10 Best Folding Bariatric Bedside Commodes 2023

If you are just starting out on this elderly care journey and have no clue what a commode is in the first place. Don’t sweat it, we are here for you. A commode is simply a portable toilet meant for the elderly or people with incontinence and mobility difficulties. They are also commonly referred to like portable toilets among other names and can be placed on the bedside or in the toilet. In fact, for practical usage, most elders use it in the toilet during the day and move it to their bedroom at night. This way, they won’t have to walk all the way to the bathroom in the night when they feel the urge to use the bathroom or require their caregiver’s assistance every time they need to use the bathroom.

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	Price	Product	Our Rating
		UltraCommode Foldable Commode	9.8
		Medline Steel 3-in-1 Bedside Commode	9.9
		Vive Bariatric Bedside Commode	9.7
		Drive Medical Deluxe Bariatric Drop-Arm Commode	9.5
		NOVA Heavy Duty Bedside Commode Chair	9.8
		Medline Heavy-duty Padded Drop-Arm Commode	9.2
		Drive Medical Heavy Duty Bariatric Folding Commode	9.3
		Drive Medical Steel Folding Bedside Commode	9.4
		MedPro Homecare Commode Chair	9.4
		Carex Folding Bedside Commode	9.4

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These portable toilets do not require any installation or plumping. They do not have to be attached to anything, instead, they come with a small detachable bucket that is usually attached to the bottom and is manually removed to empty out the contents. A commode can be a standalone “toilet” or it can function as an elevated toilet seat. It can also work as a supporting frame for the toilet for people who can slightly lift themselves up.

Now that you understand what a commode is. A bariatric commode is simply a commode designed for bariatric patients. The difference between the two is the weight capacity that can be handled. Bariatric commodes can carry a weight between 300 to 1000 pounds. In some cases even more. They are simply heavy-duty bedside commodes meant for heavy users. Bariatric bedside commodes are built for weight, therefore, they are strong, sturdy and durable compared to standard commodes. The seat is usually wide, deeper and the height is adjustable.

 

Buying guide

If you are unsure of what to look for when choosing a bariatric bedside commode for your loved one, then this guide is what you need to most keen on. We have highlighted the key features you shouldn’t miss. Once done, head over to our review section and pick one for your loved one.

 

Weight capacity

Well, it makes sense that we start with the weight capacity as it is a major detail. Even though bariatric, different commodes will have different weight capacity, and this is what we will strongly advise you, pick the one with the highest weight capacity. Why? Because you can be certain it is the strongest, sturdiest and most durable. If you are looking to use it for a long time to come, heed our advice. It may cost you more but it will be well worth it.

 

Width of seat area

If your loved one is on the heavy side, you should highly consider a wider seating area. You can always confirm the specifications of the product description provided by the manufacturer or the seller.

 

Safety features

Safety features are very critical. Your loved one’s safety should be a top consideration as such you need to consider features such as non-skid tips which make the commode secure and stable during onboarding and offboarding.

 

Drop arm handles

It can be difficult for a heavy person or one with mobility difficulties to lift themselves up. As such a drop arm handle comes pretty handy. They can use it as a support to help themselves up with little or no strain. A drop arm handle is no doubt very practical for a bariatric commode and should be among the top considerations.

 

Assembly

This is pretty straight forward, you need a bariatric chair that either comes pre-assembled or is easy to assemble and set up.

 

Versatility

We can assure you of one thing, bariatric commodes come at a steeper price than standard commodes and since you are going to invest more, we would advise that you buy one that has more than one uses. Find one that can function as a standalone, can be placed over a toilet as an elevated toilet seat as well as be used as a shower seat. In short, get one that can serve you in most ways.

 

Foldability

There are two reasons why you would consider a foldable bariatric seat; ease of transportation and storage. If you intend to travel with your commode then you need to be able to move with it effortlessly, therefore choose one that is foldable as it can fit into most tight spaces. You can also fold it up and place it beside your bed until when you need to use it.

 

Lid

Your bariatric commode will function just fine without a lid but it is a feature that is nice to have. Until your contents are emptied it will be more pleasant that your room is not smelling of your pee or poop.

 

Review of the Best Folding Bariatric Bedside Commodes 2023

And now, it’s time to look at what we recommend as the best folding bariatric commodes for this year.

 

#1 UltraCommode Foldable Commode

With a soft and warm seat as well as armrests and backrest, this bedside commode is designed for comfort and functionality. It is not only comfortable but also hassle-free to disinfect and clean as it does not absorb water. It is also safe to use since it does not get slippery and can, therefore, work as a great shower chair. This bedside commode with padded seat comes in different sizes with the largest size measuring 16” x 16” and 20 inches between the armrests. Unlike other commodes that are smaller in size, this bedside commode is fit for people of various sizes. Its wide-open front makes cleaning it easier and effective. The pivoting armrests allow caretakers to easily and carefully make transfers.

