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Suction-cup grab bars were not effective over 28 days on any wall tested

A 2025 study tested 18 suction cup handholds from two brands on six typical bathtub wall surfaces. No handhold and wall combination was effective over the 28 day test period. On every wall sample, at least one handhold failed on day one. Handholds most often failed by sliding along the wall. The authors say the results can help clinicians recommend against using them. Ask an installer about a bolted grab bar instead.

Who it covers

Everyone

Official source

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Checked on

November 12, 2026. We opened the official page and confirmed the wording and every number.

No handhold-wall sample combinations were effective over the 28 day test period