Raised Toilet Seats For A Large Person : The complete guide

Updated August 2022

If you are looking after an elderly parent who is larger than average, you are going to need a raised toilet seat which is a bit stronger, wider and possibly taller than the standard seats on the market, in order to keep your loved one safe.

Raised toilet seat for a large person. Raised toilet seats for large people come in a range of weight capacities all the way up to 1200 lb, differing widths up to , and depths 

Raised toilet seats which fit to the toilet bowl, as well as having different weight capacities, come in a range of heights which can raise the toilet seat level by 2-6 inches.

Most of the standard models are not exactly suited to a larger framed, or a taller individual, as they either are too small, or they can’t take the weight.

The brand Big John has seats with a capacity of 1200 lb, but they only raise the seat by 2.5″, which, although they are far wider than an ordinary toilet seat, may not be enough of a lift if you have an individual who has trouble with sitting due to illness, or to frailty, and you really wanted 4-6 inches.

With a bariatric commode (heavy duty) used as a raised toilet seat over your toilet, you can raise the toilet seat level as high as 24″ from the floor on many models, and you can get them in wider than standard versions for larger hips as well.

Some other bedside commodes can be used over a toilet and will also have armrests which you can raise, and lower, to enable easy access for a caregiver, or so the user can transfer horizontally to a wheelchair, or a bed.

Personally, I would suggest a bariatric commode that you can use, either over the toilet as a raised toilet seat, or in the bedroom if the user’s mobility is limited – they do come in a variety of widths, depths, heights and with differing weight limits.

We will take a look at all of that.

My elderly mom has been using a bedside commode over the toilet for around 20 months, and she finds it very practical due to the large armrests, and the solid frame.

How to measure for a raised toilet seat ?

To measure for a raised toilet seat you will need to find the seat height which will keep your hip higher than, or roughly level with, the back of your knee when you are seated.

Secondly, you are going to want to find out what shape of toilet you have, if you are attaching a raised toilet seat to the bowl of your toilet.

There are two shapes of toilet –

• standard or round
• elongated

Raised toilet seat manufacturers make seats which are universally fitting, or fit to one of the two types only. So you need to know which type you have if you can’t find a universally fitting seat.

This is not an issue if you are using any type of seat in a frame – either a safety frame with an elevated toilet seat, or 3-in-1 bedside commode, both of which hold the seat over your toilet in a freestanding frame.

If you want to find out about the ways of measuring the height of raised toilet seat that you need, and the size of your toilet, you can check out my post here – “How To Measure For A Raised Toilet Seat ?”

Raised seats for larger people 

The following are different types of raised toilet seats, or equipment, which raise a toilet seat, and are best suited for larger individuals –

• raised toilet seats with legs
• risers
• Big John raised toilet seats
• safety frames with elevated seats
• bariatric bedside commodes
• extra tall bedside commodes
• extra wide bariatric bedside commodes
• elongated bedside commodes

As you will have noticed I have included bedside commodes, and that is because they can be place over a toilet and used as a raised seat, and in general have a wider range of higher weight capacities, as well as having quite a few wider models.

I am only listing seats which can hold a minimum of 300 lb in weight.

I will be looking first at –

• a range of seats in each different weight capacity
• a range of seats in different widths
• a range of seats in terms of height
• a range of elongated seats

Best raised toilet seats for a large person

 
If you don’t want to go through the whole article and pick through all the lists to find what you want, I have chosen examples of what I think are very good models in each of the categories I listed above.

The models here are not just standard raised toilet seats, but also bedside commodes which can be used over a toilet, and which are often far wider, taller, and often have a far higher weight capacity than a raised toilet seat.

Some models will of course combine several features, and that will be noted.

If you are unaware of what the different types of raised toilet seats, risers, elevated seats with frames and bedside commodes are, you can learn about all of that in my article “Types Of Raised Toilet Seats: All You Should Know Before You Buy”.

Best Heavy Duty Riser for a large person

Maddak  3″ Push-Up elevated toilet seat with armrests

Weight capacity: 400 lb

Width between the arms: 20.25″

Seat height: adds 3″ to your toilet seat height

Overall width: 25.5″

Prod. No: F725600050

The design of this riser enlarges the width of the existing toilet seat by a few inches on either side.

Maddak 3.75″ Secure bolt elevated toilet seat without armrests

You need to make sure that you purchase the correct model for your toilet, as these are not universal, and there is a “standard” model, and an “elongated” model, and you need to select the appropriate one for your toilet.

