Raised toilet seats and frames

Measure from the center of the two seat bolt holes to the front edge of the bowl. About 16.5 inches means round and about 18.5 inches means elongated, according to American Standard. Many raised seats are made for one shape, so check the bowl shape on each product.

Each product shows the height the maker says it adds to your toilet. To know how much you need, measure your toilet from the floor to the top of the bowl rim, and ask an occupational therapist what height suits you: How to find an occupational therapist.

A raised seat sits on the bowl and lifts you higher. A seat riser goes under your own seat and lid. A safety frame adds arms to push up on, and some stand on the floor around the toilet. Some raised seats have arms built in. Filter by type on this page.

In a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study of bathroom injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments in 2008, about 14% of injuries overall happened while standing up from, sitting down on or using the toilet. Among people 65 and older, that share ranged from 19% to 37%. MedlinePlus says raising the toilet seat height can help prevent falls (MedlinePlus).

No. Medicare's equipment list (NCD 280.1) lists raised toilet seats as a convenience item, not primarily medical, so Original Medicare denies them. A commode is a different item: the same list says it's covered if you're confined to your bed or room. Ask your plan, or borrow one first.