Commode Buying Guide

Height-adjustable commodes can be adjusted to the right height for the person using it, making sitting and standing easier to make you feel more comfortable and confident while using it.

Height-adjustable commodes can be really useful if you're sharing a commode with someone else, as it can be adjusted to meet both your height requirements.

Flushing commodes are commodes that can be "flushed" once you're finished. They often have a fresh water tank and a waste tank. This type of commode is very useful if you can't access a standard toilet, for example, if you're having a bathroom renovation or if you're away from home and can't access the toilet where you are staying.

Folding and travel commodes are commodes that can either be taken with you when you go away somewhere or that can be folded and stored away more easily when not in use. They tend to have a lightweight metal frame to make them easier to move from place to place.

Being able to fold makes them a great option if you don't have much space at home and will need to be able to store your commode away during the day, so it doesn't get in the way. 

Bariatric commodes are designed for people of a greater weight. Some commodes, like the Heavy Duty Bariatric Commode with Detachable Arms, can accommodate weights of up to 44 stone (280kg). This type of commode usually has a robust and strong frame that also tends to incorporate an extra wide seat, so there's more space when using it.

Simply put, these are commodes that have wheels on each leg. This makes them easier to move from place to place – you find that shower commode chairs are often wheeled to help people get around the bathroom space and tend to their personal hygiene with greater ease and safety. 

While there may be some wheeled commodes that can be used almost like a wheelchair across short distances, for the majority this isn't advised purely because they're not designed to be used in this way and it won't be very comfortable.