Weight capacity: 600 lb

Seat width: it uses your toilet seat

Seat height: adds 3.75″ to your toilet seat height

Prod. No: F725790002

Best raised toilet seat with legs for a large person – extra wide

Maddak 4″ Extra Wide Tall-Ette Elevated Toilet Seat with aluminum legs

Weight capacity: 400 lb

Width between the arms: 19″

Seat height: seat slides up and down the legs, adjusting to all toilet heights

Overall width: 22.5″

Prod. No: T25881000

Maddak 4″Extra wide Tall-Ette elevated toilet seat with steel legs

This model is superior to the prior model, in as much as it has steel legs, not aluminum

Weight capacity: 600 lb

Width between the arms: 18″

Seat height: seat slides up and down the legs, adjusting to all toilet heights

Overall width: 22.5″

Prod. No: T725882000

Best safety frame with raised toilet seat for a large person

Platinum Health Ultimate Raised Toilet Seat

Weight capacity: 350 lb

Width between the arms: 20″

Seat width: 16″

Seat height: 19.5 – 23.5 adjustable height

Overall width: 27″ at the base

Prod. No: PRT4747BPLA

Best bariatric commodes for use over a toilet for a large person

Nova heavy duty drop arm commode

Weight capacity: 500 lb

Width between the arms: 24 1/2″

Seat width: 24 1/4″

Seat height: 19″ – 23″

Width between the arms: 24 1/2″

Overall width: 28 1/2″

Prod. No: 8583

Bedside commode with the highest weight capacity which can be used over a toilet –

Homecraft deluxe bariatric drop arm commode

Weight capacity: 1000 lb

Width between the arms: 25 1/2″

Seat width: 23 inches

Seat Height: 19 – 23″ adjustable

Overall width: 30″ at the base

Prod. No: 081706381

Drive Bariatric drop arm commode

Weight capacity: 1000 lb

Width between the arms: 25 1/2″

Seat width: 25 1/2″

Seat height: 17 1/2″- 22″

Overall width: 28 1/2″

Prod. No: 11135-1

Best elongated raised toilet seat for a large person

Guardian Medline 3 in 1 commode

Weight capacity: 400 lb

Elongated seat size: 16.5″ deep

Seat height: 17″ – 23″

Width between the arms: 19″

Overall width: 22″

Prod. No: MDS89664EL

Best extra wide raised toilet seats for a large person

Maddak 4″Extra wide Tall-Ette elevated toilet seat with steel legs

Weight Capacity: 600lb

Width between the arms: 18″

Seat Height: seat slides up and down the legs, adjusting to all toilet heights

Prod. No: T725882000

– this model is superior in as much as it has steel legs, not aluminum

Homecraft Deluxe Bariatric Drop Arm Commode

Weight capacity: 1000 lb

Width between the arms: 25 1/2″

Seat width: 23 inches

Seat Height: 19 – 23″ adjustable

Overall width: 30″ at the base

Prod. No: 081706381

You can drop the arms away if you wish, giving you more room for your thighs.

Drive Bariatric drop arm commode Prod. No. 11135-1

Weight capacity: 1000 lb

Width between the arms: 25 1/2″

Seat width: 25 1/2″

Seat height: 17 1/2″- 22″

Overall width: 28 1/2″

Best extra wide and elongated raised toilet seat for a large person

TFI Healthcare wide 3 in 1 commode with elongated seat

Weight capacity: 400lb

Elongated seat size: 14 3/4″ wide x 19″ deep

Seat height: 18 1/4″- 22 1/4″

Width between the armrests: 22 3/4″

Overall Base width: 26″

Prod. No: TFI3224G

Best extra tall raised toilet seat for a large person

Homecraft drop arm padded commode

Weight capacity: 350lb

Seat size: 16″ wide x 16″ deep

Seat height: 19 1/2″- 25″

Width between the armrests: 18″

Overall Base width: 21″

Prod. No: 081706399

So if you didn’t find what you were looking for in the “Best of” categories, here are the lists of lots of different examples of each type of raised toilet seat that is adapted to use by a larger person.

Raised toilet seats with a 300 – 399 lb weight capacity

Risers with armrests

Raised toilet seats with legs

Safety frames with raised toilet seats

Raised toilet seats with a 400 – 499 lb weight capacity

Risers with armrests

The design of this riser enlarges the width of the existing toilet seat by a few inches on either side.

