How Does A Raised Toilet Seat Help ?

Before I became a caregiver to my two parents, I never really gave much thought to how difficult even the simplest activities, such as sitting down and getting up, can become as we get older. To help with mobility problems there are many pieces of equipment and, for some, the raised toilet seat is one of the essential ones.

A raised toilet seat is used to elevate the seat height of a toilet, and so helps by –

• reducing the distance between standing and sitting when using the toilet
• helps to increase stability and balance, especially if it has armrests
• reducing stress on the joints
• reducing the chances of injury  when sitting down and standing up from the toilet

Who needs a raised toilet seat ?

 
Raised toilet seats will help anybody who has issues sitting down, standing up, problems with low strength in their legs, balance, poor mobility, or who is recovering from a hip or knee replacement surgery.

Issues of mobility can be greatly increased for elderly patients who have just had a hip or a knee replacement, as was the case for my mom several years  ago.

I can still remember my mom struggling over to the bathroom with the aid of a walker and a nurse, for the first time post operation, and I think I just stood there wincing in trepidation at how this might turn out.

Happily, the nurses showed me how to set it all up for home, how you are supposed to sit down on a raised toilet seat without hurting yourself, and after a while we had it all worked out fine.

There are many types of raised toilet seats, and in the end my mom settled on using a portable bedside commode over the toilet.

We like this, as it means that the frame, and its armrests, give my mom lots of support, helping her with her balance, especially at night when she might be a little sleepy.

My mom has now fully recovered from the hip replacement surgery, but continues to use the raised toilet seat as she is over 90, and can sometimes do with a little help with her balance – she has eye conditions which sometimes make her a touch unsteady.

So, now let’s take a look at the different types of bedside commode and how they will help.

How high should a raised toilet seat be ?

 
A raised toilet seat needs to be high enough that when you sit down, your hip is at the same level, or slightly higher, than the middle of the back of their knee.

It should not be so high that your feet dangle in the air, cutting off the blood supply, causing the feet to go to sleep.

If you want to find out more, I have a post about how to measure and calculate the correct height,  here – “How High Should A Raised Toilet Seat Be ?”.

Most models, which fix to the toilet, come in a range of fixed heights from 2 to 6 inches, with just a few models being adjustable in height, from 2 to 6 inches.

Freestanding raised toilet seats which are placed over the toilet are adjustable, typically having a seat height range from 17 to 23 inches above the floor. Some  even go as high as 27 inches from the floor.

How to measure a toilet seat ?

Now that you know the height of seat that you want, if you are going to buy a raised toilet seat which attaches to the bowl of your toilet, you need to know that there are two main shapes of toilet bowl in the US –

• standard (round)
• elongated

The standard toilet bowls are smaller by a few inches than the elongated bowls, and are also referred to as round.

You will, with some models, discover that they are manufactured in both shapes, and you have to get the correct one for your toilet

The round or standard toilet bowl is 16 1/2 “, and the elongated is 18 1/2 “.

Many models come as a universal fit, especially those called “Front Locking”, but you will need to check.

Risers and spacer seats definitely come as in both elongated and standard, and it is up to you to measure your seat to make sure you buy the right one.

If you need to find out how to check the measurement and where you have to measure from, you will find that, and more, in my post “How To Measure For A Raised Toilet Seat ?”

Types of raised toilet seats

There are a number of different pieces of equipment which qualify as raised toilet seats, and they do vary greatly in terms of sturdiness, the actual assistance they can give and whether they are for temporary, medium or long-term use.

So, it becomes important to consider, in what physical shape a person should be, to be able to use the different types of raised toilet seat safely.

You need to know how long you will need a raised toilet seat –

Long-term solutions

•  you may wish to consider buying a “tall” toilet to replace your existing unit – you can get them up to 5 inches taller than the standard model
• a toilet plinth, also known as base riser and toilet risers (not to be confused with toilet seat risers), is another permanent solution to adding height to a toilet seat
• putting a raised toilet seat and safety frame over the toilet, which has a seat integrated into it, is one of the sturdiest options – there are even very sophisticated models which have mechanized lifts giving actual assistance in standing and sitting
• adding a type of extension, or seat to the toilet bowl which bolts in under the existing seat using the toilet bolt holes, and making it very strong and reliable
• toilet seats with spacers which bolt onto your toilet, replacing the existing seat and lid
• large thick plastic seats with legs which slot onto, and into the bowl, which are again very strong and meant for long-term use and can take considerable weight

Medium-term solutions

• seats which lock onto the toilet bowl with side fixings
• front locking clamps

Short-term solutions

• bubble seats you push on
• clip-on seats which clip on to the seat

Let’s take a more in depth look, starting with the longer term solutions, and finishing with the raised seats intended for temporary use.

