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What is a Raised Toilet Seat?

Patti Kate
Patti Kate

A raised toilet seat adds extra height for those with limited mobility or who need assistance when using the toilet. It is an elevated seat that attaches to the toilet as a standard toilet seat does. Some have added features such as a safety guardrail. A raised toilet seat may also refer to a child's potty chair. The adult raised toilet seat may be available for purchase at large hardware stores, pharmacies, and medical supply stores.

There are various reasons to use a raised toilet seat. In most cases, the elevated toilet seat will accommodate a person who has difficulty utilizing a standard toilet seat. This may be due to joint stiffness, difficulty in bending the knees, or another mobility problem. This can be a practical solution for many individuals with circulatory issues.

A raised toilet seat may be beneficial to those who use prosthetics, as well as others with restricted mobility.
A raised toilet seat may be beneficial to those who use prosthetics, as well as others with restricted mobility.

A standard toilet seat will typically require more flexibility and cause possible stress on certain joints. Those suffering from medical afflictions such as arthritis or inflammatory conditions may have difficulty without added height. The raised toilet seat is typically designed by orthopedic experts with special needs individuals in mind. Typically, the elevated toilet seat may add anywhere from 3-6 inches (7-15 cm) of height to a toilet.

The elevation of a raised toilet seat often will accommodate the needs of a person with back or spine difficulties as well. It generally allows for less bending and stretching, as less effort is needed to dismount the seat.

Some toilets are designed to be used by people with physical disabilities.
Some toilets are designed to be used by people with physical disabilities.

Some raised toilet seats offer multi-position heights. This is helpful to accommodate various heights of individuals using the product. Most of the raised toilet seats will feature an extra thick padding for added comfort. In many models, the seat will include mounting brackets for installation.

There are models of raised toilet seats that feature easy no-tool installation. This is especially helpful for individuals who have restricted capabilities or wish to have the convenience of no assembly required. Some models feature suction cups that adhere to the floor.

Seniors who have difficulty standing up on their own from a seated position may benefit from a raised toilet seat.
Seniors who have difficulty standing up on their own from a seated position may benefit from a raised toilet seat.

The elderly and those with restricted mobility may prefer an elevated toilet seat with built-in arms. This safety feature provides added stability and protection. In most cases, these toilet seats are made of polyurethane or durable plastic material. Many of these seats feature a locking mechanism to fasten to the toilet bowl. There are more basic raised toilet seats that are less expensive.

Discussion Comments

RocketLanch8

When my parents retired, they wanted to move into a smaller house that was more elderly-friendly. They couldn't climb stairs very well, and needed a more open floor plan to accommodate their walkers and potentially a wheelchair. We found them a house that was a good match, but we still had to make some more adjustments.

One of the things we looked into were raised toilet seats for the elderly. They preferred an elongated toilet seat, so I went to the local plumbing store to find an elongated raised toilet seat. It was not an easy thing to find, but the store did have some available online and we ordered one.

My mother wanted a padded toilet seat, but I've never been very happy with that sort of thing. They can be hard to keep clean, and sometimes the vinyl covering gets torn and becomes uncomfortable. She's happy with the elevated toilet seat now that she'd gotten used to it.

Inaventu

When my elderly mother-in-law had back surgery, the physical therapist strongly recommended getting a raised toilet seat. I thought it would be the same thing as a padded toilet seat, but it wasn't. An elevated toilet seat can be padded, too, but it's mostly designed to provide height. I replaced the toilet seats in both of her bathrooms at home, then got a toilet seat riser for one of our own bathrooms if she came over for a visit.

I tried the raised toilet seat out myself and I could notice a difference right away. Getting up to a standing position took much less effort, for one thing. I felt like I was seated too far above the bowl for my own comfort, but I don't have mobility issues, either.

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    • A raised toilet seat may be beneficial to those who use prosthetics, as well as others with restricted mobility.
      By: belahoche
      A raised toilet seat may be beneficial to those who use prosthetics, as well as others with restricted mobility.
    • Some toilets are designed to be used by people with physical disabilities.
      By: sutichak
      Some toilets are designed to be used by people with physical disabilities.
    • Seniors who have difficulty standing up on their own from a seated position may benefit from a raised toilet seat.
      By: Monkey Business
      Seniors who have difficulty standing up on their own from a seated position may benefit from a raised toilet seat.