Introduction
Commode chairs for seniors can provide a more accessible toileting option when walking to the bathroom is difficult, tiring or unsafe.
A bedside commode places a portable toilet close to the bed. Some models can also be positioned over an existing toilet, while mobile shower commodes combine toileting, showering and assisted transport functions.
The right choice depends on the senior’s mobility, transfer ability, body size, bathroom access, caregiver support and whether the commode will be used temporarily or every day.
This guide compares practical commode chairs available in New Zealand and explains what families should check before buying or renting one.
Safety Note
A commode chair should match the user’s balance, strength, transfer ability and level of assistance.
The chair must remain stable, be adjusted to an appropriate height and provide enough space for the user to sit comfortably with their feet supported.
Wheeled commodes should have reliable brakes that are locked before sitting, standing or transferring.
Professional advice may be needed when the senior cannot transfer independently, has frequent falls, has weakness on one side, needs physical lifting assistance or requires a mobile shower commode.
Disclosure
This article may contain affiliate links in the future. If you buy through these links, Golden Vibe may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Golden Vibe has not physically tested every commode listed below. Product information is based on publicly available details from New Zealand mobility-equipment retailers.
How We Selected These Commode Chairs
We compared commode chairs using factors that affect everyday safety, comfort and practicality.
These included:
- Intended use
- Stationary or wheeled design
- Seat-height adjustment
- Width between the armrests
- Maximum user weight
- Back and arm support
- Bucket removal and cleaning
- Bedroom and bathroom space
- Suitability for transfers
- Folding or rental availability
- Use over an existing toilet
- Suitability for showering
- Availability through New Zealand suppliers
Prices, stock and specifications may change. Always confirm current details and product suitability with the retailer before ordering.
Quick Recommendations
| Product or Option | Best For | Price Guide | Why It May Suit Seniors | Where to Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bedside Commode Height Adjustable | Best overall bedside option | Around $410 | Adjustable seat height, padded cover and removable bowl | Mobility Centre |
| Economy Bedside Commode Viking | Best simple padded option | Around $466 | Adjustable height, steel frame and removable back | Mobility Centre |
| Standard Deluxe Orthopaedic Bedside Commode | Best premium discreet option | Around $1,070 | Padded back and arms with a concealed commode bowl | Mobility Centre |
| Bedside Commode Rental | Best short-term recovery option | Around $40 per week | Avoids buying equipment for a temporary need | Mobility Centre |
| Mobile Shower Commode Rental | Best for assisted toileting and showering | Around $80 per week | Functions as a mobile commode and shower chair | Mobility Centre |
| Cubro Mobile Shower Commode Range | Best specialist care option | Request a quote | Customisable and specialist models for complex needs | Cubro |
Best Overall Bedside Option: Bedside Commode Height Adjustable
The Bedside Commode Height Adjustable is a dual-purpose chair that can be used as a padded armchair during the day and a portable toilet at night.
The padded seat cover can be removed to access the commode opening and bowl.
Its adjustable legs allow the seat height to be changed to suit different users. Correct seat height can make sitting down and standing up easier, particularly for seniors with reduced leg strength or joint discomfort.
The removable bowl includes a lid and handle for emptying and cleaning.
The chair has an overall width of approximately 55cm and a stated maximum user weight of 125kg.
Good For
- Seniors who struggle to reach the bathroom at night
- Everyday bedside use
- Users who need an adjustable seat height
- Bedrooms where the commode should also resemble a normal chair
- Seniors who can transfer with limited assistance
- Shorter or taller users needing height adjustment
Be Careful If
- The user needs a wider seat
- The senior cannot transfer independently
- The bedroom does not have enough space
- The chair will be used inside a shower
- The user exceeds the stated weight limit
- The bowl cannot be emptied promptly
- The floor is uneven or slippery
Check the exact dimensions against the senior and bedroom before buying.
Check the current price, dimensions and store availability at Mobility Centre.
Best Simple Padded Option: Economy Bedside Commode Viking
The Economy Bedside Commode Viking is a steel-framed bedside chair with padded vinyl upholstery and a removable toilet seat.
Its seat height can be adjusted from approximately 48cm to 60cm. This range may suit households that need to match the chair to the user’s leg length and standing ability.
The chair has approximately 46cm of space between the arms and a stated maximum user weight of 120kg.
The removable back can make storage or handling easier, although the chair is not the same as a lightweight folding travel commode.
