There are many different bedside commodes available, and selecting the one that's right for you can be confusing.  This guide will give you the information you need to make the right choice.

THE BASICS

If you or a loved one are confined to bed, simple everyday tasks like going to the bathroom can become an issue.  A bedside commode will make life much easier if you're unable to make your way into your bathroom, but you need to be sure to get one that will meet your needs.  Bedside commodes are available in three basic styles:

• Standard Commode Chairs
• Extra-Wide/Bariatric Commode Chairs
• Drop Arm Commode Chairs

Each type of chair has different features that you should consider before making your purchase.

STANDARD COMMODE CHAIRS

Standard bedside commode chairs  are exactly what their name implies - a basic chair-like unit that you can place next to your bed, so you can easily take care of your toileting needs without having to take too many steps.  A standard bedside commode will come with a seat (often much like your regular toilet seat) and a bucket.  Many will also come with a cover and/or splash guard.  Other important features to look for are arm rests and back rests.  These will give you added support and safety, and will make it easier for you to use the commode chair.  The arm rests will give you something to hold onto when sitting down on and standing up from the chair.  And the back rest will give you something to lean back against while sitting.  Another thing to look for is a chair with an adjustable seat-height.  A seat that is too high or too low can be uncomfortable, or even painful, to use.  You will want to make sure you can set the height to the level that is best for your height.

EXTRA-WIDE/BARIATRIC COMMODE CHAIRS

Larger-built people and those who weigh more than 250 pounds should look for an extra-wide or bariatric commode chair.  These chairs are much like standard bedside commodes, and are available with the same standard features and options.  But they are designed with wider seats and higher weight capacities, to better suit your needs.  All bathroom safety products are safety-rated to handle up to a certain weight.  Popular limits for extra-wide chairs are 400 pounds, 650 pounds, 850 pounds, and 1000 pounds.  These commode chairs are built with stronger, sturdier frames, and often have higher seat height maximums.  Be sure to check the dimensions for the width of the seat, so you'll know you will be getting a bedside commode that is comfortable for you.  And again, look for features like arm rests, back rests, and adjustable seat-height capability.  One important thing to note:  Some commodes will be labled "heavy duty", in an effort to make the buyer think the chair is extra-wide or has a higher weight capacity than standard chairs.  Heavy duty does not always equate to bariatric, though.  Be sure to check the weight capacity and measurements to be sure they suit your needs.

DROP ARM COMMODE CHAIRS

Drop arm bedside commodes feature one or two arm rests that will fold down, to make transferring to the chair easier for people with extremely limited mobility.  If you are unable to stand up, a drop arm chair is the commode for you.  You can simply slide from your bed onto the chair, without the arm rest getting in your way.  (You can also get a transfer board, which will make it even easier to slide onto the chair.)  With this type of chair, it is even more important that you pick one with an adjustable seat height.  You will want to make sure the commode chair can be set to the level at which it is easiest and most comfortable to make your transfer.  Ideally, both arms should drop.  We all have a "favorite side" of our beds, and you don't want to end up with a chair that has to be faced a certain way in order to be used with the drop arm feature.  You should also look for a commode chair with a lowered arm that will lock into place, so that it supports your weight when you grab onto it.  Finally, if you need a drop arm bedside commode that also has an extra wide seat and/or higher weight capacity, they are readily available.  Just check the specifications so you know you're getting all the features you need.

SUMMARY

In closing, whether you're buying your first bedside commode chair, or a replacement for one you've been using for many years, you want to make sure to get the one that will give you the most comfort, security and ease-of-use possible.  The information above will give you the tools you need to make the choice that is right for you!

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 Copyright 01/12/2006, Affordable Med Supplies, Inc.  All rights reserved.  The contents of this work shall not be used, in whole or in part, without the express written permission of Affordable Med Supplies, Inc.