If you want the short list, these are my top bedside commode picks for seniors with limited mobility, and you’ll find the details on each one further down.

If walking or incontinence makes the trip to the bathroom hard, a bedside commode can take away the dread and the worry about getting there in time.

This guide draws on my 20+ years in the home medical industry. It covers the different styles and how to choose one, plus the daily questions that come up once it’s in the room.

Top Bedside Potty Chairs for Adults

These are reviews of my favorite bedside commodes for aging adults who need a better toileting solution based on my personal history and professional experience with each product.

Microban Protection

Bedside Commode Chair

This Bedside Commode Chair is a good fit if you want one piece of equipment that works in the bedroom and the bathroom. It is a 3-in-1: use it as a bedside commode, a raised toilet seat, or a frame that sits over the toilet.

The legs adjust with push buttons, and no tools are needed. That makes it easy to set the seat height for the person using it, and to change it if someone else in the family needs it.

The feature I would point to first is the drop-arm design. The side armrests lower with a simple release, so a person can slide over from a bed or wheelchair instead of climbing past a fixed arm. For anyone who transfers sideways, that matters.

Cleanup is simple. The bucket is removable and has a lid and a splash guard, and it empties and rinses in minutes. The frame is reinforced and rated up to 300 pounds.

It also folds, and it sets up without tools. That is handy for a caregiver who needs to move it between rooms, take it on a trip, or use it for a while after surgery.

The trade-off is the weight limit. If you need more than 300 pounds, look at a heavier-duty model. Also, a folding frame is made to be portable, so it won’t look like a piece of furniture the way a commode with a flat lid does.

Vive Health Bariatric Commode

The Vive Health Bariatric Commode is my pick for anyone who needs a higher weight limit. It has a corrosion-resistant stainless steel frame that supports up to 500 pounds.

It does three jobs. You can use it freestanding at the bedside, over the toilet as a safety rail, or as an elevated seat riser.

The legs have non-slip, non-marking rubber end caps. That helps it stay put on the floor and keeps it from scuffing your hard floors.

The six-quart pail fits standard commode liners and comes with a lid and a splash guard. The liners make cleanup simpler, and the lid helps keep odors in until you can empty it.

It arrives partially assembled. Setup is mostly a matter of inserting the legs to the height you want.

The trade-off is looks. This is a practical, medical-style commode, not one that passes for a regular chair, so it may not be what you want in a living area where guests visit. It also doesn’t offer the extras you’d find on a more elaborate model, so it suits someone who wants a sturdy, simple commode with room to spare.

HOMLAND Bedside Commode Chair

The HOMLAND 3-in-1 bedside commode is my pick for best overall because one frame does three jobs. It works as a bedside commode, a raised toilet seat, and a safety support bar.

That means you can buy one piece of equipment and use it in different ways as needs change, instead of buying separate items and finding room for each.

The frame has a dual-crossbar design. The extra crossbars add side-to-side stability when you stand up from the seat or sit down, which is when a commode needs to feel steady.

The legs adjust in height without tools, and they lock in place. Getting the height right matters, because a seat that is too low or too high makes standing up harder than it should be.

It comes with a 7.5-quart bucket, and the weight capacity is 350 pounds. It also comes in silver.

Now the downsides. The bucket has to be emptied and cleaned regularly, so this works best when someone has a steady daily routine for it. If that is not realistic, using the frame over the toilet is the easier way to go.

Also, measure before you buy. The height range and seat opening size aren’t listed, so check them against the person who will use it and the toilet it will sit over.

Most Comfortable

Vive Folding Shower Chair

The Vive Shower Chair is a folding seat with arms and a back. It is a shower chair, not a commode, so it suits someone who needs a safe place to sit while bathing.

It supports up to 300 pounds. The frame is oxidized aluminum, which is made to resist rust. That matters in a bathroom, where everything stays damp.

The seat has foam padding meant to ease pressure on your back and thighs. A hard plastic seat can get uncomfortable fast, so padding helps if you sit for a while.

The large rubber feet are non-slip, so the chair stays put on a wet floor. That is the first thing I would want from any shower seat.

It also folds flat for storage. That helps in a small bathroom, and you can take it along when you travel or visit family.

