Written by Mike Price, OT
We extensively examined and investigated the top selections on the market, relying on our combined medical experience and customer input to provide the most dependable and helpful choices. Each item in our collection is handpicked based on features that care providers like us value and those users have found to be important tools in their everyday lives.
 | 1) UltraCommode Shower Commode Chair by Platinum Health View Product |
Bedside commodes designed without casters can sometimes be meant to stay in one place and will be heavier to suit this more permanent requirement. However, if you intend to move your bedside commode from room to room or want to use it as a toilet safety frame, raised toilet, or shower chair, be sure to choose a model that’s lightweight enough for you or a caregiver to lift and move without risk of injury.
All-in-one bedside commodes offer versatile use as a raised toilet or over-the-toilet safety frame. It’s important to measure your toilet and the area around it to match up dimensions with bedside commodes that will fit perfectly for your space.
The best bedside commodes are usually constructed with steel, aluminum, or tough polymer plastic. Because the user's safety is crucial with this equipment, it’s important to choose a model with a strong and sturdy construction.
To keep the bedside commode in place, most designs include rubberized feet or some other type of foot design that stops the chair from moving when the user is seated or getting up or down from the commode. This feature is especially crucial when used in slippery environments, like the bathroom.
Available in a standard oval shape or an elongated shape, bedside commode seats can range from 16-36-inch diameters. Some users prefer the elongated shape as it keeps more of their skin in contact with the seat. Padded designs add comfort and are especially well-suited for more sensitive users prone to pressure sores and skin shear. Open-front toilet seat designs facilitate easier access for wiping intimate areas but may not be suitable or safe for users with limited lower limb control.
Although all bedside commodes include a pail or bucket for waste collection, you may have preferences for how the pail slides out, its capacity, and if it has handles for more efficient carrying. Some commode pails will include a splash guard for more hygienic waste control, along with waste bucket liners and lids to manage odors before the waste is disposed of in a toilet.
Most bedside commodes are designed with height adjustability, making users more comfortable by adjusting the chair to their height. Other models are designed to be ergonomic, specifically providing support to adapt to the user, while some models add padding to optimize comfort.
A 3-in-1 bedside commode functions as a toilet riser, an over-the-toilet safety frame, and a bedside commode that can be used in any room.
Medicare Part B generally covers bedside commodes when medically necessary, as Medicare classifies commodes as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). If ordered by your doctor, Medicare Part B will generally pay 80 percent of the allowable charges for the commode chair. Your doctor must accept the Medicare assignment, and the commode chair supplier must participate in the Medicare program, or Medicare will not pay anything for your bedside commode.
The first step in using a bedside commode is to ensure the commode has been assembled correctly and is level and stable before sitting. Put some water in the commode’s pail before using it, as this will help with emptying and cleaning later. The commode seat should be in the down position, with the bucket firmly in place below and the lid above open.
Back up to the commode until you feel the back of your legs touching the frame, reach back for the armrests, placing both hands firmly on them before sitting on the seat. Lower yourself slowly by bending your elbows and, if able, your knees and hips. When you’re ready to stand up again, push against the armrests, slowly raising yourself from the commode seat, bending at the knees if you’re able.
To clean a bedside commode, dispose of waste in a flushable toilet, and clean the commode bucket and frame with regular, non-abrasive cleaning products like mild soap and water, as bleach may cause cracking or discoloration of the bucket. As mentioned previously, putting some water in the bottom of the bucket before use will make emptying and cleaning easier.
All-in-one bedside commodes can be placed and used over your existing toilet when the bucket has been removed. Also known as 3-in-1 bedside commodes, they can be employed as over-the-toilet safety frames or as toilet risers to improve toileting safety and stability.
The best way to stop a bedside commode from tipping is to ensure the user is as close to the seat as possible, with the back of their knees touching the frame, with both hands on the armrests, applying equal pressure on both sides to prevent tipping in any direction.
A 3-in-1 bedside commode can be used as a shower chair when it is specifically constructed for that purpose, as some designs are corrosion- and rust-resistant. However, if the bedside commode is constructed with steel, it may be susceptible to destructive corrosion when exposed to the levels of moisture generated by a shower repetitively.
 | Elongated Bedside Commode by Rhythm Healthcare View Product |
We all want to use reliable products. Luckily, our number 5 choice, the Elongated Commode Chair by Rhythm Healthcare, makes that possible with its undeniable high-quality and comfortable design. This commode chair is light enough to be easily moved across rooms at home, and it's quickly assembled in just minutes, perfect for travel.
