In this article, we have reviewed the best toilet seat risers. If you are in a hurry, the table below gives a quick snapshot of the top 6.
Contents
Most people visit the toilet 4 to 10 times a day for urination1. Add to that the once a day toilet visit for pooping (as suggested by a recent Healthline survey2), and you get that a fairly large part of the day is spent on the toilet.
A standard toilet is about 15 inches high. There are comfort toilets which are in the range of 17 to 19 inches high as well. However, as we grow older, even this so-called “comfort height” is difficult for us to negotiate if we have trouble in our knee or hip joints because of arthritis or other joint and muscle-related problems.
Coupled with that the frequency of visiting the toilet during the day that we just pointed out above, and you will realize that visiting the toilet becomes an arduous exercise for most seniors.
More importantly, having a toilet that is at an uncomfortable height for a loved one to negotiate can lead to unnecessary falls and accidents in the bathroom. Such household falls lead to nearly 30,000 deaths among seniors every year in the US.
Apart from the elderly, there might be other people also who would find it difficult to use a normal-sized toilet as well. For example, if someone in your family is suffering from a hip injury or has undergone a total knee replacement, they would find it difficult to bend down and sit on the toilet if it is too low for them.
Thankfully there is a very simple innovation in bathroom adaptive technology that can help people who have problems bending down and sitting on a regular toilet seat. This innovation is known as a Toilet Seat Riser and in this article, we will be discussing the best Toilet Seat Risers available in the market for you.
What Is A Toilet Seat Riser?
It is an assistive device that is placed above your toilet to increase its height so that the elderly and people who are facing knee and hip-related problems are able to use the toilet without help or support from anyone else.
Toilet seat risers typically come in two shapes: either round or oval. They might add up to 2 to 5 inches to your regular toilet height. Some toilet seat risers will have armrests as well so that you can use them as support when getting up or sitting down.
There are some toilet seat risers that can be attached permanently to your toilet seat and there are others that can be detached and put back on as per your requirement.
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What Should You Look for Before Buying a Toilet Seat Riser?
Choosing the best toilet seat riser can be a difficult task because there are several factors to be considered. However, we have listed out the most important ones for your consideration. We hope this buyer’s guide will be helpful in selecting the best toilet seat risers for your particular requirements:
Seat Height
Obviously, the most important aspect of selecting the right toilet seat Riser is the amount of height that you want to add to your normal toilet seat. products available in the market will help you add between 2 to 5 inches to your regular toilet seat.
Now selecting the right height for your toilet seat is tricky business, as it depends on the height of the user. You don’t want the toilet seat to become too high because that can lead to accidents and injury.
At the same time, a toilet seat that ends up being too low even after adding the riser is worthless.
Ideally, select a toilet seat riser that would be comfortable for your loved one to sit upon without having to bend too much but at the same time would not cause them to have to push themselves up in order to sit down on it.
We suggest that you carefully measure the height of the person for whom you are buying the toilet seat riser, especially from the ankle to the knee and upwards to the hip.
Maximum Weight Capacity
On average, most toilet seat risers are able to accommodate persons with a weight of 250 pounds.
If you are looking for a product that can accommodate someone of a heavier build, then keep a close tab on the maximum weight capacity as mentioned by the manufacturer.
There should be a comfortable gap of at least 50 pounds between the weight of the user and the actual maximum weight capacity as mentioned by the manufacturer.
Armrests
Some toilet seat risers come equipped with armrests that provide additional support and can be used by your loved one for getting up and sitting down on the toilet. Armrests can also provide a layer of support when they are sitting on the toilet.
However, if your loved one does not require additional support, you may want to consider buying a riser that does not have any armrest. Typically, those will cost less and may be able to add a couple of more inches than the ones which come equipped with armrests.
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Detachability
While some toilet seat elevators are detachable from the toilet seat, others are fixed on permanently. If there are multiple family members using the same toilet in the house you should consider buying an elevator that can be detached easily from the toilet seat.
However, if there is only one person who is going to use the toilet seat then you may go in for an elevator which is affixed permanently.
Circular vs Oval
While the shape that you select for your toilet seat elevator is largely dependent upon the kind of ball that is already in place, you should keep in mind that the toilet seat riser should have a large opening in the front in case your loved one who is going to use the seat is a male.
Durability and Cleanability
As a buyer, you would definitely look for a value for money alternative. You do not want a product that stays on a bit and then crumbles or cracks after investing so many resources and money in buying it.
