If you have an elderly or a person with a disability, having a commode comes in handy in caring for them at home. But which is the best? Let us explore the best bedside commodes as well as potty chairs for seniors and handicapped people.
A bedside commode is a toilet that can be moved and placed on the bedside and does not use running water.
It is like a normal chair but has a toilet seat and a bucket or container under it. The container can be removed and cleaned after use.
Some commodes may have wheels so they can make them be rolled away when not needed.
The wheels should be locked when the person uses the commode to prevent the chair from moving.
You may need to buy a commode if you have an elderly person who needs to stay in bed most of the time.
It is also useful if a person is weak or unsteady. If he is at risk of falling, a commode may be safer than walking to the bathroom.
Best Bedside Commodes and potty chairs for Seniors
This comprehensive review presents the best bedside commodes and potty chairs for seniors and handicapped people in need of them. From the most portable to the folding ones.
However, if you are in a hurry, here is a quick comparison table for a quick choice.
| Product | Dimensions | Material | Weight capacity |
| 1. Drive medical steel folding bedside commode | 22.4×7.5×24.4inches | Plastic | 350 lbs |
| 2. DMI Adjustable Bedside Commode. | 19.4 x 26.6 x 27 inches | Steel | 500 lbs |
| 3. NOVA Folding Commode. | 37.7×20.9×9.1 inches | Steel | 300 lbs |
| 4. Medline steel 3-in-1 Bedside commode. | 17×8×21.5 inches | Steel and plastic | 350 lbs |
| 5. Vive Bariatric Bedside Commode | 31×27.9×9 inches | Steel and plastic | 500 lbs |
| 6. NOVA Medical Products Heavy Duty Bedside commode | 30×30×21 inches | Steel | 500 lbs |
| 7. Drive Medical Deluxe Bariatric Drop-Arm Commode | 29×21×20 inches | Metal and plastic | 1000 lbs |
| 8. Mefeir Omecal Commode Toilet Potty Chair | 48.5×48.5×87.5 cm | Plastic and Iron | 6.7 kg |
| 9. MedPro Homecare Commode Chair. | 17×14×19.7 inches | Plastic | 300 lbs |
| 10. Drive Medical Heavy Duty Bariatric Folding Commode | 18×31.75×15.5inches | steel and plastic | 650 lbs |
1. Drive Medical Steel Folding – Best Bedside Commode for seniors
This commode is made of grey powder-welded coated steel that is strong and gives you much-needed support during use.
This feature makes it hold persons of up to 350 lbs hence suitable for seniors who have added weight.
This material also makes your bedside commode serve you for a long because of its durability.
Easy to fold for outdoors
If you have experienced a dilemma of whether or not to take your senior out for a vacation or picnic due to the way you will handle their biological calls, the Drive Medical Steel Foldable Bedside commode will give you a solution. It is easy to open and fold.
Easy folding of the leg to a reduced size is enabled is by the elastic cord. This does not only help you during storage but also in packing for easy transportation.
Convenient bucket
This commode chair comes complete with a 7.5-quart commode bucket with a carry handle, its cover, and a splash shield.
The 7.5-quart bucket makes sure it is easy and comfortable for the senior to use the bucket.
The carry handle of the commode bucket makes disposing of wastes easy. The lid cover prevents the spread of the odor in the house.
The splash guard gives your senior a comfortable time when using the commode by preventing uncomfortable water splashes.
Your problem of putting the chair parts together is solved and you do not need to call a mechanic or an expert to fix it for you because the parts of this commode are easy to assemble. The snap buttons easily open up for easy setup.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to use.
- Comfortable.
- Suitable for people with reduced autonomy.
- The bar next to the seat can be used to place a towel and tissue papers.
- Stable and sturdy.
- Adjustable to different heights.
- Easy to fold and transport.
- Cost-efficient.
Cons
- Not suitable for people over 350 pounds.
- Seat too way small.
- The product cannot be returned.
- The seat becomes flimsy with time.
2. DMI Adjustable Bedside Commode – suitable for handicapped
This sturdy portable commode will solve your need for a toilet close to the bed or wherever the place you choose.
This commode fits on your existing toilet as it works as a toilet riser or safety frame.
The handy arms of this commode help your senior with support when getting up and down the commode.
They also provide more comfort when using the commode by resting arms on them.
The backrest in these commodes is also crucial in providing your elderly person with comfort.
Rubber tips on the bottom of the legs of this bedside commode prevent it from slipping, therefore, solving your problem of searching for a sturdy commode.
This bedside commode height can be transferred to different sizes. This enables you to set it according to the height of your senior. This also makes it more comfortable during use for your senior.
The steel frame is durable and it is easy for you to clean. You can also use the steel frame to place face towels and tissue papers.
The frame also makes it easy for you to transfer the commode from the bed and set it up well in the toilet.
Best physical features
If weight capacity has been an issue for you, you will need to try this commode. This is because it offers a weight capacity of up to 500 pounds.
Most seniors can’t surpass this weight capacity making this commode something important for your use.
The width between the arms is 23 inches and that between the legs is 24 inches making your senior have a comfortable time when using the commode. This also provides enough space to maneuver during use.
The commode weighs 19 pounds and can be folded giving you an easy time when the need arises to move the commode to a different place or when packing for travels.
The commode can also be easily stored without consuming much space in the storeroom.
This bedside commode also comes with a pail and its lid. This 7-quart pail makes your work or that of a caregiver easy because it can be easily slid underneath the commode chair and can be easily cleaned.
Its lid plays an essential role in making sure that no smell comes out of the pail.
Pros
- Easy to assemble tools.
- Easy for seniors to use.
- Perfect for seniors with reduced autonomy
- Very sturdy and stable.
- Pails are strong, sturdy and durable
- The height is adjustable
- Comfortable during use.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Fits well over the toilets.
- It can be set at any preferred spot.
Cons
- The pail has no handle.
- It does not come with a splash guard.
- No drop arms.
- Not cost-efficient.
- Pail falls when subjected to much weight.
3. NOVA Folding Commode – Best for old people
Manufactured by NOVA Medical Products the NOVA Folding Commode is a superb commode that is easily foldable to enhance easy movements and for easy packing during times of travel.
It can be used in many ways with the most appropriate as a bedside commode.
It comes with a bucket, its lid cover, and a splash guard.
This commode solves your problem of putting commodes together.
It assembles in a few minutes with no special tools or personnel needed.
The frame, backrest, toilet seat, and lid all snap into place. This commode also comes with a bucket, a lid, and a splash guard.
The splash guard prevents water from splashing during use. The bucket carries all the waste disposed of by the user.
More Unique Features
The legs of this commode have push buttons that help adjust the height of the commode higher or lower making it possible for you to set the most preferred appropriate height that suits your elderly person.
The height whether higher or lower does not compromise the stability and sturdiness of this commode
The steel frame in this commode has several advantages. It is durable and therefore makes your commode serve you for long periods without worrying about replacements. The frame is also easy to clean saving your time and that of any caregiver.
If folding and unfolding a commode has been a problem for you, this Nova Folding Commode is the perfect solution for you. It folds and unfolds in a few seconds making storage easy.
This also makes it easy to pack when traveling. Its 11 pounds weight also makes it easy to move from one point to the other in the house.
Not only is this bucket easy to clean but also it makes disposing of the waste easier. The lid helps prevent odors from coming out of the bucket.
Pros
- It is stable and sturdy.
- Nova is easy to clean.
- It is easy to assemble.
- Worth the money.
- Its height is adjustable.
- Mobility around rooms.
- Suitable for the elderly with reduced mobility.
- Arms give extra support when sitting or getting.
- Folds easily for easy storage and transportation.
- It is comfortable during use.
Cons
- Bucket hole may be too small for some users.
- The uncomfortable bar across the back of the legs.
