After trying raised toilet seats for my mom, and finding them rather unsatisfactory for a lady of almost 90, we moved on to bedside commodes, which were much more successful. We needed the commode chair for a period of time after hip replacement surgery, for my mom, but she still uses it as a raised toilet seat today – some 42 months later, and loves it.
Bedside commodes cost between $37.99 and $3303.88.
The average price, by type, is –
Static bedside fixed arm commode – $220.00 (38 models $37.99 to $815.00)
Static drop arm bedside commode – $309.82 (33 models $72.98 to $1363.74)
Static shower chair bedside commode – $169.31 (3 models $119.95 to $199.00)
Transport bedside commode – $286.71 (11 models $192.00 to $449.00)
Shower Transport bedside commode – $917.05 (70 models $119.00 to $3303.88)
Transfer bench bedside commode – $404.99 (11 models $117.00 to $1845.00)
Contents Overview & Quicklinks
The different types of bedside commodes
- 200 – 299 lb weight capacity bedside commodes
- 300 – 399 lb weight capacity bedside commodes
- 400 – 499 lb weight capacity bedside commodes
- 500 – 599 lb weight capacity bedside commodes
- 600 – 699 lb weight capacity bedside commodes
- 700 – 799 lb weight capacity bedside commodes
- 800 – 899 lb weight capacity bedside commodes
- 1000 – 1500 lb weight capacity bedside commodes
State Assistive Technology Program
Used medical equipment suppliers near me
Used medical equipment loan closets near me
Medical equipment recycling and refurbishing centers near me
The different types of bedside commode
Bedside commodes don’t just have to be used by the bed, as their name implies, and are often used for multiple functions.
The most common types of bedside commode are –
- static portable bedside commodes
- drop arm commodes
- transport or rolling bedside commodes
- combination shower chair, transport chair and bedside commode
- and a specialist type called transfer commodes
All of these types of bedside commode come in a range of versions –
- folding
- padded
- lightweight
- bariatric or heavy duty
- wide and extra wide
I have two much longer articles, “Bedside Commodes: How To Make The Right Choice ?”, in which I discuss in depth the different types of bedside commode, their functions and their suitability for our elderly parents and the various situations to which the different types are best suited.
In the second article, “What is a bedside commode ?” you will find –
- the types
- set up
- who needs one
- using over a toilet
- liners emptying
- cleaning
- odor control
- where to buy
- top brands
- bedside commodes for larger people
- using over the toilet
- maintenance
- features
- sizes
- and more
Now for some brief outlines of each one of the different types of bedside commodes that I noted above, and that you will find in the price lists of the different bedside commodes.
Static portable bedside commodes
Static bedside commodes come in a variety of types –
- portable folding bedside commodes
- stacking bedside commodes
- shower bedside commode
- the 3 in 1 or all in one bedside commode
Portable folding bedside commode
Stacking bedside commode
Shower chair bedside commode
3 in 1 bedside commode
Of the static bedside commodes, the most versatile is the 3-in-1 commode or all-in-one commode.
These commodes have at least 3 intended uses –
- bedside commode
- as a raised toilet seat
- as a toilet safety frame when you remove the seat, pale and lid
The frames for lighter models, for smaller people, are generally made from aluminum, and for the bariatric, and heavy-duty frames, steel or special plastic constructions are used.
Drop arm bedside commodes
Drop arm commode
Drop arm commodes don’t have fixed arms like the standard commodes. Their arms may swing up or down, and may also be removed on a lot of models
The drop arm models are designed to allow for side access, so the user can onto the commode from the side.
They are destined mainly for use by wheelchair users and individuals who need to transfer onto a commode from a bed, but who cannot stand.
These commodes are also useful even if the user can stand, as they can give a caregiver access from the side if the user needs help with cleaning themselves, or any other task which a fixed armrest would obstruct.
Drop arms may also be found as an option on all the other types of commode, as well as on a standard fixed commode, but is in its self considered a specific type of bedside commode.
Static Drop arm commodes can typically be used for a number of functions –
- as a bedside commode
- as a toilet safety frame
- as a raised toilet seat over a conventional toilet
Mobile shower transport, transport commodes may have drop arms, but cannot be used as toilet safety rails.
