Suggestion searches
{{{name}}}
Categories
Featured help & advice
View all
Products
{{{name}}}
{{#attributes.Availability}} {{#attributes.PromotionMessage}} {{attributes.PromotionMessage}} {{/attributes.PromotionMessage}} {{/attributes.Availability}}
£{{attributes.DisplayPrice}} {{#attributes.HasWasPrice}} - Was: £{{attributes.DisplayWasPrice}} {{/attributes.HasWasPrice}}
{{#attributes.HasStars}}
{{/attributes.HasStars}}
.
Save up to 50% on selected products – shop now
Shop our Clearance range

Our quality products at bargain prices
Free UK delivery

on all orders over £100*
Your guide to commode chairs

Your guide to commode chairs

Looking for a commode chair? With such a wide variety of styles available (not to mention the extras and accessories) finding the right one can be harder than you may think. Read our guide to learn more about the different commode chair types and find out which one may suit your needs.

What is a commode chair?

A commode chair is a highly useful toileting aid for anyone that finds it difficult to get to the toilet in time, whether that's due to illness, injury, or disability. They offer a safe place for the person to relieve themselves that could help prevent any accidents from not being able to get to the toilet quickly enough.

Commode chairs vs. toilets

Commode chairs vs. toilets

What's the difference?

The most obvious difference between a toilet and a commode chair is that commodes aren't restricted by location. They can be put wherever they're needed most and don't need to be plumbed in. However, this does mean that, once used, the commode must be cleaned as the waste can't simply be flushed away. There are certain types of commode chair available that are capable of flushing, but for the majority, they must be cleaned properly after use to make sure that they remain hygienic.

If you would like more information on cleaning commodes, you can read our article on it here.

Commode chairs vs. shower commodes

What's the difference?

With such similar names, it can be easy to confuse commode chairs and shower commodes. They also have quite similar functions, but ultimately serve two different purposes.

Commode chairs can be used anywhere in the home as they're there to provide a toileting solution for anyone who would struggle to reach the toilet in time. They're generally found in bedrooms or in private spaces near where they'll be needed and may or may not have wheels.

Shower commodes are generally only used in the bathroom and are there to support with personal hygiene as well as toileting. They're usually wheeled to make them easier to manoeuvre around the bathroom and can also be used in the shower, making them a handy option for wet rooms.

Commode chairs vs. shower commodes
Different types of commode chair
Bariatric commode chairs

Specially designed for those of a higher weight or who need more space than a standard commode chair offers, these bariatric commode chairs have very strong, robust frames with a wider seating space. For example, the Belgrave Commode is suitable for people weighing up to 44st and has a 24" (610mm) wide seat, helping to make it a little more comfortable to use.

Shop bariatric commode chairs
Bariatric commode chairs
Bedroom commode chairs

As the name suggests, this type of commode chair tends to be used in the bedroom where the discreet design can blend in with the rest of the furniture. They're static commodes that are generally meant to be kept in one place and not moved around. 

For those that find getting to the toilet in time on a nighttime to be challenging, a bedroom commode chair could be a great option to consider, to help make life that little bit easier and reduce the stress and worry of potentially having an accident. The discreet design of these commode chairs mean they can be kept close to the bed without anyone being able to tell what their true purpose is beyond a bedroom chair.

Shop bedroom commode chairs
Bedroom commode chairs
Folding and travel commode chairs

Looking for a commode chair that you can either take with you travelling or store away more easily when not in use? This type of commode chair is definitely one to consider. 

The lightweight frames help to make them easier to move from location to location, folding up for easier storage. This can be especially useful if space is at a premium and the commode chair needs to be out of the way when not in use.

Shop all folding commodes
Folding and travel commode chairs
Flushing commode chairs

The majority of commode chairs don't have flushing capabilities, meaning they must be cleaned out after every use. However, this is a unique type of commode chair that can be flushed after use.

One example of this type of commode chair is the Porta Potti Qube 165 Portable Flushing Toilet. It offers a comfortable and convenient toileting solution when access to a standard toilet isn't possible, making it a great option for travelling.

Shop all flushing commode chairs
Flushing commode chairs
Height adjustable commode chairs

This type of commode chair allows you to adjust the height of the legs, so it can be set at a more comfortable level. Useful for those who are taller than average or a little shorter. 

If the commode chair will be used by more than one person, being able to adjust it will help make it more comfortable for the person using it in that moment.

Shop all height adjustable commode chairs
Height adjustable commode chairs
Wheeled commode chairs

This type of commode chair has wheels on the end of each leg to help make it easier to manoeuvre around the home. It's very common for shower commodes to be wheeled to help them move about the bathroom space with more ease.

It may be tempting to use this type of commode chair as a wheelchair (and there are some types that may be suited for this across short distances) but this isn't advised as it's not a very comfortable experience and, simply put, they're not designed for it.

Bariatric wheeled commodes are also available.

Shop all wheeled commode chairs
Wheeled commode chairs
Tips from our Occupational Therapists
If you - or the person you care for - use a wheelchair, try a commode chair with detachable arms as this can help make transfers easier.

Things to consider

When considering which commode chair to purchase it can be easy to forget about the weight limit. However, it's important not to exceed it for safety reasons as you don't want it to break while in use.