One trade-off: this will not work as a bedside commode. If you need toileting help at night, look at the commodes elsewhere in this article. A foam seat will also need to be rinsed and dried after use.

Vive Health 4-in-1 Bariatric Commode Shower Chair

The Vive Health 4-in-1 Bariatric Commode Shower Chair is the one to look at if you need extra weight capacity and want one piece of equipment to do several jobs.

It works as a bedside commode, a shower seat, a toilet riser, and a safety frame around the toilet. That means one purchase can cover a few different needs in the bathroom and bedroom.

The frame is aluminum and is rated to hold up to 550 pounds. Why does that matter? A commode that feels steady under you is one you will actually trust at 3 in the morning.

The seat is extra wide and contoured, which is meant to keep you comfortable through longer sitting. Larger users tend to find a standard commode tight, so the extra room is the main reason to choose this style.

As for the downsides, a bariatric chair is built for strength and width, so it takes up more floor space than a basic commode. Measure your bedroom and bathroom doorways before you order. If you only need a simple commode for occasional use, you may not need all four functions.

HolyHeal Drop Arm Commode

The HolyHeal M73 is a good fit if you or someone you care for moves from a wheelchair to the commode, or needs a caregiver’s help getting on and off.

The armrests drop down. You press and hold a button to lower or raise one, so you can slide over from the side instead of climbing over an arm.

Why does that matter? Side transfers are often the hardest part of using a commode. A arm that moves out of the way makes them smoother for you and easier for a helper.

The seat and backrest have 40 mm of cushioning, which is a little over an inch and a half. The surfaces are water-resistant and wipe clean quickly. The frame is reinforced and supports up to 400 pounds.

It also does more than one job. You can use it as a bedside commode, a raised toilet seat, or a safety frame around your regular toilet. If you plan to pay with an FSA or HSA, check with your plan first to see if it qualifies.

The bucket holds 6.3 quarts and comes with a lid and a splash guard. The lid helps contain odors.

One thing to know: drop arms add a button and moving parts, so they take a little getting used to. If you never need to transfer from the side, fixed arms may be all you want.

Easier Transfers

Medline Drop Arm Commode

This drop arm bedside commode offers improved access and is recommended for seniors who need to get on and off the chair from the side.

The armrests drop with a simple push of a button, which helps people who use a wheelchair. They can slide on and off the seat from the side instead of coming straight off the front.

In addition to movable armrests, this bedside commode also has a soft padded toilet seat and backrest for increased comfort. The handgrips are even made for comfort and are padded with foam.

A few more things to like: it is heavy-duty and durable, with a maximum weight capacity of 350 lbs. It also comes with a bucket, a lid, and a splash guard.

When you remove the backrest, the commode can be used over a regular toilet for true 3-in-1 commode use.

Lightweight & Portable

Vive Health Folding Commode

If you want a bedside commode that works in more than one spot, the Vive Health Folding Commode is a good pick. It stands on its own beside the bed, or you can set it directly over most standard and elongated toilets and use it as a safety rail.

The steel frame is corrosion-resistant and supports up to 350 pounds. The handrails are padded on both sides, and the leg caps are non-slip, so it stays steady on different floors.

The seat height adjusts from 16.5 to 22.5 inches with locking pins, and the handrails adjust from 24 to 30 inches. That lets you set it to fit the person using it instead of putting up with a fixed height.

The pail holds 7.5 quarts and comes with a cover, a splashguard and a carrying handle. It also works with standard commode liners, which makes cleanup easier. I personally used one set that fits this kind of pail, and you can see it in my look at commode liners with built-in absorbent pads.

One thing to know: the lowest seat setting is 16.5 inches. If you are on the shorter side and need the seat very low so your feet rest flat, this may sit higher than you would like. The adjustable height does give you room to find what works, though.

Vive Folding Bedside Commode

If you want a bedside commode that folds up and moves easily, this folding one from Vive Health is the one I’d point you to. It is lightweight, folds away for storage and transport, and holds up to 350 pounds.

The pail holds 6 quarts and comes with a lid and a splash guard. That helps keep messes down when you carry it to be emptied and cleaned.

Assembly needs no tools. Each push pin clicks audibly into place, so you know it is locked. The handles have a nonslip grip, and the arms are padded.

It does three jobs. You can use it as a standalone commode, as a safety rail frame around your toilet, or as a raised toilet seat over an existing toilet.

