Written by Mike Price, OT
Ideal for people who already use a wheelchair, shower wheelchairs are specially designed to remain functional and durable with constant water contact, providing transport to and from a roll-in shower. They reduce the need for multiple transfers in and out of a wheelchair and may include toileting and portable commode support. Perfect for seniors aging in place at home, shower wheelchairs are also frequently utilized by adults of all ages living with either temporary or permanent mobility impairments caused by illness, injury, surgery, or disability.
This guide gives you our top picks of 2022, along with important information to help you choose the best shower wheelchair.
Taking the 5th spot in our review with its MRI compatibility which reduces the need for transfers in and out of the chair, the Shower Transfer Chair with Full Support Soft Seat by MJM International offers a host of beneficial features to optimize user comfort. Made from rustproof healthcare-grade PVC to ensure dependable durability that will hold up to constant water contact, its reinforced frame offers front and back anti-tip security along with a safety belt to keep the user in place. Accommodating a 350-pound weight capacity, its large 24-inch rear wheels allow use as a self-propelled shower wheelchair, while the handles on the back enable easy pushing from a caregiver.
Enhancing comfort with its full-support and soft-to-the-touch seat and back, this shower wheelchair measures 18 inches between the armrests. The unique footrest configuration prevents entrapment and foot-dragging, simply folding out of the way when it’s not in use. Dual safety hand brakes and anti-slip handgrips further optimize safety and control, while the front casters are also lockable for stationary security. Ideal for MRI procedures and aquatic therapy transfer, this shower wheelchair comes with a choice of quick-drying mesh or waterproof vinyl for the seat in a selection of 3 different colors.
Coming in at number 4 with its 600-pound weight capacity, the strong and durable MaxiBathe 3-in-1 Bariatric Shower Commode Chair by Platinum Health also offers tool-free width adjustability to ensure the perfect fit for larger, heavier users along with the ability to fit through narrow doorways. Its versatile design enables combination utilization as a shower wheelchair, portable commode, or transport chair, all at a lower price point than any other shower wheelchair in our review. The MaxiBathe includes a removable commode pail for convenient toileting.
Oversized front casters combine with large rear wheels to facilitate easy-rolling maneuverability, along with locks on all four wheels for dependable, stay-in-place stationary use. This lightweight, self-propelled shower wheelchair from Platinum Health can also be pushed by a caregiver with its comfortable rear bar. Warm, soft, and comfortable, the water-repellant padded seat, back, and armrests will never crack or bottom out, and its rustproof aluminum frame is easy to clean and maintain for years of dependable functionality. The retractable footrest and armrests open up access for barrier-free transfers.
As another lower-priced but superior quality wheelchair for shower support, the Invacare Mariner Rehab Shower Commode Chair takes the 3rd position in our review with its foldable capabilities as well. Offering 4-in-1 utilization as a shower wheelchair, bedside commode, toilet safety frame, and transport chair, this well-loved mobile rehab chair does it all, saving money and negating the need to purchase separate equipment. Available with either a 16-inch or 18-inch wide seat, you can also choose a model with all casters for caregiver control, or one that has large 23-inch rear urethane tread tires for self-propulsion. The Mariner accommodates a 300-pound weight capacity.
Durably designed with strong, rustproof aluminum, this lightweight shower wheelchair from Invacare is easy to fold up for compact portability in a vehicle, making it the perfect choice for users who travel frequently. Its 4-position padded seat optimizes user comfort, while the removable footrests are easy to adjust in height without tools for customized positioning. The Mariner’s footrests and padded armrests also flip up and out of the way for accessible transfers. It can be rolled over most types of standard or elongated toilet seats to provide a safety frame, while it also includes a commode bucket for portable toileting.
