Best Suction Grab Bars for the Bathroom

Drive Medical Quick Suction Grab Bar

The Drive Medical Quick Suction Grab Bar has two sizes from which to choose. The tabs for installation and removal are a different color than the bar for better contrast. It has a slimmer profile than many similar products. The suction cups are also around 4 inches for better adhesion.

What Should You Consider When Buying a Grab Bar

Suction cup grab bars are best used for balance instead of pulling yourself up and down out of a tub or off a toilet. They’re useful in bathroom, but there are several things you should consider before purchasing one. Things to look for include:

• Materials
• Dimensions
• Design
• Other Features
• Installation
• Materials

Most of the grab bars with suction cups are made with heavy duty plastic. They’re designed with textured grips – usually strong rubber – to keep your hand in place when they’re wet.

Dimensions

You’ll find suction grab bars in standard sizes of 12 and 24 inches with some variations, depending on the manufacturer. The swivel ones are an excellent option if you have an odd-shaped space. The other dimension you should note is the height and far it will protrude out from the wall or another attachment area.

The value of knowing it is that you’ll have an indication of how easy it is to get a grip on it. If you have larger hands, you should look for a product that’ll give you plenty of room between the grip and the wall. Also, pay attention to the diameter of the main piece if you have smaller hands. It can make it more difficult to get a hold of it if it’s too bulky.

Many product descriptions include an image of the suction bar in place to give you an idea of how it’ll work for you. It’s an excellent way to rule out the ones that may give you problems.

Design

There are several features to consider when it comes to design. One is the overall shape. Many will have ends that curl down, giving them a more rounded edge. From a design perspective, it softens the lines and makes them appear less sterile and more likely to fit in with your decor.
Many grab bars come with textured patterns along the bar to improve grip. You’ll see options from contoured handles to texture to rubber pads all with the same purpose. It’s a matter of preference. It’s important that the suction bar have something to make it easier to grip.

Other Features

The snap tab function is undoubtedly an added convenience and contributes to the overall value of the product. If you travel a lot, it’s worthwhile to have since you can take it with you when you’re on the road. Unless you’re staying in a room with preinstalled grab bars, it’s best to take it with you.

Some of the products have a red/green indicator to let you know if the suction bar is securely attached. It’s an added safety feature that’s important to look for when considering your options.

Installation

Most of the products we reviewed did not require installation making it easy to put a suction grab bars wherever you need it. Because they aren’t wall mounted, they aren’t intended to help leverage your entire body weight and may increase your risk of injury if you try to use them that way.
It’s essential when using these types of grab bars that you attach them to surfaces that are clean and dry. They’ll work as described on smooth suraves but may not stick to textured ones since that would leave less space between the suction cup and the wall. Likewise, soap scum will cause a barrier and prevent a good seal.

Looks

We touched on the overall look of each suction bar as part of our reviews. It doesn’t speak to how well a product will work but instead considers aesthetics of the piece. Again, it treads in the direction of preference rather than practicality. While not a dealmaker necessarily, it is a factor in our decisions with any object we bring into our home. It’s why style was one of the categories we highlighted.

Summary

The best suction grab bars for the bathroom give you that welcome measure of safety when entering or exiting your shower stall or bathtub. It can help provide a quick way to help you balance as you go about your day. It’s a small, practical way to help you continue to age in place.