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A raised toilet seat is a device that’s used in place of, or underneath, a regular toilet seat. Also called an elevated toilet seat, a raised toilet seat is intended to provide extra height, so you don’t have to squat low.

Depending on additional features, these toilet seats may also reduce the risk of slips and falls while getting on and off the toilet.

A healthcare professional or occupational therapist (OT) may recommend a raised toilet seat for a number of reasons, including:

While making major modifications to your bathroom can be costly, raised toilet seats offer alternative adjustments that don’t require you to buy a whole new toilet.

If you need one, the benefits of using a raised toilet seat outweigh the risks of potentially serious injuries from not using one.

Learn more about raised toilet seats, including our best picks based on the three primary different types and features.

The cost of a raised toilet seat can vary based on the features you choose. For example, versions with arms or handles tend to be at least double the price of a stand-alone seat.

A regular raised toilet seat may cost as little as $20.

One with more features may cost $100 or more.

Another budget consideration is that a raised toilet seat may decrease the need for buying an entire replacement toilet with a larger height.

Raised toilet seats are available for purchase from a variety of retailers, including:

  • online and in-person medical supply stores
  • online marketplaces, such as Amazon
  • drugstores
  • big-box stores
  • home improvement stores

If your OT recommends a specific type of raised toilet seat, they may sell it directly from their facility, or write a prescription for one you may buy at a medical supply store.

Another option is to lease one from a local medical loan closet. Talk with your doctor or OT about possible loan closets in your area.

Raised toilet seats are designed to work with either round or oval-shaped toilets. They also work with different toilet sizes.

However, you may also consider the thickness or height of the toilet seat. This may be particularly important regarding stand-alone raised seats without support handles. Generally, the thicker the raised seat, the less squatting required.

Raised toilets tend to come in 2- to 6-inch heights. Your doctor or OT may recommend a specific height based on how tall you are, as well as your physical ability to squat. A thicker seat, for example, may mean less squatting.

If you’re unsure about which size, a 4-inch seat is a good place to start.

Depending on your budget and needs, many raised toilet seats also come with support arms or handles on either side. These are intended to help you sit and stand back up without falling.

Raised toilet seats can be classified into three types:

  • Traditional raised seats elevate the toilet seat so you can sit on and get up from the toilet safely. They come with no extra comfort and safety features.
  • Raised seats with arms help you comfortably get on and off the toilet with grab rails.
  • Raised seats with locks fix the toilet seat to the toilet bowl.

We considered the following in our roundup of the best raised toilet seats:

  • support arms and handles
  • locks and other clamping mechanisms
  • slip-resistant pads
  • weight
  • materials
  • seat height and thickness
  • cost
  • customer reviews

Below are our best picks for each that you may discuss further with your doctor or OT.

Best traditional raised toilet seat

AquaSense Portable Raised Toilet Seat

  • Key features: lightweight, portable, fits most toilet bowls
  • Weight limit: 400 lbs.
  • Height: 4 inches

A traditional raised toilet seat offers extra seat thickness and height to reduce the amount you need to squat your lower body onto the toilet bowl.

If you’re looking for a basic raised seat without any extra features, you may consider this model from AquaSense.

Made out of lightweight and easy-to-clean plastic, this raised toilet seat has a height of 4 inches and a weight capacity of 400 pounds. It also has slip-proof padding underneath. According to the manufacturer, it also fits most toilet bowls, but not elongated models.

While this product has numerous positive reviews on Amazon, some customers noted issues with stability. This is an important consideration to discuss with your doctor and to see whether a model with arms could be more appropriate for you.

Pros

  • fits most toilet bowls
  • easy to clean
  • has a gentle, textured surface, making sitting on it comfortable
  • has many positive reviews on Amazon

Cons

  • has no extra safety features
  • the seat may be unstable, according to some reviews
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Best raised toilet seat with arms

Essential Medical Supply Elevated Toilet Seat with Padded Arms

  • Key features: has padded and removable arms, fits standard and elongated toilet bowls
  • Weight limit: 300 lbs.
  • Height: 3.5 inches

If you’re looking for additional support, you may consider a raised toilet seat with arm supports or handles. This makes it so you’re using your upper body to sit on the toilet as well as to stand back up.

