Pressalit Support Arms & Grab Rails: A Complete Guide

Support arms and grab rails are what make a transfer safe — something solid to push up from, lean on or steady against at the toilet, shower or basin. Pressalit's range runs from simple fixed rails to counterbalanced, track-mounted support arms. This guide explains the types, how to get the all-important handing right, and which to choose.

The three types, in order of flexibility

• Fixed grab rails — robust, permanently mounted bars. The simplest and most economical support where the user and layout are stable. Browse Pressalit handrails & grab rails.
• Fold-up / drop-down support arms — take more of the user's weight on transfer and lift out of the way when not needed, essential beside a toilet where space is tight or a carer needs access.
• Counterbalanced, track-mounted arms — mount on the PLUS track or SELECT side profiles so they can be repositioned for the user and the transfer direction.

Handing: the detail that makes or breaks it

Support should be on the user's stronger side and the side they transfer from. A left- or right-hand operated arm fitted on the wrong side undermines the whole installation, so confirm the handing before anything is ordered. Where one bathroom serves several users, track-mounted arms that reposition are the safest answer.

Load rating and fixing

Support equipment only works if it is fixed to take the load. Pressalit arms and rails are engineered and load-rated to the relevant standards, but they must be mounted into a wall that can carry that load — a key reason the structural fixing should be done once, properly, ideally onto a track platform that lets you add and move components afterwards without re-drilling.

Where each is used

• Toilet — a fold-down arm on the transfer side, often with a fixed rail opposite. See the accessible toilet guide.
• Shower — grab rails positioned around the seat, ideally on a track so they move with it. See the accessible showering guide.
• Basin — a vertical rail nearby for users who need support while washing.

Browse the full Pressalit support arms collection.

Shop support arms & grab rails

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a grab rail and a support arm?

A grab rail is a fixed bar to hold; a support arm is usually a fold-up or drop-down arm that takes more of the user's weight on transfer and lifts clear when not needed. Many accessible toilets use both together.

How do I know which side to fit the support on?

Fit support on the user's stronger side and the side they transfer from. If the bathroom is shared, track-mounted arms that reposition let you suit different users.

Are grab rails and support arms covered by VAT relief?

When supplied to a chronically sick or disabled person for personal or domestic use, they commonly qualify. See our VAT relief guide or contact us to check.