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How Do Raised Toilet Seats Work ?

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Until you spend time with someone with mobility issues, you probably won’t ever come into contact with a raised toilet seat, or for that matter have any idea what they do. It’s as my parents’ caregiver that I discovered them. There are a number of types, and they work in very different ways, and to my mind, with varying degrees of success.

A raised toilet seat elevates the seat height of a toilet seat, making it easier for a person to sit down onto the seat, or stand back up, by reducing the distance you have to bend.

Who can benefit from a raised toilet seat ?

Raised toilet seats are typically most helpful to individuals with –

 

  • mobility issues
  • joint problems
  • a lack of strength in the legs and hips
  • people who are recovering from hip, or knee, replacement surgery
  • very frail people
  • people with disabilities which affect their ability to sit down and stand up

 

It is very common for the elderly to use them in some form.

My introduction to them came prior to my mother having hip replacement surgery some 18 months ago, and I saw one in the flesh for the first time, and was rather underwhelmed at the build quality.

Knowing that my mom was going to need some aid of this type for the toilet, we had, in the first instance, purchased a seat which locked onto the bowl with a few plastic bolts.

You simply lifted up the seat and lid of the toilet, and then pushed the white, tire like form, down over the rim of the toilet bowl. And after that  tightened a plastic kind of bolt on each side, securing it to the toilet bowl.

I tested it, and instantly thought that it was completely inadequate for the needs of a 90-year-old lady post-hip surgery, and my mom wouldn’t even sit down on it, as she thought it was just too unsafe.

We then bought a portable bedside commode, which is a fully adjustable metal frame with a removable potty, and a seat with a lid.

Much to my mom’s delight, we discovered that it was way higher than our toilet, and could be placed above the bowl at varying heights, once the potty part of the commode had been removed.

I was later thrilled to see that in the hospital they were using a similar frame over the toilet after my mom’s surgery, and that mom, and I, received full instructions from the nurses and physical therapist, on how to correctly and safely use it.

My mom still uses the portable commode over the toilet, and we have been able to adjust the height for her, slowly lowering it as she got stronger.

It has big armrests and a frame that she can easily hold onto, to guide herself back into position. My mom has issues with eyesight and balance to contend with, and so she finds the frame helps her with these.

If you are interested in using a bedside commode over a toilet, I have a post which deals with just that, packed full of tips and information from our experiences using one over a toilet for a number of years. You can read that here – “Can A Bedside Commode Be Used Over A Toilet ?”

While you are looking for raised toilet seats, there is lots more that you can do to make your bathroom a safer place for seniors, or anyone else with mobility issues.

To find out all the different things you can do, to have an instant impact on bathroom safety, take a look here, 54 Bathroom Safety Tips For Seniors – A Helpful Guide”.

What are the different types of raised toilet seats ?

 

Raised toilet seats can be sorted into a few basic categories –

 

  • clip-on and bubble seats – more temporary seats which can be easily put on and taken off a toilet very quickly, but which are not a long term solution
  • side-locking raised toilet seats, which are a bit more secure, but still only really a solution for a number of weeks, and which do not come with any kind of armrest
  • front-locking raised toilet seats, which are quite a bit more solid, and do models with armrests
  • tall seats and risers, which actually bolt onto the toilet using the toilet bolt holes – these are very solid and offer one of the more long term solutions for a raised toilet seat
  • raised toilet seats which slot onto the bowl, but also have legs, such as the Maddak Extra wide Tall-Ette elevated toilet seat
  • safety frames with raised toilet seats, which are freestanding and are placed over, and above the toilet
  • bedside commodes, which can be placed over the toilet and used as a raised toilet seat

 

There is one other solution, other than buying a taller toilet, which is a permanent one –

 

  • toilet risers, plinths, or base risers, are a block which you install under your existing toilet to lift it further from the floor

 

How to install a raised toilet seat ?

 

Lets’s take a look at each type of seat and see how they are installed with a toilet.

 

How to install Bubble seats

 

Bubble seat raised toilet seat

Bubble seat raised toilet seat - underside

Bubble seats – this is a type of seat which simply slots onto the toilet without any type of fastenings, locks or brackets.

