By kbeveridge
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Raised toilet seats are essential devices for the elderly and for anyone that suffers from reduced mobility issues. These items can help you stand up and sit down by raising the height of the toilet seat. In turn, this can make the entire process a lot easier and safer for you.
Today’s buying guide will outline the best raised toilet seats for the elderly. We will discuss the pros and cons of the leading models and help you decide which raised toilet seat is best for you.
What Is a Raised Toilet Seat?
A raised toilet seat is a device that makes sitting a lot more comfortable for anyone with mobility limitations. The device works by boosting the toilet to a certain height, making it easier for you to stand up or sit down.
There are different types of raised toilet seats on the market. For instance, some are placed over the toilet frame while others are installed underneath. Some of these devices offer many more features than others, but that can also increase the price.
You’ll be able to find raised toilet seats with handles, seats with rails, portable raised toilet seats, and more. Each one will offer you a different set of benefits and drawbacks, so it is essential to understand your needs before deciding which model you’ll be buying.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Raised Toilet Seats?
Raised toilet seats offer many great benefits if you or a loved one suffers from reduced mobility. These devices are excellent for the elderly, but anyone that suffers from mobility limitation can use them.
Here are the pros of using a raised toilet seat:
Here are the cons of using a raised toilet seat:
At a Glance: The Best Raised Toilet Seats for Every Need
Image | Name | Length | Width | Height | Weight | Best For | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RMS Raised Toilet Seat | 17" | 20-24" | 4.5" | 143 lbs | Lightweight & Durable | |
| NOVA Medical Products Toilet Seat Riser | 23.5" | 13.88" | 8" | 1.6 oz | Padded handles | |
| Essential Medical Supply Elevated Toilet Seat | 19" | 17" | 4" | 3.5 lbs | Wipes down easily | |
| OasisSpace Stand Alone Toilet Seat | 16" | 5" | 13" | 6.6 lbs | Secure & Easy to Use | |
| Maddak Basic Open Elevated Toilet seat | 15" | 13.88" | 3" | 1.5 lbs | Lightweight & Portable | |
| Duro-Med DMI Foam Toilet Seat Cushion | 16" | 14" | 4" | 0.6 lbs | Tear-resistant white cover | |
| The Ultimate Raised Toilet Seat | 12" | 21" | 20-24" | 13.32 lbs | Help prevent slips, trips & falls | |
| Homecraft Savanah Raised Toilet Seat | 16.14" | 15.04" | 6.38" | 3.09 lbs | Made of lightweight plastic | |
| Toilevator | 23.125" | 11.25" | 3.5" | 7 lbs | Economical & Hygienic Alternative | |
| Drive Medical Raised Toilet Seat | 17" | 15" | 9" | 1.33 lbs | Difficulty sitting down |
The Best Raised Toilet Seats for Every Need
Best Raised Toilet Seat with Arms: RMS Raised Toilet Seat
RMS Raised Toilet Seat | |
|---|---|
Length | 17" |
Width | 20-24" |
Height | 4.5" |
Weight | 143 lbs |
Pros
Cons
The RMS raised toilet seat offers an excellent elevation of 5 inches (12.7 cm) and a comfortable design. The device includes two adjustable handle arms that provide support and safety. You’ll be able to adjust this device to your height and width without much effort.
Additionally, the device is lightweight and made of high-quality materials, giving you durability and resistance. It is also easy to install and use and offers good toilet adaptability. However, it does not stay secure on some elongated toilets.
We recommend this raised toilet seat for: anyone looking for a comfortable raised toilet seat with good adaptability and safety measures.
Best Raised Toilet Seat with Handles: NOVA Medical Products Toilet Seat Riser with Handles
NOVA Medical Products Toilet Seat Riser | |
|---|---|
Length | 23.5" |
Width | 13.88" |
Height | 8" |
Weight | 1.6 oz |
Pros
Cons
NOVA’s raised toilet seat with handles is a perfect affordable option if you have an elongated toilet. This device has a weight capacity of 300 lb (136 kg) and an elevation of 3.75” (9.5 cm). Additionally, it also offers two adjustable handlebars for your safety and comfort.
This model is also easy to install and adjust. However, it won’t work on standard toilets.
We recommend this raised toilet seat for: anyone looking for an affordable raised toilet seat with solid features and support handles.