- Adjusting the height sometimes creates a gap between seat and commode
- Legs may become flimsy overtime.
- Not suitable for seniors over 350 lbs.
4. Medline steel – Best 3-in-1 Bedside commode for seniors
This commode is suitable for use by persons with less autonomy. This commode can be used as a bedside commode, an elevated toilet seat, or as toilet safety rails when combined with most standard toilets.
The height also can be adjusted to make it easy for you to set it into a height that fits your senior well.
It can hold a weight of up to 350 lbs making it more appropriate for most seniors.
You will need to purchase this commode if your senior has to move too far to use tissue paper.
This is because this commode is included with a convenient toilet paper holder. This is where you will put the tissue paper for easy access by the senior.
This feature also makes your senior feel more comfortable when using the chair by avoiding unnecessary strains.
What makes Medline Steel Best 3-in-1 different
This commode is different from other commodes. It is infused with a special Microban Antimicrobial protection on the seat and the handles that do not wash away or wear off.
It is important because it helps inhibit the growth of stains and odors in your commode that are caused by bacteria, molds, and mildew.
This makes it easy to clean the commode and maintain it clean and fresh between cleanings.
It is very important to note that this feature does not protect you, the caregivers, or the users of the commode with disease-causing bacteria.
The commode weighs 14.5 lbs. It is easy to move it to different rooms of the house.
Other notable features
This commode also comes with a pail, a lid, and a splash guard. These features provide you with the following advantages.
The pail can contain much waste, therefore, reducing your cleaning frequency.
The lid covers the pail completely and prevents odors from the pail from spreading in the surrounding. The splash guard avoids water splashes when using the commode.
This commode makes work easy for you when assembling. It does not require special tools and the design makes it easy to put in together without help from trained personnel.
The commode frame is light grey for easy cleaning and the blue accent color armrests make the user comfortable during use by making sitting and standing easy.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to clean.
- Adjustable height
- Lightweight.
- Infused with Microban antimicrobial protection.
- Comfortable during use
- Worth the price.
- It comes with a toilet paper handle.
Cons
- Not foldable.
- The seat may be too small for some users.
- Legs hold water which may cause rusts.
- The splash shield is thin and barely fits.
5. Vive Bariatric – Comfortable Bedside Commode for the elderly
Manufactured by Vive Health this bedside commode provides a convenient option for your need for an accessible toilet.
This commode comes pre-assembled with an instructional insert.
Its durable non-slip design. If you need a commode that will serve your senior effectively then this will be the best fit.
It is lightweight for easy mobility.
It is corrosion resistant making it very rare to contract rusts.
The stainless steel construction makes it sturdy and also its weight capacity of 500 lbs makes it appropriate for a bedside setup.
At the bottom of each leg is a non-skid rubber cap that provides the much-needed stability of your commode during use.
Armrest and Easy to use
The armrests are also covered with a soft material that provides your senior with a comfortable secure grip when sitting and standing.
The commode chair has several options for use. You can choose to use the one that suits your elderly person the most.
It can be used in the following ways; as a standalone unit, as an elevated toilet seat for an existing toilet, and as a safety toilet rail frame.
If you are trying to find a commode that will easily fold look no further. The Vive Bariatric bedside commode is easily foldable away to make storage easy. This foldable design is very important for convenient packing during travels.
Adjustable height ranges from 14.5 inches to 20 inches. This height is essential to give your senior a comfortable time when using the commode.
This is because it is easy to raise and lower the height of the commode to accommodate the height of the senior.
Pre-assembled for Convenience
This commode arrives pre-assembled. This is for the convenience that you need. Though it arrives pre-assembled, the setup is not hard.
The easy tool-free adjustments and the drop-in pail make the initial set-up commode easy, quick, and hassle-free.
This commode also is accompanied by a pail, a splash guard, and a lead. Each of these has its use, a convenience feature that makes it among the best commodes for the elderly as well as the handicapped people.