Buy a new taller toilet

 
While the standard toilet seat is around 15 inches from the floor, a “tall” or “comfort height” toilet typically has the toilet bowl rim at 17 to 19 inches.

But, there is one company, Convenient Height Co., which makes a toilet bowl with a rim 20 inches from the floor, a full 5 inches taller than a standard height toilet.

If you add the seat, you have a height of around 21 1/2 inches on a Convenient Height toilet.

“Comfort height” toilets are made by Kohler, American Standard, Highline, Horow and Toto.

Toilet plinth

If you are looking for another way to make a permanent change to your toilet seat height, other than buying and installing a taller toilet, you can install what is called a “toilet plinth”, “base riser”, or “toilet riser” (not to be confused with “toilet seat riser”).

Raising the actual toilet higher off the floor

The plinth, or riser, installs under your existing toilet, raising the toilet seat level up by the equivalent height of the riser.

These are designed to look just like part of the toilet, you don’t replace your seat, and the whole toilet structure remains just as sturdy, but is taller.

To install –

• the toilet has to be uninstalled
• the new riser is placed on the floor
• the toilet exit pipe is re-attached, with a new section the height of the riser
• the riser is bolted into the old bolt holes
• the toilet is then sat atop the new block, and it is bolted in place

Examples of these –

Medway Easy Toilet Riser

Toilevator

Thetford toilet riser

Easy Toilet Riser

You will still need to install some kind of grab bars on the wall, or a safety frame around the toilet, for elderly loved ones need help with maintaining their balance, or who are lacking in strength.

Safety frames with elevated seats

A safety frame is with a raised toilet seat is a type of raised toilet seat which is freestanding, and independent of the toilet, and offers a long term solution which can be easily removed and put back in seconds.

In a safety frame with an elevated seat, the seat  is attached to the frame and can’t come off – which is not the case with a lot of the seats which are placed directly onto the rim of the toilet bowl, and which all rely on some kind of clamping system – some of which really can wobble.

The safety frames have adjustable height legs, which usually adjust in the same manner as a pair of crutches, employing spring-loaded push-buttons.

Safety frames have armrests which make getting on and off the seat very easy.

To install –

• adjust the height of the legs of the frame, by pushing in the push buttons, so that the seat clears your toilet bowl rim
• put your existing toilet seat and lid in the upright position
• place the frame over the toilet

Before you purchase any kind of frame, and this goes for all devices, do check the weight capacity of the frame, as you don’t want it to collapse.

Frames for heavier people are called “bariatric” frames.

I feel that these are one of the best types of raised seat, for elderly parents who may have problems with their balance and are not too strong.
 

Some examples are –

Homecraft Deluxe Sterling toilet frame, Prod. No. 081124585

NRS Healthcare Mowbray lite toilet frame and seat, Prod. No. NRS M66625

NRS Healthcare Mowbray toilet seat and frame, Extra wide, Prod. No. NRS M48805

PCP raised toilet seat and safety frame 2-in-1, Prod. No. 7007

OasisSpace Premium safety frame and raised toilet seat, Prod. No. —

OasisSpace Stand Alone safety frame and raised toilet seat, Prod. No. —

Platinum Health Ultimate Raised Toilet Seat, Prod. No. PRT4747BPLA

Portable bedside commodes

You can use a portable 3-in-1 bedside commodes, just like safety frames with raised seats, over a toilet.

To install – 

• on your toilet, put the toilet seat and lid in the upright position
• remove the commode pail from the frame of the bedside commode
• adjust the height of the legs of the bedside commode to the height you require 
• now place the bedside commode over the toilet
• if you have a splash guard for your bedside commode, lift the bedside commode seat and place the splash guard in the same position as the pail was previously

You have the adjustable legs for height, so they should easily fit over any toilet and give a range of heights.