Best Raised Toilet Seat with Rails: Essential Medical Supply Elevated Toilet Seat
Essential Medical Supply Elevated Toilet Seat | |
|---|---|
Length | 19" |
Width | 17" |
Height | 4" |
Weight | 3.5 lbs |
Pros
Cons
This raised toilet seat by Essential Medical Supply offers a good elevation and excellent support and safety. It doesn’t require much effort to install, and you can do it without using any special tools.
Additionally, this model is easy to clean and disinfect. However, it does not offer good toilet adaptability, as it only works with elongated toilets.
We recommend this raised toilet seat for: anyone looking for an easy-to-clean raised toilet seat with rails.
Best Raised Toilet Seat with Arms and Legs: OasisSpace Stand Alone Raised Toilet Seat
OasisSpace Stand Alone Toilet Seat | |
|---|---|
Length | 16" |
Width | 5" |
Height | 13" |
Weight | 6.6 lbs |
Pros
Cons
OasisSpace’s raised toilet seat offers some of the best stability possible thanks to its design and legs. The legs and seat have anti-slip surfaces, making it a lot safer and more comfortable than other options.
Additionally, this model offers a padded toilet seat for better comfort. Although, you should keep in mind that it won’t fit all toilet sizes.
We recommend this raised toilet seat for: anyone looking for the safest raised toilet seat on the market.
Best Portable Raised Toilet Seat: Maddak Basic Open Front Elevated Toilet Seat
Maddak Basic Open Elevated Toilet seat | |
|---|---|
Length | 15" |
Width | 13.88" |
Height | 3" |
Weight | 1.5 lbs |
Pros
Cons
Maddak’s raised toilet seat is lightweight and easy to install, making it the best portable option you’ll be able to find. The toilet offers a universal fit, meaning that you’ll be able to use it on almost any toilet size or design.
The model is easy to clean and disinfect. However, you should know that this is a plastic-made model that does not offer good comfort or an anti-slip surface.
We recommend this raised toilet seat for: anyone looking for a portable raised toilet seat with solid features.
Best Padded Raised Toilet Seat: Duro-Med DMI Foam Toilet Seat Cushion
Duro-Med DMI Foam Toilet Seat Cushion | |
|---|---|
Length | 16" |
Width | 14" |
Height | 4" |
Weight | 0.6 lbs |
Pros
Cons
This Duro-Med model is made of the highest-quality foam and provides the best possible comfort for you or your loved ones. It is easy to move and transport and fits almost all toilet sizes and designs.
This model is also easy to clean and disinfect, but it is not like other raised toilet seats. This one does not offer support or safety if you suffer from mobility limitations.
We recommend this raised toilet seat for: anyone looking for a comfortable raised toilet seat that you can take anywhere.
Best Elevated Raised Toilet Seat with Legs: The Ultimate Raised Toilet Seat
The Ultimate Raised Toilet Seat | |
|---|---|
Length | 12" |
Width | 21" |
Height | 20-24" |
Weight | 13.32 lbs |
Pros
Cons
This raised toilet seat is a three-in-one option that you can use as a toilet seat, a bedside commode, and a shower chair. The padded seat provides excellent comfort, and you can adjust it to your height.
This model fits almost every toilet size and design. However, because it is a 3-in-1 model, its design is not the safest one.
We recommend this raised toilet seat for: anyone looking for a versatile raised toilet seat with reasonable comfort.
Best Raised Toilet Seat with Lid: Homecraft Savannah Raised Toilet Seat with Lid
Homecraft Savanah Raised Toilet Seat | |
|---|---|
Length | 16.14" |
Width | 15.04" |
Height | 6.38" |
Weight | 3.09 lbs |
Pros
Cons
Homecraft Savannah provides one of the best-designed options on the market. You’ll be able to choose between three elevations and one option with lit. The options are 2” (5 cm), 4” (10.1 cm), 4” (10.1 cm) with lit, and 6” (15.2 cm).
It is a lightweight option that you can move and transport when you need it. It is also one of the few options that include a lid. Additionally, it is easy to clean and disinfect, something essential for any toilet-related item. However, this model only works with standard toilets.
We recommend this raised toilet seat for: anyone looking for an affordable model that offers different sizes and designs.