You should purchase a riser whose seats are easily cleanable. A riser that can be easily wiped and does not require you to uninstall the entire toilet just to clean away particles hidden in between is most apt.
FSA Eligibility
Even though a toilet seat riser is not eligible for Mediclaim (because it’s not considered as a piece of necessary equipment, only an item for your comfort), you might want to consider products that are FSA eligible so that it can be covered under your flexible spending.
Here we have a video that shows how to assemble and install a toilet seat riser.
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Best Toilet Seat Risers
Most elderly want to see themselves as independent individuals. They may not be very comfortable with the idea of a caregiver following them whenever they go to the toilet.
We are therefore required to look at alternatives that can assist them to maintain their privacy while keeping the task of going to the toilet as simple and convenient as possible. Enter the toilet seat riser.
So without further ado, let us look at the best toilet risers available.
#1 Essential Medical Supply Elevated Toilet Seat With Arms
The Essential Medical Supply Elevated Toilet Seat is one of the best selling toilet seat elevators available in the market. The primary reason for this is that the seat has a unique design that allows it to be fitted under your regular toilet seat cover instead of on top of it.
This gives several benefits, for example, this toilet seat elevator is extremely stable because it is affixed between your toilet and a regular toilet seat. Another benefit is that you can continue to use your regular toilet seat cover which you were comfortable with, instead of having to use a new seat cover.
This elevator adds three and a half inches to your existing toilet seat and also has an inbuilt armrest with padded covers for extra stability and safety. The armrests are removable as per your requirement.
The toilet seat riser is available in several configurations so as to be able to fit on top of most toilets. You can buy it in either circular or elongated configurations. It has a maximum weight carrying capacity of 300 pounds, which comfortably holds most average sized persons.
Pros
- Affixes underneath the toilet seat cover
- More stable than other toilet seat elevators
- Comfortable padded armrests that can be detached as per user requirement
- Available in multiple configurations
- You can continue to use your existing toilet seat cover
Cons
- The product is not returnable on Amazon – so no try and buy possible!
#2 Drive Medical Elevated Raised Toilet Seat
The Drive Medical Elevated Raised Toilet Seat is a durable, lightweight, and easy-to-use product that can add 5 inches to your standard sized toilet seat.
It has a very simple locking mechanism that allows it to be securely fastened to any kind of toilet seat within minutes without using any tools or screws. This also means that this toilet seat elevator is portable and can be removed as and when needed instead of being affixed to the toilet. This is ideal when other members of the family use the same toilet.
The device also has detachable armrests that can be removed as per your preferences. It is designed in such a way that it can be affixed to almost any normal size toilet, and can hold a weight of up to 300 pounds.
Pros
- Easy locking mechanism to attach it to any toilet without any tools
- Can be removed and re-attached as per need.
- Portable and lightweight
- Detachable armrests
Cons
- The seat does not fit elongated toilets properly
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#3 Maddak Hinged Elevated Toilet Seat
The Maddak Hinged Elevated Toilet Seat adds 3 inches to your toilet seat with a portable, no-nonsense, easy-to-use elevator.
It attaches to your existing toilet seat and can be lifted or lowered like any normal toilet seat, making it comfortable for seniors and the elderly to sit.
This product is designed so as to be able to fit almost any toilet seat perfectly and is made of unbreakable molded polyethylene which gives it great durability. It can support a maximum weight of up to 350 pounds.
Pros
- No tools required for installation
- Very durable, made with unbreakable material
- Universal fit
Cons
- No armrests available
#4 Carex Elongated Hinged Toilet Seat Riser
The Carex Elongated Hinged Toilet Seat Riser adds three and a half inches to your existing toilet seat and is capable of supporting weights up to 300 pounds. This is a hinged toilet seat which means that it can be affixed to your toilet bowl and can lift up and shutdown like a regular toilet lid. The benefit of a hinged toilet seat elevator is that you can easily clean under it without having to remove the elevator.
This product does not require any locking to the toilet bowl and is therefore portable. There are two adjustable screws that are included as part of the package which can easily be used to affix this product to your toilet bowl and seat. It is designed to be used on most normal toilet seats and even elongated ones.
Pros
- Hinged toilet seat, easy to clean
- Portable, easily removable
- Can be applied to almost any normal toilet bowl
Cons
- Does not have armrests
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#5 Vaunn Medical Toilet Riser With Arms and Legs
The Vaunn Medical Elevated Raised Toilet Seat adds 4 inches to your existing toilet seat. This product is made from premium, high-quality germ-resistant material and is easy-to-clean, durable and lightweight at only about five pounds. It is easy to lock this elevator into place over the toilet seat since it does not require any screws or other equipment to latch on.