 

To install –

 

  • remove your toilet seat and lid
  • place the bubble seat over the rim of your toilet and push down hard
  • it fits both elongated and standard toilets

 

The seat is made of a compressed foam and grips the toilet bowl.

 

Examples of this type of seat are –

 

The NRS Comfort raised toilet seat

Herdegen Contact Plus 5 inch raised toilet seat

Yunga Tart 4 3/4 inch raised toilet seat

 

The seats  –

 

  • are not height adjustable
  • have no armrests
  • have no bolts, clamps or locks to fix them to the toilet bowl
  • have a weight capacity

 

Once again without armrests and, in this case, no bolts or fixings to speak of at all, I certainly wouldn’t use this for my elderly loved ones, not even with a safety frame.
 

How to install Clip On raised toilet seats

Clip-on raised toilet seat - topside

As the name would suggest, these are toilet seats which simply clip into your existing toilet seat.

They are not a complete circle, or oval, but have a small opening at the front end – like a horse shoe, or a letter “C”.

This allows the user to push these open ends together, to lower the inner edge of the “clip-on” seat into the opening in their existing toilet seat.

When let go, the two open ends of the “clip-on” pull apart again, and the clip on seat just clips onto your toilet seat.

There are no bolts, no clamps, or locks, the seat is supposed to hold itself in place through tension.

You are going to want to be very careful with checking the weight limit on these seats to avoid accidents.

 

Some examples of this are –

 

  • Ability Suprtstore 4 inch Clip On Raised Toilet Seat
  • Performance Health Novelle 4 inch Clip On Raised Toilet Seat

 

There are no armrests, so there is nothing to hold onto if you are frail, not supple, or have any balance issues.
 

How to install side locking raised toilet seats

 

Side locking raised toilet seat with lid

Side locking toilet seat installed on a toilet

Seats with side fixings – another type of elevated, or raised, toilet seat uses side fixings – a type of bolt clamp – to grip the bowl on either side towards the rear of the seat, and at the front there is usually a bracket.

 

To install –

 

  • remove the toilet seat and lid from your toilet
  • place the elevated seat over the rim of your toilet bowl
  • insert the fixing bolts into the slots on the side and tighten

 

These seats are –

 

  • bought with or without lids
  • not height adjustable
  • have no armrests
  • standard or elongated
  • for different weight capacities

 

Examples of this system are –

 

Aquasense 4 inch raised toilet seat with lid

Vaunn Medical Clamp-on 4 inch raised toilet teat

Carex 4 1/2 inch raised toilet seat

Homecraft Savanah 2, 4, 6 inch raised toilet seats with, or without lids

 

As with all seats without arms, I would only recommend these for people who have good balance, and don’t use a height that has the user’s feet in the air, or with just the toes touching, as this can lead to a fall when getting up.

I think that a toilet safety frame, or grab bars, again would be a good addition to make it all a bit safer, and to give the person support as they stand up, or sit down.

How to install Clipper seats

 

Clipper raised toilet seat

Clipper raised toilet seat with armrests

Clipper raised toilet seat - underside

Clipper seat on a toilet

There is actually only one brand that makes these seats, but they are markedly different from the other types.

 

To install –

 

  • lift the existing seat and lid into the upright position
  • the raised toilet seat placed on the toilet bowl rim
  • there is an inner lip which drops several inches into the bowl to stop it wobbling
  • there are four plastic clips which are pushed in to grip the outside of the toilet bowl, exerting equal pressure around outside the toilet bowl
  • models I, II, III do not have armrests
  • models IV and V come with armrests
  • VI and VII come with armrests and legs

 

The examples of these seats are –

 

Herdegen Clipper I 4.3 inch raised toilet seat, Prod. No. 500400

Herdegen Clipper II 4.3 inch raised toilet seat, Prod. No. 500410

Herdegen Clipper III 4.3 inch raised toilet seat w/ lid, Prod. No. 500411

Herdegen Clipper IV 4.3 inch raised toilet seat w/ swing-up armrests, Prod. No. 500420

Herdegen Clipper V 4.3 inch raised toilet seat w/ swing-up armrests and a lid, Prod. No. 500421

Herdegen Clipper VI 4.3 inch raised toilet seat w/ adjustable frame and armrests, Prod. No. 500430

Herdegen Clipper VII 4.3 inch raised toilet seat w/lid and adjustable frame and armrests, Prod. No. 500431

 

How to install front locking raised toilet seats

 

Front locking raised toilet seat without handles

Front locking raised toilet seat

Front locking raised toilet seat clamping mechanism underside

Front locking raised toilet seat on a toilet

Front locking systems – front locking seats have a clamp at the front of the seat with a knob, and the sides go down a few inches on the inside edge. On the back there is also a lip which is to be placed under the inside edge of the toilet bowl rim to give added stability.