Make sure you are using a bedside commode with the right weight capacity.

3-in-1 bedside commodes are pretty solid, typically with a weight capacity of 250 to 300lb, and there are specific bariatric frames for heavier people.

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 what my mother has used for 18 months over the toilet, and she is very happy with it.

For the average elderly person who is still has some strength to get up and down, it is a very good system.

Toilet Lifts

Toilet lifts are really for people who are very frail, lacking in strength, have problems with balance and in need  of assistance in either getting up or sitting down on the toilet.

The mechanisms in toilet lifts can be pneumatic, hydraulic or electric mechanisms.

The lifts are not cheap, but the first Uplift commode and the Easy Access are the more affordable.

In most models, the seats are attached to a support or frame, which is placed around and over the toilet.

The seat lifts the user up from a sitting position to a standing, or lowers them down from standing to sitting.

Depending on the device, the amount of assistance provided by it will vary accordingly.

The exception to what I said above is the Easy Access Tilt Toilet Incline Lift which is actually attached to the bowl of the toilet in a very solid way, and does not stand independently. It does have arms though which the user will hold onto to help with their balance. It can be battery run or corded.

The Uplift Commode is a little different as well, as it is a safety frame with a seat with a toilet lift. The frame is simply placed above the bowl of the toilet like any other frame.

It has a pneumatic system, which is designed to take 80% of the body weight, so that the user maintains a little of their own strength without straining themselves.

The deluxe models –

The Liftseat Powered Toilet Lift is an electric lift which can be used over most toilets lower the user onto the seat. It has an independent frame which is placed over the existing toilet.

The Drive Solo Lift with Arms is another electrical system which fits around and over the toilet, and is equipped with armrests which tilt up and down. 

Raised toilet seats with legs

This is a type of raised toilet seat which is wider than the toilet bowl, and has 4 legs, so be warned that it takes a little more room.

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.

This type of seat adds 4 1/2 inches to the seat height on your toilet. 

The strongest seat, which has steel legs, can hold 600lb in weight.

To install –

• the legs have to be adjusted to the height of the toilet bowl
• the existing seat and lid of the toilet are put in the upright position
• the seat itself is placed on the rim of the toilet bowl, and the inside edge will drop slightly into the inside of the toilet bowl rim at the back
• some seats have a front locking device which you tighten, and some do not, it depends on the brand
• the four legs ensure that there is no real risk of the seat coming off the toilet 

These seats are definitely more solid than the raised seats without legs, and 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, 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

Raised seats which bolt onto your toilet

Risers and seats with spacers which are bolted onto the toilet through the existing seat bolt holes.

Risers

Risers are a block of plastic of a specific height which are bolted onto your toilet bowl underneath the toilet seat.

Risers come in a range of heights from 2 to 4 inches high.

They can come with, or without arms.

Don’t forget to check that the riser fits your model of toilet – they come in standard or elongated versions. 

To install –

• remove your existing seat plus lid,
• put the riser on the bowl  rim
• place your seat and lid on top, lining up all the bolt holes
• finally, bolt it all back together using the same bolt holes as before

By virtue of the fact they are bolted down, they are very sturdy and won’t come off.

Only a few models which come with armrests, but they are quite wide apart, and very sturdy.

For this reason, I would only advise these risers with armrests for an elderly person who has just had a knee or hip replacement, as sitting down or pushing back up, could be a problem without them.

Some examples of these risers are (all of the risers have a maximum weight capacity of 300 lb) –

Carex 3.5″ toilet seat elevator, (riser – elongated), Prod. No – FGB30600 0000

Carex 3.5″ toilet seat elevator, (riser – standard), Prod. No – FGB30700 0000

Nova 3.5″ raised toilet seat riser  (standard), Prod. No. 8342 – R

Nova 3.5″ raised toilet seat riser  (elongated), Prod. No. 8341 – R

Nova 3.5″ raised toilet seat riser with arms  (standard), Prod. No. 8344 – R

Nova 3.5″ raised toilet seat riser with arms  (elongated), Prod. No. 8343 – R

Nova 3.5″ hinged toilet seat riser  (standard), Prod. No. 8345 – R

Nova 3.5″ hinged toilet seat riser  (elongated), Prod. No. 8346 – R

Seats with Spacers

Seats with spacers, or “Tall” seats, simply replace your existing toilet seat and lid, and use the same bolt holes to be fixed to the toilet, making them very sturdy.