Best Elongated Toilet Riser: Toilevator
Toilevator | |
|---|---|
Length | 23.125" |
Width | 11.25" |
Height | 3.5" |
Weight | 7 lbs |
Pros
Cons
This device is not like the others on the list. Instead of being placed over the toilet, it goes underneath it. It provides substantial elevation and allows for more than one person to use the bathroom.
The main drawback of this option is that it requires proper installation as it has to go underneath the toilet. Additionally, this model is not as affordable as others on the market.
We recommend this raised toilet seat for: anyone looking for a way to increase the toilet’s height without placing anything over it.
Best Bariatric Toilet Riser: Drive Medical Raised Toilet Seat with Lock
Drive Medical Raised Toilet Seat | |
|---|---|
Length | 17" |
Width | 15" |
Height | 9" |
Weight | 1.33 lbs |
Pros
Cons
This Drive Medical raised toilet seat has one of the best weight capacities, holding 400 lb (181.4 kg). The device is easy to install, easy to use, and easy to lock to the toilet. Additionally, it is an affordable choice that offers a good design for better comfort.
The main drawback of this option is that it doesn’t provide good toilet adaptability.
We recommend this raised toilet seat for: anyone looking for the best bariatric raised toilet seat.
Raised Toilet Seat FAQs
Where to Buy Raised Toilet Seats?
You can find a raised toilet seat in the following places:
How High Should an Elevated Toilet Seat Be?
Although it will depend on you and your needs, the average height of a raised toilet seat is between 2” (5 cm) and 6” (15.2 cm). The size of the raised toilet seat will depend on different factors like your height and the height of the toilet.
One more aspect to consider when choosing the height is your safety and comfort. You should avoid picking a model that raises you too far from the ground or is not raised enough. You’ll be sitting on it for a long time, so choosing a size that makes you feel safe and comfortable is essential.
If you are unsure what makes for a safe and comfy raised toilet seat, consider your feet. Place your feet on the ground while you are sitting. If you can rest them without any pain or discomfort, that’s the right size for you.
Does Medicare Pay for Raised Toilet Seats?
Medicare does not cover raised toilet seats or any other helping device that is unnecessary for the patient. To them, a raised toilet seat is a “convenience item,” meaning that without it, the patient will still survive.
Additionally, Medicare does not see raised toilet seats as medical devices but more of a home device. For an item to be covered by Medicare, a Medicare-enrolled physician must certify it as “medically necessary.”
How to Install Raised Toilet Seats
Most raised toilet seats are not difficult to install and require little to no tools. Depending on the model, you have to place the device over the toilet and lock it. That way, it won’t move when you use it.
Here’s what you should do if you have a raised toilet seat with handles:
- 1Install the padded arms into the slots on the side of the device. Ensure that you hear the click of the buttons so that you know the arms are locked.
- 2Once the arms are in place, lift the toilet lid you’ll be placing the device on. The device should be placed directly over the toilet and not over the lit.
- 3You’ve placed the raised toilet seat over the toilet. Now, it is time to lock the seat to the toilet by switching the lock you’ll find on one side of the device.
- 4With the raised toilet seat locked, you can now enjoy your new freedom and independence in the bathroom.
If you want a more visual guide, you can check out this video:
Tips for Buying the Best Raised Toilet Seat for Your Needs
There are several aspects you should consider before buying a raised toilet seat. For example, safety and comfort should be your main focus when purchasing one of these devices.
Conclusion
Raised toilet seats are an essential tool for anyone looking to regain some independence in the bathroom. There are many designs, sizes, and brands, so it is vital to know your needs before getting one.
You should ensure that the device you get has a good weight capacity and a high-quality safety mechanism. For instance, if you are looking for one of the best raised toilet seats with arms, we recommend RMS Raised Toilet Seat. It offers excellent safety features and has a good weight capacity.
Sources:
What’s a raised toilet seat and how does it help? – Assistive devices
How to Install a Drive Medical Raised Toilet Seat
Mobility Problems - Symptoms - Musculoskeletal - What we Treat - Physio.co.uk
Mobility in the Elderly; Manage Your Elderly Loved Ones Mobility Issues
Joint Pain Isn’t Inevitable With Age
Lower Back Pain when Standing: Causes and Treatments
22 Toilet Types & Options for Your Bathroom (Extensive Buying Guide)
How to Make Your Bathroom Safe for Elderly Family Members
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