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The Most Secure Raised Toilet Seats ? How To Make The Right Choice ? 50 + Examples

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Just as you probably have, I have seen, and tried out, some pretty ropey, and wobbly, raised toilet seats. And as I wouldn’t have my mom using them, I don’t think your loved ones should either. In this article, I am going to outline the most secure raised toilet seats for our elderly, or disabled, loved ones.

The most secure toilet raised seats are –

  • toilet base riser which is installed under the toilet lifting it higher
  • seats and risers which bolt onto the toilet using your regular toilet seat bolt holes
  • raised toilet seats with legs
  • elevated seats with safety frames
  • bedside commodes used over the toilet

What is a raised toilet seat ?

A raised toilet seat is a device which raises up the of a toilet seat, to reduce the distance a person has to bend down to sit on a toilet, or to stand up from it.

Raised toilet seats, which attach to the toilet bowl rim, usually use side fixings, or a front clamp.

Other models of seat are incorporated into a freestanding frame, which is placed over the bowl of the toilet.

Who should use a raised toilet seat ?

Anybody with mobility issues, joint problems, a lack of strength in the legs and hips, people recovering from hip, or knee replacement surgery, should use a raised toilet seat if they don’t feel safe and confident using the toilet.

Elderly adults frequently use raised toilet seats as they become more frail.

Certain health conditions may also make it necessary to use a raised toilet seat –

 

  • arthritis
  • spinal conditions
  • obesity
  • Parkinsons
  • hip replacement surgery
  • knee replacement surgery

As my mom’s caregiver, I tried a number of different types of raised toilet seat, and wasn’t really that satisfied, due to the mounting systems, which were not that tight, and led to the seats wobbling quite a lot.

My mom finally decided to use a bedside commode as her raised toilet seat.

It sits on an independent frame with four legs, and as such, cannot come off the toilet, or wobble around.

To my mom’s delight, the bedside commode has worked flawlessly as a raised toilet seat, since her surgery some 3 1/2 years ago.

As mom has gained in strength with time, we have been able to adjust the height for her, slightly lowering it.

Different types of raised toilet seats will have different weight capacities, so you will want to check this before you buy one, especially if it is for a larger person.

To make the task easier for you, I have written a post with the name, product number and weight capacity, of as many raised toilet seats as I could find – “Raised Toilet Seat Weight Capacity: Over 180 Examples”.

Benefits of a raised toilet seat ?

Using a raised toilet seat should make the toilet situation a lot safer as well as more comfortable, which should lead to –

 

  • increased confidence for the user
  • greater independence
  • more privacy
  • and help a person to recover a little of their sense of dignity that they may have lost with all the help that they were having to ask for

 

It is also good for the caregiver, as this will also free up time for them, either for other tasks, or just to have a little downtime.

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 most secure types of raised toilet seats

If you want to know about all the different types of raised toilet seats, and not just the types for long term use, you can find all you need to know in my article “Types Of Raised Toilet Seats: All You Should Know Before You Buy”

In this post, I will be concentrating on the raised toilet seats that are truly solid, and not those which only have some type of plastic clamp.

Toilet base riser

 

Toilet base risers may also be called toilet plinths or toilet pedestals.

You can buy and install a toilet base riser, plinth or pedestal, under your existing toilet, raising the toilet seat level by the height of the riser you buy.

Toilet base risers have a similar finish to toilets, they don’t replace your seat, and the whole toilet structure remains just as solid, but is elevated a number of inches.

 

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 – 3 and 4 inch models

Toilevator – 3 1/2 inches

Thetford toilet riser – 2 1/2 inches

 

To make the toilet completely safe for an elderly user, you will still need either grab bars on the walls by the toilet, or a safety frame around the toilet, so that there is something for your loved one to hold onto, maintaining their balance as they sit or stand.

Toilet Seat Riser/ Toilet Pedestal/ Toilet Plinth

Raised toilet seats and risers which bolt to the toilet

 

Risers

 

Risers are oval shaped rings, or blocks, of plastic, which come in a range of heights from 2 to 4 inches.

