it is a high-quality one that does what it is supposed to do.
If you want to use it as a free-standing trapeze, you will not need any tool to mount it. It comes with a design that allows you to install it easily, without the help of a professional.
Cons
It has a standard warranty of only one year, meaning that if you want to extend it, you will have to pay extra.
You will also have to pay extra for the bar and the chain that attaches it to the frame because it is not included in the package.
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8. Healthcraft E2 Ceiling Mounted Trapeze
The difference between this trapeze and the others we have presented earlier in this article is that this E2 Trapeze is a ceiling mounted trapeze bar. This means that is has a metal bar that you have to mount onto the ceiling. It is very light as it weighs only 10 pounds.
It is a great model for people who do not want to invest a lot of money because it is a cheap trapeze bar. While you are not using it, you can slide the triangle of the trapeze bar to the side of the bed or near the wall.
It has a weight capacity of 300 lbs. Its handle has two heights at which you can position your hands to have more balance while you want to transfer from the bed to a chair or simply to change your bed position. Because it is not complicated to mount to the ceiling, only one person is needed for the job.
Pros
The E2 trapeze bar is an awesome solution for saving space. Unlike the bed attached trapeze bars or the free-standing ones, you literally do not need any extra space in your room for it.
Also, you do not have any special requirements for the bed because they will not touch.
It is very easy to mount to the ceiling and it gives you a lot of space while not using it.
It can hold up to 300 pounds so most people should be able to enjoy it without any worries concerning safety.
Cons
One important minus that this trapeze bar has is that the handle is connected to the frame through a fabric strap and this might make it less durable over time.
Also, it is not suitable for obese persons and its connection to the bar that attaches to the ceiling is not very strong.
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9. Healthcraft Super Pole with Super Trapeze
This free-standing trapeze bar is something different from what we have seen before. It is an affordable trapeze that ensures that your movements are more secure and easier to make. It has an ergonomic design, as the handles are covered with foam that makes it more comfortable when you are using it.
The handle is also similar to a two-step ladder. This allows you to have a more firm grip and it allows you to make more vigorous moves while you change your position without the possibility of getting hurt.
Unlike other free-standing trapeze bars, the distance between the frame and the bed is very small, so it offers higher stability. It also has protective rubber pads for the floor and the ceiling from the marks that could remain when you remove it from the room. Its height is adjustable and it can support a maximum weight of 300 lbs.
Pros
It is a cheap free-standing trapeze bar that anyone can afford.
The ladder-like handle system offers more support while you use it and the rubber pads on the grip make it comfortable to use and reduce the possibility of your hand sliding off the handle.
This trapeze bar has an ergonomic triangle that reduces wrist pain and provides back support so that your back muscles are not overloaded while using it, an important feature for people who have muscle weakness due to lack of movement.
It is an affordable trapeze bar that offers its user a great experience considering the low price.
Cons
It has only a one-year warranty. The connection between the handle triangle and the frame is made out of nylon, a strong enough fabric to support your weight, but a fabric that is not so durable over time.
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10. Invacare Fixed Offset Trapeze Bar with Trapeze
This model produced by Invacare is a trapeze bar that can easily support a person who weighs up to 450 lbs. It is made of heavy-gauge steel and you do not need any special tools to assemble it because it is very easy to set up. It has an overall height of 61 inches and it weighs 17 lbs.
It is a trapeze bar that gets attached to the bed and it has a system that protects the bed as well as the walls. It can also be attached to a floor stand made especially for it and it can be easily attached to any bed head made by Invacare.
It is designed to help patients change their position and transfer to a chair without special help from a caregiver, or with minimum assistance. It is adjustable and in the package, you will get the trapeze handle as well as the attaching chain.
Pros
This trapeze bar, like most models from Invacare, has the advantage of having a chain link that attaches the trapeze triangle to the frame.
It’s versatile and it can be used as a bed mounted trapeze as well as a free-standing one.
It has a three-year warranty and it is made out of high-quality materials that make it more durable.
The fact that it can support up to 450 lbs is also a huge plus, making bed transfer for obese people very easy and secure.
Cons
One important argument against it is that it is versatile only when it comes to other Invacare products. It can only be used with beds and floor units made by Invacare so if you do not own one, you will not be able to use it.
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Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
Buying a medical trapeze bar is not as difficult as you may think, but you would have to follow some guidelines. There are various models of trapeze bars that differ from each other according to the patient’s needs.
