Author: Larry Palmer
Contents
Seat risers come in multiple styles. They are designed to help your posture as well as assist with the ups and downs of using the toilet.
When your knees and hips are level with each other, it’s much easier to stand from a seated position. That’s where having a riser will help.
Quick Summary – Best Toilet Seat Riser for Obese People
- Best Overall: SP Ableware Extra Wide Tall Ette Bariatric Elevated Toilet Seat with Legs
- Budget: SP Ableware Maddak Tall Ette Bariatric Raised Toilet Seat Riser
- Editor’s Choice: Maddak Ableware Hinged Toilet Seat Riser for Obese
- Highest Weight Capacity: Bemis Large Size 3” Raised Toilet Seat for Obese
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Reviews – Raised Toilet Seat for Obese
1. Bemis Large Size 3” Raised Toilet Seat for Obese
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Weight Capacity: 1,000 pounds
Dimensions: 18.5 x 15.31 x 0.99 inches
Seat height: 3 inches (includes 2.25 inches of riser plus the toilet seat)
Seat width: 15.31 inches
The Bemis Independence seat riser adds 3 inches to your toilet seat to make sitting and standing easier. The seat uses a Snap 2 Secure system to fasten securely in place and help eliminate falling concerns. There are optional arms sold separately for added security.
Some risers leave gaps that cause poop messes. The Bemis incorporates an innovative shield under the ring to keep everything in the bowl where it belongs. The shield also helps make this riser easier to clean.
This riser features a wide, comfortable ring that is designed to help eliminate pressure points. The heavy-duty plastic is rated to handle up to 1000 pounds of weight making it a great choice for someone who is obese.
Pros
- Rated for 1000 pounds
- Snap 2 Secure system
- Ring to contain messes
Cons
- Arms sold separately
- Shield should extend deeper
Final Say
When looking at a toilet seat riser for obese people, the Bemis Independence is worth consideration because it is rated to manage 1000 pounds. The shield beneath the rim is a toilet aid for obese people to reduce mess and splash-back. Overall, this product seems to be a durable option.
2. Maddak Ableware Hinged Toilet Seat Riser for Obese
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Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
Material: Plastic
Dimensions: 20.25″ x 14.75″ x 3.75″
Seat height: 4 inches (3-inch riser plus regular toilet seat)
Seat width: 14.75”
The Maddak Ableware elevated toilet seat is hinged so it opens and closes like your regular toilet seat. It works with the existing seat to eliminate noticeable changes to the toilet. An elongated shape seat tends to be more comfortable for those who are carrying extra weight.
This product raises your seat 3 inches making sitting on and rising from the toilet an easier task. Combined with your regular toilet seat the total height is 4 inches which can make the difference for someone who has joint (knee or hip) issues.
The unique two-part design allows this riser to operate much like your regular toilet seat. It can be easily cleaned in the same manner as your traditional toilet seat.
Pros
- Hinged
- Relatively easy to install
- Works with regular toilet seat
Cons
- Included hardware is plastic
- Reported to wiggle
Final Say
The Maddak from Ableware is designed so that the change to your toilet’s appearance is virtually imperceptible. The hinged design makes raising and lowering the piece more convenient. This toilet seat riser for obese people works with your existing toilet seat to add needed height to the toilet.
3. SP Ableware Extra Wide Tall Ette Bariatric Elevated Toilet Seat with Legs
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Weight Capacity: 600 pounds
Material: Plastic, steel, and foam
Dimensions: 22.5 x 16 x 4 inches
Seat height: 4 inches
Seat width: 18” between arms, 22.5” overall
The SP Ableware Extra-wide Tall-Ette has a stainless steel frame that is adjustable to fit most toilets. The seat fits directly onto the toilet with the steel legs as added support. There are foam arms that aid in sitting and rising from this toilet.
The arms can be removed from the Ableware Tall-Ette. However, it isn’t recommended to do so as removing them can cause the seat to seem unstable. The arms help you steady yourself as you sit or rise from the toilet.
We chose this product to highlight because it’s been tested to handle up to 600 pounds. The Tall-Ette is a durable option for overweight people.
One thing mentioned by several customers was that the riser installs beneath the toilet lid. So you have to pay attention to the size of the gap between your toilet lid and the seat for proper compatibility.
Pros
- Removable foam arms
- Stainless steel frame and legs
- Good for balance issues
Cons
- Not compatible with all toilets
- Reported to wiggle
Final Say
If you’re looking for a riser that has the added stability of legs, this might be the choice for you. It features both a stainless steel frame and legs, and removable foam arms. The arms help to add additional comfort to your bathroom experience.
4. Drive Medical Premium Raised Toilet Seat Riser
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Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
Material: Lightweight plastic
Dimensions: 17 x 15 x 9 inches
Seat height: 4-6” depending on the model you choose
Seat width: 14”
The riser from Drive Medical is made from lightweight plastic and is designed to be portable. Depending on the model you choose, this riser extends your toilet height 4-6 inches for added comfort in the bathroom. It’s rated to hold 400 pounds, so it’s a good choice for heavier people.
Installation of this toilet riser is accomplished without the use of any additional tools. The seat locks into place to make it more stable and less likely to slip than some other models. It will lock onto almost any toilet making this a good choice if you need portability.
