1. Essential Medical Supply Toilet Seat Riser with Removable Arms
2. Drive Medical RTL12027RA Elevated Raised Toilet Seat with Removable Padded Arms
3. Healthsmart Portable Elevated Raised Toilet Seat Riser That Fits Most Standard Seats
4. Vaunn Medical Elevated Raised Toilet Seat
5. Carex 3.5 Inch Raised Toilet Seat with Arms
Old age is graceful and beautiful, but it may come with a bunch of challenges, especially health wise. You do not necessarily have to go through all of those challenges thanks to technology and innovation. Seniors can benefit a whole lot from a toilet seat riser for instance, and that is what this post will be all about.
This product gives some extra inches to an actual toilet seat, making it higher and easier to work with. These extra inches can reduce the risk of injury and strain that comes with trying to sit or get up from such a low level. This product also comes in handy for just about anyone that wishes to improve the comfort and safety of their bathroom, both for old and young people.
This post is going to focus on the most fundamental information you need to help you make the best decision when shopping for a seat riser. In the course of our research, we found a lot of different brands with various features, and we narrowed them down to five, which we reviewed in this post.
What Is a Toilet Seat Riser?
Toilet seat risers are a type of seat designed specifically to increase the height of a toilet for the purpose of reducing how much bodyweight the knees have to carry while trying to sit or stand up from the toilet. It is like an extension of the bowls that go on top of a normal toilet seat, which can be helpful to people who have knee problems. Seniors who have weakening muscles and bones and people recovering from a surgery or broken bone can benefit immensely from this product.
It is important to know the different types of seat risers there are and which one is the most suitable for you. However, the most practical of all the types is the hinged elevated type. This design makes it easier to lift your body or lower it onto the bowl. If your need requires a different type, you should go for that one, as long as it makes it easier for you to use the bathroom.
You can get one of these from the hospital as recommended by a professional health personnel. But if you want to get it without a doctor’s recommendation, you can always check them out from online distributors, a pharmacy shop, or from a medical equipment store. Whatever be the case, it is important to do proper research to make sure you get something that suits the purpose for which you bought it.
How to Pick Right Toilet Seat Riser
In this section, we will discuss some of the factors you should consider when purchasing a toilet seat riser. Considering these factors when buying these products would help to ensure the durability, functionality, and comfort of the user.
Brands
What brand you decide to go for goes a long way to determine if you would enjoy your buy or not. There are many of them in the market, and that makes it hard to decide on a particular one. To make it a little easier for you to pick, we recommend you start by looking at the older brands in the market.
Another set of brands you may want to look at are the popular ones that everyone is talking about. These brands may not be very old, but if everyone is talking about them, then they must be doing something right. Some of the brands we recommend are Essential Medical Supply, Drive Medical, Health Smart, Vaunn, and Carex Health.
Size
Getting the right size is important because that is the only way it can be used. Most of the time, the width is not necessarily a problem compared to the height. Afterall, you are looking for something that would extend the height of the toilet seat.
Generally, you can get these toilet seat risers in the height range of two to five inches. The height of your seat should depend on your needs. In some cases, all you need may be two inches, in some other cases, it may be more than that. The taller you are, the more suitable the higher ones would be for you.
Stability
When shopping, always remember that these products are an extension of your toilet seat. If they must serve their purpose, then they must function like they are one with your actual toilet bowl. This means, they are stable enough and well secured on the bowl.
To get the most secure of them all, you may want to check out the fastening technique. Some of them come with locking clamps, and some even come with arm rests you can hold onto for support while lowering or lifting your body from the bowl.
Weight
It is important to consider the weight of the user when making your choice to ensure comfort, durability, and functionality. On the average, a toilet seat riser can hold as much as 250 pounds at a time. If the user is heavier than that, you may want to consider other options that can handle such weight. Some brands make products for users that may be heavier than 250 pounds. It may take a little more research to get these, but it is worth it.
Safety
If you want one of these, you are probably trying to fight pains from bending over to sit down or stand up. You do not want any product that would expose you to any risks. The manufacturers understand this, which is why some of them design their products with some extra features that would eliminate risks and improve safety.