They come in a range of heights, depending on the brand, from 4 to 5 inches.

 

To install –

 

  • remove the existing seat, and lid, from your toilet if it is in your way
  • place the seat over the toilet and into the bowl
  • guide the back of the seat into the toilet so that the lip at the back goes under the rim of the toilet
  • line the seat up to where you would like it
  • tighten the knob on the front, and the seat is clamped on to the bowl

 

A few other points to consider –

 

  • most of these seats have armrests
  • some armrests are adjustable
  • some armrests are removable
  • the seats all have weight capacities
  • the seats are compatible with almost all types of toilet

 

Some examples of this type –

 

Carex E-Z Lock 5 inch raised toilet seat with arms

Medokare 4.5 inch raised toilet seat with arms

Vive 5 inch raised toilet seat with padded handle

Drive Medical Premium raised toilet seat with lock and padded armrests

 

Of all the elevated and raised toilet seats, the front locking are apparently the most solid.

The fact that they have armrests means that you have something to grab onto before you sit back.

If there was a grab bar next to the toilet as well, I think that this is a good system for all but the most elderly and frail.

 

How to install raised toilet seats with legs

Raised toilet seat with legs

This is a raised toilet seat which is wider than the toilet bowl, and has 4 legs.

The seat is resting on both the toilet bowl and on the legs.

The design stops any wobbliness, gives a wider distance between the armrests for a larger person, and makes the seat more sturdy in general.

 

To install –

 

  • the legs have to be adjusted to the height of the toilet bowl
  • the seat itself adds about 4 1/2 inches in height to the toilet on most models
  • depending on the brand the raised seats may attach differently to the bowl, some just slot in and others slot in and have a front locking bolt, but with four legs there is no real risk of it coming off
  • these raised seats can take greater weight than those without legs and are more stable

 

The armrests are a lot easier for an elderly person to use, and as I have seen with my own mom, when a seat has legs it gives the person more confidence when using it, as there is no problem with the seat moving around.

 

Some examples of raised toilet seats with legs –

 

Maddak Extra wide Tall-Ette elevated toilet seat w/ aluminum legs, Prod. No. T725881000

Maddak Extra wide Tall-Ette elevated toilet seat with steel legs, Prod. No. T725882000

Mobb 4.5 inchRaised Toilet Seat With Legs Prod. No. MHRTSL

Herdegen Clipper VII 4.3 inch raised toilet seat w/lid and adjustable frame and armrests, Prod. No. 500431

 

How to install “Tall Seats” or “Seats with Spacers”

 

Spacer raised toilet seat with lid

Spacer raised toilet seat without lid

The seats have small spacers on their under side, and come in 2 inch, or 3 inch high models.

 

To install –

 

  • remove the existing toilet seat and lid of your toilet
  • place the new seat and lid in the same position as the old one
  • re-attach the seat with bolts using the existing holes

 

The seats are available –

 

  • with or without lids
  • can be open or closed at the front
  • do not have armrests
  • the height is not adjustable
  • will have weight capacities you will need to check

 

Due to the lack of armrests, I again wouldn’t suggest these as viable for anyone who is less than strong and with good balance, unless you have grab bars, or a toilet safety frame, to help the person backing up to the toilet to sit, and to hold onto when they get up again.

If you do get this for someone, don’t have them use it if their feet are dangling in the air, or their toes only are touching the floor, as they won’t have proper balance when they stand up, and there are no handles for support.

