For old people, simple tasks like using the toilet can become challenging, so investing in the best raised toilet seats for elderly is never wasted. However, it’s not easy to make the right purchase for each individual who has different heights and weights. After determining what your loved one or you need, pick a product from this list:
Here are the best raised toilet seats for elderly you can buy in 2024:
- Easy To Get Up: Carex E-Z Lock Locking Raised Toilet Seat With Armrests
- Best For Taller People: Carex Raised Toilet Seat With Rubber Pads
- Best Portability: Carex Quick-lock Raised Toilet Seat
- Space-Saving Arm Design: Drive medical PreserveTech Universal Raised Toilet Seat
- Best For Heavy People: Carex Safe Lock Bariatric Raised Toilet Seat
- Easy To Clean: Carex Hinged Toilet Seat Riser
| 6 Best Raised Toilet Seats For Elderly | ||
|---|---|---|
Easy to get up | Carex E-Z lock locking raised toilet seat with armrests
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Best for taller people | Carex raised toilet seat with rubber pads
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Best portability | Carex quick-lock raised toilet seat
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Space-saving arm design | Drive medical PreserveTech Universal Raised Toilet Seat | |
Best for heavy people | Carex safe lock bariatric raised toilet seat
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Easy to clean | Carex hinged toilet seat riser
| |
20% Off on Reviewed Carex Products: Use code 'Take20' at checkout
Easy To Get Up: Carex E-Z Lock Locking Raised Toilet Seat With Armrests
- Easy to use, clean, install, and remove
- Sturdy, stable, and well-made
- Comfortable to sit on
- Competitive price
- Too high for some people
- Non-adjustable armrest
If you need to buy a raised toilet seat for people who have mobility issues or difficulty getting up from a seated position, invest in the Carex E-Z lock locking raised toilet seat with armrests. Its armrests function as handrails providing support to make sitting down or getting up from the toilet easier.
In case you buy this product for yourself who have mobility issues, the good news is that you don’t need the help of other people in installation. You can do that by yourself because it comes fully assembled. What you have to do is only sitting on the toilet and screwing down the lock. Done!
This product doesn’t allow you to adjust, so it’s not ideal for some certain body sizes. If you are fine with a standard toilet, when adding this seat into the toilet, perhaps your feet can’t touch the ground. Plus, the size of this toilet seat is limited by fixed armrests, so it does not fit those who have too wide hips. For men, when sitting on this seat, their legs must be too close together, so it’s hard for them to function properly. It works better for slim and tall people.
How easy is it to clean this raised toilet seat? This design is removable, so you can easily take the seat off for cleaning and put it back after drying.
| Carex E-Z Lock Locking Raised Toilet Seat With Armrests Specifications | |
|---|---|
Depth | 17 inches |
Width | 15.5 inches |
Weight capacity | 300 lbs |
Material | Plastic |
Types of toilet compatible | Standard toilet |
Highlight features | Easy-to-use locking mechanism Smooth contour seat Built-in hand grips Padded armrests |
The Carex E-Z lock locking raised toilet seat with armrests gives you the best support when sitting down and standing up.
Best For Taller People: Carex Raised Toilet Seat With Rubber Pads
- Stays in place well
- No installation, convenient for shared toilet
- Easy to get on and off
- Sturdy and durable
- Pretty narrow for some people
The Carex raised toilet seat with rubber pads is 5.5 in height, which is the highest seat in this list. Thus, it can provide tall people with an elevated platform to minimize strain on the knees and hips when sitting down and standing up.
This product doesn’t need installation because it comes with anti-slip pads on the bottom. When in use, simply put it on top of the ceramic bowl. Even this installation process doesn’t require you to remove your existing toilet lid. Thus, it perfectly works on your vacation or shared toilet. If you wonder if it is really convenient and essential in your trip or not, let’s check the customer's experience. On her airplane trip, this seat fits in her 24-inch luggage. And it allows her to use a regular hotel room while accommodating her disability - bad knees.