Even though trapeze bars are usually used just to offer mobility to patients who can not move in a proper way, there are many rehabilitation and physical therapies that use a medical trapeze bar. Therapists use it for patients to help them gain upper body strength when that is not possible in a regular manner.
There are three types of trapeze bars: bed mounted, free-standing, and ceiling mounted. It is important to know what you need it for so that you can make the best choice for you. They offer the adjustability one needs depending on the activities the patient is using it for.
Bed-mounted trapeze bars
The bed-mounted trapeze bars are often used for when you don’t have enough space on the floor. It is not the best choice for reducing space usage, as the best choice here is the ceiling trapeze bar, but this type helps as well.
It is mounted on the bed with special holders, but, before you buy one, you should know that different models come with different kinds of trapeze bars, so it’s best to check the bed model before you buy a trapeze bar.
Free-standing trapeze bars
The free-standing trapeze bars are the most efficient ones, but they take more space than the other two. It has its own stability offered by the two legs that stand on the ground. The fact that it is independent from the bed means that you can easily move it around, depending on what you need it for.
Most models come with a special feature that enables them to be attached to the bed as well. It can be used to help patients with physical therapy, as well as to get out of bed and help patients get off their wheelchairs.
Ceiling mounted trapeze bars
Finally, the ceiling-mounted trapeze bars are the ones that offer us a lot of space, but they can be used only in one place of the room. If you want to buy this type of trapeze bars you should call specialized people to mount them correctly onto the ceiling to avoid further accidents.
When they are not used, the ceiling mount trapeze bars can be slid away so they do not bother the patient.
Why durability is important
When you want to buy a trapeze bar, it is essential to know for how long you are going to use it. As trapeze bars are used for seniors to enable them to move easier while they stay in bed, it is understandable that if the person using it will stay in bed for many years to come, you should buy a more durable one.
You should pay attention to the material that it’s made of and the way it is mounted. The grab handle is very important as well, as it should be attached to the frame with chain links, not with fabric straps.
Also, if the person using it is heavy, you should choose one that supports enough weight so that the patient won’t get hurt while using it. If the trapeze bar can not support the weight, it might break and your goal is for the patient to be safe, not to get hurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a trapeze bar and what is it used for?
A trapeze bar is a device used to help position and move patients. It is usually hanging above their bed and it is composed of a horizontal bar that is attached to something, depending on the model, with two cords or ropes.
Medical trapeze bars are used in hospitals to help the transfer of the patients and in rehabilitation centers to enable patients to do exercises that they would not be able to do without it. Some patients haven’t got the strength necessary to be able to get out of bed or off their wheelchairs, for example, so the use of a trapeze bar is essential.
A trapeze bar can also be used by seniors who want to be able to move better and, even if they have a caregiver, not to burden them with heavy weight lifting. In physical therapy, they are used to strengthen the patient’s upper body and help them perform movements that they are not able to perform due to some medical conditions and poor muscle strength.
Q: How do I attach the trapeze bar to my bed/ceiling?
To attach a trapeze bar to the ceiling you should first mark the place in which you want to mount it. With a drilling machine, you should drill the holes for the fasteners. Attach the ceiling bar to the ceiling with fasteners made especially for the ceiling. The trapeze bar should have a hook that you should attach to the ceiling bar.
After you adjust the length of the straps so that you can easily grab the trapeze bar while lying down, you have to slide the trapeze onto the straps.
To attach it to your bed you should first decide where to put it. You should install the trapeze holder into the socket of the bed bracket that you find in the lower part of the bed. Of course, it depends on what kind of bed you have and on what the trapeze bar model allows you to do.
Q: Based on what criteria should I choose a trapeze bar?
When choosing a trapeze bar, you should consider the following things: your activity, your weight, and the space that you have available in the room.
If you want to have a multiple-use trapeze bar, you should buy one that is free-standing. You can move it anywhere in the room so that you can use it to help you with getting up, with the transfer on your wheelchair, as well as with the physical therapy.
However, if you don’t have enough space and your needs are not that special, you can buy a bed or ceiling mounted one.
Your weight is also important. If you are skinny, a trapeze bar that is not so robust may not put you in danger, but if you are heavy, you should consider one that is made out of strong materials and that has robust straps. Nevertheless, if you are not sure, you should check with your physician and see what he/she recommends.
Bibliography:
3) How to Use an Overhead Trapeze
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