Written by Mike Price, OT
A hot shower should relax and rejuvenate you, but difficulties in getting in and out of the bathtub can make it dangerous and unenjoyable. If balancing or standing in a wet tub is risky, a transfer bench can provide a safe, seated, and enjoyable shower experience.
 | 1) Sliding Transfer Shower Bench with Swivel Chair by Platinum Health View Product |
The size of your bath bench depends on the size of your bathtub, especially the tub wall height. Inside the tub, there must be enough room for the length of the transfer bench and room for the user to stand and sit in front of it. You will also need to measure for the seat size, too, with the length from your backside to the back of your knees plus an additional inch or two indicating what seat depth is best for you. If you are transferring from a wheelchair, the space required for that has to be considered as well.
Most standard bath transfer benches can accommodate users between 250 and 300 pounds, and heavy-duty versions can support users weighing up to 500 pounds.
Height adjustable legs will allow the bath transfer bench to accommodate the height of the user plus individually adjust the legs so that the bench is level and secure inside and outside the tub.
Since it will be regularly exposed to water, a transfer bench built with materials resistant to rust will last longer. Typically, a plastic seat on an aluminum frame and legs is an option that delivers strength and long life. If the plastic seat has drain holes, it will better keep water from pooling, building up, and creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Suction cups securing the transfer bench to the tub and the floor will prevent it from slipping, but some floors have surfaces that prevent suction cups from gripping, so rubber-tipped feet outside the tub could be a better option. If you choose padded feet, be sure they have non-slip tips.
Unpadded transfer benches are less expensive and are a bit easier for users to scoot on when transferring into and out of the tub, but they aren’t comfortable for long showers.
Padded transfer benches are more expensive but more comfortable, especially for people with thinner or bony builds.
Transfer bath benches can be used with or without a backrest. A backrest provides a lot of support but can also get in the way and make transfers slower. A backrest adds an element of safety that reduces falls and makes the bench generally more comfortable to use.
A bath safety mobility device that straddles the side of a bathtub. The user sits on the bench, which slides from the outside to the inside of the tub.
Some people who can’t stand prefer to have a cutout on their bath bench so they can more easily access all body parts during their shower.
A user stands in front of the bench with the back of the legs touching the bench, slowly lowering onto the bench with the help of grab bars or handholds. Scooting back as far as possible with both legs outside the tub, the user brings their legs over the edge into the tub.
Someone who has mobility challenges that make it difficult to step over the tub wall or stand for long periods during a shower or who uses a wheelchair is a good candidate for a tub transfer bench.
 | Drive Medical Splash Defense Transfer Bench with Curtain Guard Protection for Tub and Shower Transfers View Product |
Providing privacy and preventing water from spilling onto the floor, our number 5 pick is the Splash Defense Transfer Shower Bench with Curtain Guard from Drive Medical.
This bath transfer bench has a U-shaped cutout that keeps the shower curtain liner inside the tub, which prevents water from spilling onto the floor. This avoids a slippery and dangerous exit from the tub. The legs are height-adjustable in half-inch increments, and the A-frame design of this blow-molded durable plastic bench can accommodate users weighing up to 400 pounds.
Since the chair can be positioned facing either direction, it’s suitable for any bathroom. This durable and highly functional transfer shower bench has an 11.75-inch armrest, a seat width of 28 inches, and a seat depth of 16 inches. No tools are required to install or take it out of a tub.
Keeping the shower liner, and the shower water, inside the tub along with its easy setup and reversible orientation have earned this assistance device a place among the best transfer benches for tubs and showers.
 | Premium HydroGlyde Sliding Tub Transfer Bench with Cutout by Platinum Health View Product |
Our number 4 pick is the smooth sliding HydroGlyde Sliding Tub Transfer Bench by Platinum Health.
This unique design helps prevent falls, joint strain, and friction-induced skin tears while empowering users to independently take care of their own bathing or showering. It has a rust-resistant aluminum frame and a bright blue seat that is more stain-resistant than white models on the market. The non-stick surface of the bench has small holes to ensure water doesn’t pool. There’s a cutout with an insert to provide the bathing experience most comfortable for the user.
Rubber grips on the feet keep this transfer bath bench in place, and it can hold up to 420 pounds. It comes with a seat belt and knobs that easily turn to lock the chair in place so it only slides when you want it to. The padded assist handle can be used on either side and the seat is reversible so you can choose to face the showerhead or away from it. Assembly and height adjustment don’t require tools.
This durable long-lasting bath bench made our list because of its stability, adjustable seat that prevents skin shearing, and the independence it provides for users.
 | Bariatric Tub Transfer Bench View Product |
The Bariatric Tub Transfer Bench by Convaquip is our number 3 choice as a reliable solution for individuals who need assistance moving into and out of the bathtub. With a weight capacity of 500 pounds, this bench ensures a comfortable and independent bathing experience. It features adjustable bench height, heavy-duty seating, and suction cups on the inner legs for added safety. The removable seat back and side grab bar provide additional support, making it an excellent choice for those at risk of slip-and-fall injuries. The bench's tool-free assembly further enhances its user-friendliness, allowing for easy setup without needing special tools.
 | MOBB Bathtub Transfer Bench with Curtain Guard - Features Backrest and Armrest - Height Adjustable and 300 lbs. Capacity View Product |
The Shower and Tub Transfer Bench with Curtain Guard by Inno Medical Supply is a vital safety device designed to facilitate safer and simpler transfers into and out of the bathtub or shower. With a durable yet lightweight frame supporting up to 300 pounds, this high-quality bench ensures stability and comfort for users and caregivers alike. Its height-adjustable design and full back and arm support make it ideal for users seeking enhanced safety and independence during bathing.
 | Sliding Transfer Shower Bench with Swivel Chair by Platinum Health View Product |
Landing at number 1, with its padded 360-degree turning seat, is the Carousel Sliding Transfer Bench with Swivel Seat by Platinum Health.
This award-winning bath transfer bench is made of medical-grade aluminum that resists rust and guarantees a long service life. It has a sliding padded seat that swivels and locks every 90 degrees, which makes bathing and showering much more accessible. The padded armrests also pivot and can be counted on to support users while getting on and off the seat.
Available in gray or blue, this bath transfer bench can be assembled without tools in less than five minutes. It has an integrated seat belt and legs that can be height-adjusted in half-inch increments. To further customize it for a perfect fit, additional kits for installation in taller or wider tubs are available. It can be installed for right or left-side accessibility and it’s easy to disinfect and keep clean.
This uniquely designed bath transfer bench offers unmatched intuitive accessibility with its sliding swivel seat. It has been named “Best of the Best” among industry watchers, and it earned the top spot on our list because of its durability, comfort, and the independence it provides users.
People with certain mobility challenges often require assistance to bathe safely. A bath transfer bench provides a solution, allowing users to maintain independence while managing their personal hygiene.
Our top pick for the best bathtub transfer bench, the Carousel Sliding Transfer Bench with Swivel Seat by Platinum Health is highly adjustable and features a unique swiveling seat, making the tub more accessible. The seat adjusts to fit the user’s position, minimizing the need for scooting and reducing skin friction. Built with medical-grade materials, this bench is a durable investment that supports independence and promotes good health.
If you’d like to see related buying guides or look at more caregiving tips and tricks, visit us at Caregiver University!
Co-Founder of Rehabmart and an Occupational Therapist since 1993. Mike has spent his professional career working in multiple areas of Occupational Therapy, including pediatrics, geriatrics, hand therapy, ergonomics and inpatient / outpatient rehabilitation. Mike enjoys writing articles that help people solve complex therapeutic problems and make better product choices.
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