Built with medical-grade and high-quality rust-free aluminum frame, this commode by Platinum Health is sturdy, secure and durable. While it does not have a toilet seat like the traditional commodes, it comes with a pail that has a cover and is foldable for easy transportation and storage.

Pros

• Fast and easy to set up
• Padded armrests for comfort
• Foldable for easy transportation and storage
• It is easy to wipe and clean

Cons

• It is not low enough to comfortably use in the toilet
• Does not come with an inbuilt toilet seat

 

#2 Medline Steel 3-in-1 Bedside Commode

This 3-in-1 bedside commode by Medline functions as a bedside toilet, as toilet support rails with the seat removed or as a raised seat over the toilet when the bucket is removed. It is hence very functional and versatile. It is very easy to put together and you don’t need to use any tools. As well, it is user-friendly and convenient. You can effortlessly adjust the height by the push of a button.

On matters safety, it comes with rubber feet to prevent slipping and this makes it very safe to use. It also features a toilet paper holder as well as disposable liners that are sold separately. The bucket, seat, armrests, and lid have built-in Microban antimicrobial protection to protect them from odors and stains caused by bacteria and mold. The removable lid and clip-on seat allow for easier and thorough cleaning. The commode has a weight capacity of 350 pounds.

Pros

• Quick and easy to put together
• Removable lid and clip-on seat for easy cleaning
• Nono-slip rubber legs to prevent slipping
• Built-in antimicrobial protection to prevent odor and mold

Cons

• The toilet seat can be too small for some adults

 

#3 Vive Bariatric Bedside Commode

The Vive Bariatric bedside commode comes pre-assembled with an easily adjustable height. It is lightweight and features a pail with a lid as well as a splash guard. The multifunctional commode can function as a standalone unit, an elevated toilet seat for a toilet or as a safety toilet rail.

It easily folds for transportation and storage and allows you to adjust the leg height from 14” to 20”. The heavy-duty bedside commode is sturdy and built to last in a nonslip design. It is made of stainless steel and soft material on the armrest for comfort. It is corrosion resistant and can hold up to 500 pounds. It also features a non-marking and nonskid rubber cap on its legs to keep it stable. It comes with an unconditional lifetime guarantee and has excellent customer service.

Pros

• Non-skid and non-marking rubber legs
• Foldable for easy transportation and storage
• It comes pre-assembled
• Has both a lid and splash guard

Cons

• The seat is too small for bigger people

 

#4 Drive Medical Deluxe Bariatric Drop-Arm Commode

This bedside commode by Drive Medical features a removable 12 qt commode bucket with a cover. It is large, measuring 23” W x 18.5” D x 17.5” H seat dimensions and has a weight capacity of 1000 pounds. It measures 25 inches between arms, wide enough for bigger people. It is built with powder-coated steel that makes it sturdy and durable.

Its deep and wide seat makes it one of the best bedside commodes for adults. The padded armrests, as well as a backrest, are both made to maximize the user’s comfort. The armrest also makes it easier and safer for users to stand and sit and also aids in patient transfers.

Pros

• Padded backrest and armrest
• Wider between the arms to fit heavier people
• Construction is made sturdy and durable
• Comes with a removable bucket and lid

Cons

• It is heavy and not ideal for a frequent traveler

 

#5 NOVA Heavy Duty Bedside Commode Chair

Another great bedside commode is this specific one by NOVA medical products which features a bucket with a handle, a lid.  It is built to last as it is made from very strong steel. You can’t expect any less when it is made of steel. This commode chair has a drop arms feature that makes it easy to make secure patient transfers. These arms also make for great support when standing up or sitting down. Albeit its versatility, it cannot be used in the shower for safety reasons.

The NOVA heavy duty bedside commode chair is easy to use and does not require assembly. It comes pre-assembled and ready to use. You only need to insert the bucket by snapping on the back so that you can insert it from the front. The bucket has a handle making it easy to remove it from the commode and empty. The chair is extra wide with seat dimensions of 23.25” W x 18.75” D x 19.75” – 23.75” H and weighs only 18.1 lb. The toilet seat opening measures 8.25” W x 10.25” D.

Pros

• Has a larger toilet seat opening
• It is extra wide to allow secure transfers and easy movement
• Comes pre-assembled and ready for use
• Drop handle arms to offer support when sitting or standing
• Handled bucket for easy removal and emptying

Cons

• It cannot be used in the shower

 

#6 Medline Heavy-duty Padded Drop-Arm Commode

Another great commode by Medline designed for your convenience. It has arms that you can swing away for easier movement and secure patient transfers. It especially makes it easier for patients to make transfers from the bed and should hence be placed near the bed.  It comes with a pail, splashguard, and lid, all for maintaining high hygiene standards.

