My dad is needing a little extra help getting in & out of bed and so we are looking for a good bed rail or grab bar type device.

we like the type that slide under the mattress but are they really sturdy & stable?
I also saw a floor to ceiling pole with multiple hold areas.

Kind of prefer something that is portable and not fixed to a wall.

here is what I found on Amazon - Walmart online has many of the same and a little bit cheaper, but if you know of a better brand or style or a better deal , please post it.

http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=12593458...2%3A1248903011

Jo, not sure if this will be surdy enough for him but at one time my MIL was using a standard walker to get in and out of bed(not the kind on wheels, the kind with non slip rubber feet)

she would have it positioned so that she could grip it while lowering herself onto the bed and also for getting up....may be an option while you look for a rail

Yes, walkers without wheels and non slip rubber feet can be useful for a number of things. However, they can tip so watch that. I use the arms of my recliner to stand up and then I use the walker to steady myself after I am up and then I'm off walking on my own. They can tip though if one isn't careful.

Hey, Jo, I solved the same issue for myself by elevating my bed enough that I just barely slide off it onto my feet while holding myself steady at my sides. Instead of standard slats, I cut myself a set of 4x4s. I added a small step next to my bed for getting in and can shove it under my bed when not in use. I just exit a little further down toward the foot of the bed. I park my walker right there so when I hit the floor, it's at my disposal (brakes on lock!).

Lately, I've begun having difficulty sitting up and put a canvas leg lifter over the right post and keep it tucked between the mattresses so it's right there when I need an assist.

Thanks for the tips.

I think we are gonna go with a anchor bolt /bracket into the ceiling 2x4s with a chain / grab bar set up.
that way it will be out of moms way when she makes the bed.

They have a adjustable bed, so after seeing how the ones fit between the mattresses , those aren't going to work very well for their set up.

I asked if the hot tub step would work since they don't use the hut tub anymore... but dad says it is too big & heavy . I made it very sturdy for safety. They were only using a 8x8 block of wood as a step and it wasn't very sturdy at all.

Jo, since that's the case, you might take a minute to contact the bed manufacturer, they may well have a pre-machined solution that is ideally suited to your dad's needs and built to securely fit and serve their exact model.