Raised toilet seats with legs

Safety frames with raised toilet seats

Bedside commodes

Raised toilet seats with a 500 – 599 lb weight capacity

Safety frames with raised toilet seats

Bedside commodes

Raised toilet seats with a 600 – 699 lb weight capacity

Risers without armrests

Raised toilet seats with legs

Bedside commodes

Raised toilet seats with a 700 – 799 lb weight capacity

Bedside commodes

Raised toilet seats with a 800 – 899 lb weight capacity

Raised toilet seats

Bedside commodes

Raised toilet seats with a 1000 – 1099 lb weight capacity

Bedside commodes

Raised toilet seats with a 1200 lb weight capacity

Big John Toilet seats are oversized toilet seats which are installed on a toilet in the same way as an everyday toilet seat. They are though a lot wider, and have a 2.5″ lift.

The seats bolt to the toilet, once you have removed your existing toilet seat.

On the underside, the seats have a special no-slip area around the rim, which stops the seat from sliding all over the place.

Big John raised toilet seats

Extra wide raised toilet seats for a large person

Now we are moving on to raised toilet seats which are more generous with their width, and are suited to those individuals with larger thighs.

Raised toilet seats

The only raised toilet seats that I know of without legs which have extra width is the range made by Big John – the seats bolt onto your toilet like any other seat, but are much wider.

And one of the Maddak extra wide raised toilet seats without legs.

Big John 2.5″ original toilet seat w/lid

Weight capacity: 1200 lb

Seat width: 19.2″

Prod. No: 1-W

Big John 2.5″ original toilet seat w/lid

Weight capacity: 1200 lb

Seat width: 19.2″

Prod. No: 2-CR

Big John 2.5″ original toilet seat w/lid, open front

Weight capacity: 1200 lb

Seat width: 19.2″

Prod. No: 3-W

Big John 2.5″ original toilet seat w/out lid, open front

Weight capacity: 1200 lb

Seat width: 19.2″

Prod. No: 4-W

Big John 2.5″ classic toilet seat w/out lid, open front

Weight capacity: 1200 lb

Seat width: 19″

Prod. No: 7-W

Maddak 4″ Extra Wide Tall-Ette Toilet Seat

Weight capacity: 300 lb

Width between armrests: 18″

Prod. No: T25891000

Extra wide raised toilet seats with legs

Mobb raised toilet seat with legs

Weight capacity: 300 lb

Width between armrests: 20.5″

Prod. No: MOBB MHRTSL

Maddak 4″ Extra Wide Tall-Ette Elevated Toilet Seat with aluminum legs

Weight capacity: 400 lb

Width between armrests: 19″

Prod. No: T25881000

Maddak 4″Extra wide Tall-Ette elevated toilet seat with steel legs

Weight capacity: 600 lb

Width between armrests: 18″

Prod. No: T725882000 

Extra-wide bedside commode frames with wider seats

With bedside commodes which have weight capacities of 400 lb and up, there are lots of models with extra wide frames and slightly wider seats – typically between 24 and 26 1/2″ in between the armrests, as opposed to around 18″ on a standard bedside commode.

Tuffcare extra wide 3 in 1  commode chair

Weight capacity: 400 lb

Width between armrests: 24″

Seat size: 15 1/2″ wide x 16 1/2″ deep

Seat height: 18″ – 23″

Overall width: 28″

Prod. No: M450

Tuffcare extra wide drop arm  commode chair

Weight capacity: 400 lb

Width between armrests: 25″

Seat size: 15 1/2″ wide x 16 1/2″ deep

Seat height: 19″ – 24″

Overall width: 31″

Prod. No: M470

Drive deluxe bariatric drop arm commode

Weight capacity: 1000 lb

Width between the arms: 25 1/2″

Seat width: 25 1/2″

Seat height: 17 1/2″- 22″

Overall width: 28 1/2″

Prod. No:

Lumex heavy duty drop arm commode

Weight capacity: 600 lb 

Seat width: 25″

Seat height: 19 1/2″ – 23 1/2″

Width between the arms: 25″

Overall width: 31″

Prod. No: 6438A

Nova heavy duty drop arm commode

Weight capacity: 500 lb

Width between the arms: 24 1/2″

Seat width: 24 1/4″

Seat height: 19″ – 23″

Width between the arms: 24 1/2″

Overall width: 28 1/2″

Prod. No: 8583

Elongated raised toilet seats for a large person

For easier access for a larger user for cleaning themselves, some bedside commodes have seats which have a more elongated form front to back.

Some elongated seats are also be open at the front, with the design affording even more access to the user for cleaning themselves.

As you will see, the frames are not much wider than a standard frame.