The risers are installed under the existing toilet seat.

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

Risers are extremely solid, and bolt onto the toilet using your existing bolt holes, through which the seat and lid are attached.

Basic riser

Hinged riser without armrests

To install –

 

  • first remove your existing toilet 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 everything lines up, and you can see all the way down through all the bolt holes as they line up
  • take the extra long bolts which came with the riser and push them through the bolt holes and then fix with the nuts
  • never over tighten the nuts as a toilet can break  – its only ceramic

Hinged riser without armrests indicating the alignment of the riser between the toilet and your existing toilet seat and lid

A few other points to consider –

 

  • some risers have hinges, making cleaning under them easier
  • some risers come with big armrests
  • if you have a standard toilet you need a standard riser, and the same for elongated models

Riser with Arm rests without a hinge

Riser with armrests installed on a toilet

Some examples of these risers are –

 

  • 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

 

There is no doubting the solidity of risers, and they are securely bolted onto the toilet, so I think they are perfectly secure.

If I have an issue, it is simply that I wouldn’t use the models without armrests for an elderly loved one.

But with armrests and a grab bar on the wall to help with backing up to the toilet seat, they are a very solid option.

I would always advise an elderly loved one to use a walker, to help with backing up and sitting on a raised toilet seat if they have problems with coordination.

Seats with spacers, or “Tall Seats”

 

“Spacer seats” or “tall seats” are toilet seats which have little legs, or spacers, evenly spaced apart on their underside.

The seats replace your existing toilet seat and bolt to the toilet using the same bolt holes.

There are 2 inch, or 3 inch high models, so although it isn’t a huge lift, they are very secure, and won’t wobble around or come off the toilet.

Spacer raised toilet seat without a lid - showing bolts

Spacer raised toilet seat with lid - showing bolts

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 come –

 

  • with or without lids
  • can be open or closed at the front – open at the front is for easy access for cleaning
  • with no armrests
  • in a nonadjustable height

Spacer or Tall Seat installed on a toilet

I would not argue with the fact that these seats are perfectly secure, but for a frail or very elderly person who has poor balance, mobility and coordination, I would find the lack of armrests a problem.

You can of course solve this issue by putting up grab bars, or a safety frame around the toilet, and then you have a very good solid set up.

If you do get this for someone, when they are seated on the raised seat their feet should be firmly on the floor, and definitely not dangling in the air, as this can lead to falls when they stand up

An example of one of these seats is –

 

  • 300 lb – Centoco raised toilet seat with lid, Prod. No. 3L440STS-001

Big John raised toilet seats

 

Big John raised toilet seats are extra wide toilet seats, which come in a few different heights, and which bolt onto the toilet using the existing seat bolt holes.

 

To install a Big John seat

 

  • remove your existing toilet seat by taking out the bolts
  • now bolt the big John seat to your toilet in place of your old seat

 

Here are the range of Big John seats

 

  • 1200 lb – Big John 2.5 ” original toilet seat w/lid, (universal), Prod. No. 1-W
  • 1200 lb – Big John 2.5 ” original toilet seat w/lid, (universal), Prod. No. 2-CR
  • 1200 lb – Big John 2.5 ” original toilet seat w/lid, open front, (universal), Prod. No. 3-W
  • 1200 lb – Big John 2.5 ” original toilet seat w/out lid, open front (universal), Prod. No. 4-W
  • 800 lb – Big John 1.5 ” standard toilet seat w/lid, (universal), Prod. No. 6-W
  • 1200 lb – Big John 2.5 ” classic toilet seat w/out lid, open front (universal), Prod. No. 7-W

 

These are very secure as they attach to your toilet in the same way as an ordinary seat does.

The only shame is that they only raise the seat by a maximum of 2 1/2 “, but maybe they don’t go any higher as there are no armrests.

