How High Are Raised Toilet Seats ?

Raised toilet seats come in quite a number of forms, and in a whole range of different heights. As a caregiver for my parents, I have bought a number of different types of raised seats, until we finally found something which was well suited to their needs. Height is a big part of it, but certainly not everything to be considered.

How high are raised toilet seats ? Raised toilet seats and risers which attach to the toilet come in a range of heights from 1 to 6 inches. Toilet safety frames with raised seats, and bedside commodes used over a toilet, can be between 20.5 – 27 1/2 inches from the floor.

If you are responsible for caring for a loved one, and searching for the right type of raised toilet seat, you are going to want to get the height right, but you are also going to want to look at –

• the general health of your loved one
• how strong your loved one is
• if your loved one is frail, will they need extra support when they are sitting down and standing up
• how good is your loved one’s balance
• how good is your loved one’s vision
• will you actually be assisting your loved in the bathroom
• will your loved one need other aids, such as a walker

And so it goes on. 

I will go further into the different questions you should be asking as you choose a raised toilet seat for an elderly loved one, after I have answered the main question on the heights of raised toilet seats.

Who needs a raised toilet seat ?

 
Individuals with mobility problems, who have problems sitting down and standing up, balance, visual, and strength issues, which mean they have to be assisted when using the toilet, may all benefit from using a raised toilet seat.

Elderly adults very often use a raised toilet seat due to decreasing muscle strength with age.

A raised toilet seat can help a person regain their independence, boost their confidence, and greatly decrease the risk of a fall in the bathroom.

People with the following health conditions, and recovering from surgeries, may also benefit from the use of a raised toilet seat –

• arthritis
• spinal conditions
• obesity
• Parkinson’s disease
• hip replacement surgery
• knee replacement surgery

Anyone who has problems with mobility and balance can benefit from raising the height of their toilet seat.

To learn about all aspects of raised toilet seats, you can look at my post “How Does A Raised Toilet Seat Work ?”.

What are the heights of the different types of raised toilet seats ?

Raised toilet seats can be divided into two broad categories –

• those which are attached to the toilet in some way
• those which are on a frame placed over and above the toilet

The seats which attach to the toilet may be called by a number of different names –

• Risers
• Elevated toilet seats
• Raised toilet seats
• Clip-on raised toilet seats
• Spacers or tall seats
• Bubble seats
• Clipper seats
• Easy lock raised toilet seats
• Quick lock raised toilet seats
• Front Locking raised toilet seats
• Raised toilet seats with legs

The seats which are on frames which are placed over the toilet may be called –

• Safety frame with an elevated toilet seat
• Safety frame with a raised toilet seat
• Toilet safety frame with an elevated  seat
• Toilet safety frame with a raised toilet seat
• Mechanical toilet safety frame with raised toilet seat

If you want to learn more about the actual types of raised toilet seats, rather than just their heights, I have an article “Types of raised toilet seats: what you should know before you buy”, where I outline all the different types of seats in detail, how solid they are, and which are best for the elderly in different cases.

Bedside commodes which can be used as raised toilet seats are also called –

• Portable bedside commodes
• 3-in-1 bedside commodes
• All-in-One bedside commodes
• Drop arm bedside commodes
• Transport or rolling bedside commodes
• Shower chair / transport bedside commodes

If you wish to know more about these different types of bedside commodes and to whom they are best suited, you can find lots of information on that in my article “Types of commode chair: what you need to know” where I fully explain the different types and the types of jobs they are best suited for.

We have been using them every day for a number of years now for my mother, and in the article I list a lot of models by type, with their weight capacities and model number; how to assist a loved one in using a commode; how to stop commodes from tipping; how to clean a commode properly; and how to set one up for use as a raised toilet seat.

Raised seats which attach to your toilet

Risers

Risers come in heights of 2 – 4 inches, and raise your toilet seat by that amount.

Risers are not technically a seat, they go under the toilet seat you already have on your toilet.

Risers are a flat oval, or round, ring of plastic which you bolt to your toilet underneath your existing seat.

Risers can be bought with or without armrests, and can be hinged just like a toilet seat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seats with spacers

The seats come in 2 and 3 inch heights.

These seats replace your existing toilet seat, and are attached with bolts using the same bolt holes as your previous seat.

You cannot get these seats with arm rests.