Some of the best safety features to look out for include ergonomic frames, sturdy handles, and an effective locking mechanism.
Portability
Would you be taking your seat riser with you from one place to another, or would it be a permanent fixture in your bathroom? If you want to take it with you to new locations, you may want to get one that portable and easy to remove.
A good number of people would prefer a portable riser, especially if they enjoy traveling often.
Shape
The shape of the seat riser should be such that you can sit comfortably on it without issues. It should also be the same or at least close to the shape of the toilet bowl such that it can easily fit on it. Some of them may be gender-specific, like the ones that come with a large slop opening at the front to accommodate the genitals. An effective is also one that is easy to clean and maintain. You may want to put a cushion on it if you feel that it is not comfortable enough.
Top 5 Best Toilet Seat Risers
Everything we have and will discuss over the course of this article are all important and should be taken into consideration if your intention is to get the best toilet seat riser you can find. But this section where we reviewed the top five products seem like the most interesting and resourceful, especially if you are in a hurry. Every product on this review list was selected based on the factors discussed earlier and even more.
1. Our Pick: Essential Medical Supply Toilet Seat Riser with Removable Arms
Features:
- 3.5-inch increase in height
- Compatible with standard toilet seats
- Supports weight capacity of up to 300 pounds
- 6-inch bolts and wing nuts
- Made of heavy-duty molded plastic material
The Essential Medical Supply brand is the best toilet seat riser on this list. They did a great job making this product and it has gathered quite a number of positive reviews. You get to choose from any three styles – the hinged type, the typical toilet riser style, and those with arms. Each of them is as high as 3.5 inches and is compatible with standard toilet seats.
Pros
Pros
- Easy long screw installation system
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Available in three different styles
- Quite easy to set up
- Nicely shaped and comfortable to seat on
- Lightweight, sturdy, and no-slip
Cons
Cons
- Not compatible with some toilets
- There is no return policy
One of the greatest selling points of this product is that it is suitable for users who weigh 300 pounds, which is 50 pounds more than what most other seat risers can take. This is a huge plus. It is made of a single piece molded plastic material that is somewhat lightweight and sturdy at the same time. Setting it up is no trouble at all; with the 6-inch bolts and wing nuts, it can easily be attached to a toilet bowl for a firm hold. It has a nice and comfortable shape that is easy to clean and maintain.
Public Review Summary: It easy to install and the option to change the height is great. It is quite a sturdy and stable seat riser. The arm rest on it helps you get up, but has bulky handles for small space and sometimes is hard to clean.
2. Best for Handles: Drive Medical RTL12027RA Elevated Raised Toilet Seat with Removable Padded Arms
Features:
- Installs under the toilet seat
- Strong and detachable supportive metal armrest
- Made of high-quality plastic material
- Lightweight and portable
- Adds 5 inches to toilet seat height
- Supports a weight capacity of 300 pounds
The second best on our list is this product by Drive Medical, whose unique feature is the strong and detachable supportive metal rail. This rail is padded with some comfy material, which makes it quite comfortable and easy to use. Aside from the armrest, this product is as functional as can be. Installing it does not take a lot of time or effort and you do not even need tools to fix it on your toilet seat. It holds perfectly well on a fitting bow. It installs under the toilet seat, which is convenient, especially if you have to share it with the opposite sex. It is also durable thanks to the quality plastic material it is made of.
Pros
Pros
- Wipes down easily
- Reliable locking device for a secured fit
- Compatible to most standard toilet seat design
- Comfortable and safe to use
- Tool-free installation
Cons
Cons
- May not hold well on some toilets
- Does not come with a return policy
If you need to travel very often, you can take this with you. It is portable and lightweight, which makes it easy to move around with. When fully installed, it adds a total of five inches to the toilet. It can hold a weight capacity of 300 pounds.
Public Review Summary: The seat is pretty easy concerning installation and the handles are strong. It also fits perfectly on a standard elongated bowl. It is portable and locks tightly on toilet bowls and the cleaning process is quite simple. However, before buying, you should look carefully to your bowl because riser cannot fit it in some cases and there would be some problems with it.
