Do Bedside Commodes Come In Different Sizes ?

With all the different types of bedside commodes and functions they can perform, it is important to get the right size piece of equipment. With bedside commodes they don’t actually vary much in size, until you get into the bariatric or heavy-duty categories, but I have laid out examples of standard sizes for all the types, and then examples of the different sizes they go up to.

Bedside commodes come in a variety of different sizes to fit different users –

• seat height from the floor ranges from 17″ up to 28″ 
• seat widths range from 13″ up to 31″
• seat depths range from 14″ up to 23″
• widths between armrests range from 17 3/4″ up to 31 1/4″ 

How big is a standard bedside commode ?

Before discussing the different sizes, I think it is helpful just to establish what the size of a standard static bedside commode is. For rolling commodes it is different, as there are many wheel sizes and additional parts which can be added on, that there isn’t really a standard size, and we will see that later.

I am going to pick the portable/static 3 in 1 bedside commode as my example of a standard bedside commode.

3 in 1 commodes usually have a weight capacity of up to 300 – 375 lb, above which the models start to increase in their dimensions.

If you are having trouble working out which type of bedside commode you need,  you can take a look at my article,  “Bedside Commodes: How To Make The Right Choice ?”. 

The dimensions of your average 3 in 1 commode are –

Seat size: 13″ wide x 14″ deep

Seat opening: 8″ wide x 10″ deep

Adjustable seat height: 17″- 23″

Width between the armrests: 19″

Seat to arm height: 8″

Base Dimensions: 22 1/2″ wide x 20″ deep

Bedside commodes do vary in size, and this is generally down to two different factors –

• the weight capacity of a bedside commode
• whether it is a static or a rolling bedside commode

It is also important to note that they vary in size and in form –

• elongated seats, these are seats with extra depth for easier access for cleaning
• elongated seats with extra wide frames – these are considerably wider to accommodate larger hips and thighs
• extra wide seats frames – the seats (non-elongated) and the frames of these commodes are wider to accommodate larger hips and thighs comfortably
• seats which go all the way across the frame – these are rectangular seats which go the whole width and depth of the frame for some bariatric models with higher weight capacities
• padded seats – padded seats even on the standard sized static commodes tend to be a little wider than the hard plastic
• extra tall bedside commodes – there are a few models which are for taller individuals

Weight capacities do vary a great deal, from 280 lb all the way up to 1500 lb. I have an article where you can check bedside commodes by weight, category and type –  “Bedside Commode Weight Capacity: A Guide With Over 140 Examples and illustrations”

Bedside commode sizes mostly vary in width

As you will see, bedside commodes really vary in width rather than in height.

Bedside commodes for larger individuals, 400 lb and more, do tend to have a wider frame, as a person’s legs and hips will get bigger, as their weight increases.

Bedside commodes for larger individuals are referred to as Bariatric or Heavy Duty commodes, and can go all the way up to supporting 1500 lb for some static commodes, and for rolling commodes 750 lb, and understandably the structure of the commodes change a little.

To learn more about bariatric commodes, you can read my article, “What is a bariatric commode ?” 

There are bariatric versions of all the existing types of bedside commode, as you might well expect, so you can find all the following –

• bariatric bedside commode
• bariatric 3-in-1 bedside commode
• bariatric drop arm bedside commode
• bariatric transfer bench commode
• bariatric transport commode
• bariatric shower chair transport commode

Does the height of bedside commodes vary ?

Typically, bedside commodes have adjustable legs which will increase the height of the seat if required, but they do not vary that much.

The standard height range for adjustable legs on a bedside commode of all types, is typically in the range of 16″ to 23″. This can vary of course, and you will find 17″- 22″ or 16″ – 21″, but there is not much outside of the 16″ – 23″ range.

The main reason that this is important to note, is that other than setting the seat height of a bedside commode for the user by the bed, you may want to use it over a toilet (this is for 3-in-1 commodes which are made for this function specifically), and here it is very important to have one which will clear the rim of the bowl of your toilet.

Some bedside commodes are fixed height, so if you need adjustable height do check that when you buy – a lot of the shower transport commodes are fixed height, so you have to be very careful there.

There are a few specialty bedside commodes for taller individuals, and I will be giving examples of those, but there are very few.