The seats are come in 2 inch, or 3 inch high models, and are available with, or without, lids and with, or without, an open front to the seat.

Check the model of your toilet to see if it is standard or elongated, before you purchase.

These seats do not come with any form of armrest, so they are not going to be easy to use if you need some kind of support rail when sitting and getting up.

Grab bars around the toilet, are an advisable addition if your loved one is at all fragile and lacking in strength and coordination, as the grab bars will on the wall beside them will give added something to hold onto lending support, and make the coordination of sitting and standing somewhat easier.

To install –

• remove your existing toilet seat
• place the new raised seat on the rim of your toilet bowl
• line the bolt holes up and insert the bolts
• tighten the bolts, so the seat is securely held in place

An example of one of these seats is –

• Centoco 3L440STS-001 raised toilet seat with lid

Raised toilet seats with a clamping or locking mechanism which attaches to the toilet bowl

These are what I would describe as medium term options, and I personally would not have a very elderly or fragile person using them, especially not the second category of side fixing seats, as none of the models come with any arm rests, so the user has to lean on the seat itself to get any propulsion to stand back up after use. But I will elaborate when we get to those seats.

There are two main types –

• front locking raised toilet seats- somewhat more sturdy
• side fixing raised toilet seats

Front locking raised toilet seats

Front locking raised toilet seats are available in heights of 4 or 5 inches.

The seats come with handles which are detachable.

In general, these seats are universal – one size fits all –  but there are models which only fit either the elongated or standard shaped toilets, so do be careful that you get the right one for your toilet.

The weight capacities of the different models will vary, so you will need to check that.

Lastly, these raised seats do not have a lid.

To install –

• put your seat and lid on your toilet in the upright position
• the raised seat has a small lip on the back side which you slot under the inside lip of your toilet bowl rim, so slot that in place as you place the seat on the toilet bowl rim
• you now turn the knob on the front of the seat, which will tighten the seat into position

The fact a lot of these seats come with armrests or handle, in my opinion, makes them a better option than the side fixing seats, and the front locking mechanism is more solid that the clamps on the side fixing seats

I don’t think they are as secure as a riser, though, which are bolted to the toilet using the original toilet bolt holes.

I would though suggest that they would be easier to use, for an elderly person, if you have a grab bar on the wall right next to the toilet, but even so, for a few dollars more you can get a bedside commode, which is in my opinion the safest raised toilet seat of all, along with the safety frame with raised seat.

Some examples of this type –

Carex 5″ E-Z Lock raised toilet seat w/ arms, Prod. No – FGB311C0 0000

Medokare 4.5″ raised toilet seat w/ handles,  Prod. No – 001

Vive 5″ raised toilet seat w/ padded handles, Prod. No – LVA1011

Raised toilet seat with side fixings and front bracket

These seats are pushed down onto your toilet bowl and attached with the side fixings, so that your seat, which came with your toilet, will need to be either put in the upright position, or removed from the toilet altogether depending on the model.

This type of raised toilet seats are not height adjustable, you can choose to buy a seat in heights of 2, 3, 4, 41/2, 5 and 6 inches.

The seats can be bought with or without lids.

Some seat models are universally fittings, some are for elongated toilets only, and others are for standard/ round toilets.

The seats of this type do not come with armrests or handles.

You will have to check the seat’s weight capacities, as these do vary.

To install –

• your existing toilet seat is placed in the upright position
• the raised seat is pushed down onto the rim of the toilet bowl
• the seats have two plastic bolts or clamps, one on either side towards the rear, which you tighten securing the seat

I initially bought a seat of this type for my mom before her hip replacement surgery at 88 yrs old, but when we tried it we found that it still moved all over the place – it was a bit like being at sea.

It was when I tried this type of seat, that I became aware of how difficult an elderly person might find it to use a seat without handles or armrests, but I think they are fine for someone younger if there is some kind of grab bar next to the toilet as well.

