At a certain stage in life when age begins to tell on us or after an important surgery, it will become our top priority to ensure maximum safety in the bathroom. Most accidents that happen in the home takes place in the bathroom.
How well can you prevent this?
It’s all simple and balls down to the use of commode chairs. They provide optimum safety and the prevention of bathroom accidents. Do you have an elderly person to look after? The purchase of a shower commode chair is very important.
Why? You might ask. A brief explanation of what is the use of a commode chair will shed more light on this.
Walking to the bathroom might not necessarily be a challenge. But, it may become difficult to sit and stand from the toilet seat.
This may be a result of arthritis, joint pains, or balance problems. If proper care is not taken, the probability of falling during the trip to the bathroom id pretty high. That's because of any medical issue or most importantly old age.
Commode chairs can help prevent the risk of falls to and from the bathroom, or in the bathroom itself.
- Duro-Med Shower Chair
- 21 in.
- 16 x 16 in.
- 18 lbs
- 250 lbs
- Read review
- Drive Medical Aluminum Shower Chair And Commode With Casters
- 21 in.
- 16 x 16 in.
- 14.1 lbs
- 300 lbs
- Read review
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Editor’s Choice
- NOVA Medical Products Deluxe Shower Chair/Commode
- 19 in.
- 15.5 x 15.5 in.
- 16.5 lbs
- 250 lbs
- Read review
- Invacare Mariner Rehab Shower Commode Chair
- 39 in
- 16x16 in.
- 30 lbs
- 300 lbs
- Read review
- MedMobile® Aluminum Portable Commode Shower Wheelchair
- 19 in.
- 17 x 17 in.
- 16 lbs
- 300 lbs
- Read review
What to Expect When Using a Shower Commode Chair?
Here is an interesting fact related to the shower commode chair.
The commode chairs are built to suit the body shape and frame of each user. It’s all listed in the specifications before you buy it.
Most commode seats are padded in a water-resistant sort of way. This means you don’t have to feel like you’re sitting on a hardwood. Shower commode chairs are built with backrest and armrests.
Reasons Why the Elderly Need to Use Shower Commode Chairs
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Safety
Using a shower commode chair ensures 100% safety in the bathroom.
You don’t have to get stuck with using a bathtub, with a shower commode chair. Hence you can make use of the shower to feel refreshed. Besides, you can have your bath without fear of slipping in the tub or the fear of drowning. Amazing right?
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Relaxation
Old age comes with poor mobility and balance. And this will definitely lead you to fret when having your bath. Your nerves are suddenly alert and you are always on the lookout for the slightest slip.
This would not in any way make showering an event to look forward to. That is why shower commode chairs have been put in place. This helps you relax and enjoy being under the warm spray of water. The shower commode chairs have hand grips and armrests. It helps you transfer your body to safety. In spite of the fact that you are confined to a wheelchair because of your weak legs.
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Accommodation
Due to old age, your mobility is bound to be limited and slower which could make you heavier.
Transferring yourself from the wheelchair to the shower commode chair could be a big challenge. That’s why you have to get the perfect shower chair that suits your needs.
A shower commode chair with a wider seat means a part of the commode chair remains outside the shower. Thereby making it possible for you to sit down and slide your body across.
This makes it easier for you to enjoy the shower. Remember it has a firm handgrip that makes the shifting of your position easier. The main goal of why you’re making plans to buy a shower commode chair is to make the trips to the bathroom easier.
Or do you intend to use it next to the bed so you don’t always have to go on trips to the bathroom? It could also be that you want it as a taller toilet seat that will make the use of the existing toilet seat easier. All these choices will help you make the perfect decision as to which shower commode chair is suitable for you.
A shower commode chair would definitely save you from making trips to the hospital. Great pain and loss of ability to be independent are totally avoidable when making use of a shower commode chair.
Buyer’s Guide for Shower Commode Chair
A commode shower chair is designed for use in the bathtubs or showers.
It should be rust-resistant and sturdy because of the regular contact it will have with water. Shower commode chairs are intended for use by people who cannot stand while in the shower.