Grabbing the 2nd spot on our list with its vast assortment of standard and add-on options, the Etac Swift Mobil-2 Shower Commode Chair by R82 is ideal for users who require more specialized support. Offered in a four-caster attendant-push model or with rear wheelchair-style push wheels for self-propulsion, the Swift Mobil-2 can be used as a shower wheelchair, portable commode, and transport chair. The padded seat, armrests, footrest, and chair itself are all adjustable in height, while the backrest offers adjustable tension for personalized support. Accommodating a generous 353-pound weight capacity, this wheelchair for shower support is lightweight and easy to mobilize with its swiveling front casters. It’s also simple to care for and maintain with its proprietary Etac Easy-Clean surface that repels water.
Uniquely designed with an open back for accessible cleaning and hygiene, the Mobil-2 shower commode chair also highlights a curved, ergonomic footrest for optimal instep and arch support. Multiple customization selections allow you to build this chair to your exact specifications, including options and/or upgrades for the armrests, head support, leg rests, footrests, toileting accessories, side support, crossbar, anti-tippers, seat accessories, tilter, chest straps, and positioning belts, just to name a few! The Etac Swift Mobil-2 is a great choice for people with more involved mobility impairments, providing specific support for users living at home, in assisted living communities, or in long-term nursing care facilities.
Winning 1st place in our review with its popular and award-winning 4-in-1 design, the Etac Clean Self-Propelled Wheelchair Shower/Commode Combo Chair by R82 delivers dependable performance and functionality for a wide range of users. Using swiveling front casters and 24-inch rear wheels to facilitate smooth maneuverability, this lightweight, self-propelled shower wheelchair is also easy for a caregiver to push with its rear attendant bar. Offering versatile functionality as a shower wheelchair, portable commode, toilet safety frame, and transport chair, this elegant but practical combination chair helps to optimize user independence. Like the Etac Swift Mobil-2, the Etac Clean provides an open back along with a recessed front to enable access for hygiene and cleaning.
When it’s used as an over-the-toilet safety frame, its slim configuration fits over most toilets, even those that are wall-mounted. Yet it still provides an ample 18.9 inches between the armrests. Its unique, rounded foot support adds comfort and protects the feet from injury, self-storing within the frame and out of the way when it’s not in use. The brake handles are easy to reach below the seat, ensuring at-hand stopping and slowing control, along with locks on the front casters for secure stationary use.
Cleverly configured, every design aspect of the Etac Clean assures optimal comfort and safety for self-propelling users. Like the other exceptional products in the Etac line, this combination shower wheelchair offers a wide range of optional accessories and supports so you can customize it to meet specific mobility, toileting, and showering needs. With its soft and heat-reflective surfaces, the Etac Clean is ideal for users with sensitive skin and/or those prone to coldness, keeping users warm and comfortable. It accommodates a 287-pound weight capacity.
Determining how and where you will be using your shower wheelchair is important in figuring out what type is best for you or your loved one. While a good first step is getting advice from your doctor or therapist, here are some of the most important features to consider when you’re selecting a shower wheelchair.
This is THE most important factor in choosing the best shower wheelchair to meet your height, weight, and positioning support requirements. Because they are considered hygiene devices, shower wheelchairs are generally not returnable, so it’s crucial that you review all of the dimensions to ensure you select a model that will fit correctly and meet your specifications.
If you plan to use the shower wheelchair as an over-the-toilet safety frame, most toilets have seats that measure between 16 to 18 inches, while they vary widely in height. Be sure to choose a model that can fit over the width and height of the toilet, paying special attention to any design components and hardware that can get in the way.
If you plan to take the shower wheelchair through narrow doorways, it’s important to choose a design that has a slimmer overall width or one that’s adjustable in width. A wider seat is also more comfortable for larger users, while smaller-than-average users will find better support with a smaller width dimension.
The height of the seat is also important as if it’s too high, petite users will not be able to reach the floor or self-propel correctly, and if it’s too low, it can cause positioning problems and foot drag for taller users. Some shower wheelchairs are adjustable in height, ensuring the perfect fit for diverse-height users.