The elevator has a large comfortable seating space and is slip-resistant and easy-to-use with adjustable handlebars. It is designed to fit on almost all toilet seats and is very easy to wipe clean. This device is ADA compliant with the capacity to hold weights of up to 250 pounds. It has an E-Z lock mechanism to lock it in place on any toilet bowl.
Pros
- Very easy to clean and maintain
- The E-Z lock mechanism can be used to attach this elevator to almost any toilet bowl
- Lightweight, only 5 pounds and easy to carry around
- Portable, does not need to be screwed into the toilet
- Large and comfortable space for seating
- Slip-resistant and germ-resistant product
- Adjustable armrests for use by injured and elderly for additional balance
Cons
- There is not enough space between the handlebars to sit freely and at ease
- The E-Z lock mechanism in the front tends to stick out
#6 Medline Locking Elevated Toilet Seat Without Arms
The Medline Locking Elevated Toilet Seat without arms is another example of a portable toilet elevator which can be affixed on to your existing toilet seat using a locking mechanism. You need not use any kind of screws or other equipment. It does not require any setup or hardware for installation and can be used on most toilet seats.
This product is lightweight and microbe-resistant. It adds 5 inches to your existing toilet height. It has a wide contoured surface which makes it comfortable for use. The product is able to support a maximum weight of 350 pounds.
Pros
- An easy locking mechanism makes the device portable for use
- No installation required, no hardware needed
- Microbe resistant, germ-free and odor-free
- Lightweight weighs only about 5 pounds
- Able to support a weight of 350 pounds, highest in this list
Cons
- Not comfortable for users shorter than 5 foot 5 inches
- No armrests on the device for additional support
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#7 PCP Raised Toilet Seat and Safety Frame (Two-in-One)
The PCP Elevated Toilet Seat doubles as a stability safety frame and raised toilet seat. It is ideal for an individual recovering from knee, hip fracture, surgery of the lower back, strains, or muscle-related injury.
The design of this riser is modular and portable making it easy to move into position for those who need assistance, and to be removed for those who do not need that. It thus presents itself as a viable alternative to permanent fixtures that must be installed, screwed, or adhered to; which lead to expensive bathroom renovations that cannot be undone easily. The seat height of this riser can be adjusted in increments of 1 inch to accommodate multiple configurations for the user requirements.
The riser has a compact space-saver design that fits most bathroom spaces. It is engineered to ensure maximum versatility fitting into narrow configurations in the bathroom, in between the fixtures, and a variety of shapes and sizes of the toilet bowl.
It is easier to maneuver the lightweight frame into position and to remove it for cleaning, or use in another bathroom. The lightweight molded plastic seat and liner component are made into a single unit. It is similar in size to the traditional bedside commode but is less bulky in comparison. This reduces the moving parts and ensures the unit is stable and functional while keeping it easy to clean. To ensure longevity, one should always keep the liner from getting in contact with your toilet bowl.
Being lightweight, it is easy to lift and use by feeble or weak recovering patients who have limited strength. Its float-over design makes it easy to clean.
The product does not require any assembly as it is sold as a single piece. It can accommodate users up to a weight limit of 275 pounds.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to clean.
- Seat height adjustable in increments of 1 inch.
- Compact, portable, and space saver design.
Cons
- Fitting between the armrests may not be comfortable for larger users.
- A bit expensive as compared to other options available in the market.
#8 Toilet Seat Riser With Arms and Legs by Vive
This Toilet Seat Riser by Vive adds 3.5 inches of height to your existing elongated toilet seat. It fits under your existing toilet seat and makes it easier to sit or stand without bending. It is a great bathroom safety solution for the elderly who are experiencing limited mobility or those recovering from surgery of the hip, back, or knee.
The installation of this riser is easy and tool-free. An interior lip on the bottom of the riser, in addition to slip-resistant strips, eliminates the possibility of slipping, making it safe and secure.
It features removable handles that are padded with comfortable hand grips made of soft foam. This provides additional assistance when sitting or standing. The width between these handles is 22 inches and they provide a nonslip surface to offer a safe and secure grip. They are easily removable if needed.
