What’s the Best Toilet Height for all types of people?
We are going to explain different types of toilet and their usage.
27/09/2019
Looking for a toilet these days serves you with so many options. It is easy to get confused while choosing among all these types. However, staying true to your needs always help you get the right one. Today, we are going to explain different types of toilets and their usage.
Toilet For Tall People
Most toilets come with a standard height that is 15 to 16 inches. These toilets serve the purpose as long as you have an average height and do not have any bowel problems. For taller people, the tall toilet is a must-have. It comes with 17 to 19 inches of height that makes tall people comfortably stretch their legs without applying pressure to the knees.
Toilets For Shorter People
Those who have average heights such as 5 feet 4 inches or so prefer a standard height toilet. These toilets comprise 15 to 16 inches of height and so they feel right for shorter people. This way, they can rest their feet on the floor and let them do the business.
If You Are A Wheelchair User
If you are a person who uses a wheelchair or if any of your family members use a wheelchair then it needs a specific toilet. These toilets come with the same height of the wheelchair plus with a supporting system that lets them slide between the wheelchair and the toilet.
Ada Height Toilets
There is a term called ADA toilets or the Americans with Disabilities Act toilets. These toilets are specifically made for individuals with disabilities. As every ADA toilet does not suit every individual with a disability, you need to choose the height as per the individual who is going to use it.
Here are the different heights that suit the different age group
Adults
17—19
inches
Child Age 3 & 4
11—12 inches
Child Age 5-8
12—15 inches
Child
Age 9-15
15—18 inches
Toiler For Persons With Bowel Problems
People suffering from constipation can get benefit from the toilets that allow them for squatting position. In squat-like form, your hips fall below your knees and that allows easy movement of the bowel. Hence, toilets that come with shorter height will benefit the people having constipation. For added comfort, you can always use a step stool.
So, What Is The Right Toilet To Choose?
To determine if a particular height is ideal or not, you first need to observe how easily you can sit and get off along with if your feet are in a comfortable position. To get the right toilet, it is always best to tell the salesperson about your specific requirements and let him show you the pieces accordingly. You can always take a try before finalizing one.
Another way is observing the sitting and getting up position and get an idea about the height accordingly. People sit down and stand up in different ways:
The normal or the standard sitting and standing up is instant that a person performs independently.
A disabled person uses a lateral sliding transfer in which he slides from the wheelchair to get on the seat using a support mechanism.
The mechanical lift such as the Hoyer-style lift uses a mechanism to lift the patient from the bad and transfer him on the wheelchair.
Based on the type of sitting system, you should purchase for a toilet!
Making Measurements For All Three Options
When you prefer a standing transfer or a normal sitting and getting off position, take your measurement for the best toilet height. Measure from the crease of your knee to the floor with your shoes on or off and this is the minimum height you should prefer. Make sure you are sitting down on a chair during this measurement.
To determine the maximum height you can endure, keep something on the chair such as your textbooks one by one. Now, when you are sitting comfortably while still touching your feet to the ground, this should be the maximum height of the toilet.
If you are someone who needs the lateral sliding transfer, prefer a toilet having the same height as the wheelchair and you should be fine.
Someone who needs a mechanical lift should go for a toilet height that allows forming a 90-degree posture being the upper legs horizontal and the lower ones vertical. Again, this needs a measurement where you measure from the crease at the back of the knee to the floor. This noted height would be the most comfortable position!
Also, you can choose a toilet that is a few inches lower than the taken measurement as it would allow a more-squat like position and that would ease things for the person.
So this is how you can go for the right toilet height every time without having any difficulty once you have taken measurement of the person who is going to use the toilet.