 

An example of one of these seats is –

 

  • Centoco 3L440STS-001 raised toilet seat with lid

 

How to install toilet risers

 

Basic riser

Hinged riser

Riser with armrests

Alignment of a riser toilet seat, lid and toilet

Riser installed on a toilet under the seat and lid

These oval ring-shaped blocks of plastic which come in a range of heights from 2 to 4 inches.

The riser will raise your toilet seat by the amount of its height.

Risers are extremely solid as they are bolted onto the toilet using your existing bolt holes through which the seat and lid are attached – going under your existing seat.

 

To install –

 

  • first remove the seat and lid from your toilet
  • align the holes in the riser to the existing bolt holes on your toilet
  • place your toilet seat and lid on top of the riser and make sure all the holes line up
  • take the new extra long bolts which came with the riser and thread them through and attach the nuts to the bolts on the underside of the toilet
  • never over tighten the nuts to the bolts, as the toilet is ceramic and can break

 

A few other points to consider –

 

  • risers can have a hinge in them just as seats do, making it possible to lift and clean underneath them
  • I am not aware of a riser with adjustable height, but there are risers with adjustable arms
  • you must check whether your toilet is standard, or elongated, before you buy a riser, and buy the corresponding model

 

Some examples of these risers are –

 

  • Nova 3 1/2 inch toilet seat riser
  • Maddak 4 inch hinged seat riser
  • Maddak 3 1/2 inch toilet seat riser with safety arms

 

Risers are very solid, and with arms and a grab bar on the wall next to the toilet, they are a safe option, in my opinion, for people who are quite strong and still have relatively good balance.
 

How to install safety frames with raised seats

 

Toilet safety frame with elevated seat placed over a toilet

A safety frame is a metal frame – aluminum or steel – with an integrated raised seat, which you can easily place over the toilet – not to be confused with toilet safety frames which are only a frame to hold onto when you use the toilet.

To install –

 

  • put the seat and lid on your toilet in the upright position
  • place the frame over your toilet

 

A few points to consider –

 

  • the height on all models is adjustable
  • the width on some models is adjustable
  • the weight capacity is greater than on the plastic clamp on seats
  • there are bariatric frames for heavier people
  • you can get mechanized frames or toilet lifts which assist in sitting and standing
  • all the frames have armrests and some are adjustable – they are larger and more sturdy than on the plastic clamp on seats
  • the frame takes the weight, not the plastic seat

 

Some examples of safety frames with raised toilet seats are –

 

Maddak Tall-Ette elevated toilet seat with legs 

PCP raised toilet seat and safety frame 2-in-1

MOBB elevated toilet seat and frame

Aidapt President raised toilet seat and frame 

Lattice commode toilet seat and frame 

 

Some examples of toilet lift –

 

The Uplift Commode

Easy Access Tilt Toilet lift (this model is slightly different as it doesn’t have the frame on the floor, but it is secured to the toilet in a way that it won’t come off)

The Liftseat Powered Toilet Lift

The Drive Solo Lift with Arms

 

If you are at all worried about the physical capacities of your loved ones and aren’t sure about their balance, strength or mobility, I wouldn’t hesitate to get them a frame with a raised seat, instead of one of the other types.

If you are the caregiver to someone who is very frail, or who has a muscular  condition which makes movement extremely difficult, and painful, you may want to look at the toilet lifts.

The first two toilet lifts are a lot more accessible in terms of price, than the latter two, which are very sophisticated and pricey pieces of equipment.
 

How to install bedside commodes as a raised toilet seat

 

3 in 1 bedside commode placed over a toilet

Now to my mom’s favorite, the portable bedside commode.

The portable bedside commode is also known as a 3-in-1 commode, or as an all-in-1 commode.

It is a metal chair frame with a toilet seat and a potty, which can be

(a) placed at the bedside, to be used as a commode,

(b)  over and around the toilet as a safety frame to hold onto when you sit down, or get up, or

(c) as a frame with a raised toilet seat

 

To install as a raised toilet seat –

 

  • place the existing toilet seat and lid of your toilet in the upright position
  • remove the potty from the commode
  • for the tightest fit, remove the backrest
  • place the commode over the toilet with its seat on

 

Some other points to consider –

 

  • you can adjust the height
  • you can adjust the width
  • you can adjust the armrests on some
  • you have bariatric commodes for heavier people
  • you have transfer commodes with wheels

 

Some examples of this type of commode are –

 

Drive Medical heavy-duty bariatric commode

Drive Medical steel folding bedside commode 

UltraCommode bedside commode

 

This is pretty much perfect, in my opinion, for an elderly person who needs a bit of assistance with their balance, and who doesn’t have great mobility.