An example of these seats is –

Centoco  2 inch raised toilet seat with lid, Prod. No. HL440STS-001

Centoco 3 inch raised toilet seat with lid, Prod. No. 3L440STS-001

Clip-On raised toilet seats

Clip-on seats come in heights of 2-4 inches.

These clip onto your existing toilet seat, and are very much a temporary solution – they are often referred to as portable seats.

Clip On seats don’t have any clamps or locking devices and do not come with armrests.

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

Big John raised toilet seats

Big John raised toilet seats come in a raised height of  1 and 2.5 inches.

Big John is a brand which has developed a range of toilet seats for larger people.

These are seats which you can bolt to the toilet once you have removed your existing seat.

The seats are wider than a normal seat, as well as being raised.

Examples of these seats –

Big John 2.5 inch original toilet seat w/lid, (universal), Prod. No. 1-W

Big John 2.5 inch original toilet seat w/lid, (universal), Prod. No. 2-CR

Big John 2.5 inch original toilet seat w/lid, open front, (universal), Prod. No. 3-W

Big John 2.5 inch original toilet seat w/out lid, open front (universal), Prod. No. 4-W

Big John 1.5 inch standard toilet seat w/ lid, (universal), Prod. No. 6-W

Big John 2.5 inch classic toilet seat w/out lid, open front (universal), Prod. No. 7-W

Bubble seats

Bubble seat is not an official name for these seats which generally come in heights of 3 – 6 inches.

The seats are attached to the toilet bowl by simply pushing down hard, so they slip over the rim of the toilet bowl and grip it.

Your existing toilet seat is either removed or put in its upright position.

The seats look like big white donuts, and have not clamping or locking devices attaching them, just a few grip pads, and a few models may have a lip at the back which slots under the rim of the bowl to give a bit of extra stability.

There are no models with armrests.

Examples of this type of seat are –

AquaSense Portable 4 inch raised toilet seat, Prod. No. 770 610

Carex 5 inch E-Z Lock raised toilet seat, w/out arms, Prod. No – FGB312C0 0000

HealthSmart  Portable 4.75 inch raised toilet seat, Prod. No. 522-1508-1900HS

Herdegen Contact Plus 5 inch raised toilet seat, Prod. No. Unavailable

The NRS Comfort 4.5 inch raised toilet seat, Prod. No. F21565

Yunga Tart 4.75 inch raised toilet seat w/out arms (Universal) – No Prod No. listed

Clipper seats

Clipper seats are all 4.3 inches high.

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

The existing toilet seat is removed, and the clipper seat is placed over the rim of the toilet bowl.

The seat has an inside edge which drops a way into the bowl, and 4 clips on the outside which are pushed in to squeeze against the toilet bowl on the outside.

Depending on the model, they may come with armrests and with 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

Raised or elevated seats with brackets and side fixings

Seats of this type come in heights of  2, 3, 4, 4.5, 5 and 6 inches.

The seats go over the rim of the toilet and have plastic bolt type clamps which squeeze the bowl on the sides, and a plastic bracket at the front of the seat.

Examples of raised seats using this system are –

AquaSense 2 inch raised toilet seat w/ lid, Prod. No – 770 -625

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

Gordon Eliss Serenity 6 inch raised toilet seat w/ lid, Prod. No. 64626/AL

Gordon Eliss Serenity 6 inch raised toilet seat w/out lid, Prod. No. 64606

Gordon Ellis Serenity 4 inch raised toilet seat w/ lid, Prod. No. 64624/AL

Gordon Ellis Serenity 4 inch raised toilet seat w/out lid, Prod. No. 64604

Gordon Ellis Serenity 2 inch raised toilet seat w/ lid, Prod. No. 64622/AL

Gordon Ellis Serenity 2 inch raised toilet seat w/out lid, Prod. No. 64602

Homecraft Savanah 2 inch raised toilet seat w/out lid, (standard), Prod. No. 081305507

Homecraft Savanah 4 inch raised toilet seat w/out lid, (standard), Prod. No. 081305523

Homecraft Savanah 6 inch raised toilet seat w/out lid, (standard), Prod. No. 081305549

Homecraft Savanah 2 inch raised toilet seat w/ lid, (standard), Prod. No. 081305515

Homecraft Savanah 4 inch raised toilet seat w/ lid, (standard), Prod. No. 081305531

Homecraft Savanah 6 inch raised toilet seat w/ lid, (standard), Prod. No. 081305556

Homecraft Taunton 2 inch raised toilet seat, Prod. No. 091079359

Homecraft Taunton 4 inch raised toilet seat, Prod. No. 091079367

Homecraft Taunton 6 inch raised toilet seat, Prod. No. 091079383

Front Locking raised toilet seats –

The seats come in heights of 4, 4.5 and 5 inches.