Good For
- Seniors wanting a conventional padded commode
- Adjustable bedside use
- Users needing arm support on both sides
- Homes wanting an easy-clean vinyl surface
- Situations where a removable back is useful
- Users within the stated size and weight limits
Be Careful If
- The senior needs more than 46cm between the arms
- The chair must be moved frequently
- A lightweight folding model is required
- Side transfers are needed
- The user needs a wheeled commode
- The vinyl becomes damaged or difficult to clean
A padded chair may feel more comfortable and discreet, but the upholstery should still be inspected regularly for cracks, wear and moisture damage.
Check the current price, measurements and availability of the Economy Bedside Commode Viking at Mobility Centre.
Best Premium Discreet Option: Standard Deluxe Orthopaedic Bedside Commode
The Standard Deluxe Orthopaedic Bedside Commode is designed to look more like a supportive bedroom chair.
It has a padded curved back, padded armrests and a surrounding skirt that helps conceal the removable commode bowl.
The seat height can be adjusted from approximately 45cm to 60cm. The stated seat width is approximately 48cm, although the space between the arms is listed as approximately 44cm.
This model may suit a household where the commode will remain permanently in the bedroom and appearance, padding and discretion are important.
Good For
- Long-term bedroom use
- Seniors who prefer a more discreet design
- Users needing a padded back and armrests
- Households where the commode also serves as a chair
- Adjustable seat-height requirements
- Seniors within the stated 120kg weight limit
Be Careful If
- A lower-cost basic commode would be sufficient
- The user needs a particularly wide space between the arms
- The chair needs to be folded or transported
- The senior requires drop-down armrests
- A shower-safe product is needed
- The chair is difficult for the caregiver to move
The highest-priced chair is not automatically the safest. The dimensions and transfer design still need to suit the user.
View the current colours, specifications and price of the Standard Deluxe Orthopaedic Bedside Commode at Mobility Centre.
Best Short-Term Option: Bedside Commode Rental
Renting a bedside commode may be more practical when the need is temporary.
Common situations include:
- Recovery after surgery
- A short period of reduced mobility
- Temporary illness
- Discharge from hospital
- Waiting for a longer-term equipment assessment
- Staying with family during recovery
Mobility Centre currently lists bedside commode rental at around $40 per week.
Rental allows the family to test whether a commode is genuinely useful before purchasing a permanent chair.
Good For
- Short-term recovery
- Temporary bedroom setups
- Families unsure whether the equipment will be needed long term
- Testing the practical value of a commode
- Avoiding a large initial purchase
- Hospital-discharge situations
Be Careful If
- Long-term rental will cost more than buying
- Delivery or collection fees apply
- The available rental model does not fit the user
- Cleaning responsibilities are unclear
- The senior needs a specialist size or transfer design
- The chair is returned before a safe alternative is arranged
Confirm the exact rental model, dimensions, cleaning arrangements and minimum rental period before ordering.
Check the current weekly rental price and send a bedside commode rental enquiry through Mobility Centre.
Best for Assisted Showering and Toileting: Mobile Shower Commode Rental
A mobile shower commode is more specialised than a standard bedside commode.
It may function as:
- A wheeled commode
- A shower chair
- A chair positioned over a toilet
- A transport chair for short assisted movements
Mobility Centre currently lists a mobile shower commode rental option at around $80 per week.
This type of chair may reduce the number of transfers required when a senior needs caregiver assistance with both toileting and showering.
The wheels and brakes mean the chair must be operated carefully. It should not be treated like an ordinary self-propelled wheelchair unless the specific model is designed for independent propulsion.
Good For
- Seniors needing caregiver-assisted toileting
- Showering and toileting with one chair
- Users unable to walk safely to the bathroom
- Short-term rehabilitation
- Testing a specialist commode before buying
- Compatible accessible bathrooms
Be Careful If
- The bathroom doorway is too narrow
- The shower has a raised step or small enclosure
- The caregiver has not been shown safe transfer techniques
- The brakes do not lock securely
- Footrests obstruct transfers
- The user needs pressure-relief seating
- The chair is not compatible with the toilet
- The senior tries to move the chair independently
A mobile shower commode should ideally be selected with advice from an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or relevant equipment specialist.
Check the current weekly price and send a mobile shower commode rental enquiry through Mobility Centre.
Best Specialist Range: Cubro Mobile Shower Commodes
Cubro supplies specialist mobile shower commodes for home and care environments.
The range includes attendant-propelled, self-propelled, adjustable and customisable models. Some chairs offer different seat widths, arm supports, footrests, back supports and positioning options.
