ABRIELDER

Setting the right height, without tools

A rail set for the wrong person is just furniture. Set it for the person who will use it, with them in the room.

An older man rising from a seated position, steadying himself with both hands on padded armrests.

Before you start

  • Clear the floor around the toilet and wipe it dry. The feet grip best on a clean, flat floor.
  • Take your three measurements first. The fit checker tells you roughly where to set the width.
  • Have the person who'll use the rail nearby. You'll want them to try it before you call it done.

Set it up

  1. Unfold the frame and lock both sides open until the catches click.
  2. Set the width. Slide the arms to the setting closest to the bowl width plus about 2 inches. Both sides should be on the same setting.
  3. Set the height. Press the spring buttons on each leg and slide to a starting height. A good starting point: with the person seated, their forearms rest on the armrests with shoulders relaxed, not hunched up or reaching down.
  4. Check the legs match. Count the holes on all four legs. Every leg should be on the same hole, with every button fully popped through.
  5. Place it around the toilet so the person can sit down without turning sideways, and all four feet sit flat on the floor.
  6. Do the wiggle test. Press down hard on each armrest, then push it side to side. It shouldn't rock, lift or slide. If it does, recheck the leg heights and the floor.
  7. Let them try it. Sit down, stand up, twice. Ask if anything feels too high, too low or too far back, and adjust one step at a time.
Getting the height rightToo low and the person has to bend forward and push down, which strains wrists and shoulders. Too high and their elbows lift and the push loses strength. If they also use a raised toilet seat, set the rail with the seat in place, since it changes everything.

The 30-second weekly check

  • All spring buttons still fully through their holes
  • No crack or split in the padded armrests
  • Rubber feet intact and clean (soap and water is enough)
  • The wiggle test still passes

When to adjust again

After a hip or knee surgery, a new raised seat, or any change in how the person moves. Small changes in strength often mean the best height changes too. An occupational therapist can watch them use it and suggest the right setting.

Abrielder toilet safety rail
Abrielder Toilet Safety Rail

Height adjusts in 7 steps. No tools, no drilling.

Buy on Amazon $59.99

Written by Arman Markar, founder of Abrielder. General information only, not medical advice.

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