The shower commode chairs help users to bathe independently. Hence care for themselves without risk of accidental injury from painful falls.
You should note shower commode chairs come in different types. Commode chairs with backrest and armrest and commode shower chairs without a backrest.
Shower commode chairs without armrest or fullbacks are good for people with good back strength and strong balancing ability.
It helps a great way of making you sit while in the shower. But, they usually don’t come in handy for the elderly who need support in sitting. A shower commode chair can be used by anyone who feels like sitting while enjoying a bath in the shower.
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Firm with support
A shower commode chair without full-back or armrest needs to be firm on the ground to avoid slipping. Holes are found in the seat which prevents water from pooling up on the seat and causing it to slick.
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Armrests and backrests
Shower commode chairs with full-backs and armrests are perfect for the aged people. They can easily lean on the back of the chair while taking a shower. Thus without fear of hurting or straining their backs.
A padded shower commode chair can be more comfortable than a hard plastic seat. This is especially important for people whose skin is starting to break down. Some commode shower chairs have detachable armrests.
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Balancing the body
Do you experience difficulty in balancing your body while sitting? A shower commode chair with armrests will be perfect for you.
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Openings on the seat
Shower commode chairs also have specifications of a seat with an opening or without an opening. A shower commode chair with an opening on the seat enables you to relieve yourself while showering.
You could refer to it as a multi-purpose shower commode chair. One benefit of using a commode chair with an opening is that it’s easy to wash your privates without having to stand up. But you have to sit properly on it to avoid falling into the opening.
The full shower commode chair is more comfortable than a commode chair with openings.
The shower commode chair is usually made waterproof. This will help people who need full support to move to the bathroom. The waterproof feature makes it possible for the user to sit comfortably while in the shower. Hence without fear of a soaking wet commode chair.
These chairs are built to ensure the full safety of the user.
Types of Shower Commode Chairs
There are different types of commode chairs depending on the built-in features. And they're designed to suit everyone’s taste. These include:
- Drop-arm commode. A drop-arm commode means the arms of the commode chair fold down. The arms of a drop arm commode are easily folded.
- Bariatric Commodes. This commode chair was designed to accommodate people who weigh over 300 pounds. They're built to be strong and durable.
- Commode chairs with wheels. This commode chair can also be referred to as "transfer chair commodes." The wheels provide easy transport from the bedroom to the bathroom.
Some wheeled commode chairs are designed to be wheeled directly over the toilet in the bathroom. The Wheeled commode chair can also be wheeled directly into the shower. Thereby making it function as a shower commode.
- Over the toilet commode chair. You don’t have to restrict the use of a commode chair to the shower alone. An over-the-toilet commode chair is the same as the basic commode chair style. It fits over the existing toilet in the bathroom.
Most commode chairs feature a removable bucket. So the chair can be used as a bedside commode with the bucket, or as an over the toilet commode when the bucket is removed.
Important Features to Lookout for before Purchasing a Shower Commode Chair
The features of a shower commode chair explain its use to the fullest. Before buying a commode chair, you ought to look out for the following:
- An adjustable model of shower chair would be of great use. That way, you can adjust the height, width, and depth of the seat to suit your taste.
- Detachable armrests are bound to make side transfer easy.
- Shower custom chairs that are built smooth and seamless do not allow molds and microorganisms to grow on it. This makes it antibacterial supportive. Plus they are easy to clean.
- A shower commode chair that tilts easily will be easy to use. This would make it easy for you to adjust your body to a convenient posture.
- It has to be waterproof.
The Best Shower Commode Chair for Elderly
You want a shower chair that won't rust after exposure to moisture. The Duro-Med Shower chair does a good job and stays in good shape for a long time. This commode chair is very comfortable and sturdy. It comes with good locking caster wheels. Thus makes rolling it hassle-free to push the chair into the shower.
If the shower has a high lip, lifting your wheels over the lip of the shower can be done easily. Assembling the chair is not difficult. Especially when you follow the instructions laid out for assembling the product.
