Commode chair or mobile toilet can moving in bedroom or everywhere for elderly old disabled people or patient in hospital, healthy strong medical concept

How To Choose The Right Commode

Choosing the right commode for your care recipient is important to ensure bathroom safety and comfort. The proper commode allows your loved one to maximize independence and maintain dignity during a personal and private daily living task. 

In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics and features you should consider when choosing a commode. 

For more information on commodes, other durable medical equipment, or caregiving tips and tricks, check if you have free access to Trualta’s resource library and community of caregivers. 

What Is A Commode? 

A bedside commode is a portable toilet that can be placed in any room in your home. It’s made of a seat with handles, and a bucket underneath that serves as a catch-all when the user empties their bladder or bowels. Bedside commodes can be placed right next to the bed or in any other area of the home. 

There are many scenarios where a commode would be a helpful piece of equipment to purchase. It’s wise to have a commode at home if they experience any of the following: 

  • Weakness or poor balance make it difficult for your loved one to get to the bathroom.
  • Frequent urination means they need something convenient and reliable.
  • The bathroom space is too small and difficult for your loved one to access.
  • Standing up from a low toilet seat is difficult. The commode chair can be placed over the toilet to provide an elevated toilet seat and armrests for a strong push-off).
A blue and black wheeled commode chair positioned over a white toilet in an accessible bathroom. The chair has a padded seat with an open center, armrests, a backrest, footrests, and large rear wheels for mobility. Stainless steel grab bars are mounted on the tiled walls, and a toilet paper holder is visible in the background.

Types Of Commodes

There are many types of commodes with different features to consider when you’re choosing among them: 

  • All-in-one commodes are standard commodes that have fixed handles, a bucket, and a lid. 
  • Drop-arm commodes have removable arm rests to allow for ease of transferring on and off. If someone is paralyzed or unable to stand and must use a sliding board to transfer, this type of commode is ideal to allow the patient to perform a safe transfer. 
  • Bariatric commodes are heavy-duty commodes that are extra wide and made of more durable material than a typical bedside commode. Some bariatric commodes can withstand up to 800 pounds and are up to 26 inches wide. 
  • Shower chair commodes are a combination of a shower chair with a back that can be wheeled over the toilet or into the shower. This device has a dual function, which is great for someone who has difficulty transferring onto a tub bench or shower chair. 

Key Factors To Consider

Weight Capacity

When choosing a commode for the person you care for, you must consider the commode’s weight limit. 

  • A standard commode can hold up to 300 pounds.
  • A bariatric commode can support up to 1,000 pounds. 

Be sure to check the packaging before you purchase to be certain the bedside commode can hold the weight of your loved one.

Adjustability

Commodes can come with adjustable features that enhance comfort. Here are some features and their benefits:

  • A backrest provides extra comfort when your loved one is sitting on the commode, especially if they have back pain. It may also allow for ease of voiding because the person can be more relaxed.
  • Padded seats make the toilet seat more comfortable when they’re sitting.
  • A drop arm feature facilitates ease of transferring on and off of the commode if the care recipient has difficulty standing up. You can remove the armrest for the transfer and move it back into place once they’re sitting on the commode.

Choosing a commode with adjustable legs that elongate can ensure comfort when the user is on the commode. The height of a commode may need to be adjusted for reasons including: 

  • Accommodating the height of the user.
  • If the user has painful knees, a higher seat height will be softer on their joints. 
  • Those with significant weakness can stand easier from a higher surface. 

Portability & Mobility

A portable commode is lightweight, collapsible, and easy to move and store. Some commodes have the feature of folding up when the bucket is removed, making them a desirable choice for those who have limited space. Additionally, some commodes are shower chairs and commode combinations on wheels that can be easily pushed into the bathroom or shower. These considerations are important to remember when you’re choosing your commode.

Safety Features

A commode with safety features can help you avoid any mishaps or accidents. Here are some important considerations: 

  • If your commode has wheels, ensure they have a locking feature. 
  • Choose a commode with non-slip grips on the legs to be sure it stays in one spot.
  • A sturdy frame, often made of stainless steel or aluminum, is crucial to ensure stability when your loved one sits on the commode.

Conclusion

A commode is an important piece of medical equipment that facilitates independence for your loved one while also enhancing bathroom safety and maintaining dignity. There are many options with different features that can serve your care recipient depending on their mobility status and general needs. Whether your loved one uses it for the short or long term, a properly chosen commode can significantly improve their quality of life.

Don’t forget: For more information on commodes, other durable medical equipment, or caregiving tips and tricks, check if you have free access to Trualta’s resource library and community of caregivers. 

References:

  1. Avacare Medical. (n.d.). What is a bedside commode? Avacare Medical. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.avacaremedical.com/blog/what-is-a-bedside-commode.html?srsltid=AfmBOoolFJTp4RxBvlU_UVjrwh2VeUaOwokhWDJujutxridnEJTQwjT5
  2. Accessibility Medical. (n.d.). What is a 3 in 1 commode? Accessibility Medical. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.accessibilitymedical.org/blogs/dme-guru/what-is-a-3-in-1-commode/#:~:text=A%203%20in%201%20Commode%20is%20a%20single%20device%20that,options%20for%20commodes%20too…
  3. Next Day Care Supplies. (2023, June 27). Commode buying guide: How to choose a commode. Next Day Care Supplies. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://nextdaycaresupplies.co.uk/blogs/news/commode-buying-guide-how-to-choose-a-commode
  4. Rehabmart. (n.d.). How to choose the best shower commode. Rehabmart. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.rehabmart.com/post/how-to-choose-the-best-shower-commode?srsltid=AfmBOooq3Is7yjRqvt5TLoIIOVzrlk5DJGGey0Bql69y2WsUevLN-Fx5

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