Best Bedside Commodes in 2023

Bedside commodes are an extremely popular piece of medical equipment that is used as a free-standing toilet for those that cannot get to their bathroom toilet in time because of mobility issues. Bedside commodes or portable commodes, portable toilets, toilet chairs are all the same things but people call them by different names.

These pieces of medical equipment are made from a frame, toilet seat, and holding bucket that I removable for cleaning. Many types of commodes are designed with the different needs in mind of the user.

We have constructed this in-depth guide and review of the best bedside commodes and toilet chairs. We have spent countless hours researched the best devices on the market and have picked the top 5 commodes that we believe will help anyone that requires such a device.

What are bedside commodes?

Bedside commodes are portable toilets that are made to be placed next to the bed so that anyone with mobility issues that cannot make it to the regular bathroom toilet has a safe and secure place to relieve themselves.

These commodes are made from lightweight but strong materials that can support weights from 250 to 1000 pounds. They almost always have a waste receptacle that can be emptied by removing it from the frame. These devices are extremely important for those who cannot get to the regular restroom from a bed.

Who are bedside commodes made for?

Those with mobility issues and cannot make it to the bathroom can benefit from using a bedtime commode. The same holds for users with incontinence or continence and who do not have the ability to control his or her bladder. This problem is the distance and time it may take to get from a bed to the bathroom when this is too far or takes too long a commode will be a proper device.

Those individuals that may suffer from:

• Mobility issues
• Old age
• Post-surgery
• Rehab patients
• No balance

While some users still use bedpans or portable urinals to relieve themselves the use of an upright toilet like a bedside commode is easier and requires less chance for accidents. While getting out of bed is preferred the risk of not making it to the actual toilet or risking falling on the way to the toilet being a real problem a bedside commode helps with these problems.

How do bedside commodes make your life easier?

Simply put, it allows the person to use the bathroom much quicker and safely right at the bedside.

For those who suffer from surgeries and are recovering, mobility issues, balance issues, old age, and more now can the restroom after and quicker than having to make the walk to the actual bathroom.

Top 5 Best Bedside Commodes

Bedside Commodes Comparison Chart

Key SpecsMedline Bedside CommodeNova Heavy-duty CommodeNova Drop-Arm Transport Chair CommodeDrive Bariatric Drop Arm CommodeWheelAble Commode & Shower ChairWeight capacity:400 lbs.	450 lbs.	250 lbs.	1000 lbs.	220 lbs.
Product weight:	N/A	22 lbs.	21.7 lbs.	21 lbs.	25.5 lbs.
Seat-to-floor height:	19″ – 22.5″	19.5″ – 23.5″	18.75″ , 20″	N/A	N/A
Seat width:	19″	23.25″	17.75″	23.25″	15″
Seat depth:	17.4″	18.5″	17.5″	18.5″	17″

1. (Best Overall) Medline Bedside Commode With Microban Antimicrobial Technology

The Medline Bedside Commode with Microban Antimicrobial Technology comes in as our number 1 best overall bedside commode. The product is well built and looks good with a contemporary look that will fit into any home.

Things we love? The fact this bedside commode inhibits the growth of bacteria, orders, mildew, and mold because of the antimicrobial product protection it uses. With a height-adjustable seat and armrests, it’s very customizable to fit different size individuals making for a more comfortable time while on the chair.

This also can be used over a toilet to raise the sat if need be. It comes with enhanced stability and a splash guard is included for over-the-toilet use.

*This product will not protect you against viruses, germs, bacteria, or other diseases.

2. Nova Heavy-Duty Commode

The nova-heavy-duty commode is designed to support the needs of heavier individuals. This particular model is wider and deeper and can support weights up to 450 lbs. This also has a drop-arm for simple patient transfers. The toilet seat opening is also wider at 8″ x 10″ and comes with a bucket and lid.

For those that are looking for a larger and stronger bedside commode, this should be on the list as it’s simple, has a good weight capacity, and has an extra-wide design.

How to choose the best Bedside Commode

When you start to evaluate the features of bedside commodes you will want to consider a few important features. How much weight can the commode support, what materials are the chair made of? is it easy to transfer from the bed to the chair or wheelchair to the commode? These are questions we will explore and more.

What type of bedside commode are you looking at?

When looking at a bedtime commode you can find five types. All types provide the solution of being able to relieve yourself at the bedside but some offer some extra features or styles.

• Bariatric
• Three-in-ones
• Fixed arm
• Drop-arm

These types of bedside commodes can help almost any person and their unique situation that does not allow them to make it to the traditional bathroom either in the home, hospital, or nursing home. While each commode functions relatively the same there are differences.

• Bariatric commodes are designed with wider and deeper seats to accommodate a larger person. They are also built stronger to accommodate weights up to 1000 pounds if need be.

• Drop-arm commodes designs are ideal for those who need to transfer from wheelchairs or other devices. The ability to drop the arms makes getting in and out of the commode easier without having the arms block the bath of the transfer.

• Fixed-arm commodes are the traditional standard type of bedside commodes. They have fixed arms that do not move and function like a typical chair with a commode in the center. These typically have adjustable height legs for more comfort. They can support weights typically from 250 pounds up to 400 pounds.

• Three-in-one commodes are the most functional because they can be used over your standard toilet, at your bedside, or in the shower as a bath chair. These are very popular amoung users who look for something a little more than a bedside commode but also need to use it in the shower.

Weight capacity of the bedside commode

When choosing the right commode for your bedside weight capacity will be an important aspect. Every commode will have the recommended weight it can hold safely. There are bariatric or heavy-duty commands that can hold 400 pounds up to 1000 pounds.

We recommend finding one with a higher weight class for users at the top of the recommended weight calls for the commode. This will ensure your safety when sitting on the chair.

Adjustable or fixed models for height and width

Let’s start with the widths of commodes. Widths are really not adjustable but you will find that larger widths will coincide with a heavier weight capacity. Heavy-duty chairs can have widths from 23″ up to 28″ in widths. These are a little more straightforward than the height of a commode.

Heights can either be fixed or adjustable depending on the model. It is important to know that for some users a higher commode chair will allow for easier transfers up and down from the chair than a lower ground to toilet height.

ADA compliant toilets that are both portable or fixed are 17″ to 19″. This Is higher than that of a traditional grounded toilet. It is important to know that some people also slide their portable commode over a fixed toilet so they need to be able to adjust the height upward to do that.

Will Medicare cover a bedside commode?

Typically speaking Yes. Most often it is commode chairs that are the types of aids medicare will over in the bathroom. We have written other articles on what medicare will cover and because a commode is considered a DME or Durable Medical Equipment Medicare part B covers that.

Keep in mind there may be a deductible that has to be covered by Medicare that will cover up to 80 percent of the cost of the chair with a doctor’s or physician’s prescription.

Final thoughts on bedside commodes

Finding the right bedside commode makes life for those that have been unable to properly move from bed to toilet for any reason.

The solution of these commodes is it brings the commode to the user so they do not have to walk to use the bathroom. The right bedside commode can dramatically improve people’s lives by providing the proper aid for bathroom relief anywhere in the home.