As I said at the outset, I have a post on the topic of using bedside commodes over toilets – “Can A Bedside Commode Be Used Over A Toilet ?”

Raised toilet seat features to consider

 
As you look at the raised toilet seats, you will want to  –

  • the correct height of the seat that you need
  • the type of attachment system
  • weight capacity – depending on the weight capacity required, the type of seat you will need will differ
  • seat width – this can vary on models with armrests, models with legs, freestanding  frames, and bedside commodes, giving and taking up a little more room, some are up to 32 inches between the armrests
  • some seats can come with a lid, many do not
  • is the seat a universal fit, or is it for an elongated or round toilet design – this applies to seats which attach to the toilet, freestanding models will go over and above the toilet
  • materials – the freestanding models are way more solid, and are built on either aluminum or steel frames

 

To check weight capacities, you can check my list-post here –

“Raised Toilet Seat Weight Capacity: Over 180 Examples”

For information on bedside commodes to use as a raised toilet seat for a larger person, you can check out each of these articles –

“Raised Toilet Seats For A Large Person : The complete guide”

“Do Bedside Commodes Come In Different Sizes ?”

“How Wide Is A Bariatric Commode ?”

To see which toilet design you have, you can read my post illustrating how to do this –

“How To Measure For A Raised toilet seat ?”

To see what height toilet seat you need, you can check my post here, but also check with your OT or doctor if you have one –

“How High Should A Raised Toilet Seat Be ?”
 

Raised toilet seat weight capacity

 
Another very important point to note here is that raised toilet seats, as well as being more or less permanent, they also come with different weight capacities.

As you can imagine, the more securely the model is attached to the toilet, or if it has four freestanding legs, the greater the weight will be.

In general, most of the temporary models can take at least 200lb in weight, and some bedside commodes which you can use over the toilet will take up to 1000 lbs.

And for more tips on raised toilet seat options for larger people, you can read “The Most Secure Raised Toilet Seats ? How To Make The Right Choice ? 50 + Examples”
 

How to measure for a raised toilet seat ?

 
Before you get a raised toilet seat, you are going to have to measure your toilet to find out which size seat you need –

  • in terms of the height that you will need to raise your toilet
  • and also with regard to your toilet’s shape – some toilets are round and others are elongated, and not all raised toilet seats fit both sizes

 

Again, to find out these two measurements, you can go to my post here – How to measure for a raised toilet seat ?” , or to this other post of mine here –

“How High Should A Raised Toilet Seat Be ?”

Where to buy raised toilet seats ?

 
If you are going to go to an actual store for raised toilet seats, you can find all types, at large retailers such as –

 

  • Walmart
  • Lowes
  • Home Depot

 

You can also find them in specialist medical equipment supply stores, although these may be more expensive.

Unfortunately, raised toilet seats are not covered by Medicare Part B for use in the home, although they do in certain circumstances cover bedside commodes.

If you qualify for a bedside commode under their guidelines, you will need to make your purchase with a Medicare-approved Supplier.

You can find out how to find those on the Medicare website here – Locate A Medicare Approved Supplier 

In my post “Where To Buy A Raised Toilet Seat ?” you will find out which retailers have the widest ranges, the brands they stock, as well as where to buy a 3-in-1 commode if you are covered by Medicare.

The post also tells you how to find cheap or free refurbished raised toilet seats.

 

Top brands of raised toilet seats

 
Below are some popular brands of raised toilet seats –

  • PlatinumHealth
  • Drive Medical
  • Nova
  • Vive
  • TFI Healthcare
  • OasisSpace
  • Bemis
  • Centoco
  • Maddak
  • Lumex
  • Mobb
  • Medline
  • Probasics
  • Performance Health
  • Guardian
  • Graham Field
  • Invacare

 

Raised toilet seats near me ?

