Imagine that you or someone close to you has difficulty walking or standing. If this is the case, you should consider purchasing bath safety products to help prevent accidents in the bath. As one of many options that can ensure the bathroom's safety and keep you independent while bathing, a bench chair can help. You can get your desired bench chair at any medical supply near you.
With the help of this guide, you'll be able to determine whether a shower seat is right for you and, if so, how to find the right product.
What is a Bench chair?
Water-resistant bath or shower seats are chairs or stools used in showers for bathtubs. If you get tired quickly or cannot stand for long periods, it provides a safe and comfortable place to rest while you bathe.
Who should use a bench chair?
Choosing the right bath safety product can be confusing, with so many options. Safety rails and grab bars do not provide as much security as shower seats during bathing.
What to consider before purchasing a shower seat?
To find the perfect shower chair after you've decided it's for you, you need to consider several factors.
Most companies do not accept returns on bath safety products, so carefully consider each factor before purchasing.
- Overall size
While researching shower seats, it is vital to consider the seat's overall dimensions. When your tub or shower doesn't fit inside your chair, you won't be able to use it! You can determine the size of your shower seat by measuring the width and depth of the floor of your tub. It is essential to select a shower chair whose dimensions are smaller than these measurements to fit inside easily.
- Seat size
The chair's seat dimensions are also critical to finding one you are comfortable sitting in. To determine the correct dimensions for you, measure your backside's width when seated in a flat position. The chair seat is recommended to be more comprehensive than this measurement so that the user can sit securely without risking falling or sliding off.
- Weight capacity
Weight should not be an issue for your shower seat. The weight capacity of shower seats can vary from 250 pounds to 400 pounds. Bariatric shower chairs might be a good option for those who need more support. Before purchasing, always ensure that the product has a sufficient weight capacity.
- Adjustable height
If you intend to purchase a medical bath chair, you will want to ensure its legs are height-adjustable. Seat height can be adjusted according to individual comfort levels thanks to height-adjustable legs. This method allows you to sit comfortably without straining your joints or slouching over. Each chair will have a different height range, so you should check the specifications and choose a suitable chair.
- Materials
It would help to have a seat that can withstand water exposure since you will use it in the shower or bath. It is most common to find rust-resistant seats made of plastic, aluminum, or steel. Buying plastic chairs with plastic seats and aluminum or steel legs is possible. This is the best, most durable option.
Buying a shower chair with drainage holes might be helpful so water will not build up on the seat and mold and mildew will not form.
- Chair style
The best choice for you depends on your personal needs and preferences, but there are two common styles of shower stools, chairs and seats. Usually, stools are narrower and have no backrests because they are more compact. Consequently, they are less comfortable and safer to sit on. In contrast, seats often offer a more extensive sitting area and can be purchased with or without a backrest. Shower stools don't always feature the same features as bath stools. Swivels, for instance, are most often found on seats.
- Arm Vs no arm
The type of shower chair you want may also depend on whether or not you want armrests. With arms on your shower chair, you can quickly lift yourself onto it and stand up.
It can be helpful to have this feature if you can step into and out of the tub safely to get on and off the chair. Alternatively, you can sit on a chair without armrests and lift your legs over the tub wall if you would be more comfortable doing so from the side.
- Padded Vs un-padded
You can choose between padded and unpadded shower chairs. Padded seats provide additional comfort in long showers, thin and bony individuals, or those prone to skin tears. A chair without padding can be less expensive, easier to move, and less bulky.
- Back Vs no back
In addition to choosing between a seat with or without a backrest, you will also need to decide whether to use a shower seat instead of a shower stool. A shower chair with a back is recommended for people with balance or back strength issues. While transferring from and into a bath may pose a slight inconvenience, a backrest provides additional stability and further decreases the fall risk.
- Suction feet Vs. padded feet
Since medical bath benches are regularly used on wet surfaces, most are equipped with rubber, slip-resistant feet that keep the seat firmly in place. If you're buying one, check that it has these features. Considering suction cup feet can provide more excellent stability for people with significant balance issues.
What you prefer when choosing between a suction cup bench or one with padded tips ultimately depends on your preference. The best option is to use suction cups, which secure the bar to the tub and floor and eliminate slipping. To ensure your safety, ensure the padded tips you select are non-slip.
Where can I get a medical bath bench?
You can purchase most medical bath benches for a reasonable price at Sky Medical Supplies. According to their materials and features, shower seats typically cost between $80 and $100.
Sky Medical Supplies provide a wide range of medical bath benches. You can get your favorite medical bath chair to ease with toilet tasks. For more details contact us. we provide various shower chairs options for clients around Denver, colorado, in Broomfield, commerce city, cherry creek, and Northfield areas.