The padded bedside commode with drop arm has a weight capacity of 350 pounds and a seat height range of 20” – 25”, 18” – 20” seat depth and 18.5” width between arms. You can also remove the backrest and use it as an over-the-toilet safety frame. For a bariatric commode though, we feel the weight capacity is not doing this commode justice. It should have been way more than 350 pounds

Pros

• Can also be used as an over-the-toilet frame
• It is padded for maximum comfort
• It allows for easy and secure transfers and cleaning

Cons

• The receptacle is not adequate for the seat

 

#7  Drive Medical Heavy Duty Bariatric Folding Commode

This product by Drive Medical is among the popular folding bariatric commodes in the market. It is not only quick and easy to set up, but it is also very easy to use. You can easily make height adjustments on the legs by the push of a button. The adjustable legs make it possible to function as an elevated toilet seat for those who wish to use it as such.

It is portable and good for travel as you can easily open and fold it for storage. It fits perfectly when in the trunk of a car and it is acceptable luggage in all airlines. It features a snap-on seat made of durable plastic with a lid and is 16.5 inches deep. This is reasonably deep and can take quite a lot of content. With a 12 qt commode bucket with a lid, handle, splash shield and cover, your bathroom “business” is pretty much sorted. The commode has a weight capacity of 650 pounds with seat dimensions of 16.5” D x 13.5” W x 15.5” – 22” and 24” between arms.

Pros

• Assembly is easy and tool-free
• It folds well for storage and transportation
• Has a higher weight capacity
• Can also be used as an elevated toilet seat

Cons

• When constantly exposed to water, It rusts over time

 

#8 Drive Medical Steel Folding Bedside Commode

This bedside commode with splash guard, snap-on seat with lid and a 7.5 qt commode bucket with a handle and cover is great for a frequent traveler. You can easily fold it up and it will fit into the trunk of your car. You won’t need a lot of space either when not in use, you similarly fold it up. With the elastic cord, it folds easily to a smaller size for storage.

Just like the previously reviewed commodes, it is built for durability and sturdiness. The frame is made of powder-coated steel and the snap-on seat is made of durable plastic. With all the good mentioned, we, however, felt the sizing is not built for a bigger user. The width measures 18 inches between the arms and its weight capacity is only 350 pounds. The seat dimensions are 15” D x 13.5” W x 16.5” – 22.5” H.

Pros

• Made of durable materials to last long
• Folds up to a compact size for hassle-free traveling

Cons

• It is best suited for slim people

 

#9 MedPro Homecare Commode Chair

This plastic bedside commode is designed for comfort, functionality, and safety. Its molded-plastic armrests offer support and comfort and this makes it great for everyday use. It is multifunctional as it can work well as a raised toilet seat or as a toilet safety seat for people with reduced mobility.

This chair features a 7 position push button for height adjustment that makes it user-friendly. It is also easy to put together and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. The seat measures 13” width, 14.5” depth and 15.8” – 21.7” seat height while the width between handlebars is 18 inches. Pretty small and is best suited for medium to small-bodied people.

Pros

• Plastic molded armrest for support and comfort
• Can function like a toilet or raised toilet seat
• The height can be adjusted

Cons

• It is built for smaller people

 

#10 Carex Folding Bedside Commode

This portable potty is fit for those with mobility issues but still want to go out camping and enjoy the outdoors. It folds well and easily for storage when traveling. With a weight capacity of 300 pounds, this bedside commode chair is a great handicap toilet for those with a disability as well as the elderly and children. It is hence a great fit for anyone with mobility issues regardless of age or size.

This versatile portable toilet can serve as a raised toilet seat, a toilet safety frame or a portable potty during outdoor activities. It measures 22” x 18.5” x 16” and can be folded into a size small enough to fit into the trunk of a car. It can hold up to 300 pounds and comes with a splash guard, clip-on toilet paper holder, a bucket toilet, lid and a pack of commode liners. Since it is portable and designed for convenience and safety, it is among the best bedside commodes for camping and travel. This bedside commode also perfectly fits over the toilet.

Pros

• Comes with a clip-on toilet paper holder
• It packs down really well for easy storage and transportation
• Comes with a bonus of commode liners

Cons

• It is not very stable and wobbles

 

Conclusion

Bariatric commodes are making life bearable for the elderly who have mobility challenges, incontinence conditions among others. They can finally reserve their independence and dignity as they won’t need to constantly call for help every time they need to use the bathroom. And it isn’t hard to find the perfect commode for yourself or for your loved one. You just need to shop around knowing what features you are looking for. From our guide, we have listed weight capacity, portability, foldability, safety, versatility and ease of use as among the determining features. Our review has bariatric commodes that have all these features and more. The choice is all yours.