These products are more appropriate for complex mobility and care needs than a basic bedside commode.
Pricing may require a product enquiry or clinical quotation because the final configuration can depend on the user.
Good For
- Complex toileting and showering needs
- Users requiring individual seating configuration
- Long-term caregiver-assisted use
- Self-propelled options where clinically appropriate
- Pressure and positioning requirements
- Accessible bathrooms and care environments
Be Careful If
- A basic bedside commode would solve the problem
- The home has narrow doors or a small shower
- The family orders without an assessment
- The selected seat and accessories are not included
- The user’s needs are likely to change
- Storage and maintenance have not been considered
Specialist equipment should solve a clearly identified need rather than simply providing more features.
Explore Cubro’s mobile shower commode range and contact a supplier or equipment specialist about suitable configurations.
What Is a Commode Chair?
A commode chair is a portable toilet chair.
It normally includes:
- A supportive chair frame
- A toilet-style seat
- A removable collection bowl or bucket
- Armrests
- A backrest
- Adjustable or fixed legs
- Rubber feet or wheels
- A removable lid or padded seat cover
A bedside commode is usually placed near the bed so the user does not need to walk as far during the night.
Some multipurpose commodes can be used over an existing toilet after the collection bowl is removed.
A mobile shower commode is constructed for wet environments and includes wheels, brakes and water-resistant components.
These products should not be treated as interchangeable. The intended use and transfer method matter.
Who May Benefit From a Commode Chair?
A commode chair may be useful for a senior who:
- Has limited mobility
- Cannot reach the bathroom quickly
- Has difficulty walking at night
- Becomes tired walking to the toilet
- Is recovering from surgery or injury
- Has reduced leg strength
- Has urgency or continence concerns
- Uses a walking frame but struggles with the full bathroom route
- Lives in a home where the toilet is far from the bedroom
- Temporarily sleeps on a different floor from the bathroom
- Requires assistance with toileting
- Needs a portable toilet during recovery
A commode should not be purchased solely because the senior is older.
It should solve a specific toileting, mobility or transfer problem.
Bedside Commode vs Raised Toilet Seat
A bedside commode and a raised toilet seat solve different problems.
A bedside commode brings a portable toilet closer to the user.
A raised toilet seat remains in the bathroom and increases the height of the existing toilet.
Choose a bedside commode when:
- Reaching the bathroom is the main difficulty
- Nighttime walking is unsafe
- The senior needs a toilet near the bed
- The normal toilet is temporarily inaccessible
- Urgency makes the full journey difficult
Consider a raised toilet seat when:
- The senior can reach the bathroom
- The existing toilet is too low
- Sitting down or standing up is the main problem
- A portable toilet is unnecessary
- The user prefers to continue using the normal toilet
Some commodes can also be positioned over a toilet, but the dimensions must be compatible. For specific products that increase the height of an existing toilet, compare our raised toilet seats for seniors in NZ guide.
Commode Chair vs Toilet Safety Frame
A toilet safety frame sits around or beside the existing toilet and provides arm support.
It does not create a portable toilet.
A frame may suit someone who can reach the bathroom but needs support on both sides while sitting and standing.
A commode is more appropriate when the toilet needs to be moved closer to the user or when the regular bathroom cannot be reached safely.
Commode Chair vs Shower Chair
A shower chair is designed to provide seating while bathing.
A standard bedside commode is not necessarily designed for use in water.
A shower commode is made for both toileting and showering and normally uses water-resistant materials.
Do not place a padded bedroom commode inside a shower unless the manufacturer specifically approves it for wet use.
For seniors who only need a stable place to sit while washing, compare our shower chairs for seniors in NZ guide.
Stationary vs Wheeled Commode Chairs
A stationary commode has rubber feet and remains in one position during use.
It may be preferable when:
- The user can walk or pivot to the chair
- Maximum resistance is useful
- The commode remains beside the bed
- Caregivers do not need to transport the user in it
- The floor is level and dry
A wheeled commode may be preferable when:
- The user needs to be transported to the bathroom
- One chair will be used for showering and toileting
- Caregiver-assisted movement is required
- Transfers need to be reduced
- The home has sufficient accessible space
Every wheel used during sitting, standing or transferring should have an appropriate braking system.
What Seat Height Should a Commode Have?
Seat height affects both comfort and transfer safety.