Still these are very strong raised toilet seats, and if you only need an inch or two extra, and you can put a grab bar by the toilet to hold onto.

 

Raised toilet seats with legs

 

Raised toilet seats with legs are seats which either slot into the bowl, or attach to the bowl by plastic clamping systems, but also have legs in each corner which also take the weight, and make it impossible for the seat to wobble or to come off the toilet.

The seats are 4.3 or 4.5 inches high.

The design of the seat also gives a wider distance between the armrests for a larger person, and makes the seat even more sturdy.

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

The seats also all have armrests, which make it easier for an elderly loved one to sit down.

Raised toilet seat with legs

This example has no clamping device, but has a rim which slots into the bowl, and the legs stop it from moving in any direction or falling off.

Some examples of raised toilet seats with legs

 

  • 400 lb – Maddak Extra wide Tall-Ette elevated toilet seat w/ aluminum legs, Prod. No. T725881000
  • 400 lb – Maddak Extra wide Tall-Ette 4.5 inch elevated toilet seat with steel legs, Prod. No. T725882000
  • 300 lb – Mobb 4.5 inch Raised Toilet Seat With Legs Prod. No. MHRTSL
  • 330lb – Herdegen Clipper VI 4.3 inch raised toilet seat w/ adjustable frame and armrests, Prod. No. 500430
  • 330 lb – Herdegen Clipper VII 4.3 inch raised toilet seat w/lid and adjustable frame and armrests, Prod. No. 500431

Safety frames with raised seats

 

A safety frame with a raised, or elevated toilet seat, is a metal frame which has a toilet seat built into it.

The frame can be adjusted to the height you need, for it to stand over your toilet.

Because the frame is independent of the toilet, and has all 4 legs on the ground, it is very stable, and obviously can’t come off the toilet, as it is not on it.

These are a very good stable systems for the elderly, which have large armrests built into the frame, making it easy to grab a hold of them, helping to make coordination for an elderly person that much simpler.

Toilet safety with an elevated toilet seat

To install –

 

  • put the seat and lid on your toilet in the upright position
  • adjust the legs to the correct height to clear the rim of the toilet bowl and to raise your seated position to the desired height
  • place the frame over your toilet

 

Toilet safety with an elevated toilet seat in position over a toilet

A few points to consider before you purchase one –

 

  • the height on all models is adjustable
  • the width on some models is adjustable
  • the weight of the user is spread over the legs and not the toilet bowl rim
  • there are bariatric frames for heavier people
  • there exist mechanized lifting frames for individuals who don’t have enough strength to stand or to sit on their own
  • all the frames have armrests
  • the frame takes the weight of the user and not the plastic seat

 

Some examples of frames are –

 

  • 220lb –  Lattice commode toilet seat and frame, Prod. No. Unavailable
  • 275 lb –  PCP raised toilet seat and safety frame 2-in-1, Prod. No. PCP 70077
  • 280 lb –  Homecraft uni-frame folding toilet frame w/ seat, Prod. No. 49338
  • 280 lb –  Aidapt Solo Skandia raised toilet seat and frame, floor fixed, Prod. No. VR158
  • 330 lb –  Aidapt President Bariatric raised toilet seat and frame, adjustable height, Prod. No. VR219AL
  • 420 lb –  Homecraft Deluxe Sterling toilet frame, Prod. No. 081124585
  • 420 lb –  Ashby Lux toilet seat and frame, adjustable height, Prod. No. VR213
  • 420 lb –  NRS Healthcare Mowbray toilet seat and frame, adjustable width, Prod. No. NRS M11089
  • 540 lb –  Aidapt Solo Skandia bariatric raised toilet seat and frame w/ lid, Prod. No. VR215B
  • 560lb –  Aidapt Cosby bariatric toilet seat and frame, Prod. No. VR224
  • 550 lb –  NRS Healthcare Mowbray toilet seat and frame, Extra wide, Prod. No. NRS M48805
  • 560 lb –  Aidapt President Bariatric raised toilet seat and frame, adjustable height, aluminum, Prod. No. VR219
  • 560 lb –  Aidapt Cosby bariatric toilet seat and frame, Prod. No. VR224

 

If you have any doubts about the physical capacities of your elderly 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.