The leg height adjusts from 14.5 inches to 20 inches, also without tools. That low setting suits shorter people, and the taller settings work for others.

One thing to know: a 6-quart pail is a modest size, so it will need emptying fairly often if the commode gets heavy use. A folding frame is also a little less solid than a fixed one, so it is a better fit for occasional or portable use than as a permanent fixture.

Durable & Heavy Duty

Medline Folding Commode

Next is the Medline 3-in-1 Folding Commode in dark gray. It is a steel commode, and the “3-in-1” part means it does three jobs: a bedside commode, a raised toilet seat, or a safety frame around your regular toilet.

That makes it a good fit if your needs may change. You can use it by the bed at night and over the toilet in the bathroom during the day.

It comes as a complete set, with a seat, lid, bucket, and splash guard. The seat is elongated, which gives more room to sit than a plain round one.

It supports up to 350 lbs, and the steel frame is built to be sturdy and stable. It also folds, which helps with storage.

The frame is treated with Microban, which protects the product itself from odor-causing bacteria. It does not protect you or anyone else from germs, so you still need to clean it the usual way after each use.

As for downsides, steel is heavier than plastic or aluminum, and it can feel cold to sit on. If you move the commode around a lot, keep that in mind. It also wouldn’t be my first pick for someone who needs a wider seat than a standard commode gives.

Bariatric Commode

DMI Bedside Commode

This DMI bedside commode is a bariatric mode, so it is an excellent choice for larger people since it has a capacity of up to 500 lbs. It has 23 inches between the armrests, so it’s extra wide and will fit bigger people with wider hips.

It is adjustable from 16½ to 23½ inches to fit both shorter and taller seniors.

Like most others on this list, it can be used as a seat over a regular toilet for improved comfort and safety. The bucket is plastic and easy to clean. This bedside commode can also be helpful for people recovering from surgery or with hip problems.

It doesn’t fold, but it can be disassembled if you need to move it or take it somewhere else.

RELATED: Best Washable Bed Pads for Incontinence

Shopping Guide: How to Choose the Best Toilet Chair for the Elderly

When shopping for a bedside commode chair for an older loved one, you want to ensure you find a high-quality, comfortable commode that is also stable and safe.

1. Proper Fit

Some commodes on the above list are narrow and won’t fit some larger people.

You can always take a quick measurement across the hips of the person who will be using it and then compare that to the width (between the arms) of the commode chair.

The bariatric commode models are wider than standard commodes and support more weight.

2. Adjustable Height Legs

You want to make sure you get a toilet commode chair that is height adjustable. This makes it easier for the user to get on and off their potty chair. Most models offer quick adjustments using push pins. You shouldn’t need any tools to make these adjustments.

Adjustable Height is critical if you intend to use the commode over the toilet as a raised toilet seat. That way, you can ensure the bedside commode is high enough to sit over your existing toilet.

3. Generous and Comfortable Seat

Choose a comfortable and easy-to-clean seat. Some commodes even have padded seats, making them much more comfortable than a hard plastic seat. Padded seats can be cleaned easily, too, as long as there are no cracks or cuts in the outer layer.

Click here to see my list of the best padded toilet seats for the elderly. These are a great way to make a toilet more comfortable. Some can even be used in conjunction with a bedside commode.

Removable seats are a great option because they make the seat easy to clean. Plus, removing the seat makes the commode chair more portable.

4. Removable Bucket

Cleaning is easier with a removable commode bucket which can be carried to a sink or a water hose for cleaning. Get one with a lid to cover the “contents” while holding the bucket.

5. Stability

Stability is vital for safety because commodes are light in weight and can be tipped over if not used correctly. Look for one with rubber feet to resist slipping.

Also, ensure each leg is adjusted to the same length and that all four feet are on the ground simultaneously.

6. Easy to Clean

The commode chair must be easy to clean, right? You don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning commode buckets! Fortunately, most commode buckets are plastic and easy to clean.

Also, looking for a frame that is easy to wipe down and clean without many places for “stuff” to hide is best.

7. Durable

Of course, you want to choose a durable commode that will last a long time. Steel commodes are often very sturdy, but they are heavier and harder to move around if necessary. Whatever the frame, check its weight rating.

