Our Raised Toilet Seats Guide - How to Choose the Right One
Raised Toilet Seats Explained
Sitting down and standing up from a low toilet is one of the hardest moves in the house, especially after surgery. A raised toilet seat fixes that, if it fits your toilet and stays put. Here's how to choose one, in plain language, from our team.
A standard toilet seat sits about 15 inches off the floor, which means bending your knees and hips further than feels safe for many people. A raised toilet seat adds a few inches of height, so there's less distance to lower yourself and less effort to stand back up. It's one of the least expensive changes you can make to prevent a bathroom fall. This guide covers the types, the four measurements to take first, our in-stock picks, and how to make sure your seat is secure.
In a hurry? The short version
- Choose a locking seat or a seat riser. A seat that simply rests on the bowl can shift when you sit down.
- Need something to push up from? Pick a model with arms, or add a grab bar beside the toilet.
- Measure before you buy: bowl shape (round or elongated), current seat height, how much lift you need, and the user's weight.
- Our pick for most people: Carex EZ Lock Raised Toilet Seat, $64.99. Or see all our picks.
Who benefits from a raised toilet seat
The types: which one fits your needs
| Locking seat | Seat riser (bolts on) | Seat with arms | Basic add-on seat | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stability | High, clamps to the bowl | Highest, bolted to the toilet | High, depends on the base | Lower, rests on the bowl |
| How it attaches | Sits in the bowl and locks with a knob or bracket | Installs under your existing seat and lid | Locking seat or riser with armrests | Rests on the bowl, sometimes with tabs |
| Best for | Most people, easy to remove for cleaning | Long-term use, looks like a normal toilet | Anyone who needs to push up to stand | Short-term use, good balance |
| Price at Locatel | From $59.99 | From $59.99 | From $64.99 | From $39.49 |
Want the most lift and support? A 3-in-1 bedside commode can also sit over the toilet as a raised seat with a sturdy frame and arms, and it doubles as a bedside toilet at night.
Arms or no arms?
✓Choose a seat with arms if…
- You push up with your hands to stand from a chair
- You're recovering from hip or knee surgery
- There's no grab bar next to the toilet
- A caregiver helps with transfers
!Skip the arms if…
- You transfer sideways from a wheelchair (arms get in the way, unless they're removable)
- The toilet sits in a narrow space between a wall and vanity
- A wall-mounted grab bar is already installed beside the toilet
- The user's hips are wider than the space between the armrests
4 measurements to take before you order
Bowl shape: round or elongated?
Measure from the seat bolts at the back to the front edge of the bowl. About 16.5 inches usually means round; about 18.5 inches usually means elongated. A seat made for the wrong shape won't sit or lock securely.
Current seat height
Measure from the floor to the top of the bowl rim. Standard toilets are around 15 inches; "comfort height" toilets are around 17 to 19 inches and may need less lift.
How much lift you need
Measure from the floor to the back of the user's knee while seated in a regular chair. The finished seat should put their thighs level or slightly sloping down, with feet flat. After hip surgery, bring your surgeon's height instructions. Seats commonly add 2 to 6 inches.
User weight and width
Check the weight capacity on the box, and for seats with arms, check the width between the armrests against the user's hips.
Features that matter
- A secure lock. A knob or bracket that clamps the seat to the bowl keeps it from sliding when you sit down or lean.
- Removable or flip-up arms. Support when you need it, out of the way for sideways transfers or cleaning.
- A padded seat. More comfortable for longer sits and for people with thin skin or pressure sensitivity.
- A front cutout. Makes personal hygiene easier while seated.
- A lid or cover. Seat risers keep your existing lid, so the bathroom looks almost normal.
- Built-in bidet. Helpful for anyone who has trouble reaching to clean after using the toilet.
Seats we recommend
All in stock and shipping across the U.S. In South Florida, most can arrive the same day.
Browse all raised toilet seats →
How to install and check it
- Follow the instructions in the box. Locking seats tighten with a knob or bracket; seat risers bolt through the existing seat holes.
- Test it before first use. Push down and side to side on the seat and arms. Nothing should shift, rock, or lift.
- Re-check it weekly. Locks and bolts can loosen with daily use. Tighten as needed.
- Remove it carefully for cleaning, and make sure it's locked back in place before anyone sits on it.
- Sit and stand slowly. Back up until you feel the seat behind your legs, reach for the arms or grab bar, and lower yourself.
⚠️Important to know
- Never use a towel bar, toilet paper holder, or sink edge to push yourself up. They aren't built to hold body weight.
- A seat that shifts is a fall risk. If it moves when you sit, stop using it until it's tightened or replaced.
- Don't exceed the weight capacity, and check for cracks in the plastic regularly.
- Follow your surgeon's or therapist's height and movement instructions after hip or knee surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Will a raised toilet seat fit my toilet?
Most fit standard toilets, but you need to match the bowl shape. Measure from the seat bolts to the front of the bowl: about 16.5 inches is round, about 18.5 inches is elongated. Some seats are universal; check the product details.
How high should a raised toilet seat be?
High enough that the user sits with thighs level or sloping slightly down and feet flat on the floor. Most seats add 2 to 6 inches. After hip surgery, follow the height your surgeon or therapist gives you.
Are raised toilet seats safe?
Yes, when they're the right shape for the bowl and securely locked or bolted in place. A loose seat is the main risk, so test it before use and re-check it every week.
Does Medicare cover raised toilet seats?
Original Medicare generally doesn't cover raised toilet seats. Bedside commodes, which can also be used over the toilet, may be covered with a doctor's order in some situations. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer allowances for bathroom safety items. Call your plan to ask, and call us if you need help.
Can I use my HSA or FSA?
Bathroom safety equipment may be eligible when it's used for a medical need. Check with your plan administrator to confirm.
Can the rest of the family still use the toilet?
Yes. Locking seats lift off for others to use, and seat risers keep your regular seat and lid in place. Just make sure the seat is re-locked before the person who needs it sits down.
How do I clean a raised toilet seat?
Remove it if possible, wash it with bathroom cleaner, and dry it fully before reinstalling. Check the lock or bolts each time you put it back.
Related
- Bathroom Safety for Seniors: Prevent Falls. The full picture of a safer bathroom.
- Grab Bars: Placement and Installation. Where to mount a grab bar beside the toilet.
- Equipment After Hip Replacement and After Knee Replacement. Everything to have ready before surgery.
- Fall Prevention at Home. A room-by-room checklist.
Not sure which seat fits your toilet? We'll help.
Send us your bowl measurement, or a photo of your toilet by WhatsApp, and our team will point you to a seat that fits, in English or Spanish. Visit us in Hallandale Beach or Miami, get same-day delivery in South Florida, or we'll ship to your door.
Raised toilet seats · Commodes · Grab bars
This guide is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Follow the instructions of your doctor, surgeon, or physical or occupational therapist, especially after surgery. Always check weight capacity and follow the manufacturer's installation instructions. If you experience a fall or injury, seek medical care.
