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Choosing the Best Shower Chair
Maintaining safety and independence while bathing means investing in a chair that provides you with stability and comfort. Finding the shower chair with the right weight capacity, construction, and traction can be hard, so let us help you with our comprehensive guide. We will cover all the relevant factors, and specialized recommendations.
The Types of Shower Chairs We Offer
What to Consider When Choosing Your Shower Chair
Below, we broke down the most important factors when comparing shower chairs. Learn what our selection has to offer here.
Weight Capacity
Always choose a shower chair designed to support the weight of the user to ensure safety and stability. Vive Shower Chairs typically support up to 300 lbs with the exception of our Shower Stool; which supports 250 lbs, and our Bariactric Shower Chair that supports up to 550 lbs.
Backrest
A backrest provides additional support, stability, and comfort but may not always be necessary. Individuals with limited strength, balance issues, or fatigue may consider a shower seat for enhanced safety. A backrest can also make the bathing experience more relaxing and less physically demanding. For those with chronic pain or mobility challenges, the extra support can significantly improve overall usability and confidence in the shower.
Seat Design
All of our shower chairs use a textured plastic material which prevents slipping even when wet and include drainage holes that allow water to flow through to prevent pooling. This protects the integrity of the textured plastic, preserves traction, and promotes better hygiene.
Check out our additional seat features designed to provide extra support and make the bathing process even more convenient for individuals with limited mobility:
Transfer Bench
Our transfer bench seat offers a wide and comfortable surface. Its elongated structure allows the user to slide safely in and out of the tub while sitting.
Sliding Transfer Bench
The seat of our sliding transfer bench utilizes a sliding functionality and locking system to safely slide the user into and out of the bathing area.
Swivel Chair
Our swivel seat allows the user to rotate a full 360 degrees, making it easier to exit and enter the bathing area. Plus it eliminates the need to twist and turn your body while maneuvering in the shower.
Commode Seat
Our commode shower chairs combine practicality and comfort allowing the user to take care of toileting and bathing needs without needing to transfer between multiple chairs. See our two commode options below.
Legs
All our shower chairs feature durable and rust-resistant aluminum legs that stay supportive over time and the height can be adjusted easily by locking brass pins.
Feet
Each shower chair is equipped with skid-resistant rubber tips which will keep them from slipping even in the wettest conditions. Our transfer bench goes a step further, to include suction cups on two of the legs. These go inside the tub for maximum stability.
Handrails
Handrails offer enhanced safety and support, making it easier for users to sit down, stand up, and shift positions while minimizing the risks of falls. Handrails are important for individuals with balance issues, limited strength, or who are recovering from surgery. Caregivers may also find handrails helpful when aiding someone in and out of the chair.
Assembly
All of our shower chairs are easy to assemble, with a tool-free design that anyone can use. This makes setup easy and is especially useful with our transfer bench, allowing you to reverse the backrest and arm rail depending on your bathroom layout.
Our Recommendations for...
Find the right shower chair for your level of mobility. Each offers specific advantages to serve your needs.
Limited Mobility
For individuals who have difficulty standing or entering the shower, stability and traction are essential. Our Sliding Transfer Bench is designed to make transitioning into and out of the bathtub effortless and safe. Featuring an elongated seat crafted from slip-resistant, textured plastic, it allows users with limited mobility to slide smoothly from outside to inside the tub with minimal effort. Equipped with two suction feet for added security, the bench provides exceptional stability inside the tub, making it the most reliable and sturdy shower chair in our lineup.
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Seniors
The Vive Tub Transfer Bench is an excellent choice for seniors who value safety and independence while bathing. Designed with stability and ease of use in mind, this bench allows seniors to transition in and out of the tub effortlessly, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Its wide, slip-resistant seat and adjustable height provide a secure and comfortable experience, while the dual suction feet ensure maximum stability inside the tub.
Bariatric Users
With an adjustable frame that supports up to 550 lbs, the Vive Bariatric Shower Chair offers exceptional stability and peace of mind. The seat is extra-wide and lightly textured to enhance comfort and reduce the risk of slipping. The seat is height adjustable and equipped with non-slip rubber feet.
Caregivers
For caregivers, the Vive Sliding Shower Chair is an excellent option that offers a safe and efficient way to assist individuals in transitioning into and out of the shower or tub. The sliding seat minimizes strain and enhances safety for both the caregiver and user. For those who may require additional features, the Vive Reclining Shower Commode Transport Chair is a versatile second option. It has a reclining backrest, built-in commode, and rolling wheels to simply wheel the user into the shower. It meets the needs of more comprehensive support for showering, toileting, and transport.
Travel or Temporary Use
If you need a shower chair for travel or temporary use in a shared space, the Folding Shower Chair is an excellent choice. It offers the stability of a full-sized chair with a foldable design for easy portability, storage, and quick setup. This makes it simple to use, remove, fold, and store after each shower. For a more compact alternative, the Shower Stool is a lightweight, minimalist option that’s easy to move in and out of the shower or tub as needed. Both provide reliable, convenient solutions for temporary or shared use.
Long-Term Use
It’s important to access the degree of assistance you will need in the shower. We recommend the Reclining Shower Commode Transport Chair to long-term users who need comprehensive support. Its padded reclining backrest, integrated commode, and lockable wheels make it ideal for those who need ongoing support for showering, toileting, and mobility. A less comprehensive option that still provides enhanced safety, comfort and convenience is the Vive Swivel Shower Chair. Built with integrity, this chair is designed to withstand long-term use.
Limited Back Strength
If you are looking for a shower chair that offers many of the support features found in our transfer bench, but fits into a more compact space, our standard shower chair is the perfect option. It is ideal for patients with mid-level mobility, or recovery from surgery, offering two handrails and a weight capacity of up to 300 lbs. Its wide seat is comfortable and includes textured plastic to prevent slipping when wet.
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Good Balance
The most mobile patients may only need a bit of extra support when bathing, or a way to help manage fatigue when showering. For those with good balance, our shower stool gives the right amount of stability in a compact design. Its rubber-capped feet resist slipping and it can be adjusted to the perfect height with simple but effective brass pins. It’s a good choice for travel, short-term use, or those looking for comfortable seating while showering or washing legs.
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Post-Surgery Patients
The Vive Swivel Shower Chair is an excellent choice for post-surgery patients, offering both comfort and convenience during the recovery process. Its 360-degree swivel seat allows for easy positioning in the shower, minimizing the need for twisting or straining, which is especially helpful after surgery. The tub transfer bench can also be a great option. It lets surgery patients slide into and out of the tub with minimal strain, providing a durable seat with a slip-resistant surface. Consider your allotted amount of space and your mobility needs.
VIEW THIS SHOWER CHAIRFrequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Medicare cover bathroom equipment?
A: Medicare Part B covers items that qualify as durable medical equipment. However, because shower chairs have not been classified as medically necessary, most buyers need to pay out of pocket. Check with your provider for specific details on your plan.
Q: How do you disinfect a shower chair?
A: Wipe-down your shower chair with soap and water after each use, and be sure to reach small cracks and crevices. Luckily, our chairs are resistant to mold and mildew, making them easier to clean.
Q: How high should my shower chair be?
A: The proper height for a shower chair balances comfort and safety. Ideally, your feet should be flat on the floor, and knees level with your waist. For a transfer bench, be sure you can easily clear the tub wall while scooting into the shower.
Need More Help?
Get more information on all Vive Health products by talking to our customer service and product specialists. Call between 8:30am and 9pm EST daily at 1-800-487-3808 or email us at service@vivehealth.com
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