The pail holds wastes disposed of by the user. It has a six-quart capacity meaning that it can hold a lot of waste, therefore, reducing the number of times it often needs to be emptied.
The pail also makes it easier for waste to be cleaned up. This makes your work or that of a caregiver easy. The lid covers the pail and prevents smells of the waste from coming out.
The splash guard is designed to help prevent spills and splashes by directing the body waste into the pail because of the raised height of the seat.
The VIVE GUARANTEE. Compared to most commodes that lack guarantees, the Vive Bariatric Bedside Commode gives you an exceptional guarantee.
Once you purchase the commode; you are guaranteed an unconditional lifetime guarantee. This, therefore, should boost your confidence in buying this quality commode.
Pros
- It is a sturdy and stable commode.
- Nova is easy to assemble.
- It enhances independence.
- This commode is mobile
- The grip on armrest provides extra support.
- Comfortable during use.
- Wide enough to offer space for a maneuver.
- Rust resistance
- Easy to store and pack for travels.
Cons
- It might be too large for some users.
- Frame not padded and may hurt the user when the commode is used for long
- The product not so special and feels overpriced.
- Heavy users may cause the plastic to crack.
6. NOVA Medical Products – Heavy-duty bedside commode for seniors
This, NOVA-Ortho-Med Incorporated commode, is portable and versatile. It makes everyday life a little bit easier.
This commode has several features that make it special.
This commode is extra wide. This makes it usable by all elders regardless of their size.
This wideness also makes movement easy for your senior when using the commode.
This commode is also made of steel. The steel is durable and easy to clean. The steel is not stainless and therefore may rust when exposed to water.
Another feature that makes this one of the best commodes for seniors and the handicapped is its weight capacity. The NOVA can carry persons of a weight of up to 500 lbs. Most seniors don’t surpass this weight.
Therefore, it is suitable for your senior. This commode weighs 18.1 lb making it portable to different rooms in your house.
When a transfer from the commode to the bed is becoming a problem, it is advisable to acquire this chair.
The drop-arm feature in both arms allows the arms to drop with a pull of a lever. This makes it easy to transfer from the commode to the bed without straining.
Very convenient to use
When in need of a commode that requires no assembling, they just buy the NOVA Medical Products Heavy Duty Bedside commode.
All that you will need to make this commode ready for work is to easily snap on the back and insert the bucket from the front of the commode.
This saves you the struggle that comes with connecting the different parts of the commode. You will need no skill or expertise to make it ready for use.
This commode comes with a bucket that has a handle and a lid. The bucket helps contain the biological wastes of your senior.
It is large enough to be used severally by the user without actually getting full. The material that makes its surface is easy to clean.
The handle makes it easy to empty the bucket and dispose of the waste. The lid is useful in that it covers the bucket and prevents bad smells from coming out.
Pros
- No assembly needed.
- Easy to clean
- Durable.
- Sturdy and stable.
- Excellent drop-arm feature.
- Extra wide for more comfort
- Easy to use
- Perfect seat design.
- Bucket slides easily in and out of place
- The bucket has a carrying handle to make the waste disposal easy
Cons
- The lid doesn’t cover the seat well.
- The plastic seat is not well attached and can pop out easily.
- Pressure points may start to pop up after short periods of use.
7. Drive Medical Deluxe Bariatric – Best Drop-Arm Commode for Seniors
This commode will provide your senior with the utmost comfort he or she needs when using the commode.
This is enabled by not only the wide seat but also the backrest and the padded armrests.
The armrests are a safe comfortable place where the senior can place his or her arms during use.
There are also marks on the armrest that indicate the best places to hold on for support when sitting and standing while using the commode.
These features also make this commode suitable for everyday use. This commode is fixed with drop arms to help your elderly person with reduced mobility get on and off the commode.
Capacity for any weight
The Drive Medical Deluxe Bariatric commode has a weight capacity of up to 1000 pounds, a perfect ability for a bedside commode.