Bedside commodes

 

Now to our family’s favorite, the bedside commode.

The 3-in-1 bedside commode, or also an All-in-1 commode, is the best model for using as a raised toilet seat out of the range of static bedside commodes – you can get these with, or without drop arms, if you need to give your loved one help with cleaning and need the side access that a drop arm allows you.

The 3 in 1 bedside commode can be 

 

  • used as a bedside commode
  • used as a toilet safety rail
  • used as a raised toilet seat

3 in 1 bedside commode

 

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
  • adjust the height of the legs to the height you require for sitting, and be sure it clears the rim of the toilet bowl
  • place the commode over the toilet with its seat on

3 in 1 bedside commode placed over a toilet

You can find 3 in 1 bedside commodes with all types of variations –

 

  • “bariatric” or “heavy duty” models for larger individuals over 350 lb up to 1500 lb
  • the seats can come in a range of sizes “narrow”, “standard”, “wide” and “extra wide”
  • seats may be padded or hard plastic
  • seats may be elongated to allow for easier access for cleaning, if the user is cleaning themselves
  • with, or without, drop arms
  • all 3 in 1 commodes should have height adjustable legs
  • “tall” models for taller users
  • the commode frames can be made from steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy or medical grade PVC

 

Some examples of the 3 in 1 commode are –

  • 250 lb –  Nova drop arm 3-in-1 commode, Prod. No. 8900W
  • 300 lb –  Lifestyle Mobility Aids folding 3-in-1 steel commode, Prod. No. B3400F
  • 300 lb – Lumex drop arm 3-in-1 commode, Prod. No. 6433A
  • 300 lb –  MedPro Homecare commode chair, Prod. No. 770-315
  • 300 lb –  Nova folding commode, Prod. No. 8700-S
  • 300 lb – Probasics drop arm 3-in-1 commode, Prod. No. BSDAC
  • 300 lb –  Probasics 3-in-1 steel commode, Prod. No. BS31C
  • 350 lb –  Drive Medical 3-in-1 Competitive Edge folding commode, Prod. No. 11148CE-4
  • 350 lb –  Homecraft Heavy-duty 3-in-1 commodes, Prod. No. 081437862
  • 400 lb –  Lumex imperial collection 3-in-1 bedside commode, Prod. No. 7446A-2
  • 400 lb – TFI Healthcare wide 3-in-1 commode w/ elongated seat, Prod. No. 3224G
  • 400 lb – TFI Healthcare 3-in-1 commode w/ elongated seat, Prod. No. 3223G
  • 500 lb – DMI Extra wide, adjustable height, heavy duty steel commode w /platform seat, Prod. No. 23044
  • 600 lb – Performance Health heavy-duty 3-in-1 drop arm commode, Prod. No. 081202704
  • 700lb – AMG bariatric drop arm commode, Prod. No. AMG770322
  • 800 lb – Big John Commode chair, adjustable legs, Prod. No. BJBC
  • 850 lb – Model 724T Bedside commode w/ fixed arms, Prod. No. 724T
  • 1000 lb – Model 730 Bedside commode w/ fixed arms, Prod. No. 730
  • 1500 lb – Model 736DAR Bedside commode w/ right drop arm, left arm fixed, Prod. No. 736DAR

 

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.

There are also static commodes which stack, which are less versatile than a 3 in 1 bedside commode, but the models with adjustable height legs can be used as raised toilet seats as well.

Transport and shower transport commode chairs

 

Both transport commode chairs  and shower transport commode chairs can be used as raised toilet seats.

The transport commode chair and the shower transport commode chair come in two main types –

Attendant – these require a caregiver to be present to push the user when they are being transported

Self-propelled – as the name suggests, the user can wheel themselves around – these models have wheelchair wheels at the back, and they are equipped with wheelchair breaking systems.