Compared with other models on the market, this version from Essential Medical Supply is both affordable and highly rated. It features a 3.5-inch elevated seat that goes underneath your existing toilet seat. Durable, padded arms are designed to make sitting and standing easier.

Overall, customers noted an appreciation for the design of this toilet seat. However, there are some complaints about the installation being complicated. It’s important to read manufacturer instructions carefully before installing this product on your own.

Pros

  • comes with arms for extra support
  • easy to clean
  • fits any standard or elongated toilet bowl

Cons

  • Some users found that the arms are not very stable
  • Some reviewers found the seat too hard to use
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Best locked raised toilet seat

Drive Medical Raised Toilet Seat with Lock and Lid

  • Key features: lightweight, portable, fits any standard toilet bowl, easy to install
  • Weight limit: 400 lbs.
  • Height: 4 inches

Other raised toilet seats may be equipped with locking devices. This helps it stay securely on the toilet bowl to prevent slips and falls while you’re getting on or off the toilet.

Drive Medical’s model has a lock to help prevent such incidents, while also offering a 4-inch seat. According to the manufacturer, this seat is constructed with heavy-duty plastic but is still lightweight.

Amazon customers note an easy installation process and overall comfort. However, there have also been a few complaints of the quality of this item.

Pros

  • fits standard toilet bowls
  • doesn’t need any tool to attach it to the toilet bowl
  • comes with a lock and lid to keep the seat secure to the toilet bowl

Cons

  • some reviewers have complained that the seat isn’t sturdy
  • some reviewers also mentioned that the seat was uncomfortable
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Best raised toilet seat with cushion

DMI Raised Toilet Seat

  • Key features: lightweight, portable, made with foam, fits standard toilet bowl sizes, easy to clean, relieves pressure points
  • Weight limit: not indicated
  • Height: 4 inches

If you’re looking for a raised toilet seat that protects you from the pain of sitting on hard toilet seats, you might want to consider the DMI Raised Toilet Seat. It’s designed with comfort and pressure relief in mind.

This seat is made with 4-inch foam. It comes with four hook and loop straps to fasten the cushion to the toilet bowl. Although this seat toilet elevates your body, the manufacturers warn that you shouldn’t use it as an aid for sitting on or getting off the toilet.

This seat raiser is highly rated on Amazon for working as intended, but some reviewers have complained that the foam is too soft.

Pros

  • offers pressure relief and comfort
  • easy to install
  • easy to clean

Cons

  • designed to only provide comfort; not intended to help you get on and off the toilet
  • some customers say it’s too soft
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Best raised toilet seat with slip-resistant pads

HealthSmart Raised Toilet Seat

  • Key features: slip-resistant pads, fits standard toilets, relieves pressure points and discomfort, lightweight, portable, requires no assembly
  • Weight limit: 250 lbs.
  • Height: 5 inches

This toilet seat can help you sit comfortably without worrying about slipping off. It features three large slip-resistant pads to keep the seat steady on the toilet bowl.

This comfort-promoting seat also offers pressure relief. Its 5-inch height helps you get on and off the toilet seat without trouble.

Reviewers say the seat is easy to use and stable on the toilet bowl. One reviewer said the toilet seat can’t slip off because the pads will hold it. But others warn that you should measure your toilet size before buying it.

Pros

  • slip-resistant pads
  • provides pressure relief
  • requires no installation
  • easy to clean

Cons

  • some reviewers say it doesn’t fit modern toilet sizes
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Best raised toilet seat with arms and backrest

AUITOA 4-in-1 Raised Toilet Seat

  • Key features: has nonslip handles and removable backrest, fits most standard toilets, is adjustable, offers comfort and pressure relief to the back and spine
  • Weight limit: 300 lbs.
  • Height: 17.7 to 21.7 inches

This toilet seat features nonslip handles, a removable backrest, and adjustable seats, giving extra meaning to comfort and security while using the toilet.