The width between the legs of this chair is 19" as well as the depth. The seat width is 16" while the whole chair weighs 18 pounds. For those who don't like the wheels that it comes in, you can take them off and put the rubber feet on it. The only issue here is that you would have not to take apart the whole wheel. This could lower the chair for about 3 inches which could mean it may not be able to fit over a toilet anymore.
One complaint we noticed is that this chair is not strong enough to tilt back to get the wheels over the lip of the shower. And then lift them back up again. It is quite unstable and it can be difficult to get it from one carpeted floor to another. Another customer advised that the weight should be factored in when lifting the patient. As the wheel doesn't have a hand brake and it could lose controls if not done properly.
The shower chair is versatile and doubles as a toilet seat and shower transport chair. The brakes are not very strong; the chair might stay put when the brakes are on but will roll away if you hit or push it.
It is well-padded and comfortable enough. Although the bar at the back of the chair may cause slight discomfort. If you are a caregiver, the Duro-Med shower chair is a good option to consider.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| The Duro-Med shower chair is comfortable and sturdy; you won’t have to worry about tipping over in the shower. The wheels are great and won’t roll away when the brakes are on. | It is a tall chair, and this might not be comfortable for petite people. |
| The chair moves smoothly, quickly and it is easy to assemble. | The bar at the back can cause slight discomfort and may need extra padding. |
The Drive shower chair is lightweight and easy to push around. It is a padded shower chair with an open front design, a toilet seat, a removable commode bucket, and cover.
These features are quite convenient and make showering and cleaning up an easy job. The chair features swivel caster wheels with rear locking.
Reviewers complained about the wheels are slippery and do not lock on surfaces. Also, the wheels do not roll when a person sits in the chair.
Unlike some other high-end shower commode chairs, the Drive Medical K. D. Shower Chair/Commode is one of the few that are foldable. The armrest is not removable and you can't lower them from their current position. This is a high cost for having the chair foldable for trips outdoor.
The wheels do lock, and the seats are padded which is a nice feature for a shower chair. But, some buyers complained about the wheels of this chair. The plastic side covers on the wheels will fall off exposing the wheel to rust.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Sturdy and lightweight, moving the Drive shower chair is easy and hassle-free. | The casters do not lock on slippery surfaces. This can cause the chair to roll around in the shower; this is dangerous and can result in a crash. |
| The shower chair has great design and solid construction. It comes with a convenient toilet seat and a removable bucket. | The bar at the back of the chair may cause slight discomfort and needs extra padding. |
| The height of the chair is not adjustable and is quite tall. An inconvenient feature for petite people. |
The Nova shower chair is well-designed with footrests and four swivel lock casters. As well as padded seats and a removable bucket and lid.
The Nova has a good solid construction and is very sturdy; it will take your weight and keep you steady in the shower. The locking wheels with removable footrests make the chair stable. And the wheels also roll smoothly over surfaces and in the shower. This is an important feature if you have reduced mobility.
This NOVA Medical Products Deluxe Shower Chair/Commode measures a width of 22", a height of 36" and depth of 20.5". It fits over a standard toilet seat, but you must remove the bucket to do so.
What is amazing about this wheelchair is that you can use it to transport the patient to the shower. Hence it can also be used in the shower.
The chair also allows you to have access to the patient's private parts. This leads to better hygiene which is often an issue with a user in a wheelchair.
However, if you are tall - about 6 feet and above, you might have a problem using this wheelchair. As it is close to the ground and as such will be difficult to arise from.
The brakes of the chair work great too. No chance of rolling around and slipping which can be quite dangerous. Especially in the shower.
Another bonus is that the chair arrives already assembled. So there's no need to waste precious minutes struggling to put it together. The seat is padded, but it becomes uncomfortable after sitting in the chair for some time. It's recommended to put extra padding with a towel.