When seated, the senior should ideally have:
- Feet supported on the floor or appropriate footrests
- Knees in a comfortable position
- Enough height to stand without excessive effort
- No pressure behind the thighs
- Armrests within easy reach
- A stable, upright sitting position
A seat that is too low may make standing difficult.
A seat that is too high may leave the feet unsupported and make the user feel unstable.
Height-adjustable models provide more flexibility, but both sides must be adjusted evenly.
Check the Width Between the Arms
The width between the armrests can be more important than the advertised overall chair width.
The user needs enough space to:
- Sit without their hips pressing against the arms
- Wear normal sleepwear or clothing
- Reposition safely
- Reach the armrests comfortably
- Receive caregiver assistance where necessary
A chair can fit through the doorway but still be too narrow for the user.
Check the usable seat width and the clear space between the arms.
Check the Maximum User Weight
Every commode chair has a maximum user weight.
The limit should not be exceeded.
Heavy-duty commodes may offer:
- Higher weight limits
- Wider seats
- Stronger frames
- Additional space between the armrests
However, they can also be larger, heavier and more difficult to fit beside the bed or through a bathroom doorway.
Choose the size that safely fits the user without making the chair unnecessarily difficult to handle.
Armrests, Drop Arms and Transfer Needs
Fixed armrests are useful for seniors who push down through both arms when sitting or standing.
Drop-down or removable armrests may be useful for lateral transfers from:
- A bed
- A wheelchair
- Another supported surface
A drop-arm commode should not be selected without understanding how the transfer will be performed.
Seniors needing physical help with transfers may require professional assessment and caregiver training.
Bucket Access and Cleaning
The collection bowl should be easy for the caregiver or user to remove without spilling.
Useful features include:
- A secure lid
- A carry handle
- Smooth easy-clean surfaces
- Rear or top access
- A splash guard where appropriate
- Replaceable bowls
- Minimal joints where waste can collect
The bowl should be emptied and cleaned promptly after use.
Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Avoid products that may damage plastic, upholstery, coatings or metal components.
Wear appropriate disposable gloves when cleaning and wash hands thoroughly afterwards.
Where Should a Bedside Commode Be Placed?
Position the commode close enough to reduce walking but not so close that it obstructs movement around the bed.
The route should be:
- Clear of loose rugs
- Free from electrical cords
- Dry
- Well lit
- Wide enough for the senior and caregiver
- Free from unstable furniture
- Away from doors that may strike the chair
The senior should be able to approach the commode from the direction that best matches their transfer ability.
Keep toilet paper, cleaning supplies and a call device within practical reach, but do not clutter the floor around the chair.
Using a Commode at Night
A bedside commode can reduce the distance walked during nighttime toileting, but the surrounding setup still matters.
Consider:
- A low-glare motion-sensor light
- Non-slip footwear
- Glasses within reach
- A walking aid positioned safely
- A clear route from the bed
- A stable bed height
- A call bell or phone when assistance is needed
- A routine for emptying and cleaning the bowl
The user should avoid rushing to the commode.
If the senior feels dizzy when first sitting up, they may need to pause before standing and discuss recurring symptoms with a healthcare professional. For a broader review of night lighting, footwear, walking aids and safer home routines, see our fall prevention products for seniors in NZ guide.
How to Test a Commode Before Buying
Where possible, test the chair with the senior wearing normal clothing and footwear.
Check whether the user can:
- Approach the chair safely.
- Turn without losing balance.
- Reach both armrests.
- Sit in a controlled way.
- Keep both feet supported.
- Remain comfortable between the arms.
- Stand without pulling on unstable furniture.
- Use the chair without pain.
- Operate brakes if the chair has wheels.
- Transfer with the expected level of assistance.
Also confirm that the commode:
- Fits beside the bed
- Fits through required doorways
- Can be positioned over the toilet if intended
- Can be cleaned easily
- Can be moved by the caregiver
- Does not block emergency access
Common Buying Mistakes
Choosing From the Product Photo Alone
Product photos do not show whether the chair fits the user or the home.
Check exact measurements.
Ignoring Seat Height
An incorrectly adjusted chair can make sitting or standing harder.
Confusing a Bedside Commode With a Shower Commode
Padded bedroom chairs may not be safe or durable in a wet shower.
Buying a Wheeled Chair Without Checking the Brakes
A chair that moves during a transfer can create a serious fall risk.
Ignoring the Width Between the Arms
The chair may technically support the user’s weight but still be too narrow.
Placing the Commode on a Loose Mat
A loose mat can move, wrinkle or obstruct the chair feet.