 

If you are purchasing a transport commode chair or shower transport commode chair and hoping to be able to use it as a raised toilet seat you will want to make sure that there are –

 

  • no horizontal bars across the rear of the chair which would impede you from wheeling the chair over your toilet
  • if the legs are not height adjustable, you need to make sure that they are tall enough to clear the rim of your toilet bowl
  • if the legs are height adjustable, do they have the height needed to clear you toilet bowl

 

Both the transport commode chairs and shower transport commode chairs come with a range of variations –

 

  • some models are fixed height
  • some models are height adjustable
  • there is a great range of seat types because these are also transport commodes, and people will use them as chairs – they will mostly have nice padded seats with a range of inserts
  • the frames can be made of steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy and Medical grade PVC – the shower transport chairs have to be fully waterproof, so they will be specially coated if they are made of steel
  • there will be a range of widths as on other bedside commodes from “narrow” to “extra wide”
  • there are also models for taller individuals
  • there are a lot of drop arm models for side transfer access, as you would expect
  • there is quite a large range of weight capacities, and the strongest shower models can take up to 750 lb

 

Transport commode chairs are designed to be used as –

 

  • a transport chair
  • a bedside commode
  • a raised toilet seat

 

Shower transport commode chairs are designed to be used as –

 

  • a transport chair
  • a shower chair
  • a bedside commode
  • a raised toilet seat

 

To install either type of transport commode chair as a raised toilet seat

 

  • you must make sure the legs are the right height to clear the rim of the toilet bowl
  • if you have adjustable height legs on the commode, you can set the legs to a range of different heights
  • remove the bucket from the commode
  • place the toilet lid and seat in the upright position on the toilet
  • wheel the transport commode backwards into position over the toilet bowl
  • lock the wheels of the commode once it is in position
  • lift the commode seat and insert the splash guard
  • put the seat down and the transport commode is ready for use as a raised toilet seat

Self-propelled Shower Transport Commode

Self-propelled Shower Transport Commode

Here are some examples of self-propelled shower transport commode chairs –
 

  • 250 lb – Everest & Jennings shower transport commode chair w/ wheelchair wheels, Prod. No. 12022010
  • 260 lb – Tuffcare padded commode shower chair wheelchair, Prod. No. S970
  • 275 lb – Drive Medical aluminum rehab commode shower chair w/ 24″ wheels, Prod. No. NRS185006
  • 300 lb – Invacare Mariner rehab shower/ bedside commode wheelchair(18.5″ x 18.5″), Prod. No. 6895
  • 300 lb – Showerbuddy Roll-inBuddy Solo, shower commode wheelchair, prod. no. SB6w
  • 300 lb – Nuprodx Multichair Ultra narrow shower commode wheelchair (drop arms optional), Prod. No. 4020RX
  • 330 lb – Invacare Aquatec Ocean Ergo self propelled shower/ bedside commode w/ wheelchair wheels, Prod. No. INV-OCEANERGOSP
  • 330 lb – Invacare Aquatec Ocean SP shower/ transport bedside commode w/ wheelcahir wheels, Prod. No. INV-OCEANSP
  • 385 lb – Healthline EZee Life heavy duty shower commode wheelchair, Prod. No. 185-24

Attendant Transport Commode Chair – with 4 equally sized wheels

Here are some example of attendant transport commode chairs –

 

  • 250 lb –  Nova drop arm transport commode, Prod. No. 8805
  • 250 lb – Nova lightweight transport chair, Model No. 377B-R.
  • 300 lb –  Drive Medical drop arm commode with wheels with padded armrests, Prod. No. 11101W-2
  • 300lb – Lumex Versamode drop arm transport chair commode w/5” wheels, Prod. No. 6810A
  • 300lb – TFI Healthcare commode w/ elongated seat, Prod. No. 3217
  • 350 lb – AMG Medical MedPro Euro commode with drop down arms, Pro. No. AMG 770365
  • 350 lb – AMG Medical MedPro Euro commode with flip up arms, Pro. No. AMG 7703755
  • 350 lb – Drive Medical upholstered commode with wheels, Prod. No. 11120SV-1