Examples of raised seats using this system are –

AquaSense 4″ raised toilet seat w/ lid, Prod. No – 770 -626

Vaunn Medical 4.5″ Clamp-On raised toilet seat, (standard), Prod. No. M701 – A3

Carex 4.25″ Safe-Lock raised toilet seat, Prod. No. B31300 0000

PCP 4″ raised standard toilet seat, Prod. No. 7024

Drive Medical 6″ raised toilet seat w/out lid, Prod. No. 12066

Temporary raised toilet seats

Raised toilet seats without locks, brackets, fixings or bolts to attach them to your toilet seat are really only best suited for temporary use, and for individuals who have a good balance and coordination.

The reason I do not recommend them for the elderly is that there are no armrests, and the lack of fixings means that they are able to move a little.

Putting them on the toilet is easy enough as they just slot on to the toilet rim – your toilet seat is generally just left in the upright position.

The different models come in a range of heights – 2 inch, 3 inch, 3 1/2 inch, 4 inch, 5 inch and 6 inch.

To check the weight capacities of raised toilet seats of virtually any type, I have put together an article with over 180 raised toilet seats, in which I have listed the seat name, manufacturer, model number (to make them easier to find online) and their weight capacity – “Raised Toilet Seat Weight Capacities: over 180 examples”.
 

Bubble seats (this is not an official name for these seats) –

Bubble seats  are the most basic of raised toilet seats, these attach to the toilet bowl by a simple downward push, and look like big white donuts.

There is usually one model for elongated toilets, and one for standard toilets.

To install –

• slot over the rim of the toilet bowl
• the inside edge, or rim, goes a small distance down into the bowl to give some grip and to stabilize it
• some models have  “sticky grip pads” to help the seat from slipping
• there are no fastenings on the side or clamps to attach or screw in
• a few of these seats have a lip at the back of the seat slotting under the bowl’s inside rim to reduce wobble and to stop it from tipping forwards off the toilet, should the user lean forwards too heavily on the front edge of the seat

Examples of this type of seat are –

The NRS Comfort Raised Toilet Seat, Prod. No. F21565

AquaSense Portable 4 inch Raised Toilet Seat – standard toilets, , Prod. No. 770610

HealthSmart  Portable 4 3/4 inch Raised Toilet Seat – universal, Prod. No. 522-1508-1900HS

Herdegen Contact Plus 5 inch Raised Toilet Seat- universal, Prod. No. Unavailable

Clip-On raised toilet seats

The Clip-On raised toilet seats are really meant for travel, and only temporary use.

The seat simply clips onto your existing toilet seat.

The clip-on seats come in fixed heights of 2 – 4 inches.

To install –

• squeeze the ends of the seat towards its center
• holding it tight, slot the seat into the space of the inside rim of your existing toilet seat
• on release, the clips onto your existing toilet seat
• it is held in position through tension
• there are no fixing clamps or bolts holding the Clip-On seat to the toilet seat to tighten

Some examples of this are –

Ability Superstore 4 inch Clip On Raised Toilet Seat, Prod. No. Unavailable

Performance Health Novelle 3 inch Clip On Raised Toilet Seat, Prod. No F25145

Again, Clip-On seats are a very temporary solution for someone who has good balance, and doesn’t need any kind of frame, or armrests, to help them up, or down from the seat.

Features to consider on a raised toilet seat

The important features that you want to keep in mind when looking at the raised toilet seats are –

• height – what height seat do you need
• how long will you need the seat, will determine the locking system – push-on, clip-on, bolt-on, side fixings, front-locking, front-locking with legs, or freestanding
• armrests – generally advised for the elderly and frail
• weight capacity – most raised toilet seats which fix onto the toilet will hold up to 300lb (there are some tall seats by Bemis, which can take more), with bariatric 3-in-1 bedside commodes having weight capacities to over 1000 lbs,  but you must check this, and
• seat width – don’t forget to check the seat width, as any models with legs, or on a frame, will take a little more room, and some up to 32 inches between the armrests
• padded seats are available on some models for greater comfort
• with or without lid
• is the seat you are looking at is a universal fit, or is it just for an elongated or round toilet design – safety frames with raised toilet seats, and 3-in-1 bedside commodes, will typically fit over most toilets, you just have to check how high the seat can go, and add about 1 1/2 inches, and see if it clears you toilet bowl rim height
• materials – the freestanding models are way more solid, and are built on either aluminum or steel frames

If you want to check weight capacities, you can check my list-post here –

“Raised Toilet Seat Weight Capacity: Over 180 Examples”

If you are looking for a bedside commode 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 find out more about what toilet design you have, you can check my article 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 –

“How High Should A Raised Toilet Seat Be ?”

