If you’re looking for more independence and stability while using the bathroom, this guide to the best toilet safety frames – also known as commode chairs – is for you! There are so many different options out there, it can be difficult to tell which one is best – especially when you’re shopping online! That’s why I’ve taken the time to test them out so you can shop with confidence.
Not only does this guide cover the top 5 toilet safety frames on the market today, but it also explains what a toilet safety frame is and how it might be able to help you in your day-to-day life. I have outlined all the benefits further down the page.
To find out about other bathroom safety equipment, check out our guides on the best tub transfer bench, the best shower commode wheelchairs, or the best shower safety bars.
At a Glance: 5 Best Toilet Safety Frames
UltraCommode Foldable Commode – Our #1 Top Pick
Drive Medical Steel Folding Bedside Commode – Our #1 Budget Pick
Medline Heavy Duty Drop-Arm Commode
Carex 3-in-1 Folding Bedside Commode
What is a Toilet Safety Chair?
Toilet safety frames, commonly known as commode chairs, are designed to be used by people who typically have difficulty using a regular toilet or bathroom. This could be because of injury, illness, or generally frailty.
They are designed to alleviate the strain that might typically be associated with getting on and off the toilet, and as such, they often come with moveable arms which are padded for comfort. In addition, some toilet safety frames will have wheels so that they can be transported to the bathroom easily, while others will simply fold away.
Underneath toilet safety frames, there will be some kind of a pan that usually has a lid that can be flipped open and closed.
The Benefits of a Toilet Safety Chair 250-300
Toilet safety frames have many benefits, the most important of which are safety, privacy, and security. Particularly for elderly people, they can provide much-needed independence while ensuring that a toilet facility can be accessed quickly and easily if necessary.
The handles at each side allow easy access for anyone who is frail or weak, and many commode chairs have padded seats as well for extra comfort.
Privacy and dignity
Many elderly people want to avoid a carer or relative helping them use the bathroom if at all possible. Because toilet safety frames are designed for people who have less strength and stability than usual, they can be used without external help, which helps to preserve a person’s dignity towards the end of their life.
Quick Access
Toilet safety frames are often lightweight and easy to transport from one room to another, which means they can be used in emergency situations or with very little notice.
Independence
Often, elderly people want to take care of themselves as much as possible, but it isn’t always easy to maintain the level of independence they desire. Toilet safety frames help maintain this vital feeling of independence, which can ultimately have a knock-on effect on the overall quality of life.
Reduced Expenses
Toilet safety frames are relatively cheap compared to many bathroom alterations, which may be necessary for later life. Rather than paying for expensive safety renovations, senior citizens can instead opt for a portable commode chair that serves multiple purposes in day-to-day life.
Product Criteria
Here I will discuss the most important factors I took into account when compiling this list of the best toilet safety frames.
Comfort
Products that are used day in and day out – especially ones which are designed to provide safety – must be comfortable above all else. Their primary purpose is to make life easier and more enjoyable; hence I have prioritized comfort as one of the most critical factors.
Features
Toilet safety frames have a number of standard features, but additional touches such as padded armrests should be taken into account as they can have a big impact on the overall comfort and effectiveness of the product.
Durability
If you’re going to invest in a toilet safety frame, you want it to last for as long as possible. Not only that, but it also needs to be able to carry your weight every day without fail. For this reason, I paid careful attention to each chair’s overall sturdiness and durability.
Budget
To give you a complete idea of what kind of products are out there, I have chosen chairs from across the price spectrum, noting which ones provide the best value for money.
Reviews
As always, reviews play a large part in my overall judgment, since I believe the best way to measure the value and quality is to listen to people who have actually used it. That’s why I’ve only included products with a significant amount of reviews from verified consumers.
