A 3-in-1 commode, also known as an All-in-One, is a portable bedside commode which has been designed so that it may be used in three specific ways –
(1) as a bedside commode
(2) as a raised toilet seat with a frame over a toilet
(3) as a toilet safety rail
A bedside commode is a portable toilet which works without running water.
Contents Overview & Quicklinks
3 in 1 bedside commode
3-in-1 bedside commodes
A 3-in-1 commode, or All-in-One, is not a simple folding commode, which unfolds like a standard folding chair.
The simple folding bedside commode can’t be used as either a raised toilet seat, or as a toilet safety frame, because of the way they are built – their frame structure will not allow for them to be placed over a toilet, as will the frame of a 3-in-1 bedside commode .
The 3-in-1 bedside commode can come in quite a variety of model types and features –
- bariatric or heavy-duty models for larger individuals – there are a wide range of different models with different weight capacities
- models of varying width are available – narrow, standard, wide and extra wide
- especially tall models for taller individuals – the Tuffcare model being the tallest
- models with elongated seats
- models which have drop arms – these models are for individuals who require side access to transfer to the commode
- models which have padded seats and back rests
- frame seat height can vary – usually the commodes have adjustable height legs, but the amount they adjust by can vary, so if you are wanting to use it over your toilet, you will want to check the height of your toilet bowl rim
The 3-in-1 bedside commode frames are generally made from aluminum, with the bariatric models being made from steel and employing multiple layers of tubing in their construction.
The standard bedside commode will take an individual weighing up to around 300 lb, but if you want specific weight capacities for specific models you can just go to my article “Bedside Commode Weight Capacity: A Guide With Over 140 Examples And Illustrations” – the model names, numbers and weight capacities are all listed so that you can just copy and paste them into any search engine to easily find them.
If you are interested in finding a bedside commode for a larger person, I have an article about all the different types of bariatric commodes, including transport commodes and shower commodes and I list over 60 different examples with their model numbers and their weight limits. You can find that article here.
Well known brands of 3-in-1 bedside commodes
Here’s a list of well known brands which can be relied upon for their quality of commode –
- Arjo
- Carex
- Drive
- Guardian
- Homecraft
- Invacare
- Medline
- Nova
- Performance Health
- Probasics
- TFI Healthcare
- Tuffcare
- Guardian
- Vive
How to set up a 3-in-1 bedside commode
Once you have taken the commode out of it’s packaging –
- the main frame should come partly assembled
- swing the legs out towards you, and the frame sides and back should be standing independently, but lacking a front crossbar
- attached to what is the back of the commode chair frame is a metal commode bucket platform – it is attached to a horizontal bar between the back legs,
- grab a hold of the free platform bar and swing it upwards – the two free ends will clip into the joints on two front legs at the level of the seat, securing the square base of the chair frame
- insert into the top of the two back legs the back rest bar -it just pops into the joints at the top of the legs
- with the legs and back rest secured you can place bucket in its holder
- the plastic seat will simply clip onto the bar at the back of the bucket platform
- the seat lid can then be clipped onto the same bar
- the height of the legs can be adjusted by pushing in the spring-loaded buttons on each leg
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”.
How to set up a 3-in-1 commode over a toilet ?
Using a 3-in-1 commode as a seat with a safety frame or as a raised toilet seat and frame is a very good option for elderly loved ones.
The armrests make it easy to grab a hold of when sitting and standing, the structure doesn’t wobble like many raised toilet seats, and they can’t come off the toilet, because they are not attached to it.
After my mom’s hip replacement surgery, she tried out a few different raised toilet seats, and these didn’t give her any confidence – they wobbled so much it was like being at sea.
We purchased a 3-in-1 bedside commode, and she has used it ever since, both as a bedside commode immediately following the surgery, and then over the toilet to give her a slightly raised seat.
She loves it, and she feels much safer than with any of the raised toilet seats we had tried.
To set up a 3-in-1 commode over a toilet –
- remove the commode bucket from the bucket platform
- note how high the toilet bowl rim is from the floor
- adjust the length of the commode legs accordingly so that the commode seat is higher than the toilet bowl
- to adjust the height of the legs, push in the spring-loaded buttons on the tubing and make sure that they click loudly when they are in position – give them a good jiggle to make sure the buttons have popped out well
- check that the legs are the same length, so the commode doesn’t wobble
- make sure that your actual toilet seat and lid are in the upright position
- place the commode frame over the toilet and to check it clears the height of the bowl and that it is at the height which suits the user
- the user’s feet should touch the floor when they are seated on the commode – not just the toes – at least half the foot, otherwise this can cause frailer individuals to fall when trying to stand up
- lift the seat and place the splash guard in the bucket platform
- replace the commode seat down over the splash guard and your commode is ready to use over a toilet
If you are trying to decide whether you need a bedside commode or a raised toilet seat, this article may be of help – “Raised Toilet Seat vs Bedside Commode ?”.
3 in 1 bedside commode installed over a toilet
How to set up a 3-in-1 bedside commode as a toilet safety frame
To set up a 3-in-1 commode as a toilet safety frame, you do exactly the same as for a raised toilet seat, except that you do not raise the commode seat any higher than the lowest possible height for your toilet.
There is no need to use the splash guard the commode sea is only about an inch above your toilet bowl rim.
Where can you buy 3-in-1 commodes ?