Variations in size of static bedside commodes

Elongated bedside commode seats

For easier access for cleaning, bedside commodes may have seats which are elongated in form, front to back, giving greater depth than a rounder design.

The standard seat is typically 14 1/2″ deep and 13″ wide, and elongated seats are generally between 15 1/2″ to 19″ deep.

The seats may also be open front or closed front, with the open front affording even more access to the user for cleaning themselves.

An example of an open front elongated seat on a bedside commode is –

Probasics heavy duty wide commode with elongated seat

Model No: BSB31C

Weight capacity: 450 lb

Elongated seat size: 15.5″ wide x 15.5″ deep

Seat height: 15.5″ – 21.5″

Examples of closed front elongated seats on a bedside commode are –

Guardian Medline 3 in 1 commode

Model No: MDS89664EL

Weight capacity: 400 lb 

Elongated seat size: 16.5″ deep

Seat height: 17″ – 23″

Merits Health Products commode chair with drop arms 

Model No: C313

Weight capacity: 300 lb 

Elongated seat size: 14″ wide x 18″ deep

Seat height: 16 1/2″ – 22 1/2″

Elongated seats with extra wide frames

On these models of bedside commodes, the width of the frames have been increased and combined with an elongated seat.

They are designed to give greater width for the thighs and hips, and to make cleaning easier.

The extra wide frames are typically on commodes with weight capacities of 400 lb and up.

TFI Healthcare wide 3 in 1 commode with elongated seat

Model No: TFI3224G

Weight capacity: 400 lb 

Elongated seat size: 14 3/4″ wide x 19″ deep

Width between the armrests: 22 3/4″

Seat height: 18 1/4″- 22 1/4″

TFI Healthcare extra large bedside commode with elongated seat

Model No: TFI3240

Weight capacity: 700 lb 

Elongated seat size: 14 3/4″ wide x 19″ deep

Width between the armrests: 24 1/4″

Seat height: 18″ – 21″

Extra wide frames and seats

Extra wide frames and seats can be found on a whole range of bedside commodes with weight capacities of 400 lb and up.

The frame is also wider on these bedside commodes – typically between 24 and 26 1/2″ in between the armrests. This is as opposed to around 19″ on a standard bedside commode.

The seat is, itself, slightly wider, by a few inches, and the seat form is a touch more elongated – deeper from front to back.

The extra width is there to make it more comfortable for larger hips and thighs.

You will notice that on these models, the seat height is in the same range as on the more lightweight and smaller standard models.

Here are some examples of extra wide bedside static commodes –

Tuffcare extra wide 3 in 1  commode chair 

Model No: M450

Weight capacity: 400 lb 

Seat size: 15 1/2″ wide x 16 1/2″ deep

Width between armrests: 24″

Seat height: 18″ – 23″

Tuffcare extra wide drop arm  commode chair 

Model No: M470

Weight capacity: 450 lb 

Seat size: 15 1/2″ wide x 16 1/2″ deep

Width between armrests: 25″

Seat height: 19″ – 24″

Nova heavy duty wide drop arm  commode chair 

Model No: 8580

Weight capacity: 450 lb 

Seat size: 23″ wide x 18 1/2″ deep

Width between armrests: 26 1/2″

Seat height: 19 1/2″ – 23 1/2″

Bariatric bedside commodes

Bariatric or heavy duty bedside commodes are basically most commodes which have a weight capacity of 350 lb and over, and necessarily for larger individuals the size of the commodes is going to increase.

As the weight capacity gets a lot higher, the seats are a lot wider, and more solid, tending to extend across the whole frame, with no spaces at the sides.

There is more space needed for hips and thighs, and for easier cleaning.

Some examples of these larger models of bariatric commode are –

Drive deluxe bariatric drop arm commode 

Model No: 11135-1

Weight capacity: 1000 lb 

Seat width: 25 1/2″

Seat height: 17 1/2″- 22″

Lumex heavy duty drop arm commode

Model No: 6438A

Weight capacity: 600 lb 

Seat width: 25″

Seat height: 19 1/2″- 23 1/2″

Probasic heavy duty drop arm commode 

Model No: BSBDAC

Weight capacity: 650 lb 

Seat width: 24 1/2″

Seat height: 19 1/2″- 23 1/2″

Nova heavy duty drop arm commode 

Model No: 8583

Weight capacity: 500 lb 

Seat width: 24 1/4″

Seat height: 19″- 23″

Padded seats

On the static bedside commodes which have padded seats, they do tend to be a little larger than the hard plastic seats, and they very often have an open front.