How to choose a raised toilet seat ?

If you want to read a post on choosing seats for more 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

How to decide what type of raised seat is needed ?

As well as considering how solid a raised toilet seat is, you also need to consider how secure and stable the user is, and also if they will need any of the features listed in the section above to make sitting safer.

Will you need  ? –

• is it temporary, medium or long term use that you are looking at – this will determine the type of seat locking and strength
• a certain height
• an elongated model or standard model
• a certain weight capacity
• a bariatric seat
• do you want a model which bolts on
• high vision armrests
• armrests
• extra width for larger thighs
• a freestanding seat
• a seat which can be whisked away easily, and then put back in an instant

To choose which type of raised toilet is suitable for the user, you also want to consider –

• the environment where the seat is going – space ? Clutter ? Access ?
• the health and age of the user
• any particular medical reasons for using the raised toilet seat i.e. surgeries or illnesses

I have a very in-depth article which outlines all the questions you should be asking yourself, along with a PDF that you can download and print out for free – “How To Choose A Raised Toilet Seat ?”

Where to buy raised toilet seats ?

Raised toilet seats, of all types are available, at large retailers such as –

• Walmart
• Walgreens
• Amazon
• Lowes
• Home Depot

as well as, in specialist medical equipment supply stores.

In my article “Where To Buy A Raised Toilet Seat ?” you will find out which retailers have the widest ranges of raised toilet seats, and which brands they stock, and where to get refurbished models.

Does Medicare Part B cover raised toilet seats ?

Unfortunately, raised toilet seats are not covered by Medicare Part B for use in the home, as they are considered to be comfort items, and “not primarily medical in nature”.

Although, Medicare Part B does, in certain circumstances, cover bedside commodes.

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

You can find approved suppliers on the Medicare website here – Locate A Medicare Approved Supplier 

Raised toilet seats near me ?

 
The easiest thing is to buy the seats online.

I have the site I prefer, just because I like to support small businesses when I can, and I have a hard time finding a lot of the specifications for these products on Amazon, or Walmart – plus Amazon sellers tend to stuff their products with so many keywords, that it makes things rather inaccurate sometimes, and very hard to get what you are actually asking for.

The online stores that I like to use are –

Rehabmart.com

American Discount Home Medical Equipment
 

How much does a raised toilet seat cost ?

 
A raised toilet seat costs from $15.00 to $259.00.

Do note that specialist bariatric bedside commodes which fit over toilets are not included in this, as they cost multiple hundreds of dollars

To find out more about prices, you can check out my post – “How Much Does A Raised Toilet Seat Cost ?”
 

Best raised toilet seat for after hip or knee replacement surgery ?

The best raised toilet seat for after hip surgery for an elderly person is a 3-in-1 bedside commode placed over the toilet, or an elevated toilet seat with safety frame. 

I am not going to rank the seats 1st, 2nd and 3rd etc. as I am suggesting a particular commode for a particular set of circumstances.

I actually have an article all about the best raised toilet seats for after hip surgery, why I prefer certain seats and have selected them as the best options for after hip or knee replacement surgery, along with sections discussing –

• do you really need a raised toilet seat after replacement surgery
• the reasons why you need a raised toilet seat after surgery
• how long you will need to use the seat after surgery
• how you should sit – your posture after having had hip surgery – with illustrations
• how you should sit down on, and stand up from a raised toilet seat with armrests – with illustrations
• how you should sit down on, and stand up from a raised toilet seat without armrests – with illustrations
• how to use a walker to make it all a lot safer
• how you should choose a raised toilet seat for after your surgery

Here’s a link to the article – “Best Raised Toilet Seats After Hip Replacement”

So, that said, here are a few of what I consider to be very good options for raised toilet seats for after a hip or knee replacement –

For an elderly individual who is already a little frail prior to surgery –

A basic 3-in-1 bedside commode which is perfect for the job is the Medline 3-in-1 Steel Folding Bedside Commode –

• it is height adjustable  from 16 to 22 inches
• width between the arms of 18 inches
• the seat is 13.5 inches wide by 15 inches deep
• weight capacity 350 lb

My mother has this type of  bedside commode for almost 3 years now in our bathroom over the toilet and loves it, and when asked if she wants a padded one she resists saying that she finds these plenty comfy for her.