The footrests are another great feature. It makes the chair more comfortable and relaxing.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| The Nova chair is lightweight, convenient, and easy to push around. | To remove the bucket, you have to lift the seat. This is not comfortable or convenient for the user. Especially if they have restricted mobility. |
| It is sturdy with vinyl seats that prevent slipping. The swivel lock casters keep the chair in place when in the shower. | The seat gets uncomfortable after sitting in it for an extended period. It's recommended to put extra padding on it. |
| The footrests and the removable bucket with lid are useful and innovative. | |
| The Nova chair is well constructed with a sturdy and durable design. |
The Invacare shower chair is lightweight and easy to push around. It is a padded shower chair with an open front design, a toilet seat, a removable commode bucket, and cover.
These features are quite convenient and make showering and cleaning up an easy job. The chair comes in an aluminum frame. As well as swivel caster wheels with rear locking, removable pan, pan holder, and safety strap.
If there is one area where reviewers have complaints when it comes to the Mariner Commode Chair, it will be with the wheels. As there were lots of complaints about customers having to play with the rear wheels. hence tightening the brakes on a regular basis.
Unlike some other high-end shower commode chairs, the Invacare Mariner Commode Chair is quite foldable. The armrest, however, is not removable. Neither you can lower them from their current position. This is a high cost for having the chair foldable for trips outdoor.
It has a redesigned ergonomic seat. So, it fits most standard and elongated bowl that you can remove. Along with a commode pail for quick conversion to a standalone commode. The Invacare Mariner, available in sizes 16 inches and 18 inches is one of the best commode chairs on the market.
The wheels do lock, and the seats are padded which is a nice feature for a shower chair. Some buyers, however, complained about the wheels of this chair. The plastic side covers on the wheels will fall off exposing the wheel to rust.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Sturdy and lightweight, moving the Invacare shower chair is easy and hassle-free. | There’s excessive play in the rear wheels and the brakes need daily tightening. |
| The shower chair has a great design. It has a solid construction with a convenient toilet seat and a removable bucket. | The bar at the back of the chair may cause slight discomfort and needs extra padding. |
| Includes swing-away front riggings with tool-less adjustable height footrests. | The center seat pan has a habit of falling out if you shift a lot in the 18-inch wide seat. |
The MedMobile shower wheelchair is light and portable as the name implies. The brakes are good and functional. Besides, the tires roll smoothly over surfaces and lock well on slippery surfaces. The chair is very sturdy, stable, and can carry a lot of weight.
When you have a patient who has paraplegia, they will be able to shower as before. This is with the aid of the MedMobile® Aluminum Portable Commode Shower Wheelchair. It is easy to put the chair together.
The footrests easy to adjust and or remove depending on the preference of the patient. It is easy to push for someone who needs a commode and wheelchair at the same time. If there is one fault that we noticed from the reviews, it will have to be on the brakes. They are quite tight and which often means a good thing as transfers are safer to do. But, with tight brakes also comes lessened hand strength.
It's an excellent choice if your patient is on the heavy side. Reviewers rave about the durability and quality of the chair. It is a great product and delivers incredible performance at a reasonable price. The chair comes highly recommended.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| The MedMobile chair is durable, sturdy, and stable. You can push it with ease, and the tires glide smoothly. The brakes work well and will keep you from crashing. | The seat is quite hard and will need some extra cushioning. The back bar of the chair may also cause discomfort and should be padded. |
| It is a high-quality, lightweight chair; it is heavy duty and very functional. | The wheels are small, but they function well. |
The Commode Chair/Shower Chair, Versatile 3-in-1 PADDED Shower Chair is a 3-in-1 shower chair. It is a shower chair that you can use either as a standalone due to the included pail.
It can also be placed on a chair and used directly for safer toileting as well as for showering.
It is quite versatile. Also, it has a safer and cleaner design built on a modern 2016 blue/silver design to better cue elderly users. Unlike white/gray colored chairs that could blend into the background. Hence the user could miss seeing it.
The chair measures 22 inches with an inside width of 19 1/2 inches. This should be cross-checked with your tub to be sure that you can use the chair along with it. The weight capacity is 265 lbs. So that it can carry all kinds of people irrespective of their weight size.