It is, therefore, suitable to accommodate your seniors with ease and make them feel secure when using the commode.
It is also strong making it sturdy and stable. The commode is of a reasonable weight and can be moved easily from one room to another.
This commode also comes with a 12-quart bucket and a lid. This bucket solves your need for a big bucket that can hold much waste and reduce emptying and clean-up of the bucket, especially during the night.
The bucket has a handle that makes carrying easy. The lid helps make sure the smell doesn’t escape the bucket.
Pros
- Easy to assemble.
- Easy to use.
- Usable by people of all sizes.
- Easy to clean.
- Sturdy and stable.
- This product can be returned.
- Comfortable during use.
- It offers much-needed support.
- Portable.
- Worth the price
Cons
- The bucket easily falls off.
- The lid does not cover the bucket well
- It’s not easily settable in the toilet
- The steel frame can easily rust.
8. Mefeir Omecal Commode – Best Toilet Potty Chair for seniors
This commode chair can be used in living rooms, bedsides, and any other convenient place.
It is made of strong plastic and iron which makes it sturdy hence easy sitting and getting up.
It is more appropriate for elderly persons with decreased autonomy.
The Mefeir OMECAL Commode toilet potty chair is not only made of quality material but also sturdy and stable material which makes it strong and durable to serve you for long.
Each leg is tipped with a non-skid rubber which provides extra stability even on uneven floors. This makes the commode offer your senior much-needed support during use.
When searching for toilet chairs that can support much weight, then this potty chair will fit your needs. This is because it can bear up to 330 lbs of weight capacity.
Adjustable and comfortable armrest
This toilet chair can also be adjusted to the most preferred height giving you or the user comfort during use.
Soft, closed-cell foam on the armrests makes you feel comfortable when using the chair and secures more grip. It is good to note that design is a factor in the safety of elderly chairs, especially for patients.
If you have problems when it comes to installing and using a toilet chair, the Mefeir OMECAL commode solves that for it is easy to use and install. Installing requires no special tools and adjustments are easy in cases of need.
This toilet chair is also approved and authenticated by the FDA AND SGS. If you want a toilet chair that will care for all the needs of your loved one, then this suits the deal.
This toilet chair also gives you a touch of quality for it is one of the best in the market.
These features make this suitable among the best toilet chairs worth buying for seniors.
Pros
- It is very easy to set up.
- Easily foldable
- Very sturdy and stable during use.
- Comfortable during use.
- Good quality and design.
- Can hold persons with a weight of up to 330lbs.
- Easy to clean.
- Adjustable heights.
- Cost-effective.
Cons
- It does not come with a splash guard.
- Chair arms can be pushed down too easily.
- The plastic seat bends easily.
- The cover lid is just attached and does not cover the entire potty opening.
9. MedPro Homecare Commode – Best Potty Chair for the Elderly
This commode offers a safer toilet alternative for persons with minimized autonomy.
The Medpro Homecare commode chair with adjustable height has unique features that make it a budget choice for the elderly.
Not only does the MediPro commode provide your senior with a safe toilet frame.
In addition, the MediPro commode also has a raised toilet seat that gives you options on your preferred mode of use. This is enabled by its versatile design.
When you are in search of commodes that can contain much weight capacity then the MedPro Homecare Commode Chair can provide that.
The chair can hold a weight capacity of up to 300 lbs which is equivalent to 136 kg.
You will meet your need for an easy-to-assemble toilet chair once you purchase the Medpro Homecare Commode chair.
The tools are easy to assemble and have 7 position push buttons that help you adjust the height to your preferred one.
Armrest and Comfort
The plastic armrest does not only provide your senior with added comfort but also much support needed when using the commode chair. The potty chair lasts long because it is made of durable plastic.
A Pail, which is a bucket that comes with this commode, gives your senior more comfort when using the commode chair after it is fitted on them.
With this bedside commode, you can also easily add a lid and plastic bag for waste containment when using the pail.
