Best Bed Raiser UK: Heavy Duty, Wooden and Castor Raisers

By Scott Smith. Last reviewed 23 October 2026.

How Much Height Should a Bed Raiser Add?

A bed raiser should add enough height that, when you sit on the edge of the mattress, your feet rest flat on the floor with your knees level with or slightly below your hips. Sit on the bed now and measure from the floor to the back of your knee in cm, then measure the current height of the mattress top. The gap between the two is roughly the lift you need, and most raisers add between 5 and 15 cm. Too much height can leave your feet dangling, which makes getting into bed harder and less safe. An occupational therapist can advise on the right height for your needs, especially after a hip or knee operation. Compare stackable sets with fixed height cups, as stackable designs let you adjust the lift a little at a time.

How Do These Bed Raisers Compare?

The table shows who each bed raiser suits and the material or fitting stated in its listing. Measure your bed leg width and seated knee height in cm first.

Will a Bed Raiser Fit My Bed Legs?

A bed raiser will fit if the cup or recess is wide enough for your bed legs, castors or divan feet. Measure the width or diameter of each leg at the base in cm, and check whether your bed has square legs, round legs, castors or glides. Most cups suit legs up to around 6 to 8 cm across, while larger wooden beds may need a wide square raiser. Castor beds often need raisers with a deep recess so the wheel sits low and cannot roll out. Divan beds with small plastic feet usually suit a smaller cup or a screw fitting. Look at the raiser base as well, since a wide, rubber faced base grips the floor and spreads the weight. Check that all four raisers are the same height so the bed stays level and the mattress does not slope.

Are Wooden, Plastic or Metal Bed Raisers Better?

Plastic bed raisers are light, affordable and suit most standard beds, while wooden and metal raisers often look neater and can feel more solid under heavy frames. Heavy duty plastic raisers can still take a lot of weight, so check the load rating in kg rather than judging by material alone. Wooden raisers blend in with wooden bed frames and look more like part of the furniture. Metal raisers are strong and slim, a good match for beds with thin legs. Rubber raisers or rubber bases help on wooden and laminate floors, where hard plastic may slide. Compare the stated weight limit with the weight of your bed, mattress and sleepers combined, and choose a set with a clear margin above that total. If you are unsure, your GP or an occupational therapist can point you to local equipment services that fit raisers safely.

How Do You Fit Bed Raisers Safely?

Fit bed raisers safely with two people, lifting one corner of the bed at a time rather than tipping the whole frame. Strip the bed first and take the mattress off if it is heavy, so the frame is lighter and easier to handle. Lift one end a few cm, slide the raisers under both legs at that end, and lower it slowly so each leg sits fully inside its cup. Repeat at the other end. Check every leg is centred and not resting on the rim, as an off centre leg can slip out. Press down on each corner to test for rocking, then put the mattress back and sit on the edge to check the height feels right. Keep raisers on a flat, firm floor, as thick carpet can let them tilt. Recheck the fit every few weeks. Many people find bed raisers for elderly relatives make a big difference, and an occupational therapist can help if the bed needs more lift than raisers safely give.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Height Do Bed Raisers Add?

Bed raisers usually add between 5 and 15 cm, depending on the design. Some sets stack so you can choose the lift you need. Measure your knee height when seated to work out how much lift suits you.

Are Bed Raisers Gentle on Elderly People?

Bed raisers can be Gentle on elderly people when they fit the bed legs snugly and all four are the same height. Check the weight limit and use raisers with a non slip base. An occupational therapist can advise on safe heights.

Will Bed Raisers Fit Any Bed Legs?

Bed raisers fit most bed legs if the cup is wider than the leg base. Measure each leg in cm and note whether it has castors. Wide or square legs may need a larger raiser.

Do Bed Raisers Make Getting Out of Bed Easier?

Bed raisers can make getting out of bed easier, as a higher mattress means less bending at the knees and hips. Standing up takes less effort when your feet rest flat on the floor. Pairing raisers with a bed rail can add extra support.

What Weight Can Bed Raisers Hold?

Many bed raisers hold several hundred kg per set, though limits vary by design. Check the stated rating and compare it with your bed, mattress and sleepers combined. Heavy duty designs suit larger beds.