 
It is also very simple to buy the seats online – I got all of mom’s online.

I like to support small businesses when I can.

It can be hard to find a lot of the specialist information for these products on Amazon, or Walmart.

The online stores that I like to find things on are –

Rehabmart.com

American Discount Home Medical Equipment

How much does a raised toilet seat cost ?

A raised toilet seat in the US ranges in price from $15.00 to $259.00, and in the UK from £14.00 to £479.00.

If you want to see a whole range of seats and prices, you can check out my post – “How Much Does A Raised Toilet Seat Cost ?”

This does not include specialist bariatric commodes, which cost multiple hundreds of dollars. 

How to clean raised toilet seats ?

 

To clean the plastic elevated and raised toilet seats –

 

  • use a non-abrasive cleaner, or detergent, and warm water to wash down your seat
  • rinse the seat well and wipe off with a non-abrasive cloth
  • if your seat has any grips or plastic parts on any armrest, make sure that it is still firmly in place and doesn’t rotate
  • check around any fixings, clamps or other locking mechanisms, to make sure that there are no cracks each time you clean

 

To clean a frame or commode

 

  • start by removing the seat lid and splash guard and cleaning them one by one
  • make sure to pay particular attention to the armrests and seat, as this is where the body has the most contact
  • the underside of the seat, the metal bracket holding the splash guard and the splash guard are the areas which can get soiled, so they have to be thoroughly cleaned
  • rinse and wipe off with a dry cloth
  • then clean the frame and wipe and dry it off
  • check that the seat is not cracking anywhere
  • clean the plastic parts with a non-abrasive cleaner, or detergent, and warm water
  • rinse and wipe off with a non-abrasive cloth

 

What is the best raised toilet seat after a hip replacement ?

 

The choice of the best raised toilet seat after a hip replacement really depends on the age of the person involved, their size and general health.

For elderly adults, I would advise, based on experiences with my elderly Mom, a safety frame with a raised seat, or a portable bedside commode with the potty removed.

Younger adults who have no mobility or strength issues may be able to use some other types of raised toilet seats without putting themselves at risk of a fall.

If you want to learn more on the specific topic of seats for after a hip replacement, I have a specific article on the subject, “Best Raised Toilet Seats After A Hip Replacement”, in which I outline my preferred toilet seats for different types of individuals and situations –

 

  • best raised toilet seats after a hip replacement for an elderly senior
  • best raised toilet seats after a hip replacement for a larger elderly senior
  • best raised toilet seats after a hip replacement for a younger senior in good shape
  • best raised toilet seats after a hip replacement for larger, younger seniors

 

My post also discusses  –

 

  • do you need a raised toilet seat after hip surgery
  • how to sit on a raised toilet seat after hip surgery
  • for how long would you use a raised toilet seat after hip surgery
  • does Medicare cover raised toilet seats
  • how to choose your raised toilet seat

 

 

It is also a good idea, in the first weeks after the operation, to use a walker in addition to the raised seat.

That way, your parent has something to hold onto when they are standing, and backing up to the toilet, and secondly, they can transfer their weight from the toilet armrests over to the walker.

It is also very important for the person having the surgery, and for their caregiver, to learn how to sit down and to stand up after the surgery. If they can do this properly, it will avoid unfortunate strains, or injuries.

If you want to learn how to sit down and stand up properly from a raised toilet seat or bedside commode with a walker, I have a post which outlines how it should be done, and you can find that here – “Using A Bedside Commode: An Illustrated Guide”.

 

How to choose a raised toilet seat ?

 

If you want to read a post more specifically on very elderly adults, with recommendations for specific raised toilet seats in different situations, you can find that here – Best Raised Toilet Seats For Elderly Seniors: A Detailed Guide With Prices

 

Things to consider when choosing a raised toilet seat which is suitable for you, or a loved one –

Considering the equipment itself –

  • specific features that the user requires ?
  • the size required ?
  • the weight capacity required ?
  • will you, or the user, also require a walker ?
  • for how long is a raised toilet seat required

 

Considering the space and the intended user –

  • how much space is there around the toilet ?
  • is the user in good health ?
  • does the user have any specific medical conditions ?