3. Best for Height: Healthsmart Portable Elevated Raised Toilet Seat Riser That Fits Most Standard Seats
Features:
- Adds 5 inches to a toilet seat
- Universal size
- 4 adhesive pads for a firm hold
- Made from a simple piece polyethylene
- Lightweight and portable
- Tool-free setup
This Health Smart toilet seat extender made it on our list not just because it is functional, but also because it comes with a lot of height. It adds 5 inches to the toilet seat, making it high enough for a user to easily sit on or stand from it. It comes in a somewhat universal size that is suitable for people who are moderately large.
Pros
Pros
- Slip-resistant and safe
- Durable and functional design
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Ergonomic and comfortable to use
- Size large enough to accommodate moderately large body size
- Versatile and highly compatible
Cons
Cons
- May not work for a large person
- Adhesive may not work for long
It comes as a single piece, and you do not need to do much in the way of setting it up. All you have to do is put the adhesive pads in place and they hold the seat riser to the toilet seat. This product is made with s simple polyethylene material, which is durable and bound to last for a really long time. You can also move it around if you so wish; it is lightweight and portable. This product is slip-resistant, functional, and comfortable. The ergonomic shape also makes it easy to relax while seated on it.
Public Review Summary: This seat is safe and assembles is quick and easy. It requires no installation, no screws and bolts needed, just set it on and it sticks. But it also has a raised ridge or lip on the bottom, thus not allowing it to fit on most toilets.
4. Best for Portability: Vaunn Medical Elevated Raised Toilet Seat
Features:
- Wide and comfortable ergonomic design
- Four inches high
- Anti-slip surface
- Push pins and lock mechanism
- Removable padded metal armrest
- Heavy-duty molded plastic
The Vaunn toilet seat riser met our qualifications, so it is on our list. It is moderately wide and has an ergonomic design that makes it quite comfortable. It adds four inches to the height of your toilet seat, making it a good product for people who have mobility issues. The surface is smooth, seamless, and anti-slip at the same time, so you are not exposed to any risks when you sit on it.
Pros
Pros
- Suitable for persons with limited mobility
- Durable and hygienic
- Portable and lightweight
- Easy tool-free installation
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
Cons
- Does not hold firmly to the toilet seat
- May not be suitable for people with large body sizes
It is compatible with most toilet seats and is quite easy to install with no tools required. It has a push pin locking mechanism to hold it in place when properly set up. The metal armrest makes this product even safer. You can support your weight on the armrest as you need to. The seat extension is made of a premium heavy-duty molded plastic material that guarantees longevity. Washing and maintaining this product does not take a lot of time or effort. It wipes off easily, which makes it hygienic as well.
Public Review Summary: This riser has easy installation and removal for the non-patient. The twist and pinch lock type installation works pretty well. It is secure and stable; the lock holds it in place. And handles are soft and keep hands from slipping. Unfortunately, the size of the riser could be not suitable for all people, especially for big people.
5. Best for Hygiene: Carex 3.5 Inch Raised Toilet Seat with Arms
Features:
- 3.5 inches high
- Wipes down easy
- Padded handles for support
- Lightweight and portable
- Made of premium molded plastic material
- Supports up to 250 pounds of weight
If you are looking for a product that is hygienic, functional, and budget-friendly at the same time, then you may want to try this product. It increases the height of the bowl by 3.5 inches, which is great for people who may have mobility issues. It is easy to set up and you do not need any tools or special skills to do that.
Pros
Pros
- Fits well around most toilets
- Secure, reliable, and elevated fit
- Easy to set up, no tools required
- Durable and split-resistant
- Anti-slip design
- Comfortable and ergonomic
Cons
Cons
- Is not stable
- Does not come with a return policy
This product is made from high quality material that is heavy-duty but portable and easy to move around with. The heavy-duty material is durable, strong enough to support persons that weigh up to 250 pounds and fits well on most toilet seats. Aside from all that has been mentioned so far, it is important you know that this tool does not hold on tight on the toilet seat. You would have to find a way to secure it on the seat so it does not move when you use it to avoid risks. Also, it does not come with a return policy.
