For anyone with mobility issues, a raised toilet seat is the only solution available to make using the toilet a little safer, other than raising the toilet itself, or buying a new taller toilet.
So, let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions and answers.
CONTENTS - Overview & Quick Links
Can a raised toilet seat be too high ?
When can you use a regular toilet after a hip replacement ?
What is the highest raised toilet seat ?
Do raised toilet seats come in different heights ?
Why do people use a raised toilet seat ?
Do raised toilet seats come in different sizes ?
What do I do if my toilet is too low ?
How much does a raised toilet seat cost ?
Raised toilet seat weight capacity ?
How does a raised toilet seats fit on a toilet ?
What is the purpose of a raised toilet seat ?
Can a raised toilet seat be too high ?
If you use a toilet seat which is too high, with your feet hanging in the air, and not flat to the floor, your circulation in the legs can be affected, causing your feet to go to sleep, which can possibly lead to falls when you try to stand.
Secondly, for anyone with issues with constipation, a lower seat is more conducive to passing a bowel movement, so a taller seat can lead to increased problems with constipation.
When can you use a regular toilet after a hip replacement ?
If you have been told to use a raised toilet seat after hip surgery by your surgeon – this is typically for lateral and posterior hip replacements – the precaution of a raised toilet seat will usually be taken for up to 6 to 10 weeks following the surgery.
What is the highest raised toilet seat ?
The OasisSpace Stand Alone Safety Frame and Raised Toilet Seat is the highest raised toilet seat, with a maximum seat height of 27.5 inches. It is a freestanding raised toilet seat which is placed over the toilet, but does not attach to it
The tallest raised toilet seats which attach to the toilet seat are 6 inch high seat, of which there are quite a few, but even on the tallest standing toilet they are not as high as the OasisSpace Stand Alone Safety Frame and Raised Toilet Seat.
Do raised toilet seats come in different heights ?
Raised toilet seats which attach to the toilet bowl are available in a range of fixed heights from 1 to 6 inches – a very few models, which attach to the toilet, have an adjustable height.
Freestanding raised toilet seats, come with adjustable legs. The standard model, has typically an adjustable seat height from 17 to 21 inches from the floor. Some models that have a seat height as high as 23, 25 and 27 1/2 inches from the floor. These are called –
- safety frame with raised toilet seat
- 3-in-1 bedside commode
Why do people use a raised toilet seat ?
The main reason for using a raised toilet is to make it safer for users with mobility issues, when sitting down on the toilet.
It does this by reducing the distance a user has to bend down to sit on the toilet.
Hopefully, using a raised toilet seat will also help build a user’s confidence and increase their independence, if it allows them to use the toilet safely without assistance.
Do raised toilet seats come in different sizes ?
With regard to the shape of your toilet, and how the seats fit to that, there are three types –
- universal fit, which is intended to fit most toilets
- elongated for elongated toilets
- round or standard for round/standard toilets
Risers and tall seats come either as elongated, or round models, and it is important that you get the right one, as they sit on the bowl rim under your toilet seat.
Raised toilet seats also come in a range of different –
- heights
- widths
- depths
Seats which attach to the toilet bowl do not vary much in width or depth, but in height, they can be found in models which range from 1 to 6 inches tall.
The greatest range in models with seats of differing width and depth, is found on those seats with legs, typically the 3-in-1 commodes.
Safety frames with raised toilet seats, offer the greatest range of height, and can be a little wider.
What do I do if my toilet is too low ?
If your toilet seat is too low, you can –
- lift the toilet itself, with a “toilet base riser”, or “toilet plinth”, don’t confuse this with a toilet seat riser
- use one of the many raised toilet seats which attach to the toilet bowl
- use a freestanding raised toilet seat
- buy a new taller toilet
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 come with many 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 from 220 lb to 350 lb, with only a few exceptions.
The bariatric, or heavy duty seats, except for Big John, and Bemis tall seats, are all 3-in-1 commodes, which can be used as a raised toilet seat, with some models supporting over 1000 lb.
How does a raised toilet seat fit on a toilet ?
Raised toilet seats are attached to toilets in a manner of different ways, depending on the model.
- Clip-on seats, literally clip on to the seat
- Bubble seats are seats which are placed on the rim of the bowl and then pushed down
- Side locking seats have little clamps which are tightened to grip the rim of the toilet bow
- Front locking seats have a clamp at the front which is tightened to hold onto the rim of the bowl, as well as a lip at the back which slots under the inside rim of the bowl behind the seat to stop tipping
- risers and tall seats are placed under the toilet seat, and are bolted to the toilet along with the seat
- freestanding seats – safety frames with raised toilet seats and 3-in-1 commodes are placed over the toilet, and do not attach to the toilet in any way.
With raised toilet seats which attach to your toilet, you will also need to make sure that you have a model which fits your shape of toilet.
Toilets are typically elongated or round/standard, and you need to make sure that your seat is either universally fitting – you will find some seats are only for round or elongated toilets.
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.
Who benefits from a raised toilet seat ?
Anyone who has difficulty sitting down, or standing up from the toilet, can benefit from a raised toilet seat.
This will include those with arthritis, Parkinson’s, balance issues, reduced mobility, a lack of muscles, visual impairments, and anyone in rehab from a knee or hip surgery.
Do raised toilet seats fit any toilet ?
A freestanding safety frame with raised toilet seat should be able to be placed over most toilets, as they typically have a maximum seat height of at least 21 to 23 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
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.
