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Are Suction Grab Bars Safe? What You Need To Know

Having a grab bar in the bathroom is an important safety addition when your loved one transfers to standing from a toilet seat or gets in and out of the shower. Some grab bars are permanently mounted on the wall, while others are temporarily placed on the wall and can be moved to different locations. Suction grab bars are temporary, movable grab bars and have become popular for their ease of installation and temporary nature. 

In this article, we’ll explore suction cup grab bars and determine if they’re safe to use in the bathroom. 

To learn more about bathroom safety equipment, home modifications, and other caregiving topics, check out if you have free access to Trualta.

What Are Suction Grab Bars? 

A suction grab bar is a lightweight device that adheres to the wall in the bathroom. It’s made to provide light support for individuals to help prevent falls. These grab bars are becoming increasingly popular for a few reasons, including: 

  • Easy installation. These bars do not require drilling into the wall or tools and are typically lightweight, making them easy to set up. 
  • Inexpensive. Suction cup grab bars are known for being less expensive than other types of heavier-duty grab bars. 
Warning: Though these features are appealing, the drawbacks and dangers of suction grab bars far outweigh the benefits, risking harm to your loved one. 

Disadvantages & Dangers 

Limited Support

Suction grab bars cannot support a large amount of weight and don’t provide a significant amount of stability. A major safety concern is that they’re not strong enough to support a person’s weight during transfers, such as standing up from a toilet seat or getting out of the bath.

Suction grab bars may not prevent injury from falls because they are only designed for light support while standing. If a user loses their balance and puts too much weight on the grab bar, it may not hold, resulting in a possible fall.

Risk Of Being Pulled Off the Wall

Suction grab bars are adhered to the wall, and a suction-cup feature keeps them in place. Though they can stick to the wall, they may loosen over time, especially if moisture enters the suction cup. If this happens, the suction cup could be pulled off the wall, leading to a fall in the bathroom. Over time, suction strength decreases, leading to a higher risk of dislodgement. 

A better option would be to install a wall-mounted grab bar that provides more stability and is not susceptible to being pulled off the wall. 

An older adult wearing a blue patterned dress is sitting on the bathroom floor, holding onto a shower chair for support. A pair of red slippers are nearby on the tiled floor, along with a pink towel. The background includes a white wall with decorative tiles.

Limited Surfaces To Attach To

Suction cup grab bars can only attach to certain types of surfaces and finishes, including: 

  • Flat surfaces
  • Nonporous surfaces
  • Dry surfaces

Any surface that is textured, uneven, or not smooth cannot support a suction cup grab bar, which limits its placement in the bathroom or another space. Even if you can install suction cup grab bars in the ideal environment, they still risk dislodging and sliding off the wall due to the nature of the suction cups. 

Considerations For Choosing A Grab Bar

Here are some important considerations for the grab bar you choose for your loved one:

  • Choose a permanent grab bar. A permanent grab bar, like a stainless steel grab bar, is a safer option because it’s strongly mounted on the wall, providing a stable surface to pull on. 
  • Ensure proper installation. Be sure the grab bar is properly installed with the appropriate studs and mounts. When in doubt, contact a specialist with previous experience to help you!
  • Check the integrity often. Assess your grab bar routinely to ensure it isn’t wearing away and is still securely attached to the wall. 
  • Know the weight capacity. Before you purchase or order, read the package label or online description to determine the grab bar’s weight capacity. 

Conclusion

Grab bars are an important piece of safety equipment that can improve mobility and prevent a fall in the bathroom. While suction cup grab bars are cheaper and easier to install, they pose a great risk to your loved one and are NOT the best option to ensure safe mobility in the bathroom. Instead, install a permanent grab bar that is sturdy and can provide your loved one with the necessary support to prevent an injury or future slips, trips, or falls. 

To learn more about bathroom safety equipment, home modifications, and other caregiving topics, check out if you have free access to Trualta.

References

  1. Back Home Safely. (n.d.). Suction grab bars are easy to install and inexpensive, but considered to be potentially dangerous. Back Home Safely. Retrieved from https://backhomesafely.com/suction-grab-bars-are-easy-to-install-and-inexpensive-but-considered-to-be-potentially-dangerous/
  2. Jukebox Health. (n.d.). Say no to suction cup grab bars. Jukebox Health. Retrieved from https://jukeboxhealth.com/blogs/say-no-to-suction-cup-grab-bars/say-no-to-suction-cup-grab-bars
  3. Mr. Grab Bar. (n.d.). Uncovering the hidden dangers of suction grab bars: What you need to know. Mr. Grab Bar. Retrieved from https://mrgrabbar.com/blogs/bathroom-safety-resources/uncovering-the-hidden-dangers-of-suction-grab-bars-what-you-need-to-know?srsltid=AfmBOoo0x40orYQ7iTpIsCpAo36FG1PuvAO8p89X-n_4g7WJTv3zz2NU
  4. YouTube. (2018, May 31). The dangers of suction cup grab bars. [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrIKLHaSWA4

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