Make sure to choose a commode chair that will comfortably accept the weight of the person using it - if your/their weight is very close to the limit, it's a good idea to find one with a higher weight limit so that if your/their weight fluctuates it won't cause any issues. An example of this would be if the weight limit of the chair is 15st and the person using it weighs 14st 12lb, it would mean that if their weight fluctuated by a couple of pounds then they wouldn't be safe using the commode any more.

Generally, a commode chair should be emptied and cleaned after each use. If this is something that you would find it difficult to do each time, then you may want to try commode liners. These are liners specially designed for commode pans that absorb the waste and can then be taken out and thrown away. By using a commode liner, once the liner is dispatched and replaced, you would only need to wipe the commode pan clean instead of washing it out.

What material a commode chair is made from can affect how easy or difficult it is to clean it. Those with a metal frame tend to be simpler to keep clean but may also look a little clinical, whereas those made from wood or wicker tend to be of a more discreet design but can be slightly harder to keep clean.

If you'd want to be able to move your commode chair from place to place in the house, it may be a good idea to choose one with wheels to make this easier. 

Careful consideration of this now will help you avoid purchasing the wrong commode chair for your needs as it will have an impact. You'll also need to think about privacy when using it as it's important not to feel exposed while toileting. 

If the commode chair is only going to be used on a nighttime in the bedroom, then a discreet bedroom commode chair may be the right option for you as it could blend in with the existing furniture or you could also consider a folding commode chair that can be stored away during the day.

If you would like a commode chair that can also be used in the shower, then a shower commode is likely your best option.

Staying safe

Commode chairs are a useful toileting aid that can make relieving yourself far less stressful, but there are some things to bear in mind when using one.

  • Put the brakes on - if you're using a wheeled commode chair, it's very important to make sure the brakes are on before using it to help avoid falls
  • Clean it after every use - whether you're using commode liners or scrubbing the pan after each use, it's important to keep it clean and hygienic
  • Don't forget to check for wear and tear - if your commode chair has ferrules on the end of the legs, it's a good idea to check them periodically for wear and tear in case they need replacing
  • Don't forget to check the weight limit - you don't want to be caught out and end up needing to purchase a different commode chair a few months down the line
Commode chair accessories
Commode pans
Commode pans
  • The majority of commode chairs will come with a commode pan, which is what catches the waste. If you do need to purchase a spare, there are options available.
  • Shop commode pans
Commode liners
Commode liners
  • Commode liners are a useful aid that are inserted into the commode pan to catch the waste. Once used they can be easily removed and disposed of, so you won't need to scrub the commode clean each time.
  • Shop commode liners
Disposable gloves
Disposable gloves
  • To help reduce the risk of spreading infection and to keep waste off your hands, disposable gloves can be useful to wear when cleaning out a commode.
  • Shop disposable gloves
Floor mats
Floor mats
  • Putting a floor mat underneath your static commode chair could help to protect the floor beneath it against any potential spills. Some floor mats are washing machine safe, too.
  • Shop floor mats
Tips from our Occupational Therapists
Will you be using a commode chair on a nighttime? You may want to consider choosing one that's the same height as the bed to make it easier to transfer between the two. A bed rail may also be a handy support to help with this.

Shop our bestselling commodes

{{record.MasterProductName}} {{#record.ProductLabel}} {{record.ProductLabel}} {{/record.ProductLabel}} {{^record.Availability}}
OUT OF STOCK
{{/record.Availability}}
    {{#record.MultiProduct}} {{#record.Swatches}}
  • {{.}}
    • {{/record.Swatches}} {{/record.MultiProduct}}
{{record.MasterProductName}}
£{{record.DisplayPrice}} {{#record.HasWasPrice}} Was £{{record.DisplayWasPrice}} {{/record.HasWasPrice}}
{{#record.IsVATExempt}}
VAT relief
{{/record.IsVATExempt}} {{#record.IsZeroRated}}
0% VAT
{{/record.IsZeroRated}}
{{#record.HasStars}}
{{/record.HasStars}}
{{#record.MultiProduct}} View Options {{/record.MultiProduct}} {{^record.MultiProduct}} {{#record.Availability}}
{{#record.HasInsuranceOffering}} {{/record.HasInsuranceOffering}} {{^record.HasInsuranceOffering}} {{/record.HasInsuranceOffering}}
{{/record.Availability}} {{^record.Availability}} View Options {{/record.Availability}} {{/record.MultiProduct}}

Our customers have some lovely things to say about us

Trustpilot

Why buy from us

We’ve been working for over 70 years to help people maintain their independence for longer through daily living aids and support from our team of Occupational Therapists. As members of the British Healthcare Trades Association, we abide by a strict code of practice and will never force you to buy a product you don’t need.

If you need any help in deciding if a product is right for you and your unique mobility needs, please contact our Expert Advice Service.

Why buy from us
Free UK delivery

on all orders over £100*

Sit back and relax with stress free, white glove delivery*.

More about white glove delivery

*Available on selected products for a one-time fee.

Keep yourself up to date

Subscribe to our emails and get all the latest deals, products, guides, and more sent straight to your inbox.

Email address

By subscribing you consent to us using your email address in accordance with our privacy policy.