
Buying Guide for Raised Toilet Seats

Why buy a raised toilet seat?
If you’re having surgery, suffer from joint pain, or have mobility issues, you may be in the market for a raised toilet seat. Raised toilet seats narrow the distance between standing and sitting on the loo, making the experience safer and more comfortable.
What should you consider in a raised toilet seat?
- Height: Naturally, a driving factor you should expect and seek when considering your next raised toilet seat is height. It is up to the buyer to consider how a raised toilet seat will cater to their preferences, whether by purchasing a toilet seat with a fixed height or one that is height adjustable.
- Comfort: Unfortunately, we don’t often associate a toilet seat with comfort, leaving us to get in and out of the restroom without much contentment. Thankfully, there is an assortment of raised toilet seat options that do care for your rear end. Some devices employ a contoured seat design to encompass your rear rather than allow it to be squished. Other devices ditch the hard plastic surface you know for a soft cushion that makes trips to the commode not so miserable.
- Stability: Finally, given the key demographics that raised toilet seats are popular, it’s important to consider an option that features optimal stability when going down and getting up. Premium raised seats will always utilize handles on both sides of the device to prevent an over-reliance on injured backs, knees, or hips. Other raised options take it a step further by extending their stability to the floor, creating a boost that is not top-heavy but well-balanced throughout.
What is the best way to measure for a raised toilet seat?
First, ensure your raised toilet seat works with your existing seat. For example, if you have an elongated seat, be sure that your raised seat will work with that particular shape. Also, make sure the seat is raised to a height that is most comfortable for you. Opt for a 3.5-inch raise or higher if you need a higher seat. A 2-inch raised seat may be a better option if you need a bit less height. It’s a good idea to be sure exactly what you need before buying, so we suggest using a measuring tape from the floor to the back of your knee just to be sure it’s the right height for your comfort.
Our Picks for the Best Raised Toilet Seats
Vive Toilet Seat Riser with Handles
This raised seat is easy to install without special tools and adds an extra 3.5 inches to your existing toilet seat.
Pros: First, this seat is easy to assemble without needing screws or washers. The directions are easy to follow, and you can have it ready in 20 minutes or less. Even better, these are offered in standard and elongated sizes so you can choose which one fits your toilet style best. The sturdy handles are made with soft foam grips, making it easy and comfortable to get up and down for people with mobility issues or feeling a little weak after surgery. It can support up to 300 pounds and is split-resistant, while the handles are made of corrosion-resistant aluminum, so you know this will last you after many uses.
Cons: With the handles installed, it can be a bit of a tight fit for some people with wider hips when it comes to getting in and out of the seat.
Bottom Line: This raised toilet seat with handles is a solid option for most people who need extra assistance. You’ll be raised by 3.5 inches with a sturdy and durable toilet seat you can rely on.
Bemis 3-Inch Raised Toilet Seat
With new safety features, this easy-to-clean raised seat with a lid snaps securely to your existing toilet seat.
Pros: The durability of this seat is top-notch. It’s made from strong, easy-to-clean plastics that are both long-lasting and comfortable. Its special hinges prevent the seat from slamming. Also, it can handle more weight than other options, so this may be an excellent pick for larger adults. It’s easy for most people to get up and down. Plus, it’s incredibly sturdy once it’s properly installed.
Cons: The seat doesn’t sit flush on all toilets, which may cause some unwanted messes.
Bottom Line: This may be a great option if you want a sturdy and comfortable raised toilet seat. The seller has optional arms for this model if you need them.
HealthSmart Raised Toilet Seat Riser
Lightweight and portable, this secure toilet seat riser adds convenient height to just about any size toilet seat.
Pros: This raised toilet seat is easy to place on a standard seat, and it requires next to no assembly, tools, or special instructions, so you can use it right away. It’s sturdy and comfortable for most people, adding much-needed height for adults who need it. It’s so high and perfectly measured at five additional inches, making it a great choice for many knee surgery patients and hip surgery patients.
Cons: The seller does not provide dimensions.
Bottom Line: If you need a raised toilet seat with extra height, this may be an excellent option. The seat includes slip-resistant pads or can be used as a to-go bowl cover. Plus, it’s surprisingly cozy for your bottom.
Platinum Health The Ultimate™ Raised Toilet Seat
This raised toilet seat is adjustable between various settings and features a four-legged framework for optimal stability.
Pros: One thing to love about this seat is that it’s a stand-alone unit, and it doesn’t need to be installed on your toilet seat. Unlike other raised toilet seats, there is little to no assembly or tools required to use it immediately. It’s heavy-duty and can also handle quite a bit of weight, not to mention prolonged use. But best of all, it’s highly rated for safety, and it can even reliably be used as a shower chair.
Cons: Once in the seat, some people don’t have much wiggle room.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a safe and stable mobile raised toilet seat, this is one of the best options available. Though it’s a bit more expensive than similar products, it’s worth the money.
Medline Steel 3-in-1 Bedside Commode
With four sturdy legs, this multipurpose raised toilet seat adds stability and comfort when you have to go.
Pros: First, this raised toilet comes well-packaged, with each part individually wrapped. It also comes with easy-to-follow instructions, including a video link. Surprisingly, this raised commode is lightweight, which is excellent for people who need to move it from room to room throughout the day. The adjustable leg heights are also a huge bonus, especially if the person who needs them is taller than average.
Cons: Unfortunately, this seat cannot support over 250 pounds.
Bottom Line: This may be a great option if you’re looking for a raised toilet seat that repels germs. It’s easy to use and keep clean. Plus, it’s multifunctional and can be used as a bedside commode or in a restroom.
Final Thoughts
When looking for the right raised toilet seat, it may be a good idea to measure from the floor to the backs of your knees to ensure you can achieve the proper height for maximum comfort. Some bedside options have a built-in adjustable height, but it’s best to be sure whatever you choose will be sturdy and support your weight.