Safety always comes first when using the Elongated Bedside Commode. Its four feet feature anti-slip covers to ensure your chair is steady even in wet environments. This commode also features a convenient elongated seat and bowl to provide more space and comfort to the user, even after long periods. That's one of many reasons why this chair is preferred in most hospitals and nursing facilities.
Knowing this device requires constant cleaning, the prestigious Rhythm Healthcare created the Folding Powder Coated Commode Chair. This toilet chair has an effortless foldable seat that grants easy access to the bowl for removal and cleaning. It also comes with adjustable legs and a backrest that allows users of all sizes to change their height according to their needs.
 | Bariatric Lumex 3-in-1 Drop Arm Commode Chair by Graham Field View Product |
Taking the number 4 position on our list is the Lumex Imperial Collection 3-in-1 Steel Drop Arm Commode by Lumex. Durable, heavy-duty welded steel construction accommodates a bariatric 600-pound capacity and combines with an extra-wide seat to optimize user comfort and safety.
Versatile for convenient use as a bedside commode, toilet safety frame, or raised toilet seat, its height-adjustable 3-in-1 design provides customizable functionality to meet various unique user needs. The padded arms enhance comfort and are lockable to maximize stability while they drop down below the seat level for easier, more accessible lateral transfers.
The removable back bar facilitates the 3-in-1 transitions of this commode, and the release mechanism is easy to operate for those with dexterity challenges. The Lumex Imperial Collection commode is a solid and sturdy option for bariatric users and those requiring multifunctional toileting.
 | Lumex Silver Collection Steel Drop Arm 3-in-1 Commode View Product |
Ranked at number 3 on our list is the Lumex Silver Collection Steel Drop Arm 3-in-1 Commode, a versatile and user-friendly option for individuals requiring toileting assistance. With arms that drop below the seat level, this commode facilitates safe lateral transfers, providing added convenience and accessibility for users with mobility challenges.
 | Padded Drop-Arm Commode by Medline View Product |
Our number 2 for the top bedside commode is the Padded Drop-Arm Commode by Medline, thanks to its sturdy design, comfortable padding, and reasonable price point.
The heavy-duty, rust-resistant frame ensures a long life, while the padded seat provides comfortable support through every use. Although it is a mid-priced option, many customers describe the bedside commode as luxurious, adding that the foam padding is very comfortable.
Although it accommodates up to 300 pounds, the Padded-Drop Arm Commode is lightweight and easy to move from the bedside to the bathroom. The seat height is adjustable from 19" to 23", and customers say it is versatile and sturdy.
The drop-arm design of this commode makes lateral transfers safe and easy. The arms drop down with just the touch of a button, making it effortless to prepare for transfers. The clip-on seat can be removed for easy cleaning.
 | UltraCommode Shower Commode Chair by Platinum Health View Product |
The UltraCommode Portable Commode and Shower Chair by Platinum Health secure the top spot as our number 1 choice, a decision backed not only by our thorough evaluation but also by the endorsement of registered nurses. This versatile product combines functionality with comfort, featuring a wide seat base for optimal comfort and high-quality materials for long-lasting durability. The aluminum frame is rustproof and lightweight, ensuring easy maneuverability. Additionally, the cushion, backrest, and armrests are made of water-resistant polyurethane, enhancing both comfort and hygiene. The commode pail is included and can be detached to transform the chair into a spacious shower chair, providing versatility for various needs.
In our exploration of the top bedside commodes and toilet chairs, we've looked into a range of options designed to meet diverse user needs. Each selection offers unique features and benefits to enhance comfort, convenience, and safety in daily living.
Among these options, the UltraCommode Shower Commode Chair by Platinum Health stands out as our #1 recommendation. With its rustproof aluminum frame, water-resistant polyurethane cushioning, and detachable commode pail, it combines durability, comfort, and versatility in one package. The UltraCommode's foldable design and pivoting armrests further enhance its usability, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking a bedside commode and a shower chair.
We encourage you to explore our other top picks, each offering its own set of features tailored to specific user preferences and requirements.
For more information and resources on caregiving essentials, visit us at Caregiver University!
Co-Founder of Rehabmart and an Occupational Therapist since 1993. Mike has spent his professional career working in multiple areas of Occupational Therapy, including pediatrics, geriatrics, hand therapy, ergonomics and inpatient / outpatient rehabilitation. Mike enjoys writing articles that help people solve complex therapeutic problems and make better product choices.