The durable composite toilet seat elevator weighs 2.8 kilograms and can easily accommodate a weight capacity of 300 pounds. It is split resistant for extended usability. The seat riser can be cleaned by wiping down with regular household disinfectants or sanitizing wipes. It is made with corrosion-resistant aluminum. The handles can also be cleaned by using the bathroom disinfectants easily available in your home.
Pros
- Lightweight and tool-free installation.
- Easily removable handles.
- Supports up to 300 pounds.
Cons
- A bit expensive.
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#9 Carex Toilet Seat Elevator With Handles
The Carex Health Brands Toilet Seat Elevators come in both round and elongated toilet shapes. They add a height of 3.5 inches to your existing toilet seat. The riser features detachable arms with a width of 17 inches (for round seats) and 18.25 inches (for elongated seats). It installs under your existing toilet seat and can accommodate a weight capacity of up to 250 pounds.
The elevator provides additional safety, stability, and comfort. It also has sturdy padded handles that are easy to clean. The riser is made of molded plastic and aluminum and weighs 1.77 kilograms.
Pros
- Detachable arms.
- Easy to install.
- Lightweight, affordable, and comfortable.
Cons
- It is not easy to clean as it is installed under the toilet seat so you will periodically need to remove everything and clean out any dirt that could have accumulated between it and the toilet seats.
- Limited weight capacity. Unsuitable for heavy users.
#10 Ultimate Raised Toilet Seat With Arms and Legs
The Ultimate Raised Toilet Seat features a warm, padded, soft seat that makes toileting a comfortable experience. It allows for extended sitting with its Platinum HEalth Hi-View. Its blue color is vibrant.
The fast and easy height settings mean that as the health situation of the user changes, the toilet seat height can be easily adjusted without the use of any heavy tools to accommodate their varying needs.
The sturdy, weight-bearing armrests make secure leverage points that allow the user to sit and stand far more easily as compared to other risers available in the market. The Ultimate Raised Toilet seat can fit on both regular and elongated toilet seat shapes.
It does not involve any cumbersome installation and simply slides right over the toilet resting firmly and safely on the floor. When the riser is not required, it can be easily removed as well.
The product functions as a 3-in-1 product- like a raised toilet seat, a bedside commode, and a shower chair. It includes a commode pail with a lid that can be used for bedside use. The polyurethane foam is commercial grade and will never absorb water. The aluminum frame is medical grade and will never rust. All the components are easy to clean and disinfect.
Pros
- Easy to install.
- Fits all toilet shapes- regular or elongated.
- Can be used as a shower chair as well as a bedside commode.
Cons
- More affordable options available if you are looking only for a toilet seat riser.
- No splash guard.
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Conclusion
A Toilet seat riser is an essential device if you are elderly or injured and cannot sit down or stand up properly from a regular toilet seat. Typically such toilet seat elevators add between 2 to 5 inches to a normal toilet seat which is about 15 inches in height.
Toilet seat risers come in several varieties, shapes, and sizes. Sometimes they also have handlebars to help support you in sitting down are standing up. In general, there are two types of toilet sheet elevators: one that is affixed to your toilet bowl and the other that can be locked in place on the toilet bowl as and when needed, but is portable and can be removed if a different member of the family wants to use the same bathroom.
In this article, we have looked upon some of the best toilet seat elevators available in the market based on the characteristics that we have mentioned in our user guide, as well as actual user ratings and comments that we have studied rigorously. We have considered only FSA compliant products for the purpose of this article.
While all products in this lineup are good for use in almost any kind of toilet, in our opinion, the Essential Medical Supply Raised Elevated Toilet Seat Riser for an Elongated Toilet with Padded Aluminum Arms for Support and Compatible with Toilet Seat, Elongated, 19 x 14 x 3.5 is the best choice if you are looking for a product that is fixed in place.
The Vaunn Raised Toilet Seat and Elevated Commode Booster Seat Riser with Removable Padded Grab bar Handles & Locking Mechanism is the best choice for a portable toilet seat elevator. If you are looking for a value for money option, you can consider the HealthSmart Raised Toilet Seat Riser and Toilet Seat Cushion That Fits Most Standard Bowls for Enhanced Comfort and Elevation with Slip Resistant Pads, 15.7x15.2x6.1, which offers great value at a very decent price point.
While we make every effort to provide updated and correct information, the advice given in this article and website should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your physician or medical practitioner before using any toilet seat elevator. Each individual may have his or her unique issues and your medical practitioner is the best person to decide the best toilet seat elevator to use in your particular case
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