Transport or rolling bedside commodes
Attendant transport bedside commode
Self-propelling transport bedside commode
Transport or rolling bedside commodes are bedside commodes with wheels, enabling you to push your loved ones around the home.
The transport commode can be used as –
- a transport chair
- a bedside commode
- a raised toilet seat over a toilet
Shower transport bedside commodes
Attendant shower transport with 4 small wheels
Attendant shower transport commode with two medium sized rear wheels
Self -propelling shower transport commode
These commodes have been specifically designed for wheeling into the shower.
The shower chair and bedside transport commodes functions include –
- as a shower chair
- a transport chair
- a bedside commode
- a raised toilet seat over a toilet – but only certain types can do this, so do check if this is something that you need it for
Transfer bench bedside commodes
Transfer bench bedside commode
These are transfer benches and commodes combined.
The transfer commode can be used as –
- a commode
- and a transfer bench for the bath or shower
While you are looking for bedside commodes, 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”.
Bedside commodes prices in the US
To find the price of a bedside commode of the different types I have outlined, pick the weight capacity that you need, and within that you will see the commodes grouped by type, with their correct name, price and product number.
200 – 299 lb weight capacity bedside commode prices
Static folding bedside commode with fixed arms prices
Drop arm bedside commode prices
Transport bedside commode prices
Shower/ transport / bedside combi commode prices
Transfer bench commode prices
300 – 399 lb weight capacity bedside commode prices
Static beside commodes with fixed arms prices
Static shower chair/bedside commode prices
Drop arm bedside commode prices
Transport bedside commodes (can have drop arms) prices
Shower/ transport/ bedside commodes (can have drop arms) prices
Transfer bench commode prices
(+ armrests) 71002 - the armrests have their own product number
(+ armrests) 71002 - the armrests have their own product number
(+ armrests) 71002 - the armrests have their own product number
400 – 499 lb weight capacity bedside commode prices
Static bedside commodes with fixed arm prices
Drop arm bedside commode prices
Shower/ transport/ bedside commodes (can have drop arms) prices
Transfer bedside commodes prices
500 – 599 lb weight capacity bedside commode prices
Static beside commodes with fixed arms prices
Drop arm bedside commode prices
Shower/ transport/ bedside commodes (can have drop arms) prices
600 – 699 lb weight capacity bedside commode prices
Static beside commodes with fixed arms prices
Drop arm bedside commode prices
Shower/ transport/ bedside commodes (can have drop arms) prices
700 – 799 lb weight capacity bedside commode prices
Static beside commodes with fixed arms prices
Drop arm bedside commode prices
Shower/ transport/ bedside commodes (can have drop arms) prices
Drop arm bedside commode prices
1000 – 1500 lb weight capacity bedside commode prices
Static bedside commodes with fixed arms prices
Drop arm bedside commode prices
Where to buy bedside commodes ?
Once you have sorted out which bedside commode you wish to buy, you may find these articles of help –
“Where To Buy A Bedside Commode ?”
“Where To Buy A Bariatric Commode ?”
“Where To Buy Shower Commodes ?”
“Does Walmart Carry Bedside Commodes ?”
Used bedside commodes near me
There exist quite a few resources for used, and even free used medical equipment, including bedside commodes.
The places to start looking are –
- your state Assistive Technology Program
- reuse, recycling and refurbishing centers
- community medical equipment loan or lending closets
- medical equipment suppliers
- thrift stores
- Goodwill stores
- Salvation Army stores
- Freecycle.org
- Nextdoor.com
- Craigslist
- UsedHME.com
- Facebook selling groups
- BuyNothingproject.org
- local churches and faith groups
Your state Assistive Technology Program is a very good place to start.
State Assistive Technology Programs
In all states across the US, have an Assistive Technology Program.
The programs have been designed to improve access to assistive devices (including durable medical equipment) in the home, primarily for the elderly and the disabled.
There may be eligibility requirements, such as financial need, and the equipment may be new or used.