Public Review Summary: The riser is very solid and strong and the height is excellent. There are also the bars on the sides which make it easier to get up. The riser is very comfortable and installation is easy. However, some of the customers admit that it can come with wrong parts.
How to Install a Toilet Seat Riser
To install a toilet seat extender perfectly well, it is better you go through the user manual and follow the manufacturer’s detailed instructions on how to set it up without issues. Before all of that, take your time to look through the product description of the product you wish to buy to make sure it is a suitable fit for your toilet seat. The instructions are usually something like the following.
- Remove the toilet seat
You would need to unscrew and remove the toilet seat before you can fix the extender on it. This way, the extender would effectively increase the height of the seat without necessarily disrupting the perceived structure of a normal toilet seat.
- Set up the seat riser
Depending on the type of seat you wish to install, you may or may not need tools to do that. If you are installing a hinged extender, then you would have to install it like you would the normal toilet seat. Some other types of seats may not require that much. Such types come with some form of adhesive that sticks and holds the extender down on the toilet seat.
Some other types may require the use of clips to hold them down. You may have to set up some notches on the front and sides of the toilet bowl, but you can align the clips accordingly. Then align the riser with the toilet rim and push down until it locks and stays in place.
- Attach the seat lid
After setting up the extender on the rim of the toilet, the last step would be to attach the seat lid to the extender. What you have to do is take off the hinges that were on the old lid, and fix it to the new one with the new hinges that come with the product.
Best Toilet Seat Riser FAQ
We hope you have everything you need to make the best decision for toilet seats. Doing a bit of research would help, but with the information we have shared so far, you most probably would not need more than that to help you make your decisions. In this section, we did our best to answer some of the most frequently asked questions in the hope they thy would help sort out any outstanding inquiries you may be having about these products.
Which is better, a permanent or a portable toilet seat riser installation?
You can go for any of the two depending on what you really need. As a matter of fact, these two different types of seat risers were designed for different purposes but same functions. If you have to travel, you may need to go with your seat. In that case, a portable type would be great for you. If you do not intend to travel with the seats, then you can get the type that requires permanent installation. On the downside, the portable types do not hold on to the toilet rim very well, at least not as well as the permanent type.
How can I clean toilet seat risers effectively?
Hygiene is always important, so it is necessary to keep your environment clean for the sake of your health. Fortunately, you do not have to do a lot of work to keep these seats clean. All you have to do is use a mixture of bleach and warm water to wipe off the raised seat. Be sure to get to every corner of the seat. You can use a toilet brush if you have to. Note that harsh chemicals may damage the seat, especially if they are made of plastic, which is most of them if not all.
Where can I purchase a standard toilet seat riser?
If the seat is being recommended by your doctor, you may get it from the hospital. If you are getting it on your own, you can check any medical supply stores or pharmacy outlets, both online and offline. It is important to keep in mind that there are some substandard suppliers in the market, especially online. Be sure to verify the identity of the supplier and the products you wish to purchase to ensure you do not get disappointed in the end.
What are the most important features to look out for in a toilet seat raiser?
A functional toilet seat riser is expected to be high enough to effectively support mobility for people who may find it difficult to lower their body or lift it up from the regular toilet seat level. It should be safe enough to prevent falling. This means it has to be properly installed to avoid loss of balance, which may lead to a fall. The size of the toilet seat and the shape are also very important because they play a role in how functional and comfortable the seat would be when in use.
What are the standard toilet bowl shape and size that is most compatible with toilet seat risers?
The two basic types of toilet shapes that are most compatible with most elevators are the round and the round and elongated toilet bowl. If your toilet is different from these types, you may have to take special care to make sure the product you purchase would fit your toilet.
Conclusion
If you get a quality brand, you would join the thousands of people who sing the praise of this invention. It has helped a lot of people who had issues with mobility – old and young alike. Just make sure you do your research properly to ensure you end up getting the right product. Better still, you can choose any of the brands we have reviewed in this post. We did a fair share of research on them to ensure they were up to par before bringing them to you.
At a time when you may be suffering from limited mobility, these toilet seat elevators can save you a whole lot of stress. You do not have to swap your usual toilet for a higher one. You can save money and time by getting a standard toilet seat riser to serve the same purpose and more.