Tips on Buying the Right Raised Toilet Seat and Commode Chair

Toilet aids are highly useful for people with mobility restrictions. Two essential aids to make toilets accessible are a raised toilet seat and a commode chair.

A toilet seat is for those who have difficulties standing up or sitting down but can still manage to walk short distances like going to the toilet.

On the contrary, a commode is an independent toilet seat that doesn't require any plumbing system. This toilet aid has an opening with a basin that can collect urine and faeces. It can be suitable for those with severe mobility restrictions that can't walk even short distances.

However, there are some factors you should consider for selection of both these toilet aids. Let's understand them one by one.

Points to Consider when Buying a Raised Toilet Seat

Support Arms

While some variants of this toilet aid come with support arms, others don't. If you suffer from balance issues besides mobility issues, a variant with armrests may suit you more than a variant without them. Further, you can leverage the armrests to transfer yourself from your seat to bed easily.

If you don't have major balance issues and need only a little support when lowering down or getting up, a variant without armrests may also suffice.

Ease of Transportation

Several variants of toilet seats have a clamping mechanism. If you need to transport or change the location of your seat on and off, a variant with clamps may be more suitable. This is because these clamps facilitate easy installation and removal of a toilet seat.

So, even if you are away from your home, you can carry your toilet seat along. It ensures that you have a safe and easy-to-use toilet aid wherever you go.

Padding

A padded variant may be more useful if you suffer from a skin condition or are at risk of developing pressure ulcers.

If you are suffering from age-related issues that make it difficult for you to get up or sit down but you still have mobility sufficient enough to walk a little, a standard toilet seat may suffice.

If you are suffering from posterior injuries or recuperating from posterior surgery, you may require more comfort and skin protection. A padded variant may be a better choice in this scenario.

Points to Consider when Buying a Commode Chair

Versatility

Versatility is a crucial factor to consider when buying a commode. While a standard variant helps you with defecation only, a 2-in-1 variant helps you with both showering and defecation. The latter variant may be of great help to the elderly or disabled who have difficulties frequently transferring from one disability aid to the other.

Weight-bearing Capacity

The weight-bearing capacity also plays a role in the choice of a commode.

The weight-bearing capacity of the standard commode is generally around 200 pounds. If you are larger in size, a standard commode variant may present problems. For instance, you may face risks of arm support failure, buckling of commode legs, or slippage.

A heavy-duty variant may come in handy in this scenario. With strong metal handles, larger seating surface and weight-bearing capacity of up to 300 kg, this variant can accommodate heavy patients.

Height Adjustability

Whether to buy a height-adjustable variant or not depends on your requirements. If you need to use your commode in multiple locations, a height-adjustable variant may serve your purpose better. On the other hand, if you don't need to shift your commode chair to multiple locations, a non-adjustable height variant may be enough.

Storage Space

The storage space a commode requires may also determine its choice at times. If you have enough space to accommodate the commode when not in use, a non-folding variant may fit your purpose. However, a folding commode may fit in better in case you have storage space restrictions. This is because you can easily fold it when not in use and use that space for other purposes.

Price Considerations

The more enhancements you want, the higher the price of your commode goes. For instance, a folding variant may be costlier than a non-folding one. Similarly, a wheeled variant may be slightly costlier than a non-wheeled variant. Therefore, combining both your requirements and purchasing power is highly recommendable to arrive at the right decision.

Summing Up

The choice of the two essential toilet aids - raised toilet seat and commode depends on a number of factors. Always ensure that you combine the above-mentioned factors with a professional's advice. Only then will your final choice be an ideal choice.

Derry has been working in the mobility aids industry since 2003, acquiring a wealth of knowledge along the way. Before Essential Aids, Derry's background was in engineering. In his spare time he is a devotee of yoga and rare reggae vinyl.