Product Review: Sure-Grip Bath Handles for Safety in the Tub

I'll admit it. I'm a pushover for catlog products, and my latest acquisition is an unusual item from Dr. Leonard's Discount Healthcare Catalog.

For several years, I had considered switching from my long, soaky, hot baths to showers because of a balance problem that has bothered me for quite some time. And, let's face it; I'm no spring chicken; just getting into and out of the tub "ain't" as easy as it used to be. Finally, a few months ago, I decided the time had come and made the switch, but I wasn't happy about it. I love relaxing in the tub, reading the latest novel that tickles my fancy, and taking an occasional sip from a can of cola balanced on the edge of the tub. No phones, no one expecting anything of me, the cares of the world banished for a time.

My husband suggested I check out the sure-grip bath handles showcased in Dr. Leonard's healthcare catalog, so I studied the ad in several issues of the catalog, and also in competitor's catalogs. The ads were quite similar. The picture in each showed the grip, which looks a bit like an over-size telephone, being used on sinks, tubs, and shower walls. It was advertised as helping to prevent dangerous slips and falls, and providing sturdy support when you get in and out of the tub

The item had suction cups and flip down colored tabs to lock the handles securely. If you wanted to move the device to another spot, you simply flipped up the tabs and moved it. What could be easier? They came in 11" and 23 1/2" lengths. I was convinced, and ordered one of each. Then I anxiously sat down to wait for my sure-grip handles to arrive. They took a little longer than I expected, so I filled in the time with scrubbing and rescrubbing the tub to make sure the surface was free of any residue that might cause my new sure-grip handles not to adhere properly.

At last, my package arrived, and I rushed to the bathroom to install both of the sure-grip handles and to run water for my first sit down bath in months. I'll admit that pushing down the little aqua colored tabs on each side was a little more difficult than the literature would have you believe, but once they were secure, I was amazed at how tightly they gripped the side of the tub and the wall where I had decided to mount them.

Ah.....time for my luxurious treat. I will say that I enjoyed that bath more than any bath I had had in years.

Just a few words of caution here, in chase you are thinking about rushing out to buy a set of sure-grip handles for yourself or a loved one.

1. Be sure the surface is very clean. If there is any soapy accumulation built up, the sure-grip handles will either not work or will loosen in a short time as moisture seeps in around the edges.

2. Use the handles as aids to help your balance, not as weight-bearing devices. If one of the devices should loosen while being subjected to a lot of weight, a nasty fall could result.

3. Check the handles each time you intend to use them. Bathrooms have a lot of moisture and if moisture or soap film finds its way under the handles, the connection may loosen. Taking just a moment to check and to reinstall if necessary will make sure that the device is secure.

They are great for traveling, too.