A simple trip to the toilet can quickly become an ordeal for those with limited mobility due to age, disability or recent surgery. The strain of lowering oneself onto the toilet and getting back up again can pose a challenge or a health risk for individuals in the aforementioned groups. But there are helpful solutions to these problems. Toilet risers add inches to the height and can restore privacy, allowing someone with limited mobility to use the bathroom without help. There are a few types of toilet risers that you can buy.
Toilet seat risers often fit over an existing toilet seat; this variety comes in foam and hard plastic. A foam toilet seat cushion sits atop the toilet seat, raising it several inches. Raised toilet seat cushions heighten the toilet, reducing strain and difficulty for those who struggle to use a traditional toilet. Cushions are relatively inexpensive, starting at about $10. However models featuring high-density foam can cost $90 or more.
The hard plastic riser looks very similar and, like the cushions, sits directly atop the toilet seat. Plastic risers start at about $20. These hard plastic toilet risers can add 4+ inches to your toilet sitting area and will not sink down when you sit on them.
Toilet Risers with Arms
A second variety of toilet riser is a separate structure that sits over the toilet, instead of sitting directly atop the toilet seat. A variant of this is toilet safety rails with arms. The arms extend upwards from the seat and help the user with balance and stability.
A third type of riser, a toilet spacer or toilevator, fits under the entire toilet instead of over the seat. This variety is costlier, with prices around $100. The installation is also a bit tougher and requires removal of the whole toilet. However, they can blend seamlessly with the toilet. You will not visibly see the changes but you will definitely feel the difference when you do not have to bend down so low.
List of Best Recommended Toilet Risers
- Toilet Risers with Arms – Get support with safety rails on the sides of the toilet risers to lift yourself off a toilet or use them to sit down easier.
- Hard Plastic Toilet Risers – Comes with a toilet lid.
- Toilet Seat Cushion Risers – Firm cushions relieve pressure from sitting on a hard toilet surface.
- Toilet Spacers – Raises the height of the entire toilet from the bottom.
After installation, which can vary widely in difficulty depending on the model, some maintenance is required for most models of toilet raisers. Just like other parts of a toilet, risers require regular cleaning. The toilet spacer requires less cleaning because it sits at the base of the toilet, however the installation is more labor intensive.
Consider toilet risers for the elderly, for those who have recently undergone surgeries, such as a hip replacement, and for those with disabilities limiting movement. These devices can make life easier for everyone while reducing the risk of injuries and falls.