8. Portability

Sometimes, it is necessary to move the commode from room to room in a home. Or, maybe the user occasionally travels or visits other family members. Foldable and portable commode chairs are easier to move around than stationary models.

Look for one that folds easily with minimal steps. You’ll also want a removable seat and commode bucket to make it easier to transport when needed.

9. Weight Capacity

Some commodes support users up to 650 lbs. Make sure you compare the user’s weight to the chair’s weight capacity.

Helping Someone Stand Up From a Commode

Standing up is the moment when most of the risk comes in. A few habits keep both of you safe.

Before anything else, make sure the person is comfortable and can support themselves before they try to stand. Then check that the commode is still locked in place, so it stays put while they move.

Lift with your legs, not your back. That gives the person the support they need and helps you avoid getting hurt.

Hold on to the person securely as they come up, because they may be unsteady on their feet. Keep holding on while they are standing, including while you clean them.

If the commode fits in the shower, you could use the bedside commode in the shower instead. A handheld shower head can spray off the perineal area, which is a bit easier than wiping again and again.

The trade-off is that standing someone up takes real effort, and it is easy to rush it. Slow down and take it one step at a time, so that neither of you gets hurt. If the person can’t hold up most of their own weight, don’t try to lift them alone. Ask their doctor about a visit from a physical or occupational therapist who can show you safe ways to help them stand.

How to Wipe Someone on a Bedside Commode

If you are caring for someone who uses a bedside commode, wiping them well matters for their health and comfort. Here is how I would go about it.

Put on gloves first. That is important for sanitary reasons.

Use something soft and gentle, like a wet cloth or wet wipes. Skip anything grating, harsh or abrasive, because the skin can be sensitive.

If the person is a woman, wipe from front to back.

If the person has diarrhea, expect that extra cleaning may be needed.

Take your time and make sure the person is fully cleaned. Proper wiping helps prevent infection and other serious problems, so take extra care after someone has pooped in the commode.

Next, help the person back to bed, then clean out the commode bucket. Finish by washing your own hands thoroughly with soap and water.

When the person stands up for wiping, hold on to them securely. They may be unsteady on their feet, and the commode should still be locked in place while they move.

Use your legs to help lift the person, not your back. That gives the support they need and helps you avoid getting hurt.

If the commode fits, another option is to use the bedside commode in the shower. You can spray off the perineal area with a handheld shower head, which is a bit easier than wiping again and again.

The trade-off is that the shower only works if the commode fits there. Otherwise, you are back to gloves, soft wipes and patience.

Why Emptying Right Away and Covering the Bucket Matter

Nobody enjoys this job, but a few simple habits make it far less unpleasant. It helps to know the reasons behind them.

Waste left standing in the container is unsanitary, and the odor can drift out into the room.

Emptying it right away keeps the room fresher and more pleasant for you and your loved one, especially when the commode sits close to where someone sleeps.

Taking the bucket out is easy once you know your commode. On some models you slide the basin out, and on others you lift the seat to reach the container.

The lid matters for the same reason as the rush to empty. Covering the container before you carry it keeps bacteria and odors from spreading on the way to the bathroom.

The apron and gloves are not only for emptying. Wear them any time you clean the bucket, so you do not spread bacteria around.

The trade-off is that the lid, apron and gloves add a little time to every trip to the bathroom. That small cost is the price of keeping the room, and the people in it, healthier.

Can You Poop in a Bedside Commode?

Yes, you can. A bedside commode is a portable toilet that does not use running water, and it is made to catch both urine and poop.

It looks a lot like a chair, but it has a seat that lifts and a container or bucket underneath.

Before the person sits down, check that the commode is locked so it cannot move around. Then check that the bucket is placed correctly under the seat.

Once the person is seated, they can use the armrests to help them sit. If they would like privacy, you may want to step out of the room while they go.

When the person is done, here is what to do:

• Put on disposable gloves.
• Help them up to a standing position.
• Wipe their bottom and genital area with wipes, toilet paper, or warm water and soap. Dry the area with a clean towel.
• Help them to the bathroom to wash and disinfect their hands.
• Help them back into bed.

Then comes the part few caregivers enjoy. Pour the waste into the toilet, then rinse the container and soak it in hot water.

Scrub the container with a cleaner and rinse it with water. Spray it on both sides with disinfectant, then rinse it well and dry it.

