The toilet is a vital part of life, and it’s important to make sure you have one that’s comfortable for you and your family. Whether you’re looking for a new toilet or upgrading an old one, there are many considerations to take into account. Among them are the heights of people in your household and how you use and leave the bathroom.
Choosing the Right Toilet for Your Home
When you’re shopping for a new toilet, it’s important to choose one that’s easy to sit on and stand up from. You also want to pick a model that allows you to rest both feet flat on the floor.
Besides the seat, the rim of the toilet should also be high enough that you can easily get up and down from the seat without trouble. This will help prevent falls and ensure that everyone in your home can use the bathroom safely and comfortably.
Comfort Height and Chair-Height Toilet
A comfort height toilet is slightly taller than standard toilets, so it’s easier for people to stand up from. They’re typically 17 to 19 inches high from the floor to the top of the seat.
These are popular in homes with older, taller, or disabled adults and those who struggle with mobility issues. They meet the ADA standards for handicap bathrooms and are available in several colors.
They’re not as difficult to get up and down from as a standard toilet, and they’re often less expensive.
However, they are also more challenging for shorter people and children to use. Their legs may dangle, causing circulation problems and possibly constipation.
A toilet should also be tall enough that you can squat down to relieve yourself, especially if you have hemorrhoids or other health conditions that require a squatting position for cleansing. Squatting positions improve bowel movements by reducing strain on your back and knees.
The squatting position is ideal for vanquishing hemorrhoids, but it can be uncomfortable for those with long legs. To counter this, you can purchase a step stool to replicate the same position.
This may not be as effective for constipation, though. The squatting position can still be hard on your joints and back, so it’s not recommended for anyone who has chronic pain or other medical issues that affect their ability to stand up and squat.
ADA-Complaint Toilets Are Taller Than Chair-Height Options
Those with mobility issues, the elderly or those with back or knee pain can benefit from a toilet that’s higher than chair-height models. These ADA-compliant models are much taller than the average toilet, and they offer a 90-degree seating angle that’s believed to enhance bowel movements.
But a chair-like posture could restrict your natural bowel movement, so it’s important to consider the pros and cons before buying one.
You can find a variety of options at different price points, so it’s best to test out a few different models before making your final decision. This will also allow you to see if the height is appropriate for you and your family.