Commodes Explained: Static, Mobile and Shower Commode Chairs Compared

A commode gives a safe, close-to-hand toilet when getting to the bathroom is slow or difficult, whether that is overnight, after an operation or for good. The right one depends on where it will be used, how much weight it needs to carry and whether it needs to move. This guide walks through the Roma Medical commodes we stock and how to choose between them.

Four questions to ask first

• Where will it be used? Beside the bed only, over the existing toilet, or in the shower as well. That decides between a static commode, a mobile commode and a shower commode chair.
• What weight does it need to carry? Every commode has a maximum user weight. Choose one with headroom rather than one that only just covers it.
• How will the user get on and off? A front-on sit is fine with fixed arms. A sideways transfer from a bed or wheelchair needs arms that detach or swing out of the way.
• Does it need to move? If it will be wheeled to the bathroom or over the toilet, choose one on braked castors and check it fits through the doorways on the way.

Static commodes for the bedside

Static commodes stay where they are put, usually beside the bed, and have a removable pot with a lid underneath the seat. Upholstered versions look like an ordinary chair when the lid is down, which matters in a bedroom or living room.

• Roma Armchair Stacking Commode: a traditional armchair look with an upholstered backrest and overseat hiding the pot. The 3510A version is height adjustable. Rated to 133kg.
• Roma Stacking Commode: a sturdy plastic coated steel commode in three versions: standard (3521), height adjustable (3521A), and height adjustable with detachable arms for sideways transfers (3521AD). Rated to 133kg.
• Roma Folding Commode Chair: folds flat for storage or for taking away, then opens into a full commode with a padded back and fold-back arms. At 7kg it is the easiest to move about. Rated to 133kg.
• Roma Chemical Commode Chair: holds a 20 litre pan for use with chemical toilet fluid, so it can go longer between emptying. The legs adjust for a 47cm to 61cm seat height, and it is rated to 160kg.

Mobile commodes on braked castors

A mobile commode can be wheeled to wherever it is needed and pushed over a standard toilet, so it works as a commode and a toilet frame in one. All four castors brake so it stays put while in use.

The Roma Mobile Commode with Detachable Backrest (3175/4BC) runs on four 12.5cm braked castors, has a push handle, a removable bowl that slides out, and a 50cm over-toilet height. It is rated to 155kg. Hook-on footrests can be added from the dropdown on the product page. If you want footrests and a seat belt included from the start, choose the 3175/SB/FR version.

Shower commode chairs: the Romachair range

A shower commode chair does three jobs: it can be used in the shower, wheeled over the toilet, or used as a commode with a pan fitted. The Romachair is Roma's heavy duty range, built with a sealed, seamless frame that resists rust and has no dirt traps, which makes it a strong choice where a chair will be used and cleaned every day.

• 4740 range, heavy duty: 250kg (40 stone) maximum user weight, a 21 inch seat and detachable arms for side access. See the Romachair 4740.
• 4750 range, extra heavy duty: 318kg (50 stone) maximum user weight, a 25 inch seat and fixed arms. See the Romachair 4750A.
• CV models, for concealed cisterns: a near-vertical back lets the chair sit flush against the wall over a toilet with a concealed cistern, where a standard sloped back would hit the wall first. Available in both ranges, for example the Romachair 4740/CV.
• SS models, stainless steel: the standard Romachairs have an anti-microbial coated steel frame; the SS versions are stainless steel throughout, for example the Romachair 4740/SS.

For lighter users, the Roma Dual Mobile Shower Chair and the gap-front Paisley also double as a commode, with a removable bowl, flip-up arms and four braked castors, rated to 160kg. They are covered in more detail in our shower chair guide.

A commode for children

The Roma Children's Height Adjustable Commode is sized for a child, with a seat height that adjusts from 28cm to 35cm, a moulded foam backrest, an adjustable buckle strap and a gap-fronted seat over a removable pot.

Measuring up

• Over a toilet: measure from the floor to the top of the toilet pan, including the seat. The commode's over-toilet height, which is the clearance under its seat, must be higher than this.
• Concealed cistern: if the toilet is wall-hung or has a boxed-in cistern, choose a CV Romachair so the back does not hit the wall before the seat lines up with the pan.
• Doorways: for a mobile commode, check the overall width against the narrowest doorway it needs to pass through.
• Seat height: the user should sit with their feet flat on the floor and knees at roughly a right angle. A height adjustable model makes this easy to get right.

Where to start

Every model above is in our Commodes collection, alongside shower chairs, bath seats and toilet frames in Bathroom Aids. Browse the whole Roma Medical range, or contact our team if you are working from an occupational therapist's recommendation and want us to match it to the right model.