To keep odor down, clean the container after every use. Clean the rest of the commode at least three times a week.

The area around it needs attention too. Two to three times a week, wash the floors and change the sheets on the person’s bed.

Disposable liners in the container also help with odor, especially in a room with little or no airflow. The trade-off is that all this cleaning is a regular chore, so plan for it before the commode goes into the bedroom.

Should You Put Water in the Bedside Commode Bucket?

Yes, a little water in the bucket helps. Put in 2 to 3 inches, or about one-third of the bucket’s volume, before the commode is used.

The water helps trap odor. That matters most when the commode sits in a bedroom, right next to where your parent or loved one sleeps.

The water also makes emptying easier. When the waste is poured slowly into the toilet, the water in the bucket helps carry the contents out.

Once the water is in, slide the bucket back under the seat so it is ready when it is needed.

Here is how the water fits into a cleaning round, when you are not using a liner:

• Put on an apron and disposable gloves.
• Take the bucket out, then put the lid on before you carry it to the bathroom.
• Support the bottom of the bucket with one hand. Do not carry it by the handle alone, because the handle could come off and the contents could spill.
• Pour the waste slowly into the toilet.
• Rinse the bucket and pour that water into the toilet.
• Soak and scrub it with a cleaning product and a toilet brush, then rinse.
• Spray with disinfectant, then rinse again.
• Put 2 to 3 inches of fresh water in the bucket and return it to its holder.

Empty and clean the bucket after each use. Waste left standing is unsanitary, and the odor can escape from the container.

Disposable liners are another option, and they are worth a try if odor is a worry. The one trade-off with water is that it adds a step each time: you have to refill the bucket after every cleaning.

Why Are Bedside Commodes Also Called 3-in-1 Commodes?

Bedside commodes are also called 3-in-1 commodes because they are versatile pieces of medical equipment that have multiple uses. These 3 uses are:

1. Commode Chair – because they are portable, bedside commodes can be used as a bathroom chair anywhere in the home. They can also be moved from room to room as needed.
2. Toilet Safety Frame – because these commodes have arms on them that are nice and high, they can also be used as a toilet safety frame when placed over a toilet. The tall arms give you a stable base to push up from and help you stand more easily.
3. Raised Toilet Seats – when placed over a toilet, you can use the adjustable height legs of a commode to raise the seat height. A bedside commode quickly becomes an elevated or raised toilet seat in this configuration.

How to Use a Potty Chair as an Over-the-Toilet Commode

As I explained in the previous section, you can position a bedside commode over your existing toilet as a raised toilet seat with arms to get a taller toilet. The higher arms of a bedside commode make it safer to get on or off the toilet.

To use your bedside commode as an over-the-toilet commode:

1. Remove the bucket from underneath the bedside commode.
2. If the commode is in another room, fold it up so that you can get it through the doorways.
3. Unfold it and make sure it is locked back into position.
4. Place it over the toilet by straddling the toilet and placing two legs on each side.
5. If the commode is too low to fit, adjust the legs so that they are taller.
6. Make sure all the legs are the same length, and the commode is stable and doesn’t rock or lean.
7. Have the user try it out and make adjustments as necessary.

The best bedside commodes come with shields that you can place into the opening that covers the space between the bottom of the commode seat and the top of the toilet bowl.

This makes sure everything goes into the toilet as intended and reduces cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

There are a few common concerns about mobile toilets that people have. I will try to help and explain so you have a clearer picture when getting one.

What is the Safest Way to Use Bedside Commode Chairs?

How Do I Clean a Toilet Commode Chair?

Most commodes are easily cleaned, and the bucket should be emptied as soon as possible to eliminate odors. You should clean the container with a toilet brush, disinfectant, and water. The body of the commode should be wiped with disinfectant.

Commode Liners with Absorbent Pads

These commode liners come with an absorbent pad in each set, and that pad is what makes them useful. Liquid turns to gel on contact, so there is no sloshing and no spilling when you lift the bucket out.

When you are done, tie the bag closed and put it straight in the trash. There is no bucket to rinse, which is the part of commode care most people dread. The bag is sealed, so odor stays put too.

A pack holds 60 liner-and-pad sets, and each one is ready to use with no assembly. I have used these, and I found that part easy.

