Raised toilet seats

If you have difficulty getting up from or sitting down on the toilet, e.g. due to reduced strength or mobility, or if is too much of an effort to do so, a raised toilet seat might be a relevant assistive product. If you have had hip surgery and are not allowed to flex your hip for a period, the need for a raised toilet seat may be temporary.

There are also other solutions if you have difficulty getting up from and sitting down on the toilet, e.g. grap bars and hand grips and free-standing toilet arm supports, which can be used with or without a raised toilet seat. You can also have a toilet plinth installed, which raises the entire toilet. If you cannot use these solutions, there are toilet seats with built-in raising mechanism.

If you find it difficult to transfer to the toilet, an alternative to a raised toilet seat can be a commode chair or shower chair with castors that can be placed over the toilet.

There are many factors that influence, which raised toilet seat is the best choice for you. It may be a good idea to seek professional advice, for example from your municipalitys assistive technology department. The municipality can advise you on the right choice, and a professional can assess whether rehabilitation can contribute to improving your ability to function.

Before choosing a raised toilet seat, you need to consider which type best fits your need. Should it be a raised toilet seat fixed to the toilet, a toilet seat insert, or a raised toilet seat mounted on a frame?

Raised toilet seats fixed to toilet

A raised toilet seat fixed to the toilet is permanently fixed to the toilet instead of the existing toilet seat. It is therefore a prerequisite that the mounting brackets fit your toilet bowl, or that a mounting kit can be acquired.

The advantage of a fixed raised toilet seat is that it rests securely on the toilet bowl. This way you dont run the risk of it shifting when you sit down on the toilet. Most fixed raised toilet seats also have a lid, which in some cases can be used to sit on, e.g. when dressing (please notice if the lid is intended to be sat on).

The disadvantage of the fixed raised toilet seats is that they are not easy to remove if others using the toilet are unable to use the raised toilet seat.

Toilet seat inserts

Toilet seat inserts are characterized by the fact that they can be used without removing the existing toilet seat. Some toilet seat inserts are placed directly on the toilet bowl, with the existing toilet seat folded up; others are placed on top of the existing toilet seat. Before you buy a toilet seat insert, you need to make sure that the model fits your toilet bowl or the toilet seat.

Some toilet seat inserts are equipped with positioning brackets that help prevent the toilet seat insert from shifting position during use. Some fittings can be adjusted once and for all for the existing toilet, others must be fixed, for example with thumb screws or finger clamps, every time the toilet seat insert is moved.

EA toilet seat insert may be a good idea if the need for a height adjustment is temporary, or if there is a need to remove the toilet seat insert, e.g. when the toilet is used by others. A toilet seat insert is also an advantage if, for example, you want to bring the toilet seat insert with you on a trip or to the summerhouse.

One disadvantage of a toilet seat insert is that you cannot use the regular toilet seat lid without removing the toilet seat insert.

Raised toilet seats mounted on frame

A raised toilet seat mounted on frame is placed over an existing toilet. It consists of a toilet seat, with or without a lid and arm supports, mounted on a height-adjustable frame. Before you choose a frame mounted raised toilet seat, you must make sure that there is room for it above the toilet and that it can stand firmly on the floor, even if the floor slopes.

An advantage of a toilet seat mounted on frame is that it can be moved when it is not needed. In addition, some of them can be equipped with a collection receptacle, allowing it to be used as a commode chair, e.g. next to the bed. Additionally, some can also be used as a shower chair (please read about shower chairs in the guide Shower stools, shower chairs and folding shower seats).

A disadvantage of a toilet seat mounted on a frame is that it takes up space in the bathroom, unless it is permanently placed over the toilet.

Regardless of the type of raised toilet seat you choose, there are a number of features you need to consider in order to get the most benefit from it.

The height of the raised toilet seat

Raised toilet seats fixed to the toilet, toilet seat inserts and toilet seats mounted on a frame are all available in different heights and some can be height adjusted. It is important to find a raised toilet seat that has or can be adjusted to a height that meets your needs. Raised toilet seats without height adjustment may have a simpler construction, which can be an advantage, for example, when cleaning.