Cleaning this riser is a simple task. You should be mindful not to use overly abrasive cleansers, though.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Locks in place easily
- Tool-free installation
Cons
- Works better without a toilet seat
- Clamps are plastic
Final Say
This Drive Medical raised toilet seat for obese people is easily installed and removed when no longer needed. It can be used with an elongated toilet seat if you need portability. The lock-in-place functionality reduces the slippage of this riser.
5. SP Ableware Maddak Tall Ette Bariatric Raised Toilet Seat Riser
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Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Material: Plastic
Dimensions: 16 x 15 x 6 inches
Seat height: 6 inches (for this model; other models are 2 or 4 inches)
Seat width: 15 inches
The Maddak Tall-Ette 6” elongated toilet riser features a Bolt-Down Lok-In El bracket for long-term installation. This bracket is supplied with the elongated risers, and is an option if you order the standard version of the same product. The standard Tall-Ette comes with a Slip-In Lok-In El bracket.
The six-inch height of this riser helps make sitting and standing at the toilet easier. When you’re heavy, moving from a seated position to standing and vice versa can be difficult. Having added height on the toilet makes the task easier.
This riser features a contoured seat for added comfort. It’s tested and rated for handling up to 300 pounds of weight easily.
Pros
- Contoured seat
- Six-inch height
- Bolt-Down Lok-In El bracket
Cons
- No handles
- Attaches with toilet seat bolts
Final Say
When you want a more permanent riser installation, the Maddak Tall-Ette toilet riser is the choice for you. It features the Bolt-Down Lok-In El bracket to help provide steady, sturdy installation. This model has a six-inch height, but the company has models with two and four-inch heights as well.
What Else to Consider When Choosing A Toilet Seat Riser for Obese
When you’re choosing a raised toilet seat for obese people, you obviously should consider the features and size of the riser. That isn’t all you should consider, however. You should also consider the person who needs the riser and choose the best riser for them. The criteria for choosing a riser are as follows:
Strength
How strong is the person who will be primarily using the toilet? If the person is particularly weak, you might consider a riser that has built-in arms or legs. The ones with legs tend to be more stable, and the ones with arms help to give you stability as you attempt to sit or stand.
Coordination
Is the primary user of the toilet accident prone, or otherwise uncoordinated? If so, you will want to choose a riser that helps them to balance as they get up or down. One that is locked into place, with or without arms, would be a good choice.
Vision
Someone who is visually impaired often has difficulty with sitting or standing because depth perception is out of whack. A riser places the toilet seat closer to that person’s center of gravity making it easier to rise or sit in the bathroom. Another consideration is having arms on the raised seat or a seat that is locked securely in place for ease of operation.
Mobility
Mobility issues are one of the biggest reasons for someone to need a raised toilet seat. If you have difficulty moving from point A to point B, then mobility is an important reason to look for a raised toilet seat. The taller seat will have you sitting with improved posture on the toilet which will in turn help with the sitting and standing that comes with using a toilet.
So, what are the different types of raised seats available for larger people?
There are several different types of raised toilet seats available for larger individuals. Three of the most popular styles are raised seats with legs, risers, and the Big John raised toilet seats.
Raised seats with legs
A raised seat with legs is relatively self-contained. The legs give them greater stability than other kinds of raised seats for toilets. Some of these can stand alone as bedside toilets. Those with stainless steel legs are typically rated for higher weight capacity than those with other metals in the legs.
Risers
A riser typically fits between the toilet seat and the rim. It raises the seat of the toilet to make them closer to comfort height. Risers help people who have difficulty getting up and down from the toilet for a variety of reasons.
Big John Raised Toilet Seats
The Big John raised toilet seats are rated with a total toilet weight limit around 1200 pounds. However, they only raise the seat about 2-and-a-half inches. These seats are much wider than a standard toilet seat, but may not raise the seat high enough for someone who struggles with mobility issues.
FAQs
What can I put on my toilet seat to make it higher?
One option for raising your toilet seat is to invest in a toilet seat riser. These are available in different heights, typically between 2 and 4 inches in height, and attach using the existing toilet bolts.
Do raised toilet seats come in different sizes?
Raised toilet seats are typically available in one of three sizes–2, 4, or 6-inches. The point of a raised seat is to position the knees so they are level with the hips for a more comfortable bathroom experience.
Do raised toilet seats fit all toilets?
When choosing a raised toilet seat, it’s important to consider the brand and shape of the seat. For example, a round seat would fit better on a round toilet seat, and an elongated seat fits an elongated seat better.
How much higher is a raised toilet?
A raised toilet has a seat that is anywhere from 2-6 inches higher than your standard toilet seat. These raised seats are often referred to as comfort height toilets or comfort toilet seats.
How do I measure for a toilet seat riser?
- Start by measuring from the floor to just above the back of your knee.
- Measure the current height of the toilet seat from the floor up.
- Subtract the measurement of the height of the toilet from the measurement of the user’s leg.
- That difference tells you the height of the riser you need.
Conclusion
Transitioning from standing to sitting and back again can be difficult when you are overweight. This is true whether you are sitting on a chair or on a toilet seat. Toilet risers help alleviate this issue by allowing your knees and hips to stay level. Measure carefully and choose a riser that works well for you.