Elongated bedside commode seats

Probasics heavy duty wide commode with elongated seat

Weight capacity: 450 lb

Elongated seat size: 15.5″ wide x 15.5″ deep

Seat height: 17″ – 23″

Base width: 30″

Width between the arms: 21″

Overall width at arms: 22 1/2″

Prod. No: BSB31C

Guardian Medline 3 in 1 commode

Weight capacity: 400lb

Elongated seat size: 16.5″ deep

Seat height: 17″ – 23″

Width between the arms: 19″

Overall width: 22″

Prod. No: MDS89664EL

Elongated bedside commode seats with extra wide frames

On some models of bedside commodes with elongated seats, the width of the frames have also been increased to give more room to accommodate the thighs, and hips of larger users.

The extra wide commode frames start to appear at weight capacities of 400 lb, and above.

Most cannot be used over a toilet, but the model below can.

TFI Healthcare wide 3 in 1 commode with elongated seat

Weight capacity: 400 lb

Elongated seat size: 14 3/4″ wide x 19″ deep

Seat height: 18 1/4″- 22 1/4″

Width between the armrests: 22 3/4″

Overall Base width: 26″

Prod. No: TFI3224G

Extra tall raised toilet seats for a large person

This is not going to be very difficult, as there is really only one raised seat that is for very tall people, and that is the –

Homecraft drop arm padded commode

Weight capacity: 350lb

Seat size: 16″ wide x 16″ deep

Seat height: 19 1/2″- 25″

Width between the armrests: 18″

Overall Base width: 21″

Prod. No: PHS2000

This is the tallest bedside commode seat there is, and it can be placed over a toilet.

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

Weight capacity: 285 lb

Seat size: 16″ wide x 16″ deep

Seat height: 25″

Width between the armrests: 20.5″

Overall Base width: 26.5″ to 27.5″

Prod. No: 081706399

If you are looking for an article with more information about the tall raised toilet seats, and toilets as well, you can learn more here, “What is the highest raised toilet seat ?”. 

I have listed lots of seats and frames and toilets for tall individuals.

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
• weight – getting the right weight capacity
• portability – there are some seats which are designed to be used on travel trips and visits, seats which attach to the toilet, and then larger seats with frames which are far more bulky, but easily carried from room to room if needed
• what toilet shape is the seat made for – is it a universal fit, or is it just for an elongated, or round toilet – this does not apply to freestanding raised toilet seats
• freestanding raised toilet seats – do you want a model in a frame, which stands over the toilet
• hinged risers – some risers have hinges which allow you to clean under the seat without unfastening it from the toilet
• what type of locking system you need, or do you want a freestanding model
• armrests – some seats offer armrests which can be of great help to more elderly, frail and visually impaired users
• seat width – seats come in a whole range of sizes on the freestanding models, which is good news for those with larger thighs
• seats for larger individuals often have elongated seats to help facilitate cleaning – this mainly applies to bedside commodes used as raised toilet seats
• padded seats – seats which are not hard plastic are available with padding
• lids – some seats come with lids

I have two other post for a larger person, you can check out each of these articles here –

“Do Bedside Commodes Come In Different Sizes ?”

“How Wide Is A Bariatric Commode ?”

How to choose a raised toilet seat ?

The easiest way to choose a raised toilet seat is to consider what the important criteria are for you. To do this simply ask yourself some basic questions  –

• about the height
• about the weight capacity you need
• about which features are necessary
• about the space you have, or lack of space around your toilet
• about the height and shape of your toilet
• about the health of the user
• the age of the user
• about any medical conditions the user may have
• is it for post-surgical recovery ?

You will be able to find lots more questions, as you know your own situation, but this should get you started.

You will also be wondering about the brand, where you are going to buy the seat, and possibly, if you can get it covered by medical insurance.

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 ?”

You can learn a lot more about all aspects of raised toilet seats in my post, “How Do Raised Toilet Seats Work ?”.

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.

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.

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 do I do if my toilet is too low ?

To raise a toilet seat, you can –

1. raise the toilet itself with a “toilet base riser”, or “toilet plinth”, don’t confuse this with a toilet seat riser
2. use a form of raised toilet seat which attaches to the bowl
3. use a freestanding raised toilet seat
4. buy a tall toilet

Why do people use a raised toilet seat ?

The main reason for using a raised toilet is to reduce the distance a user has to bend down to sit on

the toilet, to reduce any pain and to increase the user’s stability and safety.

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 without assistance safely.

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.

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

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.