There are not that many static padded bedside commodes, and you will notice that they are more like a chair than the standard 3-in-1 commodes, with a lot less width for the legs unless you get a drop arm model and raise or drop the arm rests.

Some examples are –

Lumex padded bedside commode chair

Model No: 7947KD

Weight capacity: 300 lb

Width between the armrests: 20″

Seat size: 15 3/4″ wide x 16″ deep

Seat height: 18″ – 22″

Medline heavy duty padded drop arm bedside commode 

Model No: G98204

Weight capacity: 350 lb

Width between the armrests: 18 1/2″

Seat size: 18″ wide x 20″ deep

Seat height: 20″ – 25″

Nova padded drop arm bedside commode 

Model No: 8901W

Weight capacity: 300 lb

Width between the armrests: 17 1/4″

Seat size: 16 1/2″ wide x 16 1/2″ deep

Seat height: 19 1/4″ – 23 3/4″

Tall bedside commodes

For taller individuals, there is really only one bedside commode and that is the –

TFI Healthcare Extra tall wide commode with elongated seat

Model No: 3244

Weight capacity: 650 lb

Elongated seat size: 14 3/4″ wide x 19″ deep

Width between the armrests: 24″

Seat height: 19″ – 28″

There are some which are a little higher than others –

Medline heavy duty padded drop arm bedside commode (previously mentioned in the padded seat commodes)

Model No: G98204

Weight capacity: 350 lb

Width between the armrests: 18 1/2″

Seat size: ” 18 wide x 20″ deep

Seat height: 20″ – 25″ 

Platinum Health GentleBoost Uplift commode and shower chair 

Model No: PHS2000

Weight capacity: 285 lb

Width between the armrests: 20.5″

Seat size: 23.5″ wide (includes armrest width) by 16″ deep

Seat height: 21″- 25″

Drive deluxe drop-arm bedside commode

Model No: 11125KD

Weight capacity: 300 lb

Width between the armrests: 19.5″

Seat height: 20″ – 24″

Tuffcare extra wide drop arm commode chair – (previously mentioned in extra wide frames and seats)

Model No: M470

Weight capacity: 450 lb 

Seat size: 15 1/2″ wide x 16 1/2″ deep

Width between armrests: 25″

Seat height: 19″ – 24″

Variations in size of rolling commodes

This sounds like it is going to get complicated, but it really isn’t.

Rolling commodes can be divided into 4 types –

• attendant transport commodes
• self-propelling transport commodes
• attendant shower chair transport commodes
• self-propelling shower chair transport commodes

Some manufacturers  of the rolling commodes will offer a model in a range of widths and seat types for each commode –

• narrow
• standard
• wide
• extra wide
• open front
• closed front

In other words, there is a menu of specifications from which the buyer may choose.

Now this is not true for all companies, as of course some may only have a model or two, but for the established manufacturers you pick a model, and then you can select the width, the seat type, the opening etc.

The models which are self-propelling have their wheels on the outside of the frame, and not underneath, which necessarily means that they will be wider than they would otherwise be.

And of course there are some bariatric models for the different transport and shower commodes and these as you will see are the largest models, as with the static commodes.

So let’s take a look at the different types and dimensions.

Attendant transport bedside commode

This is a transport commode which requires you to someone to push you.

It can be used as a transport commode, bedside commode and in the shower as a shower chair.

An example of a standard transport bedside commode  is –

Drive Steel drop arm commode with wheels and padded armrests

Model No: 11101W-2

Weight capacity: 300 lb

Seat size: 14 1/4″ wide  x 16 3/4″ deep

Width between the armrests: 18″

Seat height: 17″ – 21 “

There are not really any bariatric transport commodes which are not also shower commodes.

The simple transport commodes do not generally support more than 300 lb in weight.

Self-propelling transport bedside commode

The self-propelling transport commode is operated by the user.

Like the attendant transport commode, there are no bariatric models.