If the toilet is raised, it can be difficult to get a good foothold when you are getting up from the toilet. Often it will also be easier to move the bowels if you sit on a low toilet, as the optimal position is having the hips well bended, a straightened back, swaying at the lower back and leaning the whole body forward so that the tailbone faces backwards. If the toilet is raised, it is therefore recommended that you put your feet on a footstool to be able to achieve this position.

Inclined seat

If you have reduced mobility in the hips or for a period cannot bend too much in the hip joint, it may be helpful if the seat can be inclined so that it slopes in the direction down towards the knees. However, be careful as you might tend to slide off the seat if it is inclined.

Toilet arm supports

Some raised toilet seats have built-in arm supports, which can be helpful when you have to get up from or sit down on the toilet. Some arm supports can be folded up, down or removed, so you have more freedom of movement when sitting on the toilet, or if you transfer sideways to or from a wheelchair. Alternatively, you can acquire toilet arm supports that are mounted on the toilet, freestanding toilet arm supports, handgrips for mounting on the wall, or arm supports that are mounted on the wall or on the floor next to the toilet.

Toilet splash guard

Some toilet seats have a large space between the seat and the toilet bowl. In this case, it can be a good idea to use an internal toilet splash guard that bridges this opening, thereby minimizing the risk of splashing urine. Some toilet seats have or can be supplied with a toilet splash guard. Separate toilet splash guards are also available for purchase.

Padded seat

If you are very thin, have or are at risk of getting pressure ulcers, it may be a good idea to get a raised toilet seat with a soft padding. An alternative could be to acquire a cushion or a cover with padding.

Seat with hygiene cutaway

Some raised toilet seats have a cutaway in the front and/or the back of the seat to make intimate hygiene easier. This can be particularly advantageous if you require assistance from others for this.

Seat with arthrodesis cutaway

Some raised toilet seats have a cutaway on one side in the front of the seat to accommodate a hip joint with significantly reduced mobility or one that should not be flexed too much for a period. These are available with cutaways on the right or the left side. Some may prefer to use a raised toilet seat that can be inclined, as this might be more comfortable to sit on.

Maximum user weight

The manufacturer should specify the maximum user weight for the raised toilet seat. This information must be apparent on the labeling and in the user manual. It is important not to exceed this weight limit, as could jeopardize using the raised toilet seat.

Lid

While most raised toilet seats fixed to the toilet come with a lid, not all toilet seat inserts or raised toilet seats mounted on a frame have one. It is important to consider whether you need a raised toilet seat with a lid, for example, for sitting on during dressing and undressing. However, it is crucial to check whether the lid is intended for sitting (please read more about this in the safety section).

Check if the design of the raised toilet seat, in combination with your toilet bowl and water tank, allows for the lid, if any, to be raised and stay upright. Also, ensure there is enough space for any arm supports and that they can be folded up or down if designed to do so.

Make sure that the raised toilet seat is properly installed and securely fastened, so it wont move during use. If you have chosen a raised toilet seat fixed to the toilet, you may need to remove the existing toilet seat first.

You might also need to install grab bars, acquire arm supports that can be mounted on the toilet or get freestanding toilet arm supports.

Consider whether the toilet paper roll is accessible from the new sitting position. It may need to be mounted in a different location, or you might require a different toilet paper holder.

You should follow the manufacturers instructions regarding cleaning and maintenance. For hygiene reasons and to minimize the risk of infection, it is crucial to keep the raised toilet seat clean. Additionally, periodically ensure that it is still securely fastened by, for example, tightening screws and inspecting other components.

Read and follow the instructions provided in the user manual. It is important to make sure that the lid is intended for sitting on before sitting down on it.

All raised toilet seat marketed for individuals with disabilities should be CE marked as medical device.

The CE marking looks the same for various directives, so it should be mentioned in the user manual that the raised toilet seat is CE marked specifically as a medical device.

Raised toilet seats must comply with a set of requirements, including safety aspects such as stability, durability, and functionality, ensuring they can be used by people with disabilities. These requirements are outlined in standards such as:

• DS/ISO 17966:2016, "Assistive products for personal hygiene – Requirements and test methods.