The Forbes Health editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Health site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Second, we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them.
The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Health. While we work hard to provide accurate and up-to-date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Health does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. Battery Operated Toilet Lift
When a person is healing from an accident or navigating an illness or life-changing procedure, how they use the bathroom can often present a challenge. Bedside commodes can help, offering people recovering from surgeries or medical conditions, as well as people experiencing loss of mobility as they age, a way to establish a new normal that’s dignified and helps maintain a certain level of independence.
Read on to learn about bedside commodes, including how to pick the best one for you or your loved one and our top picks.
While this commode doesn’t come with a padded seat like some competitors, it does feature padded armrests, which provide added support, safety and comfort while in use. The commode’s setup doesn’t require tools, and its height is adjustable. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to carry.
The waste bucket for this commode can be easily detached for cleaning and features a splash guard and air-tight lid to reduce odors.
A bedside commode is a portable toilet most often used by individuals recovering from a medical event that inhibits their ability to use the bathroom independently or safely. A bedside commode is often used temporarily, either until full recovery is made or until adaptations and modifications can be made to the bathroom to make it safe for the individual, says Jody Fisk, president of EZ Able, a Traverse City, Michigan-based mobility products business.
Several factors can make a bedside commode all the more functional and comfortable for the user. Here are some to think about when shopping.
A removable seat does more than allow for easy cleaning—it makes the bedside commode multi-purpose. With the seat component removed, you’re left with the commode’s frame and handrails, which can be used for additional safety and stability as the user returns to the bathroom.
Height adjustments are crucial for comfort, ease of use and safety. A height-adjustable commode allows the user to get on and off easily and lowers their risk of falls.
Stability in a bedside commode is important when the user is sitting, as well as when they put their weight on the frame to get on and off of the commode safely (or when it’s being used as a safety rail). Fisk notes that steel frames weigh more than aluminum frames, which can make them feel sturdier.
Many bedside commodes have 3-in-1 designs, meaning they can be used as a commode, over-the-toilet seat or safety railing. Some commodes also double as shower seats. Should you want options during your recovery process to transition to the bathroom safely, a 3-in-1 unit can help provide peace of mind.
Some bedside commode surfaces have antimicrobial or antibacterial properties, helping to extend the life of the product and protect it from mold and bacteria that may wear down the material over time.
Bedside commodes don’t use running water; instead, they must be manually emptied and cleaned after each use.
If you’re looking to add a bedsid commode to your home for yourself or a loved one, consider the options below as a starting point for your search. Note: Prices are accurate as of the publication date.
With adjustable height, fold-down arms and a removable lid to make emptying easier, this commode can be used as a bedside toilet or as an added support over a permanent toilet. If being used as a commode, the extra-wide platform and high weight capacity offer stability, and the removable lid facilitates waste disposal. In addition to its 500-pound weight capacity, this commode is made of steel and comes with armrest grips that can be used safely as a support while sitting or standing.
This commode from Avantia comes with a seat that’s 20% wider than other non-bariatric commodes, adding to the user’s comfort and support, according to the company. The seat’s curved, ergonomic design also adds comfort, and its adjustable frame makes it usable as a toilet safety frame or raised toilet seat. Simple and sanitary cleaning is made easy with this commode, thanks to its built-in splash guard and grab tabs on the seat and cover, which keep distance between a person’s hands and waste during disposal.
Made with recycled materials, this gray powder-coated, steel-welded commode offers durability, easy assembly and quick storage. The commode folds into place, and brass snaps ensure its parts stay secure and provide stability. In addition to its snap-on design and removable lid, the waste basket for this commode features a cover, carry handle and splash shield. Users must create an account on Drive Medical’s website to view pricing information and order the device—or purchase through a third-party retailer.
After an individual uses the commode and is safely cleaned and moved back to their bed or chair, put on a pair of gloves and remove the pail (which often comes with a handle) and dispose of the contents directly into a toilet in the home. Clean the commode with a toilet brush and cleaner as you would a freestanding toilet. Use a rag or disposable towel and disinfectant of your choice to disinfect the pail before returning it to the commode.
Ideally, a bedside commode is purchased before it becomes too difficult or dangerous to walk to and use the bathroom in your home independently. Your doctor or physical therapist may instruct you to buy a bedside commode when they think it could be helpful for you or a loved one.
Fisk recommends asking yourself the following questions to help determine whether you need a bedside commode:
While coverage varies among health insurance providers, bedside commodes are considered durable medical equipment (DME) and are therefore covered by Medicare when prescribed by a doctor. However, specific circumstances will determine whether you’re instructed to rent or buy the commode. Some insurance providers like Aetna follow Medicare’s lead and cover bedside commodes, but it’s best to check with your insurance provider before filing a claim. FEATURED PARTNER OFFER Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or servicesVive Health Raised Toilet Seat5" of extra height to safely sit down and stand up from any toiletEasy to install, remove and store which makes it great for travelContoured to your body and ergonomically designed for comfort Adjustable knob and locking plate ensures secure fitTool-free assembly and easy to clean Shop NowOn Vive Health's Website Folding Commode Designed For Your Convenience Vive Health’s folding commode can be customized according to your needs, use it as a standalone unit, toilet safety frame or elevated toilet seat. Shop Now On Vive Health's Website
Folding Commode Designed For Your Convenience
Vive Health’s folding commode can be customized according to your needs, use it as a standalone unit, toilet safety frame or elevated toilet seat.
Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.
Ashley Lauretta is a journalist based in Austin, Texas. Her bylines can be found in WIRED, the Atlantic, SELF, ELLE, elemental, espnW, Men’s Journal and more.
Seat Lift Assist Jessica is a writer, editor and media professional who has spent her career working with some of the most influential names in media. Prior to joining Forbes Health, Jessica was the manager of creative communications at Hearst, where she specialized in high-level production and project management. As a freelance writer, Jessica has written across a range of topics, including entertainment, travel and career. Her work can be found in Variety, Paste Magazine, The Muse and on her personal website (jessicamlester.com).