 

Self-propelled Transport Commode Chair

 

Here are some examples of self-propelled transport commode chairs –
 

  • 198 lb – HBing transport commode wheelchair, Prod. No. —
  • 220 lb – Yezijaju transport commode wheelchair, Prod. No. —
  • 220 lb – LHSS transport commode wheelchair, Prod. No. —
  • 220 lb – Belltower folding transport commode wheelchair, Prod. No. —

Attendant Shower Transport Commode Chair

Attendant Shower Transport Commode Chair – with larger rear wheels

 

Here are some example of attendant shower transport commode chairs –

 

  • 250 lb –  Nova rolling commode shower chair, Prod. No. 8800
  • 250 lb –  Nova padded commode shower chair w/ wheels, Prod. No. 8801
  • 250 lb – Tuffcare padded transport commode shower chair w/ wheels, Prod. No. S800
  • 250 lb – Everest & Jennings rehab padded commode shower chair 5″ casters, Prod. No. —
  • 260 lb – Tuffcare padded transport commode shower chair w/ 6″ casters, Prod. No. S900
  • 275 lb – Drive Medical aluminum rehab commode shower chair w/ 5″ casters, Prod. No. NRS185007
  • 286 lb – Healthline, Ezee Life commode shower chair w/ 5″ casters, Prod. No. 150
  • 300 lb –  Drive Medical padded commode shower chair w/ wheels, Prod. No.11114-1
  • 330 lb – Invacare Aquatec Ocean Ergo shower/ bedside commode w/ casters, Prod. No. INV-OCEANERGO
  • 385 lb –  Mor Medical euro deluxe commode shower chair w/ 4″ casters, Prod. No. MD-118-4TL

Features to consider on a raised toilet seat

Features that you want to think about when looking at the raised toilet seats are –

Height

Finding a seat at a height which is correct for you, or your loved one, so that using it is safe. 

Toilet size and shape

Have you measured your toilet to see which shape it is – and then is the seat which you are buying a universal fit, or is it just for an elongated, or round toilet – this does not apply to freestanding raised toilet seats.

Weight Capacity

Raised toilet seats can have weight capacities anywhere from 250 lb all the way up to over 1000 lb, so make sure you are getting a seat which can take the intended user’s weight,

Portability

Some seats are designed to be used on trips and visits with friends, and which are much more portable. For within the home, the only seats which are not so portable are the heavier bedside commodes which can weigh up to around 30 lb. So if an elderly, frail adult is going to have to move the seat on and off the toilet, you will need a lighter model.

Fixings

What type of locking system you need, or do you want a freestanding model, this is a real safety issue, and you have to find the most stable model for your situation. If it is for the long term, I would suggest a 3-in1 commode which is easily whisked away and put back, or a toilet plinth for a permanent solution.

Bolt-on Seats

Bolt on seats – risers and tall seats – are extremely solid and almost as good as a seat with legs, but to get them off takes a few minutes at least, so if you want to take them on and off the toilet, they are not really an option which is very practical. But from a safety point of view, they are very solid.

The only downside with “tall seats” is the lack of armrests, which is not great for frail users who need something to hold onto as they sit back and stand up.

Hinged seats

Some models of bolt on toilet seat risers have hinges which allow you to clean under the seat without unfastening it from the toilet.

Fixed height

Almost all raised toilet seats which attach to the bowl which are a fixed height, only several are height adjustable.

Freestanding raised toilet seats

Do you want a model in a frame, which stands over the toilet, which typically has a range of around 17 to 21 inches

Armrests

Some seats offer armrests which can be of great help to more elderly, frail and visually impaired users

Armrests with padding

You can get armrests with padding, which are a little comfier than hard plastic.