You can fold the seat up when not in use. While it won't fold up as flat as you would like, you can still fold it and allow it to lean against the wall when not in use.
The seat and the brace will fold down while one of the arms and the legs will fold to the front. This is to allow the second arm and to be released and folded backward.
It's made from medical grade aluminum frame components that will never rust. Besides, it is reliable with adequate safety concerns.
For elderly users, some might have concerns about using a commode chair for fear of falling or tripping while taking a shower. The Commode Chair/Shower Chair, Versatile has all the great safety features. This will protect you while in the shower.
One great feature with this versatile chair is the adjustable height setting. It allows you to adjust the height of the Commode chair to fit the user for optimal safety and comfort during use.
This is especially useful for users who are taller. Hence could have issues with the default height that the chair comes in.
The seats are padded and the armrests at the back. So, you won't get a back strain for using this product. As well as skin tears and other infections that come with aluminum chairs that don't have padding.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| A versatile shower chair. | The padded seat is not soft. |
| Very sturdy design that can be folded when not in use. | Seat cushion is small, and it flattens out as though you’re sitting on a piece of board. |
| It comes with a lifetime warranty. |
The lightweight shower transport chair has wheels that glide easily on any floor.
The lightweight wheels have individual designs to make wheeling easy. Be it wooden or rugs or even tiles. The lightweight wheels have individual designs to make wheeling easy. Its frame and structure are built with a sturdy aluminum backrest made of nylon. It is quite flexible, making it useful during baths.
When in use during a bath, the lightweight chair grants you total access to the user's body. The lightweight chairs come in handy, and its user’s ratings have been pretty high.
It’s built in a way that the safe transfer of the chair is guaranteed in and around the shower.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| You can use the seat as a personal transport to and from the stairs. That's because the lightweight has the ease of mobility. And its locking wheels are reliable when you don’t want it to go any further. | The pot-metal brake pad can break after the use of a little while. |
| It can be easily cleaned after its use in the shower or after use of the commode pail. | The coated bracket coating the bucket is steel. So after its use for an extended period, the coating beneath the seat starts to wear off which in turn leads to rust. |
| It's built to resist rust and corrosion. |
MJM International 118-3TW-DDA-SF-SQ-PAIL Standard Shower Chair with Drop Arms, Slide Out Footrest and Commode Pail, 300 oz. Capacity, 40.5″ Height x 22″ Width x 25.25″ Depth, Royal Blue/Forest Green/Mauve By MJM International
This brand has a high gustatory perception which puts you at ease while in use.
It's designed to withstand water which means it doesn’t rust. Also, it has a slide-out commode pail which is easy to wash. Moreover, it features two armrests that you can lift up to enable the user to get up easily. Besides, it also has a slide-out footrest to ensure the user's foot is placed comfortably.
Manufactured by Health Care Grade Polymer Plastics which are Phthalates and Lead-Free.
Specifications:
- Internal Width: 18"
- External Width: 22"
- Threaded Stem Casters: Rust Proof 3" Twin
- Overall Size: 40.5" H x 22" W x 22.25" D
- Seat Depth: 18"
- Seat Height with Deluxe Elongated Open Front: 20"
- Seat Height Clearance: 17.625"
- Seat Height Clearance with Commode Pail Rails: 16.75"
- Capacity: 300 lbs.
Some things to note about the MJM International 118-3TW-DDA-SF-SQ-PAIL is it does not tilt back. But, it does have a wide back and is much more comfortable than most wheelchairs for the elderly.
Some customers complained about the seat calling it a cheap seat. Some buyers said they had to change the seat before it could fit their standard handicap height toilet.