Two things to know. Fit depends on the size of your commode bucket, so a bucket that is not a standard size may not work as well. And if the commode is used every day, the supply cost adds up over time.

Commode Liners with Absorbent Pad

These commode liners come with an absorbent pad for every bag. The pad soaks up liquid waste instead of just holding it, which makes cleanup less messy.

The bags come on a roll and dispense one at a time, so the next liner is always ready when you need it. You fit one into the bucket, set the pad inside, and you are set.

When you are done, pull the two drawstrings to close the bag. You can seal it and throw it away without touching the waste.

Two things to know. The pad is not attached to the bag, so you have to place it inside by hand each time. That is one extra step.

Also, check the bag size against your commode bucket before you buy. These are made to fit standard commode buckets, but buckets vary.

Absorbent Commode Pads

These absorbent commode pads go in the bucket and turn waste into a gel within seconds. Once it gels, it stays put, so the bucket can tilt without spilling.

Cleanup is simple: lift the pad out, fold it, and toss it in the trash. There is no rinsing or scrubbing the bucket afterward. The gel also helps lock in odor and keeps splashing down.

A pack holds 120 pads and stores flat, so it lasts a good while. One thing to keep in mind is that you use a pad each time, so the cost per pad adds up if the commode gets heavy daily use.

Also check that the pads fit your bucket before you buy a big pack. If your commode has a non-standard bucket, the fit is worth confirming first.

Adult Wet Wipes for Cleanup

A commode saves a trip to the bathroom, but it doesn’t clean anyone up. Toilet paper alone often isn’t enough, and getting to a sink or shower every time isn’t always practical. Adult wet wipes fill that gap. They let you or the person you care for get properly clean right at the commode, with no rinsing and no extra trip.

Here is what to look for. Pick a wipe that is big and thick, because thin ones tear and leave you with a mess on your hands. Choose unscented and alcohol-free if the skin is sensitive, since perfume and alcohol can sting. Check the lid, too. Wipes dry out fast if it doesn’t close well, so it needs to be shut every time. Also, don’t flush them. Even the ones that say “flushable” can clog pipes, so keep a small lined trash can close by.

SUNKISS Trustplus No Rinse Wet Wipes

These SUNKISS Trustplus wipes are no-rinse body wipes made for adult care. Each one is 8 by 12 inches, so one wipe covers more than a standard adult or baby wipe does. That means fewer wipes per cleanup.

They are built at 65 gsm, which is a measure of thickness, so they resist tearing. Tearing is a common frustration with incontinence care, and a wipe that holds together makes a hard job go more smoothly. The formula is unscented, pH-balanced and alcohol-free, with aloe and Vitamin E, so it suits fragile or sensitive skin.

They come as 4 packs of 50, 200 wipes in all. That is handy to have next to a commode for quick cleanups without a trip to the sink.

The trade-off is the lid. You need to close it firmly every time, or the wipes left inside dry out. Each pack holds 50, so if you use them several times a day, a pack goes quickly.

Disposable Bed Pads

A commode next to the bed helps get you to the toilet in time, but it doesn’t help on the nights when you don’t quite make it. A disposable bed pad (some people call them “chucks” or underpads) lies flat under you and soaks up the leak, so the mattress stays dry. That’s a lot less laundry at 3 a.m., and it protects a mattress that’s expensive to replace.

Here’s what to look for. Size matters most. A bigger pad leaves fewer gaps at the edges, so check that it covers from your hips to your knees when you’re lying in your usual spot. Look for a thick, absorbent core that holds liquid and odor, plus a waterproof backing so nothing soaks through. The downsides: they’re single-use, so you’ll buy them again and again and add to the trash. A pad can also bunch up or slide if you move around a lot. A bigger pack costs less per pad, but try a small one first to make sure you like the fit.

Inspire XL Super Absorbent Bed Pads

These Inspire XL bed pads are disposable underpads made for chronic incontinence. They measure 30 x 36 inches, which is larger than a standard underpad, so there is less chance of a gap at the edges on a full or queen mattress.

The core is a gelling polymer that pulls liquid away from the skin and locks in odor. That matters most overnight, when a pad has to hold up for hours and keep both the skin and the mattress dry.

They come in a 50-count pack, and a 25-count pack is available if you want to try them first.