5 Best Toilet Safety Chairs
| UltraCommode Foldable Commode – Our #1 Top Pick
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Find it Here |
| Drive Medical Steel Folding Bedside Commode – Our #1 Budget Pick
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Find it Here |
| Medline Heavy Duty Drop-Arm Commode – Our #1 Top Pick
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Find it Here |
| MedPro Homecare Commode Chair
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Find it Here |
| Carex 3-in-1 Folding Bedside Commode
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Find it Here |
#1 UltraCommode Foldable Commode – Our #1 Top Pick
The UltraCommode Foldable Commode is one of the best toilet safety frames on the market, and with a range of extra features which many of its competitors lack, it’s certainly the most comfortable, too! Designed by front-line health care professionals, this is a 2-in-1 product for anyone who values quality, safety, and convenience.
This chair can be used as both a free-standing commode and a comfortable shower chair, and although it comes with a pretty expensive price tag, its extra features distinguish it as a top-of-the-range product.
These features include an extra-large seat, a 100% open front, padded pivoting armrests, adjustable height, and two colors.
What I loved about this toilet safety frame was the design, which is much more modern and appealing than the other chairs I tested. The blue color really brightens up the room, and for anyone with more conservative tastes, there’s a grey option too.
In terms of comfort, this product simply can’t be beaten. The padded seat feels luxurious, yet it isn’t so soft that you sink too far into it. When I tested it out, I had absolutely no worries about stability – the legs provide a solid base, and there’s no chance they would slip over even on wet floors.
Pros
- Padded seat – a perfect level of firmness.
- Easy to clean.
- Doubles as a shower chair.
- 100% open front allows easy access.
- Pivoting armrests.
- Fast assembly.
- 2 color options.
- It folds away easily.
Cons
- Slow delivery.
- Expensive.
- Does not fit over all toilets.
#2 Drive Medical Steel Folding Bedside Commode – Our #1 Budget Pick
This affordable toilet safety frame by Drive Medical is the perfect option if you’re working to a smaller budget but still want to find a functional, high-quality product. Its appearance is dull compared to the UltraCommode chair, but overall it is a highly sturdy toilet safety frame.
As with most portable commodes, you have to assemble this product yourself, but this is a relatively easy process and once built, the chair is straightforward to adjust. The fold-up legs are a nice feature, and I was impressed by the chair’s ability to hold up to 350 pounds – though the seat itself is sized for smaller frames.
While it’s evident that this is a budget product – for example, the seat isn’t really comfortable enough for long-term use – if you’re looking for a temporary toilet safety seat that won’t cost the earth, it’s ideal.
I particularly liked the fact that while the chair is sturdy, it’s also pretty lightweight and therefore is easy to transport. This is great since it can be used for three different purposes – as a bathroom chair, a bedside seat, or a toilet seat.
Pros
- 3-in-1 design.
- Foldable, lightweight frame.
- Easy to adjust.
- Sturdy product made from durable powder-coated steel.
- Easy to clean.
- It comes with a carrying handle.
- Fast shipping available.
Cons
- The plastic seat is uncomfortable.
- Dull design.
- Small seat suitable only for smaller people.
#3 Medline Heavy-Duty Drop Arm Commode
Contrasting with the Drive Bedside Commode, the Medline Heavy-Duty Drop Arm Commode is all about comfort and style. The seat and armrests are padded with a thick layer of foam, making it one of the most comfortable products out there, and the shiny metal legs give it an unusually sleek appearance.
The price is quite high, but this toilet safety seat has clearly been thoughtfully designed to make it as easy as possible to use, and I think this makes it worth the money. The arms swing down with the touch of a button – which adds to the luxurious feel – and the foam hand grips prevent slipping even when wet.
Another thing that impressed me about this commode chair was the way it accommodates carers so well. For example, the back folds down or can be removed completely, and the arms move as well to make lateral transfers as easy as possible.
Pros
- Moveable arms.
- Removable back.
- Thick and resilient foam padded seat.
- Heavy-duty construction.
- Fast delivery available.
- Stylish and comfortable design.
Cons
- A small bucket sometimes causes spillage.
- Lacks comprehensive instructions.