Forgetting Who Will Clean It
The household needs a clear plan for emptying, cleaning and maintaining the bowl and chair.
Assuming the Most Expensive Model Is Best
Premium padding and discreet upholstery may improve comfort and appearance, but they do not replace correct sizing and transfer safety.
Renting Without Comparing the Long-Term Cost
Rental is useful for temporary needs. Long-term rental may eventually cost more than buying.
Using the Chair Without Professional Advice When Transfers Are Complex
Complex transfers, mobile shower commodes and significant weakness may require occupational therapy or physiotherapy input.
When to Seek Professional Advice
Professional advice may be useful when the senior:
- Has frequent falls
- Cannot stand or pivot safely
- Needs hands-on transfer assistance
- Has weakness on one side
- Uses a wheelchair
- Requires a mobile shower commode
- Needs a drop-arm chair
- Has pressure-area concerns
- Has significant pain during transfers
- Has recently returned from hospital
- Has rapidly changing mobility
- Cannot maintain an upright sitting position
- Needs specialist or funded equipment
An occupational therapist or physiotherapist can assess the user, home layout, transfer method, caregiver ability and equipment dimensions.
Health New Zealand also provides information about commodes, raised toilet seats and toilet surrounds.
If the equipment is required because of an accepted injury, ACC may be able to help arrange an assessment or suitable aids and equipment.
Final Recommendation
For many seniors, a height-adjustable bedside commode is the most practical starting point when nighttime bathroom access is difficult.
The Bedside Commode Height Adjustable provides a relatively straightforward combination of adjustable height, arm support, padded daytime seating and a removable bowl.
The Economy Viking model is another practical padded option, while the Standard Deluxe Orthopaedic model may suit households prioritising comfort and a more discreet bedroom appearance.
Renting may make more sense during short-term recovery.
A mobile shower commode should be considered when the senior needs caregiver-assisted transport, toileting and showering with fewer transfers. These models require more space, reliable brakes and careful selection.
The best commode chair is not simply the cheapest, widest or most heavily padded option. It is the chair that fits the senior, supports the required transfer, fits the home and can be cleaned and used safely every day.
For seniors who can reach the bathroom but find the toilet too low, compare our raised toilet seats for seniors in NZ guide.
For a wider review of bathroom flooring, lighting, showering and toilet support, read our bathroom safety checklist for seniors in NZ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a commode chair?
A commode chair is a portable toilet chair with a removable collection bowl.
It may be placed beside a bed, used in another room or, when designed for it, positioned over an existing toilet.
Who should use a bedside commode?
A bedside commode may suit a senior who has limited mobility, cannot reach the bathroom quickly, finds nighttime walking unsafe or is temporarily recovering from surgery or injury.
Are commode chairs safe for elderly people?
They can be safe when correctly sized, stable and used with an appropriate transfer method.
The seat height, arm width, weight limit and floor surface all matter.
Is a commode chair the same as a raised toilet seat?
No.
A commode is a portable toilet. A raised toilet seat attaches to or sits on an existing toilet to increase its height.
Can a bedside commode be placed over a normal toilet?
Some multipurpose commodes can be positioned over a toilet after the bowl is removed.
Check the frame width, seat height, toilet dimensions and manufacturer instructions first.
Can a commode chair be used in the shower?
Only when the model is specifically designed as a shower commode.
A padded steel bedroom commode should not be assumed to be safe for wet use.
Should a commode chair have wheels?
A stationary model may be better for simple bedside use.
Wheels may be useful when a caregiver needs to move the user between rooms, but all relevant wheels must lock securely for transfers.
How high should a commode chair be?
The user should be able to sit with supported feet and stand without excessive difficulty.
An adjustable model is useful when the ideal height is uncertain.
How wide should a commode chair be?
The user needs enough space between the armrests to sit comfortably without pressure on the hips.
The complete chair must also fit through the required doorways.
How often should a commode bucket be emptied?
It should normally be emptied and cleaned promptly after use.
Follow the product instructions and the user’s individual hygiene or infection-control requirements.
Can I rent a commode chair in New Zealand?
Yes. Some New Zealand mobility-equipment suppliers rent bedside and mobile shower commodes.
Rental can be useful during recovery or while waiting for a longer-term assessment.
Can ACC help pay for a commode chair?
ACC may help with assessed aids and equipment when the need relates to an injury covered by ACC.
The person should discuss their needs with their healthcare provider, recovery team or ACC.