These seats as their name suggests lock to the front of the toilet bowl with a sort of plastic clamping system, and at the back there is usually a lip which slots under the rim of the bowl on the inside and stops the seat moving.

The majority of these models come with either armrests, or handles.

Some examples of this type –

Carex 4.5 inch Classics raised toilet seat w/ armrests  Prod. No – FGB31977 0000

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

Drive Medical 3.5 inch Premium raised toilet seat w/ removable arms, (riser) Prod. No – 12402

Drive Medical 3.5 inch Premium raised toilet seat w/ removable arms, (riser) Prod. No – 12403

Drive Medical 4.5 inch Premium raised toilet seat w/  arms and lock, (elongated), Prod. No – 12013

Graham Field  4.5 inch Lumex raised toilet seat w/ arms, (riser) Prod. No – 6487RA

Homcom 5 inch raised toilet seat w/ removable arms, Prod. No. UK811-030-NEW0331

Maddak 5 inch Lock-On elevated toilet seat w/ arms, Prod. No. T725753111 

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

Nova 5 inch raised toilet seat w/ detachable arms, Prod. No. 8351 – R

Nova 5 inch raised toilet seat / detachable arms, Prod. No. 8353 – R

Vive 5 inch raised toilet seat w/ padded handles (front locking), Prod. No – LVA1011

Raised toilet seats with legs

The seats are 4.3 or 4.5 inches high.

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

The seats are attached to the toilet bowl rim with a front locking system, so the original seat of the toilet is either removed or placed in the upright position.

Some examples of raised toilet seats with legs –

Maddak Extra wide Tall-Ette 4.5 inch elevated toilet seat w/ aluminum legs, Prod. No. T725881000

Maddak Extra wide Tall-Ette 4.5 inch elevated toilet seat with steel legs, Prod. No. T725882000

Mobb 4.5 inch raised toilet seat with legs Prod. No. MHRTSL

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

Freestanding raised toilet seats

Safety frames with elevated seats

Safety frames with elevated seats are positioned over the toilet and can have seats as high as 26 inches from the floor.

Safety frames have a metal chair shaped frame, with a seat attached to that frame.

The toilet seat does not necessarily need to be removed – in our home we have simply left it in the upright position – and the legs of the frame are adjusted to the height you wish to have the seat at.

Frames have large armrests, an incorporated seat and 4 legs, making them very solid.

Frames can be bought for heavier individuals and are called bariatric frames.

If you would like to know more about the different weight capacities of all the raised toilet seats and bedside commodes, I have an in-depth article with over 180 examples, which I am adding to all the time with the latest models as I find them. The article also has the manufacturers’ product numbers, so you can make sure you are buying the right model – Raised toilet seat weight capacities: over 180 examples.

Examples of toilet safety frames with elevated seats –

Aidapt Cosby bariatric toilet seat and frame, Prod. No. VR224 

Aidapt Solo Skandia raised toilet seat and frame, Prod. No. VR157

Aidapt Solo Skandia raised toilet seat and frame w/ clip on seat, Prod. No. VR157FC

Aidapt President Bariatric raised toilet seat and frame, adjustable height, Prod. No. VR219AL

Homecraft uni-frame folding toilet frame w/ seat, Prod. No. 49338

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, adjustable width, Prod. No. NRS M11089

PCP raised toilet seat and safety frame 2-in-1, Prod. No. PCP 70077

Bedside commodes as raised toilet seats

Bedside commodes usually have adjustable legs which offer a range of around 5 different seat heights in increments of one inch – the heights will be generally be between 17 – 24 inches from the floor.

My mom’s personal choice of raised toilet seat is the 3-in-1 bedside commode, and we have had on our bathroom now for almost 2 yrs.