The height of this raised toilet seat makes it look bulky, but when holding it in your hand, you will feel how lightweight it is. This helps you easily move and use it in different toilets.
| Carex Raised Toilet Seat With Rubber Pads Specifications | |
|---|---|
Depth | 16 inches |
Width | 15 inches |
Weight capacity | 300 lbs |
Material | Plastic |
Types of toilet compatible | Standard and elongated toilets |
Highlight features | Anti-slip rubber pads Wide contoured seat |
The Carex raised toilet seat with rubber pads is higher than most raised toilet seats, which is suitable for tall elderly people.
Best Portability: Carex Quick-lock Raised Toilet Seat
- Easy to install and use
- Well-made and durable
- Stable
- Sturdy
- Great for the price
- Does not fit some toilet sizes
- Difficult to clean the underside
- A bit narrow
If you don’t require too much height and need a more portable raised toilet seat than the Carex raised toilet seat with rubber pads, consider the Carex quick-lock raised toilet seat. This product is not only easy to install (innovative quick-lock system) and lightweight (3.4 pounds) but also more compact (4 inches in height) to put in your luggage compared to the product above. Therefore, you can carry it with you anywhere.
Though the height of this model is lower than others, it is still high enough to support most people to sit down and stand up easily.
Apart from simple installation, it’s also easy to pull off when not in use. It’s so effortless that you can remove it everyday, which is good if your family with people of different needs.
Although this product is recommended for both elongated and standard toilets, it can create and overlap when installed in an elongated one. It may not look so bad but when you sit on it, the front of the toilet seat can feel unstable, especially for people on the heavy side. Therefore, I don't recommend this toilet seat for elongated bowls.
| Carex Quick-lock Raised Toilet Seat Specifications | |
|---|---|
Depth | 15.5 inches |
Width | 14.5 inches |
Weight capacity | 300 lbs |
Types of toilet compatible | Standard round toilets |
Highlight features | Extra-wide opening Innovative Quick-Lock system Slip-resistant |
The Carex quick-lock raised toilet seat is portable, so you can use it in different toilets, even traveling with it.
Space-Saving Arm Design: Drive medical PreserveTech Universal Raised Toilet Seat
- Sturdy
- Comfortable to use
- Easy to get up and off
- Well-built and solid
- Easy to clean
- Not fit all elongated toilet bowl
Although arms of a raised toilet seat can add support to help you stand up from the toilet easier, a fixed pair of arms takes you a lot of space and limits your use of space. The Drive medical PreserveTech Universal Raised Toilet Seat can provide you with the added support, but help you save more space thanks to the space-saving arm design. Its pivoting armrests allow you to raise or remove when not in use.
Because of the wish of customers’ easy installation, many manufacturers simplify their designs to attach it to the toilet as easily as possible by using non-slip pads, for example. If you worry about the safety and sturdiness of these designs, you will love how this product is attached. It is mounted into your toilet by using bolts securely, so this seat is stable no matter how you sit on it.
Thanks to 3 different seat heights (2 inches, 4 inches, and 6 inches), this product is ideal for all body frames: tall, standard, and short people. For instance, 2-inch height is perfect for a woman who is only 4 '10".
One thing I don’t like about this product is the installation. Because of the special armrest design and inaccurate instruction, you may find the unit hard to install.
| Drive medical PreserveTech Universal Raised Toilet Seat Specifications | |
|---|---|
Depth | 16 inches |
Width | 19 inches |
Weight capacity | 350 lbs |
Material | Polypropylene |
Types of toilet compatible | Standard toilets |
Highlight features | A lid with recessed grip Contoured |
Thanks to space-saving arm design, the Drive medical PreserveTech Universal Raised Toilet Seat can support you to stand up better while still saves some space.
