Commodes

Commodes are chairs which also double as non-plumbed toilets.

Like a standard toilet, they have a central aperture beneath the seat where a portable pan or bucket is positioned.

This needs to be manually emptied and cleaned after use.

They are typically used when travelling to and from the bathroom is difficult, usually for health reasons.

Static commodes - these are stationary versions, not designed to be mobile or regularly moved.

Mobile commodes - these have wheels and can be easily moved from room to room.

There are various kinds of mobile commode, details below.

Folding commodes - these fold-up when not in use, making them easy to both store and transport.

Discreet ‘furniture style’ commodes - these typically have a wood or upholstered finish.

They are designed to discreetly blend in with your home decor.

Shower-commode chairs - these have two functions: as a wheelchair which can access wet environments and a mobile commode.

Those who either temporarily or permanently have limited mobility, and find it hard to get to and from the toilet.

This may be because of a disability, chronic illness, or recovery after injury or surgery.

If someone’s bathroom is upstairs and they’re finding staircases inaccessible, a commode may come in handy on the ground floor.

Mobile commodes are widely available.

These are easy to wheel from room to room and can be positioned next to a bed, for example.

Most models are designed to be pushed by a second person, but there are some available which may be self-propelled by the user themselves.

Many commodes are designed with this extra purpose in mind.

They are generally made with non-corrosive materials, so can be wheeled into wet environments if that is required.

Some models can be wheeled directly over toilet pedestals.

Yes, these models have large rear wheels, allowing the user to control the chair in the usual way.

These wheelchairs are ideal for wet rooms and allow the user to position themselves under the shower when necessary.

Yes, upholstered wooden commodes are common.

They have attractive designs and don’t stand out in bedrooms.

Some people need to travel with a commode if they know access to a toilet may be difficult at their destination.

A lightweight folding commode is ideal for this situation.

After removing the pan, this style of commode collapses almost flat, reducing its size to fit comfortably in the boot of a car.

Yes, there are some models which have a flushing system built in.

They can be used multiple times before needing emptying.