Seat width

Seats come in a whole range of sizes on the freestanding models, which is good news for those with larger thighs – take a look at the posts listed below.

Elongated Seats

Seats for larger individuals often have elongated seats to help facilitate cleaning – this mainly applies to safety frames with elevated seats and to bedside commodes used as raised toilet seats

Seat with a front opening

You can get seats on some freestanding models, particularly on bedside commodes, which are open at the front like a horse shoe, which is designed to facilitate personal hygiene.

Padded seats

Seats which are not hard plastic are available with padding

Lids

Some raised toilet seats come with lids.

 

If you want to know about the weight capacities of the different types of raised toilet seats, you should take a look at my article “Raised Toilet Seat Weight Capacity: Over 180 Examples”

I have three other post for a larger person which will help you to see what models and sizes are available, you can check out each of these articles here –

“Raised Toilet Seats For A Large Person”

“Do Bedside Commodes Come In Different Sizes ?”

“How Wide Is A Bariatric Commode ?

If you would like to know more about using a bedside commode over a toilet, I have a post which covers it from all angles – comparing it with raised toilet seats, setting it up, cleaning the commode, and it’s maintenance – “Can A Bedside Commode Be Used Over A Toilet ?”.

How to choose a raised toilet seat ?

 

I would suggest that you first decide upon your most important criteria. To do this out, I like to ask myself as many questions about my situation as possible, just like those below  –

  • do you need a specific height seat ?
  • if so, what height ? 
  • do I want a height adjustable seat?
  • what’s the height of your toilet ?
  • what is the shape of your toilet – elongated or round ?
  • what weight capacity will you need ?
  • will you be needing any particular features now, and in the future ?
  • is the space around your toilet big enough for any type of seat ?
  • how is your health ?
  • are you young and strong, or old and frail ?
  • do you have specific medical conditions – visual impairments, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, muscular conditions ?
  • are you using the seat for rehab after hip, knee or other surgery ?

 

Once you have established the type of seat you want, you are ready to pick –

  • the brand
  • a model with features you need
  • where you want to buy it
  • find out if you have medical insurance cover for a raised toilet seat

 

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 ?”

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

 

After a knee replacement or a hip surgery, you are going to want to have handles or armrests that you can hold onto when to sit down or stand back up from the toilet.

Having the armrests will allow you to control your balance more easily with your one good leg, avoiding any falls, and also helping your good leg push upwards when you stand back up.

The larger the armrests, the easier it will be to get a hold of them.

You also want a seat with armrests so that you don’t have to push down on the front edge of the raised toilet seat to stand up, – this can happen when you only have one good leg to stand on – and with seats which are not that securely attached they tend to tip forwards. This is a reason why many of the less solid seats have a flange at the back of the seat which slots under the inside rim of the toilet bowl, in an attempt to stop the seat from being able to tip forwards.

Even though the seats with spacers are bolted onto the toilet and are very solid, they do not have armrests, and unless you have a grab bar next to the toilet I wouldn’t recommend them where balance is an issue, or for an elderly person who struggles with their mobility.

For these reasons, the best types of raised toilet seats for after a knee, or hip, replacement surgery are going to be –

 

  • raised toilet seats with legs and armrests, such as the Mobb 4.5 inch raised toilet seat with legs
  • risers with armrests, such as the Nova 3.5″ raised toilet seat riser with arms
  • safety frame with an elevated seat
  • 3 in 1 bedside commode

 

One last tip is to use a walker to assist you with standing and sitting after a knee, or hip, replacement surgery, at least in the beginning, as this will give you something to transfer to as you are standing up especially, and can take some weight from your replacement joint.

If you want to know how to use a walker to transfer to the toilet or to stand up, I have an article on bedside commodes which explains how to sit and to stand with the help of a walker – “Using A Bedside Commode: An Illustrated Guide”.

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.

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.

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.

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

What’s the tallest toilet height ?

 

The tallest toilet height 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.

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.

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.

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.

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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