I explained the different types of commodes which can be used over a toilet, but don’t forget to check that a commode has adjustable legs, and that the leg length offered is greater than the height of the rim of your toilet bowl, otherwise you won’t be able to position it over your toilet.

To position a bedside commode over a toilet, you –

• simply remove the bucket, or pale
• adjust the legs to the height that you want
• either remove your toilet seat and lid, or put them in the upright position
• place the commode over the toilet bowl
• commodes come with a removable splash guard which can be placed in a holder under the seat of the commode if you are worried about the space between the seat of the commodes and the rim of the toilet bowl not being closed off

Bedside commodes, of all the types that I have described earlier, come in models for larger people and are referred to as “heavy duty” or “bariatric” commodes.

If you wish to learn more about bedside commode weight capacities, you can read my post here, “Bedside Commode Weight Capacity: A Guide With Over 140 Examples and Illustrations”.

Examples of bedside commodes which can be used over the toilet, and their respective maximum heights –

Aidapt Essex height adjustable commode, Prod. No. VR161 -max seat height 22.22 inches

Drive Medical deluxe steel drop arm commode, Prod. No. 11125KD-1 – max seat height 24 inches

Drive Medical drop arm commode with wheels with padded armrests, Prod. No. 11101W-2 – max seat height 21 inches

Guardian drop arm bedside commode, Prod. No. 98202 – max seat height 23.5 inches

Healthline bariatric drop arm bedside commode, Prod. No. HL7206-2 – max seat height 23 inches

Homecraft heavy-duty drop arm commode, Prod. No. 081611110 – max seat height 20.75 inches

Lifestyle Mobility Aids folding 3-in-1 commode with elongated opening, Prod. No. B3500F – max seat height 22.5 inches

Lumex drop arm 3-in-1 commode, Prod. No. 6433A – max seat height 22.75 inches

MedPro Homecare commode chair, Prod. No. 770-315 – max seat height 21.5 inches

Performance Health Briggs heavy-duty commode, Prod. No. 081437862 – max seat height 23 inches

TFI Healthcare wide 3-in-1 commode w/ elongated seat, Prod. No. 3224G – max seat height 22.25 inches

TFI Healthcare drop arm commode w/ elongated seat, Prod. No. 3225 – max seat height 22.25 inches

Tuffcare extra wide drop arm commode chair, Prod. No. M470 – max seat height 24 inches

If you want to see a complete list of raised toilet seats that you can use over a toilet with all the seat heights, I have an article listing around 100 bedside commodes of all types, which can be used over the toilet, and a lot more.

You can read that here – “Can a bedside commode be used over a toilet ?”

How to measure for a raised toilet seat ?

There are two things you need to measure for a raised toilet seat which attaches to your toilet.

You need to know –

• whether you have a standard or an elongated toilet bowl – different raised seats often only fit one type
• how you measure to see how high your elderly loved one needs their raised toilet seat to be

I have an article on this topic, where you can find the answer to those two questions – “How to measure for a raised toilet seat”.

The article also lists many toilet seats and whether they are standard sized, elongated, or universal, so you won’t have to take lots of time looking it up for your self.

Where can you buy raised toilet seats ?

You can buy raised toilet seats at most large department stores, and on a huge number of websites online.

Most large retailers sell a wide range of raised toilet seats, safety frames with elevated seats and bedside commodes.

Here’s a list of retailers for online in the US –

amazon.com
cvs.com
drivemedical.com
ebay.com
hmemedicalshop.com
home-med-equip.com
homedepot.com
maddack.com
medicalsupplydepot.com
mmsmckesson.com
novajoy.com
performancehealth.com
walmart.com
herdegenexport.com
walgreens.com

Here’s a list of retailers for  online in the UK –

amazon.co.uk/
ebay.co.uk/
chums.co.uk/
completecareshop.co.uk/
johnlewis.com
mobitlitysmart.co.uk/
nrshealthcare.co.uk/
performancehealth.co.uk/
wayfair/co.uk/

Best raised toilet seats for elderly seniors ?

Deciding which type, or model, of raised toilet seat is not just an issue of the height of the seat, which will offer relief from bending, there are many other factors you have to consider.

In my case my mom has problems with her vision, has just had a hip replacement, has a shoulder problem, has a bad knee, is 91 yrs old and is not immensely strong. So all of this had to be taken into account when we were trying to find a suitable option.