All shower wheelchairs offer support as a transport chair and shower chair, with some models that enable self-propulsion with large rear wheels and others that have four casters and require pushing from an attendant. Some shower wheelchairs provide use as a portable, bedside commode and/or over-the-toilet safety frame as well, optimizing safety for showering, hygiene, and toileting activities.
Basic positioning support should include armrests and footrests, while most shower wheelchairs also provide a safety belt to better secure the user during transport. For users who are living with more involved mobility impairments, many premium designs offer multiple support options to optimize user comfort and safety. Specialized padding, a headrest, various chest, pelvic, and hip belts/straps will help with positioning and posture, resulting in a more comfortable user experience.
Quality shower wheelchairs are specially constructed with frame and padding materials that repel water and won’t corrode with constant water contact. While stainless steel is excellent for strength, it’s also typically much heavier, which can make it harder for users to mobilize the shower wheelchair. Durable, rust-free aluminum and medical-grade PVC are the most commonly used materials, as they are lightweight, they won’t corrode, and they’re easy to clean.
Locking caster wheels and brake systems are important for mobility control and secure stationary use, while anti-tippers can help to prevent the chair from tipping. Treads on the large rear wheels of a self-propelled shower wheelchair help to stop the chair from sliding. Footrests and armrests should be removable or flipped up and out of the way to facilitate safer, more accessible transfers to and from the shower wheelchair.
Yes, there are wheelchairs specially created for showering. As this guide explains, wheelchairs for showers use water-repellent materials to protect against corrosion and can vary widely in the types of design features that they offer.
A shower wheelchair is designed to roll in and out of a shower, transporting the user to and from the bathroom. They’re used by people living with either temporary or permanent mobility impairments, providing comfortable, seated support for safer showering. They may be configured with four small casters, requiring an attendant to push, or designed with large rear tires that the user can push to self-propel.
There are many supportive tools and equipment that can help a person in a wheelchair take a shower safely and comfortably. In addition to using shower wheelchairs, grab bars can be installed at both seated and standing heights inside and outside of the shower to provide a secure handhold for pushing, steadying, and pulling during transfers and while showering. Wheelchair users can also transfer from their wheelchair to a stationary shower bench or use a bath lift. Some may opt for installing a curbless wheelchair-accessible shower with a low lip and a graded, slightly sloped floor that they can use with a shower wheelchair.
Most shower wheelchairs fall within a width range of 22 to 28 inches, with some models measuring up to 32 inches for their overall width. Seat width is not the same as overall width and will generally be slightly smaller in dimension by about 2-4 inches.
Although wheelchairs designed for the outdoors and some manual wheelchair models can get wet from time to time, most manufacturers do not recommend taking a shower with them. Shower wheelchairs are specifically designed for this purpose, made with corrosion-free materials and components that will not rust or break down with constant water contact.
Protecting yourself or a loved one from falling in the bathroom doesn’t require a complicated, expensive fix. While most slip and fall accidents happen in the bathroom, a recent JAMA Internal Medicine study found that many Americans living in their own homes could benefit from assistive bathing and toileting equipment, such as shower wheelchairs.
A shower wheelchair assists people of all ages living with mobility impairments to safely and comfortably take a shower, enhancing independence. Helping to overcome the challenges of limited mobility, shower wheelchairs come in a range of styles to transport users to and from the shower, allowing users to remain in the chair during the shower. They may also offer functionality as a portable, bedside commode and/or as an over-the-toilet safety frame.
We delved into the details of the best shower wheelchairs available in the market today, describing their various features and how they can benefit different needs. Combining this product knowledge with customer feedback from the real-life users of this equipment, we determined the Etac Clean Self-Propelled Wheelchair Shower/Commode Combo Chair as the best all-around choice for most users. Its award-winning 4-in-1 design provides convenient, versatile, and comfortable support for both showering and toileting, offering a wide range of options to build this chair to meet unique user support and positioning requirements.
Thank you for reading, and we invite you to browse our extensive Bathing & Toileting catalog, as well. Be sure to check out our other articles at Caregiver University, an educational resource for family caregivers where you can learn valuable information to help your loved ones.
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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