A very good basic safety frame with raised toilet seat is the

OasisSpace Stand Alone safety frame and raised toilet seat 

• lightweight frame
• adjustable frame height 28.5 – 34.5 inches (1 inch adjustments)
• width between the arms is 18 – 22 inches (they slope outwards as they rise)
• weight capacity is 300 lb
• corrosion-resistant aluminum frame
• non-slip grips on armrests
• seat width 15 inches wide by 16 inches deep
• fits all toilets

But if you, or your loved one, wants a padded bedside commode a very good option is the –

Nova Drop-Arm Padded Commode 

• adjustable seat height 20 – 24 inches
• width between the arms is 18 inches
• weight capacity is 300 lb
• aluminum gray painted frame

A very good padded safety frame with raised toilet seat is the

Platinum Health’s Ultimate Raised Toilet Seat 

• adjustable seat height 20 – 24 inches
• width between the arms is 21 inches
• weight capacity is 350 lb
• rust proof aluminum frame
• blue padded seat
• assembled product weight 14 lb
• fits all toilets

For those who are a little fragile even without having had surgery –

Platinum Health’s GentleBoost Uplift 3-in 1 Commode and shower chair –

• this commode has a “stand assist function” – if you are able to stand it without assistance it is an unnecessary luxury, but if you really need help, it can give you independence
• it is also a shower chair
• it is in height adjustable from 21 to 25″
• weight capacity of 285 lb, slightly less than standard models without the lift mechanism
• width between the armrests 2.5 inches
• the seat is padded
• the frame is rustproof medical grade aluminum

For those individuals who are a little larger –

Heavy Duty Drop-Arm Commode by Nova –

• it is extra wide at 24.5 inches between the arms
• holds up to 500 lb
• adjustable height of 19 – 23 inches
• larger seat opening for personal care
• has drop arms for side access if you need help with cleaning – I doubt you are doing side transfers to a wheelchair, but if you are, this is what you need
• there is a backrest
• heavy-duty steel frame

These can all be used by the bed, or placed for use over the toilet without the bucket.

Raised toilet seats after hip or knee surgery who are otherwise in good condition

If the person is younger, has good strength and balance, I think the following options are very good quality, sturdy and safe and ideal for the job –

Risers with armrests

Risers are made for either a standard, or an elongated toilet shape, they are not universal, so you have to pick the correct model for your toilet.

Nova 3.5″ raised toilet seat riser with arms  (standard), Prod. No. 8344 – R

• for a standard toilet
• 3.5 inch toilet riser
• weight capacity 300lb
• 18 inches between armrests
• 21 inches wide by 17.25 inches deep
• armrests 9.75 inches high
• aperture 9.5 inches wide by 11.25 inches deep

Nova 3.5″ raised toilet seat riser with arms  (elongated), Prod. No. 8343 – R

• for an elongated toilet
• 3.5 inch toilet riser
• weight capacity 300lb
• 18 inches between armrests
• 21.25 inches wide by 19.25 inches deep
• armrests 9.75 inches high
• aperture 10.25 inches wide by 13 inches deep

Vive toilet seat riser with handles  (standard) – model no. LVA1071S

• for a standard toilet seat
• 3.5 inch toilet riser
• weight capacity 300lb
• 18 inches between handles
• 13.89 inches wide by 17.25 inches deep
• distance between armrests 19 inches
• aperture 10.25 inches wide by 11.25 inches deep

Vive toilet seat riser with handles  (elongated) – model no. LVA1071E

• for an elongated toilet
• 3.5 inch toilet riser
• weight capacity 300lb
• 19 inches between handles
• 13.75 inches wide by 19.25 inches deep
• armrests 9.75 inches high
• aperture 10 inches wide by 13.25 inches deep

Front locking raised toilet seat with armrests

These models of  front locking raised toilet seat are a less sturdy than the risers which are actually bolted to the toilet itself.

