When you have a family member who is sick or struggling with post-operative recovery, finding a way to get to the toilet can be troublesome. Lucky for us all, commodes exist. A commode is a chair with a chamber pot—basically a portable toilet that can move from room to room.

Many types of commodes exist. The most common commode on the market today is an aluminum frame with adjustable legs. Many variations stem from this ‘base model.’ Instead of offering an exhaustive list of commode options, we have chosen three close variations to the standard commode, allowing you to choose the best commode for your needs.

The Standard Commode

An old and reliable design, the standard 3-in-1 commode will fit most people. Exceptionally small or large people may have to select a specialty option.

A standard aluminum frame holds a weight capacity of 250-300 lbs. depending on the manufacturer. Standard commodes have adjustable legs in order to accommodate heights from the 5’0”-6’2” range. A plastic bucket, seat and splash guard come with most standard commodes.

The standard commode is a great option for those who will require longer-term care. The frame is set and can be rather cumbersome to fit in storage. If you need a commode with a bit more flexibility, the next option should help you out.

The Folding Commode

You could call this a ‘deluxe’ version of a standard commode. Aside from having the same height and weight ranges, folding commodes come with all the same parts with one major difference—the seat folds down and the legs fold in for storage!

Folding commodes are the best commode option for homes with limited space. Folding commodes are very easy to store when they are not in use. The profile of a folding commode is usually around 5”, making it easy to slide in the side of a packed attic or crawlspace.

A folding commode is the best commode option for travel, as it can be loaded easily into most cars. Another common reason for purchasing a folding commode is intermittent use. If you have a family member who visits regularly and has trouble getting to the bathroom at night, a folding commode is right up your alley.

The Drop-Arm Commode

Drop-arm commodes are like standard commodes in every aspect except the arms. The arms, as the name implies, on a drop-arm commode can be lowered, allowing easy transferring from a wheelchair or transport chair.

Height and weight ranges are once again in the 250-300 lb., 5’0”-6’2” range, depending on brand. Drop-arms usually consist of a locking, 2-position pin. The drop-arms can be operated by the user, but it is much easier to have a family member or caregiver around to help.

Drop-arm commodes are not available with a folding option, making them a more ‘permanent’ solution. Drop-arm commodes are slightly heavier than standard and folding commodes, as the moving arm parts add some extra weight.

Extensive post-operative recovery and serious mobility issues are two of the best indicators of determining whether or not a drop-arm commode is the best commode for you. The dropping arms allow a user to slide in from the side, eliminating the need to turn around—something that can be extremely difficult for certain conditions.

The Next Step

Before you stop by to purchase a commode, you should take a few preliminary steps. These include room measurements, a list of potential mobility issues with the user, and the approximate height and weight of the user. You want to make sure you get the correct commode on your first trip!

Commodes that are not emptied quickly can start to smell very bad very fast. Thankfully commode liners are available. Commode liners are like a Hefty garbage bag with a super absorbent pad. To empty a commode liner, you just need to pull the strings up and tie the bag closed. Commode liners can be a tremendous quality of life boost for any home with a commode.

If you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to contact us. We have standard, foldable, and drop-arm commodes on our medical equipment showroom floor, along with half a dozen more commode options. If you want to see the difference in-person… stop by today! We are open 7 days a week for the convenience of our customers.