Knowing little about these seats, Mom and I tried one which came with a kit of supplies for those who are having hip replacement surgery, but that was not a success.

The seat with the kit was a generic model with side fixings and a front bracket, and it was way too wobbly – a bit like being in a storm at sea every time you moved.

The seat also tipped forwards as you leaned on it, at the front, to get up, which could have dumped my mom rather heavily on the floor.

There were also no armrests on the seat or handles, so my mom had nothing to grab onto as she sat down, and nothing to push up with when she stood up.

I have an article, “Best Raised Toilet Seats For Elderly Seniors: A Detailed Guide With Prices”, in which you can find examples of raised toilet seats which I feel are the best suited to use by elderly adults in a variety of different situations. You will also find out which are the top brands, where you can buy the seats, either online, or in retail stores, and how to know if you need a raised toilet seat if you have had a replacement. 

How to choose a raised toilet seat ?

To make a choice, you need to know what your criteria are. To work this out, ask yourself similar questions to those listed below  –

• what is the specific height you need ?
• do you want a height adjustable seat?
• what’s the height of your toilet bowl rim ?
• what shape is your toilet – elongated or round ?
• the weight capacity you need ?
• what particular features do you require ?
• do you have enough room for any kind of raised toilet seat around your toilet ?
• is the user healthy ?
• is the seat for someone who is young and strong, or old and frail ?
• does the person have medical conditions – visual impairments, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, muscular conditions, which will dictate the need for different features ?
• is the user recovering from hip, knee, or other, surgery ?

Once you have answered the questions, above and others like them, you are ready to pick –

• the brand
• the model with features you need
• where to buy it
• and maybe to check to see if it is covered with your medical insurance

I have a very in-depth article if you need more help. It 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 ?”

In my opinion, the best raised toilet seats for the elderly are in order of preference –

• a 3-in-1 bedside commode or bariatric commode (depending on the weight of the user) placed over the toilet
• a safety frame with an elevated seat
• a raised toilet seat with legs – the Mobb or a Maddak Tallette
• a riser with armrests

I wouldn’t consider using a raised toilet seat which just slots on to the toilet rim, or one which is not solidly fixed to the toilet.

If an elderly individual is a little unsteady in a seated position, armrests also help to contain the person within the seat, and can help to stop them from falling off one of the sides – this is not as hard as you might think to do.

A very high percentage of elderly adults suffer from one, or other, form of dizziness and light headiness, which may cause them to have difficulties sitting on a seat without armrests.

If you are using a raised toilet seat without armrests, it’s prudent to have grab bars on either side of the toilet, giving the user something to hold onto to steady themselves.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a raised toilet seat cost ?

Raised toilet seats cost between $15.00 and $259.00.

This does not include heavy-duty 3-in-1 commodes, as specialist models for individuals weighing a 1000 lb cost a lot more.

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.

How does a raised toilet seat help ?

A raised toilet seat reduces the distance a user has to bend when using the toilet.

This not only makes it easier to use the toilet, but can also increase the user’s confidence, privacy and independence, if it allows them to use the toilet alone.

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 to measure for a raised toilet seat ?

To find the correct height of raised toilet seat that you need –

• measure the height of the toilet bowl rim from the floor
• measure the from the floor to the back of your knee where it bends
• subtract the first measurement from the second, and the difference is the height of raised toilet seat that you need

The position you are looking to achieve is one where, when seated, your hip is not lower than your knee.

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.

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.

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.

Summary

Raised toilet seats which are attached to the toilet come in a range of heights from 1 to 6 inches.

Safety frames with raised toilet seats and bedside commodes which can be placed over the toilet, come with maximum heights from the floor to the seat ranging from 20 inches up to 28 inches, but the amount this raises the seat from the toilet depends on how high your toilet bowl is from the floor.

To see how much a frame, or commode, will raise the seat for your toilet, you need to subtract the height of the rim of your toilet bowl to the floor, from the maximum height of the seat of the frame, or commode, and that will tell you how much higher the new seat will be.

Height is not the only important factor in choosing a raised toilet seat.

You also need to consider –

• the weight of the user
• the width of the frame for larger individuals
• whether, or not, armrests or a frame are needed for additional support
• the state of health of the user
• whether, or not, the user is getting assistance in using the seat

I hope this was of help, and good luck with your choice of raised toilet seat.