Bedside commode: choosing one and setting it up safely
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- Folding steel 3-in-1 bedside commode. Best for: Most people recovering at home who can stand and turn. See options on Amazon
- Drop-arm bedside commode. Best for: Sideways transfers from a bed or wheelchair. See options on Amazon
- Bariatric bedside commode. Best for: Users above standard weight ratings. See options on Amazon
- Commode bucket liners with absorbent pads. Best for: Easier cleanup, especially overnight. See options on Amazon
Why a commode by the bed can help
Toilet trips carry real fall risk for older adults. A CDC study of bathroom injuries found that standing up from, sitting down on, or using the toilet set off 14.1% of injuries, and that share rose to 36.9% among people 85 and older. A commode shortens the trip to a few steps and puts armrests where you need them.
Columbia's guide adds that a regular schedule, such as every 2 to 4 hours, can help people with bladder control problems. MedlinePlus lists a commode chair as an option in place of a toilet when needed.
Types of bedside commode
| Type | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Standard folding (3-in-1) | Most users; doubles as a raised toilet seat later | Fixed arms mean a stand-and-turn transfer; see our bedside commode over toilet guide |
| Drop-arm | Sliding sideways from a bed or wheelchair | Heavier; arm latches need checking |
| Bariatric | Larger users who need a higher weight rating and wider seat | Bulkier in a small bedroom |
| Padded or upholstered | Sitting for longer, or as a bedside chair | Fabric needs careful cleaning |
Drive Medical's deluxe steel drop-arm commode, for example, lists a drop arm for ease of transfers, 19.75 inches between the arms, a 300 lb weight capacity and height adjustment from 20 to 24 inches.
How to size a commode
- Weight capacity: choose a rating above the user's weight.
- Height: set it so feet rest flat on the floor and standing up is not a struggle. Most frames adjust in steps; a drop-arm seat should line up with the bed or wheelchair for a level slide.
- Width between arms: the hips should fit without squeezing, while the arms stay close enough to push on.
- Wheels: Drive says it does not offer wheels for standard commodes and advises against wheels on 3-in-1 commodes. If a commode does have wheels, Columbia's guide says to lock them before any transfer.
Setting up and using it
- Place the commode close to the bed and out of the way, and keep the area free of clutter.
- Gather toilet paper, wet wipes and gloves beforehand.
- Have the person wear non-slip shoes or slippers and easy-to-remove clothes.
- Make sure their feet are not crossed, have them lean forward before standing, then turn and step back to the commode.
- They reach back for both armrests as they sit, and stay seated while using it. Watch for loss of balance or tipping.
- Help them stand slowly afterward and return to the bed or chair.
Columbia's guide also notes that if you stay calm and matter-of-fact, the person may feel more comfortable. For steadying during the stand-and-turn, a gait belt gives the helper a secure grip.
Cleaning
Wear gloves, empty the bucket into the toilet, then rinse and wash it with a disinfectant diluted in water and let it dry. Wash your hands well. Drive notes commode liners are not flushable, and that cleaning and drying the frame regularly helps prevent rust.
What to look for when you buy
Folding steel 3-in-1 bedside commode
Best for: Most people recovering at home who can stand and turn
A standard folding commode sits by the bed now and can later be used over the toilet, so it keeps being useful as recovery goes on.
Watch out: Fixed arms are hard for sideways transfers. Drive advises against adding wheels to 3-in-1 commodes.
See options on AmazonDrop-arm bedside commode
Best for: Sideways transfers from a bed or wheelchair
Drive describes its drop-arm commode as having a drop arm for ease of transfers, with 19.75 inches between the arms.
Watch out: Check the arm latches lock every time before the person leans on them.
See options on AmazonBariatric bedside commode
Best for: Users above standard weight ratings
A higher weight capacity and wider seat add stability and comfort for larger users.
Watch out: Takes more floor space; measure the gap beside the bed.
See options on AmazonCommode bucket liners with absorbent pads
Best for: Easier cleanup, especially overnight
Liners contain waste so the bucket needs less scrubbing.
Watch out: Drive notes commode liners are not flushable; bag and bin them.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Who needs a bedside commode?
- Someone who can get out of bed but cannot safely reach the bathroom, often after surgery or during illness, according to Columbia's caregiving guide.
- How high should a bedside commode be?
- High enough that the user's feet rest flat and they can stand without strain. Drop-arm seats should line up with the bed or wheelchair.
- What is a drop-arm commode?
- A commode whose arm folds down so a person can slide sideways onto it from a bed or wheelchair.
- How do you clean a bedside commode bucket?
- Wearing gloves, empty it into the toilet, then rinse and wash it with diluted disinfectant and let it dry.
- How often should someone use a bedside commode?
- Columbia's guide suggests a regular schedule, such as every 2 to 4 hours, which can help people with bladder control problems.
- Should a bedside commode have wheels?
- Drive advises against wheels on 3-in-1 commodes. If a commode does have wheels, lock them before every transfer, as Columbia's guide says.
Sources
- Caregiving: Using a Bedside Commode (Toilet) (columbiadoctors.org), ColumbiaDoctors, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
- Deluxe Steel Drop Arm Commode (shop.drivemedical.com), Drive Medical (maker)
- Commodes and Commode Chair Guides (drivemedical.com), Drive Medical (maker)
- Nonfatal Bathroom Injuries Among Persons Aged 15 Years or Older, United States, 2008 (cdc.gov), CDC, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
- Bathroom safety for adults (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine