Shower chair or shower stool: how to choose the right model
A shower chair or shower stool can provide better stability, security, and comfort for those who need to sit while showering. Which model is best suited depends, among other things, on the user's balance, need for support, available space, and the bathroom's design.
A shower stool is often compact and easy to move, while a shower chair usually provides more support through a backrest, armrests, or both. There are also height-adjustable models, shower chairs with wheels, and solutions that can be used over bathtubs. In this guide, we will go through the differences and help you choose a model that suits the user's needs and the bathroom's conditions.
Shower chair or shower stool: what is the difference?
A shower chair and a shower stool differ primarily in how much support the user needs. A shower stool usually has a smaller seat and often lacks a backrest and armrests. It is therefore best suited for people who can sit stably but need relief during showering.
A shower chair has a larger seat and can be equipped with a backrest, armrests, or both. It can provide better support for people with impaired balance, leg weakness, or difficulty standing for an extended period. Some models also have a hygiene opening, wheels, or adjustable seat height.
When choosing a shower chair or shower stool, the decision should be based on the user's needs, the size of the bathroom, and how the aid will be placed in the shower area. Also, check the product's maximum user weight, external dimensions, and possibility of height adjustment before choosing a model.
Which shower chair or shower stool suits different needs?
Which shower chair or shower stool is best suited depends on how much support the user needs and the layout of the shower area. A person with good sitting balance can often use a simpler shower stool, while a shower chair with a backrest and armrests may be more suitable when a greater need for stability exists.
It is also important to assess how the user sits down and stands up. Armrests can provide support during transfers, while adjustable seat height can make it easier to adapt the aid to the user's height. In a smaller bathroom, a compact or foldable model may be easier to place and store.
Shower stool for smaller shower areas
A shower stool usually takes up less space than a shower chair and can therefore fit in a smaller shower area. This model is primarily intended for people who can sit stably without a backrest and who do not need armrests to stand up.
Ensure that the legs have non-slip protection and that the stool stands flat on the floor. A height-adjustable shower stool allows for adjusting the seat height, but all legs must be set to the same level before the product is used.
Shower chair with backrest and armrests
A shower chair with a backrest and armrests provides more support than a simple shower stool. The backrest can help the user maintain a stable sitting posture, while the armrests can facilitate when the person sits down or stands up.
This type of shower chair may be suitable for people with impaired balance, leg weakness, or a need for extra support during showering. Check that the armrests do not limit access to the shower area and that the chair fits without being too close to walls, shower screens, or mixers.
The seat height should be adjusted so that the user can place their feet firmly on the floor. If the model is height-adjustable, all legs must be set to the same level for the chair to stand stably.
Shower chair with wheels and brakes
A shower chair with wheels can facilitate movement to and from the shower when the user cannot walk safely through the bathroom. The model can be equipped with armrests, backrest, footrest, and hygiene opening depending on the area of use.
Check that the wheels are intended for wet rooms and that the brakes are easy to use. Before the person sits down, stands up, or showers, the chair must be on a flat surface and the brakes activated according to the product's instructions.
It is also important to check the chair's width, turning radius, and maximum user weight. A shower chair with wheels requires more space than a regular shower stool or stationary shower chair and therefore does not fit in all bathrooms.
Check brakes and wheels before use
Before each use, check that the wheels roll as they should and that the brakes can be properly locked. The brakes must be activated before the user sits down, stands up, or is moved in the shower chair.
Also check that the wheels are firmly attached, that no parts are loose, and that hair or dirt has not become lodged around the wheel attachments. If a wheel or brake is damaged, the shower chair should not be used until the fault has been rectified.
For those looking for a shower chair or shower stool, our range of shower chairs and shower stools is available with different seat heights, armrests, backrests, wheels, and other functions. Always check the product information and dimensions for the model you are considering before ordering.
You can also view our entire range of bathroom aids for products that can increase safety and accessibility in the bathroom and shower.
At 1177, there is more information about aids in the home, including aids for toilets and showers, and the possibility of getting support in assessing which aid suits your needs.
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