This raised seat is suitable for older adults, pregnant people, and people with limited mobility. Its back support helps ease tension on the back. Its adjustable seat height allows you to adjust it according to your comfort needs or preference.

Reviewers say this raised toilet seat is an excellent device, easy to assemble and clean, and works better than many other raised toilet seats.

Pros

  • nonslip handles and removable back support
  • adjustable seat
  • delivers relief to tension areas on the back
  • fits most toilets

Cons

  • a reviewer said returning it to the manufacturers was a hassle
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Best electric raised toilet seat

EZ-ACCESS TILT Toilet Incline Lift

  • Key features: battery-powered electric raised toilet seat, lifts to your body movement, comes with handheld control for adjusting the height of the seat, nonslip handle covers, comes with rechargeable battery pack, easy to clean
  • Weight limit: 325 lbs.
  • Height: not indicated

Looking for a raised toilet seat that lifts you as you rise from the toilet? The EZ-ACCESS TILT Toilet Incline Lift has what you want. This electric seat automatically lifts you following your body movement. You can also adjust its height with handheld control.

The handles have nonslip covers to help retain grip while holding them. The seat fits 14- to 21-inch toilet bowl heights.

This product comes with a rechargeable battery pack and power cord. According to its manufacturers, it takes about 15 minutes to install.

Many reviewers appreciate how functional and helpful this electric seat is for their mobility, safety, and comfort needs.

Pros

  • automatically lifts you as you move your body up from the toilet
  • adjustable seat height
  • easy to install

Cons

  • high price point
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An occupational therapist can best determine the best raised toilet seat for your needs. You can reach out to your primary care doctor for a referral to this healthcare specialist.

If you have to do the picking yourself, here’s what to consider when choosing a raised toilet seat that supports your needs, according to Carex’s Buyer’s Guide:

  • Toilet seat type: Check your toilet seat shape to know whether it’s standard (round) or elongated (oval) so you can choose a raised seat that fits your toilet’s design.
  • Weight capacity: Choose a toilet seat that comfortably supports your body weight.
  • Height: The best seat height for you depends on your mobility and comfort needs. You can find seat heights ranging from 1 to 6 inches. You can also get an adjustable or electric raised seat.
  • Comfort features: Depending on your comfort needs, you can check whether the raised toilet seat has other features, like handles, seat padding, and back support.
  • Installation process: You might find models that require installation tools. Others just need you to attach it to the toilet bowl without any tools. The ones that require tools tend to be more sturdy after installation than those that don’t.
  • Portability: If you leave your house often, you might want to consider getting a portable raised toilet seat so you can have the support you need wherever and whenever you need it.

How do I know which type of raised toilet seat is right for me?

Your doctor or OT may recommend a traditional, locked, or supportive arm-raised toilet seat based on your needs. For example, if your doctor feels you’re at a higher risk of slips and falls, they may recommend a version with arm handles for maximum support.

Talk with a healthcare professional or an OT about all your options, as well as your concerns regarding budget.

Another consideration is to read the product labels carefully for height, thickness, and weight capacity.

How do I install a raised toilet seat?

To install a raised toilet seat, you will either first need to lift the existing seat or remove it altogether.

Next, place the raised seat directly on top of the toilet bowl, ensuring that it’s centered.

Depending on the model, you may need to set the original seat aside for placement on top of the extended one.

If you’re using a seat with a lock, twist the lock mechanism until the seat is secure against the toilet bowl. You can test this by pushing the seat around to make sure it doesn’t slip or slide around before use.

If the seat has arm handles, make sure these are secure as well.

Will my insurance cover a raised toilet seat?

Medical insurance doesn’t typically cover raised toilet seats.

However, there may be other ways to off-set the cost, such as possible financing from medical supply stores.

You may also consider medical loan closets that can rent out items for smaller fees.

What other assistive equipment may I need for the bathroom?

Your OT may recommend other bathroom-related assistive equipment to prevent strains and falls.

For example, a shower seat may help prevent falls while taking a shower. For bathing in tubs, you might consider a bath transfer bench to help you get in and out of the bathtub more easily.

Installing safety bars around the shower, bathtub, and toilet areas may also create more ease of access and peace of mind.