HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Raised toilet seats
Tūru heketua araara
A raised toilet seat is an extension that fits on a porcelain toilet bowl and is held in place by brackets. It can make it easier and safer to get on and off the toilet.
Raised toilet seats come in different heights – the most common are 2 inches (50 mm), 4 inches (100 mm), and 6 inches (150 mm). The best height for you will depend on your height, the height of your existing toilet and your personal needs.
Installing a raised toilet seat
A raised toilet seat is clamped directly on to the rim of a toilet bowl. Do not try to attach it to the seat. You may have to remove the original seat and lid to ensure that the raised seat fits correctly.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for fitting your seat to your toilet. The front of the raised toilet should sit flush with the front of the ceramic bowl. When a toilet seat is fitted correctly, it shouldn't move or wobble. If it does move, the brackets will need to be retightened. Do not use it until it has been properly secured.
Once it's on, you do not need to remove it except for cleaning. Once you've taken it off for cleaning, make sure it goes back on the same toilet it was fitted to and ensure the brackets are tight.
Using a raised toilet seat
- Make sure the seat sits firmly on the toilet bowl and is not placed on top of any other equipment (do not try to put it on top of the original seat or a raised toilet frame for example).
- Every time you use the toilet, check the seat beforehand and make sure it's attached firmly. If it is not, tighten the brackets or ask someone to tighten them for you.
- Do not hold the toilet seat for balance when lowering yourself onto it, or to push yourself off when you get up. If you do this, the seat could tip, and you could fall. If you find yourself trying to do this, talk to an occupational therapist about what is safe for you. You may need to install a rail for extra support.
- Do not stand on the seat.
- The seat has a weight limit. If you gain a lot of weight after the seat was issued to you, talk to an occupational therapist about whether it's still safe for you.
- Regularly check that the seat is still at the right height for you. You should be able to sit on the seat with your feet firmly on the floor.
- If you have children who use the same toilet, it may help to buy a small step for them to use.
Cleaning and maintaining a raised toilet seat
A raised toilet seat is in constant contact with moisture and body fluids. You need to monitor it carefully for any signs of wear and tear. Check its condition and how well it's fitting at least once a month.
- Do not immerse the seat in water as the inside will fill up with water, which is difficult to get out.
- You can clean the seat with soap and hot water. It's best not to use an abrasive cleaner as this will scratch and damage the seat.
- Make sure you remove all the nuts and brackets and clean them well. Undo the clamps and clean the seat thoroughly underneath. If it is not kept clean, the rubber can break down, which will make the seat slip.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Age Concern – Equipment suppliers
A directory of businesses and organisations that supply disability and mobility equipment for people of all ages.
Written by the South Canterbury DHB. Adapted by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed November 2022.
SourcesReview key: HIDAH-120231