Vive raised toilet seat with detachable handles – model no. LVA10011

• 4.5 inch raised toilet seat
• 250 lb weight capacity
• front locking mechanism
• fits all toilets
• handles height 6 inches
• seat width 18 inches by 16.5 inches deep
• 17″ between the armrests
• aperture 9.5 inches wide by 8.5 inches deep

If you need a slightly wider model with much bigger armrests and –

Drive Medical Premium plastic raised toilet seat with armrests – model no. 12013

• 5″ raised toilet seat
• 300 lb weight capacity
• front locking mechanism
• fits all toilets
• armrest height 9 inches
• distance between the armrests 15 inches
• seat width 15.5 inches by 16.5 inches deep
• aperture 8 inches wide by 9 inches deep

If you would like a model which is a lot wider and a bit deeper still –

Nova raised toilet seat with detachable arms – model no. 8351-R

• 5 inch raised toilet seat
• 300 lb weight capacity
• front locking mechanism
• fits all toilets
• arm height 5.75 inches
• seat width 22.5 inches by 17 inches deep
• aperture 7.25 inches wide by 8.5 inches deep

For larger individuals who need a which takes over 300 lb in weight, I would look at the Heavy Duty Bedside commode that I listed above in the first section.

Remember to use a walker to back up to the toilet for both sitting down and then standing up, as it will allow you to transfer your weight correctly without injuring your hip or knee.

A grab bar by the toilet is always very helpful as well.

What is most important, is that you learn how to sit down, and stand up properly, immediately after your surgery.

On arrival at home the individual who has had the surgery and the caregiver need to know how the sitting on the toilet, and the getting up from the toilet are done, as this is the best way to avoid injury.

Frequently asked questions

Can a raised toilet seat be too high ?

If a toilet seat is too high and the user’s feet are hanging in the air, and not flat to the floor, the blood circulation in the legs can be affected, causing the user’s feet to go to sleep, and lead to falls when standing.

Secondly, for those with issues with constipation, a lower seat is more conducive to passing a bowel movement.

How do you raise an existing toilet ?

Your first option is to use a “toilet plinth”, or “toilet riser”, to raise your toilet up from the floor.

The most popular models are –

Medway Easy Toilet Riser

Toilevator

Thetford toilet riser

Easy Toilet Riser

The risers come in a range of sizes, 2 to 4 inches, and are inserted under your toilet.

The second option is to raise your toilet seat you can use a raised toilet seat, which either attaches to your toilet bowl, or is a frame with a seat in it which is placed over your toilet.

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.

What is the tallest toilet seat available ?

The tallest toilet available is a wall mounted toilet from Kohler.

The Kohler Veil Wall-hung Toilet K-6303 has a maximum bowl height of 28 1/2 inches from the floor.

The tallest standing toilet is the Signature Hardware Bradenton Elongated Toilet, which has a bowl rim height of 21 inches without a seat from the floor.

Raised toilet seat weight capacity ?

Raised toilet seats all have different weight capacities, ranging from 220 lb all the way up to over 1000 lb.

Standard raised toilet seat models which attach to the bowl have varying weight capacities in the range 0f 220 lb to 350 lb, with only a few exceptions.

The heavy duty seats, with the exception of Big John, and Bemis tall seats, are all 3-in-1 bedside commodes which can be used over the toilet as a raised toilet seat, and as I said some models will support over 1000 lb.

When can you use a regular toilet after a hip replacement ?

For those individuals who have been told to use a raised toilet seat after hip surgery by their surgeon – typically for lateral and posterior hip replacements – the precaution will usually be taken for up to 6 to 10 weeks following the surgery.

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.

Do raised toilet seats fit any toilet ?

A freestanding elevated toilet seat should be able to be place over most toilets, as they typically have a maximum seat height of at least 21 inches from the floor.

Raised toilet seats which attach to the toilet, depending on the particular model, can be for –

• elongated toilets only
• round toilets only
• universal, fitting both types of toilet type