You are also provided with a splash guard which helps you reduce splashes to your senior using the MedPro Homecare Commode Chair. This provides more comfort to the senior when using the commode and improves hygiene.
Pros
- Easy to assemble tools.
- Easy for seniors to use.
- Perfect for seniors with reduced autonomy
- Very sturdy and stable.
- Pails are strong, sturdy and durable
- The height is adjustable
- Comfortable during use.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Fits well over the toilets.
- It can be set at any preferred spot.
- Mobility.
- Cost-efficient.
Cons
- No instructions of use and set up.
- The commode is too slippery when wet
- Weak and not suitable for people over 300 lbs
- Poorly designed in that one has to remove back cover lid to use.
- The chair moves easily and can cause unwanted movements.
- No screws and nuts to put it together.
10. Drive Medical Heavy Duty Bariatric – A Folding Commode for seniors
Drive Medical heavy-duty Bariatric folding commode meets all the basic needs because of its design.
It always comes complete with a deep snap-on seat and lid, a splash guard, a carry handle, and a 12-quart commode bucket.
This commode has outside legs of 31.75 inches width which opens and folds easily to give you the efficiency that you want when storing it or packing it for travels.
If you are looking for a toilet chair with a quality commode bucket then choosing the Heavy Duty Bariatric folding commode is the right decision.
This is because its 12-quart commode bucket has a cover, a carry handle, and a splash shield. These features improve the usage of the commode chair.
Portable and Adjustable
The carry handle makes it easy to carry around, the splash shield prevents nagging splashes during use and the cover prevents unwanted odors that come from the commode after use.
The adjustable legs allow you to choose your preferred way to use the commode and backrest angle. Study shows the backrest is important for muscle activity in seniors as well as young people.
You can choose to use it as an elevated toilet seat, toilet safety frame, and a bedside commode hence giving you options when it comes to installation.
If you are searching for a commode that will make it easy for a user to sit and stand then this commode will provide that.
This is through the armrests that are marked indicating the safe place to grab making sitting and standing easy.
The armrests also provide a comfortable place to rest when seated, which makes a good bedside commode for bedroom resting.
This commode also gives you an easy time when assembling because tools are easy to use and put together.
This commode also provides you with durability and strength that can hold up to 650 lbs. The grey power-coated steel welded construction on the commode makes this possible.
Pros
- Easy to assemble.
- Comfortable during use.
- Easy to clean.
- Well worth of the price
- Replaceable splash guard, lid, bucket, and seats.
- Adjustable height.
- Sturdy and stable.
- Wide between the arms to accommodate heavy people.
- Durability and quality.
- Foldable for easy movements.
Cons
- The bucket falls off easily.
- Grey coating rust on the joints.
- Pinches between the chair and the bar under it.
- Poor design.
Advantages of using Potty Chairs and Commodes
Potty chairs for seniors have recently risen in demand because of their increased advantages.
These advantages include safety, quick access, independence, and support. They also make work easier for people with elderly persons at home who have reduced autonomy.
Potty chairs for seniors are of different kinds and choosing the appropriate one for a senior’s use requires one to have prior knowledge of the commode chairs. Read more on the benefits of using a commode from our other post.
Final Take
If you need the best bedside commode for a senior, you should know the features of the commode first before making any purchase.
You should then compare the needs of your senior with the functionalities that are solved by different features of the commode. This will prevent you from buying something that does not help.
It is very crucial for you before purchasing the commode to consult a medical practitioner for advice.
He or she should be able to determine whether the commode will be of much benefit to the senior or not.
One should compare many commodes before choosing the better option for their senior.
You should have a word with your senior and know the view they have on introducing the use of commodes in their daily life.
Bedside commodes have helped take care of the elderly and acquiring one would make your senior feel special.
After you buy, here is how to use your bedside commode
I love writing about solutions on issues that I face at home and around the community. I love to share creative ideas and valuable reviews of some of the best products to make your home experience better.