Best For Heavy People: Carex Safe Lock Bariatric Raised Toilet Seat
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable to use
- Easy to remove and secure
- Simple to understand installation instructions
- Sturdy and strong
- Poor fit to some elongated toilets
Using a raised toilet seat beyond the weight capacity can lead to damage or breakage, even cause a risk for the person who is sitting on it. Thus, if you want to make a purchase for heavy people, you should choose the Carex safe lock bariatric raised toilet seat. Its weight capacity is for up to 500 lbs.
In addition, its design is also suitable to those who have large body frames because the seat is extra wide opening (10”x9.75”).
Can this product help you feel more comfortable when using it for extended periods of use? Yes, its curved design can improve comfort and accessibility because the curvature conforms better to the shape of the body to offer added support and stability for users.
| Carex Safe Lock Bariatric Raised Toilet Seat Specifications | |
|---|---|
Depth | 16.63 inches |
Width | 14.5 inches |
Weight capacity | 500 lbs |
Material | Plastic |
Types of toilet compatible | Standard toilets, elongated toilets |
Highlight features | Extra-wide 10" x 9.75" opening Safe lock system |
The Carex safe lock bariatric raised toilet seat can support heavy people very well while providing them with maximum comfort.
Easy To Clean:Carex Hinged Toilet Seat Riser
- Good price
- Easy to clean and install
- Solid and sturdy
- Well-made
- Poor instructions
Thanks to a smooth surface without many complicated details, it seems easy to clean all raised toilet seats, but cleaning the underside of a toilet seat is more important to keep it free of bacteria. The hinge of the Carex hinged toilet seat riser allows you to lift and lower the seat to clean hard-to-reach areas more conveniently.
If you wonder if its weight capacity of 300 pounds is strong enough or not, let’s check this customer’s experience. The user is 265 pounds. After 2 weeks of use, there is not any damage on the seat and slippage.
Most customers said that it’s easy to install, but after installing, they feel unstable. This is the mistake of improper installation. The key is that you have to use a good tool to tighten the bolts as long as the seat can’t move anymore.
| Carex Safe Lock Bariatric Raised Toilet Seat Specifications | |
|---|---|
Depth | 17.25" (standard) 19.25" (elongated) |
Width | 13.75 inches |
Weight capacity | 300 lbs |
Material | Plastic |
Types of toilet compatible | 2 versions: standard and elongated toilet seats |
Highlight features | Hinged design |
It’s effortless for users to clean and maintain the Carex hinged toilet seat riser by themselves.
How To Choose The Best Raised Toilet Seats For Elderly?
What Is The Ideal Height Of A Raised Toilet Seat For Elderly?
For elderly, the ideal height of a raised toilet seat with an elevation ranges from 2-4 inches. It is high enough for elderly to sit down and stand up from the toilet comfortably, reducing strain on the knees and hips. However, if you are taller, you should consider 5 inches, even 5.5 inches.
To be sure, it’s better to choose a model with adjustable height options that allows anyone to find the most comfortable and suitable height for their needs.
What Are The Best Types Of Raised Toilet Seats For Elderly?
Standard Raised Toilet Seats
This basic type provides you with a fixed elevation to the existing toilet. Although it is available in various heights (from 2-6 inches), making a purchase with a fixed height can’t change anymore. This choice is ideal for those who need a moderate lift without requiring extra features.
Raised Toilet Seats With Arms
As the name suggests, this type is designed with integrated armrests on 2 sides to offer extra support for users when sitting down and standing up. I strongly recommend this option for people who need extra stability and assistance with balance. Some have a pair of fixed arms, but you can consider models with adjustable arms. The latter helps you save more space.
Elevated Toilet Seats With Padded Cushions
If you are experiencing discomfort and pressure points when sitting long, the padded cushions can provide you with extra comfort.
Hinged Raised Toilet Seats
This type has a hinge or quick-release mechanism that allows users to lift the seat for cleaning and maintaining the underside of the seat easier. Choose this type if you are concerned about hygiene.
Bidet Toilet Seats
This type is designed with bidet functionality that has water spray options, temperature controls, and other features used for improving personal hygiene. The bidet toilet seat is great for elderly who have difficulty with traditional cleansing ways.
