Raised Toilet Seats and Toilet Safety Rails: Fit and Setup

Toilet safety rail with armrests

Standard toilets are low, about 15 inches. Getting up from that height is hard after a hip or knee replacement, or with weak legs. A raised seat, safety arms, or both, fixes that.

How much height?

The goal is for the person to sit with their hips level with or slightly higher than their knees. Most raised seats add 2 to 6 inches. After hip surgery, follow the height your surgeon or therapist gives you.

Check it fits your toilet

  • Bowl shape: look at your toilet from above. Round bowls are about 16.5 inches from the bolts to the front. Elongated bowls are about 18.5 inches. Some seats fit only one shape.
  • Locking style: seats that clamp or lock onto the bowl are much safer than ones that just sit on top.
  • Weight limit: check the rating. Heavy-duty seats are available.

Arms and rails

  • Toilet safety rail (frame): a stand-alone frame with armrests that goes around the toilet. Gives something solid to push up on.
  • Raised seat with arms: combines height and handles in one piece.
  • Grab bar on the wall: the most solid option if it's screwed into studs. See our grab bar guide.

Setting it up

  1. Lift off the regular seat if the instructions say so.
  2. Position the raised seat, then tighten the locks or clamps evenly on both sides.
  3. Try to rock it side to side and front to back. It shouldn't move at all.
  4. For a rail frame, adjust the height so the arms are about level with the person's wrists when standing, and make sure all four feet sit flat.
  5. Re-check the locks once a week, because they can loosen with use.

Shop: Medline Toilet Safety Rail with Armrests, 3-in-1 Commode (works over the toilet), or all bathroom safety.

Not sure which one is right? Email us at supportaccessliving@gmail.com with the person's height, weight and where they'll use it, and we'll help you choose.

This guide is general information to help you shop. It isn't medical advice. An occupational therapist or physiotherapist can assess what's safest for a specific person. Your doctor can refer you to one. Always follow the instructions and weight limit that come with your product.