You can find all the types of commodes and shower chairs at major retailers, both in shops and online, such as –
- Amazon.com – just be warned on Amazon there are some models which disappear after a month, not to be heard of again – stick to the popular brands
- CVS
- American Discount Medical Equipment – home-med-equip.com
- Lowes
- Target
- Walgreens
- Walmart
How much does a bedside commode cost ?
Here is an overview of the range of prices that you can find for bedside commode
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) The basic models which are fine start at $35.00 and there are a lot around that price.
Static drop arm bedside commode – $309.82 (33 models $72.98 to $1363.74) The drop arm 3-in-1 models for standard sized models are mostly in the $70 – 120.00 range
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)
I have an article with a huge range of bedside commodes of all types, and you will the prices for all the models. You can read that article here – “How Much Does A bedside Commode Cost ? A Guide With Over 160 Examples By Category”.
Other types of bedside commodes
Other than a 3-in-1 bedside commode, the main types of bedside commodes are –
Static folding bedside commode
The simple folding commode is the most basic and lightweight portable commode, very easy to fold and pop into a cupboard.
These have the lowest weight capacity of all the bedside commodes.
Static shower bedside commode
The static shower commode is waterproof and can be used as both a shower chair and as a bedside commode.
Static stacking bedside commode
The stacking bedside commode is so-called because it doesn’t fold.
It is a simple portable bedside commode, but some models do have adjustable height legs, which allows them to be used over a toilet.
Static drop arm bedside commode
A drop arm commode is one which has armrests which are not fixed in position, and which can be moved to allow for side transfer onto the commode, usually from a wheelchair or a bed.
Attendant transport bedside commode
A transport commode is quite simply a commode with wheels, which can also be used to transport your loved one from A to B if they have mobility issues.
If the commode has adjustable height legs, it may also be used over a toilet – it’s always best to check this with a supplier
Attendant transport commodes require that a caregiver pushes the commode.
Self-propelling transport commode
Self-propelling transport commodes are transport commodes for those individuals who are able to propel themselves.
As with the Attendant transport commode, they can be used as a transport chair, a commode and in many cases over a toilet.
Attendant shower transport bedside commode with four small wheels
The attendant shower transport commode chair is a commode, a shower chair and a transport chair combined, and in addition can often be used over a toilet.
This chair again requires a carer to transport the user from A to B.
Attendant shower transport bedside commode with medium sized rear wheels
The attendant shower transport bedside commode, is a commode which can be used in the shower, and often over the toilet as well.
Self-propelling shower transport bedside commode
The self-propelling shower transport bedside commode, is another example of a commode that can be used in the shower, as a commode, as a transport chair, and can often be used over a toilet as well.
Transfer bench bedside commode
Transfer bench commodes are both a commode and a bench for transfer into the bath or shower.
Armchair style commodes are bedside commodes which are a little more stylish and are designed to be like an armchair and not recognizable as a commode.
This example is an armchair style bedside commode which has been specially designed to fit into a corner so that it cannot tip over when the user sits down – it’s called a Derby Corner Commode.
Derby Corner Commode
I hope that this was helpful to you, and I have lots of other articles about bedside commodes, cleaning them, the different types, the issues of odor control, using and disposing of commode liners, and how to choose one.
You can find all of these both in the Beginners’ Info category and also the Personal Hygiene category on the main navigation menu.
To learn more about bedside commodes, you can take a look at “What is a bedside commode ?”, which covers all aspects of the different types of bedside commodes –
- 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
You can find all of that in the article.
Benefits of bedside commodes
Bedside commodes can be of great benefit for anyone who has problems with mobility, or standing and sitting.
My elderly mom has been happily using a bedside commode for a number of years, and won’t try anything else.
The bedside commode gives us both peace of mind at night, knowing that Mom has an easy and safe way of using the toilet.
The Benefits of bedside commodes are –
- safety
- creates greater independence, freedom and control
- can lead to increased privacy and sense of dignity
- easy and quick access
- wheelchair users may find it easier than a toilet
- comfortable option for bedridden individuals
- can increase user confidence
- height adjustable
- models in all sizes
- low-cost option
- no need for home renovation
- can be placed anywhere in the home
- extremely portable
- models with wheels
- some models have multiple uses
- can be used over an existing toilet
- a safe option after hip or knee replacement surgery
- less stress for caregivers than a conventional toilet
- more sleep for caregivers
If you want to find out more about the benefits of a bedside commode, and especially for elderly loved ones, I have an article on the different ways in which it can really help – “19 Benefits Of Bedside Commodes: Making Life Easier For Seniors”
When should you get a bedside commode ?
It’s time to get a bedside commode when you are having difficulties using your normal toilet, due to any issues with mobility, balance, sitting and standing, frailty, or are bedridden, and if a bedside commode would be easier and safer for you to use –
- if a person is bedridden
- if a person is a wheelchair user
- if a person cannot walk to the toilet on their own
- if it takes a person too long to get to the toilet in time
- if a person requires a safety frame to be able to use the toilet due to frailty, mobility, balance issues, confidence etc
- if a person needs a raised toilet seat to help them sit and stand on the toilet
- if a person makes frequent trips at night to the toilet but is becoming unsafe to do so
- if a person has had a hip or knee replacement, or any other surgery which makes sitting and standing difficult and risks injury
- if a person is not asking for help at night when they need the toilet and waiting until morning
To learn more about this, you can take a look at my article “When Should You Get A Bedside Commode ?”.
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.