#4 MedPro Homecare Commode Chair
The MedPro Homecare Commode Chair offers three functions in one for people with reduced mobility. It can be used as a bedside commode, a toilet safety frame, or a raised toilet seat. Not only that, but it also has impressive seven-height adjustable settings, so if you want a product that’s tailored precisely to your specifications, this is the one for you!
Key features include molded armrests with textured plastic, a rust-resistant frame, and easy assembly with no tools required. Though simple, this product is both functional and affordable.
I would have liked to see some padding on the seat and armrests, as well as a larger hole within the seat. The frame is very sturdy, but the seat is less so, and although it’s a suitable size for me, I can appreciate that it will be too small for many people.
Overall, though, this is a highly durable product at a fairly affordable price.
Pros
- Molded armrests with textured plastic.
- 3-in-1 design.
- Tool-free assembly.
- Adjustable frame with 7 different heights.
- Easy to use.
- Durability tested.
- Affordable.
- Fast delivery available.
Cons
- Small seat.
- No padding.
- Dull design.
#5 Carex 3-in-1 Folding Bedside Commode
The Carex 3-in-1 Folding Bedside Commode was designed primarily with camping in mind, and it’s definitely fit for purpose in this respect! It’s extremely affordable, easy to fold away and transport, and it can also be used as a raised toilet seat or safety frame.
Not only does this product come with essential features such as a splash guard and lid, but it also comes with a free trial pack of commode liners. In addition, since it weighs only eight and a half pounds, it really is easy to take with you wherever you go, and the steel folding frame is height adjustable, making it ideal for children and seniors alike.
That being said, like many of the toilet safety frames I have reviewed, this product is probably not built for larger people. In addition, some reviews complain that the seat is somewhat flimsy, but this is to be expected of a budget product that has been designed primarily for occasional use in the great outdoors rather than in day-to-day life.
For temporary camping purposes, I think this toilet safety frame performs well and is priced right.
Pros
- Lightweight and foldable – easy to transport.
- Adjustable height.
- Elongated seat.
- Free trial pack of commode liners.
Cons
- Slow dispatch time.
- Small seat – not designed for larger bodies.
- Lack of padding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: This entirely depends on the quality of the product. Typically, more expensive products are built to a higher standard, meaning that they will have more value over a lifetime, though that isn’t always the case. Some cheaper toilet safety frames are also extremely sturdy and durable.
The best way to find out how long a product is likely to last is to read verified reviews or articles such as this one.
Answer: Not at all. Many have multiple functions and can be used almost anywhere. However, if you’d feel more comfortable in the bathroom, they can also be placed over the toilet.
Answer: Anyone can use toilet safety frames. They are specifically designed to offer extra stability and support, but some are used in instances where a standard toilet isn’t readily accessible, such as during a camping trip.
Best Toilet Safety Chair – My Verdict
Overall, the comfortable and modern UltraCommode Foldable Commode came out on top, in my opinion. The padded seat and armrests feel luxurious, making the experience of using the product far more enjoyable than many of its competitors. Though it’s expensive, it has some fantastic features – it’s clear that this is a chair that’s designed to last a lifetime and is well worth the investment.
The Drive Medical Folding Bedside Commode is the perfect option if you don’t want to spend much money but still want a high-quality, functional product. It’s less comfortable than some of the other toilet safety frames I reviewed for this guide, but it’s one of the most sturdy.
In contrast, the Medline Heavy-Duty Drop Arm Commode is all about comfort. If style matters to you and you’re looking for a sleek, contemporary toilet safety frame, this is the one for you.
The best option if you’re looking for a multi-purpose product that’s easy to transport is the affordable MedPro Homecare Commode Chair.
Finally, for anyone who loves the great outdoors but also values their creature comforts, the lightweight Carex 3-in-1 Folding Bedside Commode is great for packing into the back of your car next time you head out on a camping trip.
Speaking of which, if you need to put your feet up after a long hike, check out our guide to the best foot massagers – we promise you won’t regret it!