The trade-offs: they are disposable only, so there is no washing and reusing, and the cost builds up with heavy daily use. They also have no adhesive strips or tabs mentioned, so a pad may slide around on the mattress. You may need to straighten it from time to time.

Toilet Aids for Wiping

A commode gives you a safe place to sit, but it doesn’t help with the reaching afterward. Wiping takes a fair amount of bending and twisting, and that is hard with back pain, a new hip, or sore joints. A wiping aid is a long-handled tool with tongs on the end that holds the toilet paper for you. It’s a small thing, but it lets many people keep doing this part themselves.

Look for a handle long enough that you don’t have to lean (around 15 inches or more is a good start). The tongs should hold both dry paper and wet wipes without tearing them. Pick one made of material you can wash with soap and water or wipe down with a disinfectant wipe. Plastic can crack and hold onto residue. One downside is that you have to squeeze the handle to hold the paper. If your hands are weak or arthritic, that can be tiring, so think about how much grip strength you have before you buy.

Vive Toilet Wiping Tongs

The Vive toilet aid is a long-handled pair of tongs for wiping when bending and twisting are hard. It is meant for people dealing with back pain, recovery from hip replacement, or arthritis, and it helps you keep this part of your day private.

The stainless steel handle is nearly 16 inches long, so you don’t have to bend or twist at the waist. The tips are coated in silicone and hold dry toilet paper or wet wipes without tearing them.

Cleanup is simple. Wash it with soap and water or wipe it with a disinfectant wipe. There is no plastic to crack or soak up residue.

Two things to know. You squeeze the tongs to grip, and that takes some hand strength. Some people with arthritis find it hard. Wet wipes also can’t be flushed, so you will need a trash bin within reach.

Toilet Safety Rails

A bedside commode takes care of the middle of the night, but the regular toilet is still there the rest of the day. Getting down onto it and back up again takes the same push and balance as getting out of a chair. A toilet safety rail is a frame that sits around the toilet and gives you two solid armrests to hold. It can help after surgery, or if your legs or hips are not as steady as you would like. It also means no one has to drill into your bathroom wall.

Here is what to look for. First, check the weight limit on the label. Do not guess, and do not trust a listing that skips it. Next, make sure the frame fits your toilet, round or elongated, and that the height and width adjust. Look for non-slip feet and padded arms that are comfortable to grip. The downsides are that the frame takes up room, which matters in a small bathroom, and it can wobble if it is not set up right. Give it a good shake once it is on, and check it again now and then.

Toilet Safety Rails With Handles

This is a toilet safety frame that sits around the toilet and gives you two armrests to push up from and lower yourself onto. It installs without tools and without drilling into a wall, so you don’t need a contractor.

The height and width adjust, and it is made to fit most standard and elongated toilets. The armrests are padded, and the feet are non-slip. The armrests also fold, which helps in a small bathroom or one that several people share. It can be a good fit for someone recovering from surgery who needs a steady handhold for a while.

Two things to watch. Check the weight capacity on the label before you buy, because it isn’t clearly stated. The non-slip feet grip well on hard floors, but they may not hold as well on textured tile. If your bathroom floor is textured, test it before you rely on it.

How Much Does a Bedside Commode Cost?

As I’ve discussed in the text, you can get a budget-friendly commode for as much as $34, going up to over $200 for more premium products.

Are Bedside Commodes Covered by Medicare?

Sometimes. Medicare Part B may cover a commode chair as durable medical equipment when your doctor orders it for use in your home. You have to get it from a supplier enrolled in Medicare, so a commode ordered online from a regular store usually won’t be covered. Ask your doctor and check Medicare’s commode coverage before you buy.

RELATED: Toilet Safety Resources for Seniors and the Elderly

Summary: Best Bedside Commodes for Seniors and the Elderly

Bedside commodes are sometimes necessary to make life easier. They shorten the distance you have to go to use the bathroom. So, they might prevent an accident if you can’t walk to the toilet safely or in time.

To find the best bedside commode for yourself or a loved one, look for one that is comfortable and has the height adjustment the user needs.

You should also choose one that is easy to clean, maintain, and looks good too. Any of my recommendations should serve you well.

Do you have another commode chair that you recommend? Do you have a question I haven’t answered? Tell me about it in the comments below!