When replacing your bathroom’s toilet, the first thing you’ll need to decide is whether you would want a chair/standard height toilet or a comfort height toilet. Now, what’s the difference between chair height and comfort height toilet? The major difference is the height. Chair height toilets have a standard height while the comfort ones are 2 inches taller, making them slightly elevated seats.
The 2-inches difference might not seem to make a huge difference, but it actually does. The comfort height toilets are more comfortable for taller people as well as for people with mobility issues. Both the chair and comfort height toilets have their advantages and disadvantages, so you would need to choose one according to your personal need and preferences.
As far as the overall height is concerned, chair height toilets make it 15 to 16 inches from the ground level. While the comfort height measures 17 to 19 inches from the ground level. Comfort height toilets, with their advantages taking over a few disadvantages win the debate after all. But they may be a challenging choice for extra short people and kids.
Other than these two, there are Convenient Height Toilets available as well. Convenient Height Company is the master manufacturer behind these extra comfortable toilet seats which are 17 to 20 inches tall.
Is Comfortable Height the Same as Chair height?
No. Chair height toilets are the standard toilet seats that measure around 15 to 17 inches in height. While the comfortable toilets are usually 2 to 3 three inches taller than that. That is the main reason they’re called the ‘comfort height’ toilets.
For the features of each of these two, they’re mostly the same, except for the height. Some brands, such as Kohler (one of the top-rated brands for toilet manufacturing), actually manufacture some toilet models as ‘comfort height’ with the standard chair height. These comfort height toilets by Kohler measure around 17 inches. So, the term ‘comfort height’ could be brand-specific too in some cases.
Are Chair Height Toilets Better?
Chair height toilets are standard-sized toilets that are most suitable for everyone. They are the most common choice in residential areas as they fit most people’s needs. They are usually considered a better choice because the extra tall ones could be less comfortable for kids as well as short people.
Chair height toilets are a better choice and facilitate your functioning as well, due to their suitable height. So, yes. From many perspectives, chair height toilets are considered better but at the same time, some health experts claim that chair-like posture may prevent the natural functioning of your body or make it a bit less easy.
So, you’ll have to make a wise decision according to what you prefer.
How to Decide the Right Toilet Height for You?
It is important to know what makes a toilet the right one for you. There are certain factors that determine the right height and size of the toilet. The right toilet, other than having a suitable height, should have your feet resting conveniently on the floor while you’re sitting. To make an ideal choice, here’s what you need to consider.
- Your height
- Your physical fitness
- How you transfer on and off the unit
Toilet seats are usually 15 inches high on a standard toilet. It may be too low for a tall person. A 17 to 19-inch-high “comfort height” toilet or elevated toilet seats may be of interest to you.
If you are 5 feet 4 inches or shorter, a standard 15-inch model will be perfect for you. In order to avoid falling asleep on the toilet or experiencing discomfort, you should use a lower toilet. Toilet rails may be needed if you have difficulty standing up.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all handicapped restrooms meet certain requirements. As a result, everyone has comfortable access to the toilet.
Children have a much wider range of options. For kids aged 5 to 8, a toilet that is 12 to 15 inches wide is recommended. While 15 to 18-inch seats are suitable for teens and tweens.
Furthermore, the way the knees are positioned above the hips on a lower toilet is beneficial for individuals with bowel problems. Constipation is often alleviated by this lower height. You can also use step stools to raise your knees above your hips.
Standard Chair Height
Standard chair height toilets are recommended for people with average or short height. These toilets are low in profile and make the use easy and comfortable. These toilets measure between 15 to 17 inches and are called standard chair height toilets because they are the height of normal standard chairs, that we use for sitting.
These toilets are a bit higher than the old, traditional toilet seats and are ADA Compliant as well to meet the maximum needs of the majority of the users. Individuals who previously struggled to use bathroom fittings will find these sets more comfortable and convenient. It is for this reason that they are common in restrooms, commercial spaces, as well as other non-residential spaces.
Different companies label chair heights differently for marketing purposes. For example, Kohler calls a comfort height a chair height. But Toto calls this the universal height. There are also right-height toilets by American Standard (You may want to check out how to remove the American Standard toilet seat). In a nutshell, comfort height, universal height, and right height; actually mean the same thing.
Comfort Height
Comfort height toilets are for people who are taller or have mobility issues. Sitting down and standing up is easier with the taller seat. Rather than squat down and cock the knees out to the sides, the higher seat removes the discomfort and ensures maximum comfort. Taller people, seniors, and those suffering from knee or back pain would benefit from a comfortable height toilet.
The seat of a comfortable height toilet is between 17 and 19 inches high. Typically, this is the standard height, but some even stretch to 20 inches. Adding 4 or 5 inches to the toilet seat makes it easier for the user to sit down and get up when done.
The concept of a comfortable height toilet restores some dignity to some members of society since it enables them to maintain a certain level of independence.
Here’s a video we’d recommend you watch.
Comparison
| Chair Height | Comfort Height | |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement | 15 to 17 inches | 16 to 19 inches |
| Suitability | Suitable for everyone | Best suitable for taller people and people with mobility issues |
| Cost | More expensive than comfort height toilets | Less expensive |
| Ideal for | Commercial, non-residential toilets | Residential toilets, guest rooms, |
| Advantages |
|
|
| Disadvantages | Uncomfortable for taller and elderly people | Might be less comfortable for kids and short people |
PROS AND CONS
Chair Height Toilet
Comfort Height Toilet
Chair Height Vs Comfort Height – FAQs
Our Verdict
While purchasing a toilet, you must be clear about what toilet height you need that would suit you perfectly in every possible way. If you’re somebody with an average height, you don’t need to go for comfort height toilets necessarily, unless you feel uncomfortable on a low-profile toilet.
Whereas if you’re tall and your legs feel uncomfortable on your toilet, you definitely need a comfortable height toilet. That’s because they are specially designed for taller people to make their legs rest comfortably while they use the toilet. Furthermore, if your current toilet makes it difficult for you to sit or stand up because you have mobility issues, then comfort height toilets are the right choice for you!