The bathroom space

 

  • do you have room for any type of raised toilet seat ?
  • are there any grab bars around the toilet already ?
  • can it be more clutter-free ?
  • is there enough room to use a walker ?

 

What kind of shape is the user in ?

 

  • how strong is the user ?
  • how old is the user ?
  • does the user have any balance and mobility issues ?
  • is the user overweight ?
  • is the user very tall ?
  • is the user very nervous about using a raised toilet seat ?

 

Are there specific medical issues ?

  • are there medical issues, or medications, which need to be considered ?
  • do you need to talk to the user’s medical provider ?
  • is the user visually impaired ?
  • is the seat being used in post-surgery rehab ?

 

These questions will hopefully get you going.

If you want to learn more, you can go to my post, “How To Choose A Raised Toilet Seat ?”.

The post has information on the features that you want to consider on all the different types of raised toilet seats, and a Raised Toilet Seat Checklist full of questions, that you can download, to help you with your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if my toilet is too low ?

 

To raise a toilet seat, you can –

  1. raise the toilet itself with a “toilet base riser”, or “toilet plinth”, don’t confuse this with a toilet seat riser
  2. use a form of raised toilet seat which attaches to the bowl
  3. use a freestanding raised toilet seat
  4. buy a tall toilet

What is the purpose of a raised toilet seat ?

 

The purpose of a raised toilet seat is to reduce the distance the user has to bend, to use the toilet. This should make the process safer, hopefully increasing the user’s independence, their privacy and ultimately their confidence.

Does Medicare cover raised toilet seats ?

 

Medicare does not give coverage to raised toilet seats, as they are considered not to be primarily medical in nature.

Certain models of bedside commode are covered by Medicare Part B, for use in the home, with stipulations, and can be used as a raise toilet seat.

Do raised toilet seats come in different sizes ?

 

With regard to the shape of your toilet, and how the seats fit to that, there are three sizes –

  • universal fit, which as it says is intended to fit most toilets
  • elongated for elongated toilets
  • round or standard for round/standard toilets

Risers and tall seats only come in either elongated, or round, and you need to get the right one, as they sit on the bowl rim under your toilet seat.

 

Raised toilet seats also come in a range of different –

  • heights
  • widths
  • depths

Seats which attach to the toilet bowl do not vary much in width or depth, but in height, they are available in models from 1 to 6 inches tall.

The greatest range in width and depth, is found in models with legs, typically the 3-in-1 commodes.

Safety frames with raised toilet seats, offer the greatest range of height, and can be a little wider.

 

What heights do toilet seat risers come in ?

 

Raised toilet seats which attach to the toilet can be found in a range of fixed heights, from 1 to 6 inches – there are only a few models which attach to the toilet which are height adjustable.

Freestanding raised toilet seats, typically have an adjustable seat height range of 17 to 21 inches from the floor. There are models can have a seat height as high as 23, 25 and 27 1/2 inches from the floor.

These freestanding models are called –

  • safety frame with raised toilet seat
  • 3-in-1 bedside commode

 

What is the highest raised toilet seat ?

 

The highest raised toilet seat is the OasisSpace Stand Alone Safety Frame and Raised Toilet Seat, which has a maximum seat height of 27.5 inches.

The tallest raised toilet seat which attaches to the toilet seat is a 6 inch high seat, of which there are many models, but even on the tallest standing toilet they are not as high as the OasisSpace Stand Alone Safety Frame and Raised Toilet Seat.

Who makes the tallest comfort height toilet ?

 

Comfort height toilet seats are 17-19 inches from the floor.

The Americans with Disabilities Act stipulates that the height of a toilet seat must come within this range.

Companies making these comfort height toilets, include Kohler, American Standard, DeerValley, and more.

What do I do if my toilet is too low ?

 

To raise a toilet seat, you can –

  1. raise the toilet itself with a “toilet base riser”, or “toilet plinth”, don’t confuse this with a toilet seat riser
  2. use a form of raised toilet seat which attaches to the bowl
  3. use a freestanding raised toilet seat
  4. buy a tall toilet

I’m Gareth, the author and owner of Looking After Mom and Dad.com

I have been a caregiver for over 10 yrs and share all my tips here.

Gareth Williams

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