The footrests slide well under the chair once the user sits down on it and you can slide out the footrest for use whenever you need it. It doesn't have a safety belt to attach the patient to so you might need to buy it separately.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Sharp edges cannot be found on the MJM International 118-3TW-DDA-SF-SQ-PAIL Standard Shower Chair. This, in turn, leads to no skin breakage at all. | Its backrest cannot be tilted to the back. |
| Its manufacturers excluded the use of Phthalates and lead. | You find the locking caster still sliding on tile floors. |
| The front seat is quite long and open which users find very useful. | You can’t extend its use over a toilet if you install the footrest. |
| One of its main features is the anti-slip hand grips. | One feature that annoys users is its non-adjustable height. Its height is fixed at 5’8”. |
| It is anti-bacterial, and you can wash and dry its removable mesh back fast. |
The MedMobile® 2-in-1 Commode chair can be used as a bedside commode or a mobile toilet. You can use it in the shower also. Its frame is coated in steel, and it weighs 2.50LB. The commode pail has a lid cover and its armrest can be lifted up or down.
This MedMobile Wheelchair can fit into most toilets including a high-rise toilet.
You do, however, need to remove the catch basin before you can use it. The back of the seat is in color black, and it's made of a mesh-like material that will dry out quickly. The wheels are 5" and you can apply the locks with the foot from behind.
The steel is powder-coated, and it also has a rear locking castor. And yes one great feature is that the footrest is detachable. Seems pretty comfortable right? Well, as with most things in life, there are a couple of disadvantages to it.
There are things that this MedMobile® 2-in-1 Commode/Shower that doesn't come with. Such as a seatbelt. You also can't switch the locks to the front.
For those who want to have this amount of versatility, you wouldn't find it with the MedMobile 2-in-1. The seat is not collapsible. You will have to push it into the bus as it can only stand upright and you can't fold it.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Its brakes are very good. They are four in number instead of the usual 2. | The seat is very hard and uncomfortable. This is sure going to be a turnoff to buyers. |
| Its use is diverse, and it comes in handy in achieving a lot. | MedMobile customer service is great. As they respond to customer’s queries and complaints in a friendly and timely manner. |
| It is very durable, and you can prolong its use over many years. | Its brakes are not so useful. In the sense that it is hard to apply and disengage. |
| The footrest comes in very handy and helpful. | The wheelchair is not foldable or collapsible so it wouldn’t be suitable for trips. |
The Caspian Professional Mobile Shower/ Commode Chair has a complex gustatory sensation. Thereby makes it comfortable to use. It's padded by platinum health.
Features:
- It has padded seat on the backrests and armrests. Thus provides a comfortable surface that is warm. This non-slip pad can absorb water and easy to clean.
- The construction is a professional grade made from a rust-free aluminum frame. Hence institutional rust-free polycarbonate casters.
- The Caspians are quite versatile. You can use it as a shower chair and commode chair that you can use to wheel the elderly to the restroom.
- You can flip the armrests up and take back down making transfers to the chair and from the chair efficient.
- A folded footrest that eases the sitting and standing access to the chair safely.
The Caspian model is designed for a single shower unit. Meaning that the user does not in any way need extra transport devices when going to and from the showering area. Its use has been extended to a variety of homes and hospitals.
You can use the Caspian Professional Mobile Shower Chair as a commode chair as well. As you can extend its use over a standard toilet seat.
Its padded seat, backrest, and armrests are soft and comfortable. Thereby making it easy to sit in and also good for the muscles. The non-slip pads will not absorb water and are easy to clean and disinfect.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Easy to wheel about because of its lightweight and structure. | It’s a bit pricey. |
| Its aluminum frame is rust-free, and it’s of superior quality. Its polycarbonate casters are also durable. | The hole openings don’t make it suitable for a male. |
| You can extend its use over the toilet seat or you can use it in the shower. | |
| It is pretty comfortable and leads to relaxation of the body. |
Conclusion
Finding the best Shower Commode Chair that makes showering and toileting easier for the elderly can be a bit challenging. If you’re still not sure about which chair to choose, we recommend you pick the one that fits your needs.
We have chairs that have armrests and padded backrest that makes it comfortable for the user. We also have stair chairs that will help people who are in a condition or having a hard time to walk upstairs. Especially for aged people.
Padded chairs are often more comfortable than a plastic seat. Especially for people whose skin has started to break down.
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