An example of self-propelling attendant transport commode is –

Belltower folding transport comm de wheelchair

Weight capacity: 220 lb

Seat width: 18″

Seat Height: 20″

Attendant shower transport commode

An attendant shower transport commode is a combined transport commode, shower chair and bedside commode, and to be mobile requires someone to push the user.

An example of a standard sized attendant shower transport commode is –

Tuffcare transport padded shower commode chair with wheels 

Model No: S800

Weight capacity: 250 lb

Seat size: 16″ wide x 16″ deep

Width between the armrests: 18″

Fixed Seat Height: 20″

Here is a very good example of an attendant transport commode which comes in multiple sizes –

Mor Medical New Era shower commode chair with wheels 

Model No: DNE 118

Weight capacity: 310 lb

Seat size: 16 3/4″ wide  x 17″ deep

Width between the armrests: 18″

Fixed seat height: 20 1/2 “

The Mor Medical New Era commode model comes in a whole range of sizes –

• the width of the commode between the armrests going up to 26″ from the 18″ on the model above
• the type of seat changes – there are different inserts to cover the opening for the commode pale
• the weight capacity goes up to 435 lb
• fixed height goes up as high as 21 1/2″

Attendant bariatric shower transport commode

As with the static bedside commodes, the size of the bariatric commodes increases considerably, as well as their weight capacity.

The height of the seat does not vary much, but the width does.

Some examples of attendant bariatric shower commodes are –

Convaquip Model 131-5 bariatric shower transport commode

Model No: 131-5

Weight capacity: 700 lb

Seat size: 30″ wide x 23″ deep

Width between the armrests: 30″

Fixed seat height: 22 1/4″

Gendron bariatric shower transport commode

Model No: 5228

Weight capacity: 750 lb

Seat size: 28″ wide x 20″ deep

Width between the armrests: 28″

Fixed seat height: 22″

Arjo carmina bariatric shower transport commode

Model No: carmina

Weight capacity: 705 lb

Seat size: 31″ wide x 20 1/2″ deep

Width between the armrests: 31 1/4″

Fixed seat height: 19″

Self-propelling shower transport commodes

There are many makes of different brands of self-propelling shower transport chairs, hardly any go above a weight capacity of 350lb.

The dimensions of the different commodes in this category do not vary much at all.

Some of the more popular models are –

Drive Aluminum Rehab commode shower chair 24″ wheels

Model No: NRS185006

Weight capacity: 275 lb

Seat size: 18″ wide  x 17″ deep

Width between the armrests 18″

Seat height: 20″ – 24″

Showerbuddy Roll-inBuddy Solo shower commode wheelchair

Model No: SB6W

Weight capacity: 300 lb

Seat size: 18″ x 18″

Width between the armrests 18″

Seat height: 22 1/4″ – 23 1/4″

Invacare Aquatec Ocean ergo self-propelled shower commode wheelchair

Model No: OCEANERGOSP

Weight capacity: 330 lb

Seat size: 19″ x 19″

Width between the armrests 18″

Seat height: 18 1/2″ – 23″

Self-propelling bariatric shower transport commodes

I have only found one self-propelling bariatric shower transport commode, and the size is slightly larger than the standard self-propelling models.

There are two models of the same commode –

Ezee life heavy duty shower commode wheelchair by Healthline

Model No: 185-24

Weight capacity: 385 lb

Seat size: 20″ x 16 1/2″

Width between the armrests: 20″

Seat height: 19 1/3″ – 21 1/3″

Ezee life heavy duty shower commode wheelchair by Healthline

Model No: 186-24

Weight capacity: 440 lb

Seat size: 22″ x 16 1/2″

Width between the armrests: 22″

Seat height: 19 1/3″ – 21 1/3″

You really want to work out what the weight capacity of the commode you are getting is, and then the type of bedside commode you want. From there, you can look at what is available and pick something with the appropriate dimensions for its destined user.

And if you are looking for a post which covers all aspects of the different types of bedside commodes –

• the types
• set up
• who needs one
• using over a toilet
• liners emptying
• cleaning
• odor control
• where to buy
• top brands
• bedside commodes for larger people
• using over the toilet
• maintenance
• features
• sizes
• and more

You can find all of that in this article, “What is a bedside commode ?”.