Locking Raised Toilet Seats
This type has a locking mechanism which can add stability and security because it secures the seat in place, minimizing the risk of shifting and movement when using.
Portable Raised Toilet Seats
Portable raised toilet seats are lightweight, easy to install (require no tools) and remove, so you can use this type for traveling or in many bathrooms.
Bariatric Raised Toilet Seats
Bariatric raised toilet seats are ideal for people with high weight capacity since it has a sturdy construction and offers additional stability for users with heavy bodies.
What Are The Best Materials Of Raised Toilet Seats?
Plastic
Plastic is lightweight and affordable. In particular, it’s easy to clean and maintain because they are often molded in one piece and resistant to water and stains.
Some raised toilet seats are made from molded composite materials that can be the combination of plastic and other reinforced materials. Therefore, they are durable and strong but relatively lightweight.
Vinyl or PVC
If you choose a raised toilet seat with padding or cushioning, these parts can be made from vinyl or PVC material that is comfortable to sit on and easy to wipe clean. The vinyl covering is especially water-resistant, so it can withstand frequent cleaning.
Metal (frame or arms)
For metal raised toilet seats, their arms can be made from metal to add strength and stability. These metal parts are often coated or treated to resist corrosion.
Foam padding
This material can also add comfort, but it is covered with a durable and water-resistant material that helps you clean easier.
Which safety features do elderly need?
For elderly, the non-slip surfaces and rubberized grips may be useful to prevent slipping. Or you can choose a model with a locking mechanism to secure the raised toilet seat in place.
Which Brands Make The Best Raised Toilet Seats For Elderly?
Carex
Carex specializes in personal care and hygiene products such as hand sanitizers, handwashes, and raised toilet seats. The latter comes in different designs and heights to meet many user needs.
FAQs
How do I install a raised toilet seat?
Place the raised toilet seat over the bowl as long as it aligns with the toilet bowl’s hole. After that, you can tighten screws and bolts (if any) by using a wrench or screwdriver to secure the raised toilet seat in place. Some products require specific instructions for installation, so it’s best to read and follow the additional guidelines of the manufacturer.
What are some common problems with raised toilet seats?
If you install your raised toilet seats improperly, there will be some common problems below:
- When using, you feel it is unstable and wobble.
- The raised toilet seats don’t fit well on certain toilet bowl shapes.
- Despite the height adjustment, it’s hard for you to adjust the height of the raised toilet seat.
How to clean a raised toilet seat?
Wipe away any surface debris, dust, and loose particles from the raised toilet seat by using a dry or slightly damp cloth or sponge.
Clean the seat by dipping the cloth or sponge into a solution of mild soap or dish detergent with water and gently scrub the whole surface of the raised toilet seat.
Rinse the seat thoroughly with clean water to get rid of any soap residue.
Use a clean and dry cloth to wipe the seat, then air-dry.
Do I need a raised toilet seat after hip replacement?
Buying a raised toilet seat after hip replacement is not a must, but it can bring many benefits for people who have a hip replacement surgery. Some of them include reducing strain on the hip joint, improving comfort and stability, supporting your rehabilitation & safety, and promoting greater independence in daily activities.
What is the best height for a raised toilet seat?
This depends on your height and your toilet bowl’s height.
Measure your height (the length of your lower back leg + 2 inches)
Measure the height of your toilet bowl, not include the seat and lid
For example, your height (19 inches + 2 inches = 21 inches) - the height of your toilet bowl (17 inches) = 4 inches
For you, 4 inches are the best height for a raised toilet seat.
The best height for a raised toilet seat ranges from 2-6 inches. This height range is ideal enough for most people with mobility issues to sit down and stand up from the toilet without putting excessive strain on the knees and hips.
Conclusion
Why should you buy the best raised toilet seats for elderly? This item plays an important role in maintaining their independence and safety in the bathroom everyday. However, each person has special needs, and body sizes, requiring you to determine what you want and consider the features of products to make the right decision.