Most state Assistive Technology Programs have –
- a main website, where you can make contact and ask about how to get access to medical equipment, and what the eligibility requirements are
- reuse and refurbishment programs which are run by the state program, or partnered with community groups to help them provide free or extremely low cost equipment
- medical equipment loan closets
Assistive Technology Programs will also notify individuals who enroll with them, when equipment they require becomes available.
One bonus with the equipment on Assistive Technology Programs, which has gone through their system to be re-distributed, is that if it is used, it should have been refurbished and checked for safety.
You can find out about this on your state assistive technology program website.
To see what projects are in your state, click here.
Step 1/
Pick your state on the map or the drop-down menu, and click on “Go to state”
– I chose Florida for this example
Step 2/
Click on the link “Program Title” – for my example, I outlined it in red.
Step 3/
The AT Program state website will come up, and you can sign up, or use their contact info.
Used medical equipment suppliers near me
This is not going to be the cheapest source for finding used medical equipment such as bedside commodes, but it should be in a good state of repair when you buy it.
You should find a better quality of equipment than you will in a thrift store with no refurbishment program.
To find used equipment suppliers near you, just do an internet search, and you will get results from Yelp and other sites with lots of listings.
Used medical equipment loan closets near me
Medical Equipment Loan Closets offer new or gently used, equipment on either temporary or long term loan, or both, and in general it is done for free.
Loan closets ask for a deposit, which you get back on return of the equipment, and it is typically very little money.
Loan closets are often run by –
- volunteers for the town or village
- senior centers
- nonprofit organizations
- churches have independent loan closets for the community
- religious charities such as The Society of Vincent De Paul, or UMC
- American Legion Posts
- VFW
- Lions Clubs
- Rotary Clubs
- Elk lodges
Medical equipment loan closets are often also called –
- medical equipment lending libraries
- community loan closets
- assistive technology lending libraries
- lending libraries
- medical equipment banks
To locate a medical equipment loan closet in near you, first have a look on the internet.
If you don’t find anything, you can contact these different administrations and ask if they know of one –
- your local Area Agency on Aging
- your town council human services
- your town or municipal senior services department
- public senior centers near you
- established religious charities
- local churches and faith groups
Medical equipment recycling and refurbishing centers near me
Very often these centers work with their state AT programs, but it is not always the case, and you will find used bedside commodes and all kinds of other durable medical equipment there.
In most cases, if it is not free, the equipment is not expensive, and it should have been checked to make sure that it is still in working order and safe, and fixed if it wasn’t.
To find those in your area, I would contact your local Area Agency On Aging, and find out whom they recommend.
Area Agencies On Aging are contracted by the state or county to help look after the needs and services for the elderly and their caregivers, so they are there to support you, and will give good unbiased advice.
Thrift Stores near me
Another source of used medical equipment is Thrift Stores, but do remember you are buying the equipment in the condition that you find it, unless you are buying from Goodwill or The Salvation Army, the equipment probably has not been refurbished, and there is usually a disclaimer if there are problems with the equipment, or even accidents from using it.
Not all stores have used medical equipment, especially those which are more clothing and jewelry boutique style stores, so contact them first.
If you want to find a Thrift Store in your area, just do a search on the internet, with your location + “Thrift Stores”. This will bring up all the stores in your area.
You can then either call the stores to see if they have used medical equipment, or look on their website, or Facebook Page – I have done a huge amount of research on this, and I have found that if the stores don’t have a website they often have a Facebook Page.
Used medical equipment near me ?
Finding equipment on online listings and groups
Online listings have lots of used medical free medical equipment posted on them.
When you use online listings and groups, you will be able to make your searches as local as you want, allowing you to get results for free equipment near to you.
Important points to remember –
- the quality of the equipment you are going to find is not guaranteed to be great, and if it is faulty you don’t have any recourse, you will be accepting it for free in the condition that you find it
- always pick up your free equipment with a friend – you know nothing about the person, people, you are meeting
- don’t have the items brought to your home (especially if an elderly adult lives there) – meet up somewhere local, such as a mall car park
Here are the online listings and groups where you can find used medical equipment –
- Craigslist online listing
- ebay.com
- UsedHME.com
- Freecycle.org
- Nextdoor.com
- Facebook Groups and Facebook Marketplace
- Buynothingproject.org
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.
