Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Purchasing a Power Toilet Lift

If you are looking at getting a power toilet lift, make sure you avoid these common mistakes before buying. Here are the 5 things you need to look out for if you want a reliable lift that is customized for your needs.
 

Mistake 1 – Getting a Lift That Doesn’t Raise You All the Way Up

If your lift doesn’t raise you to a fully standing position, it’s not the right lift for you. The goal of a lift is to eliminate strain on the muscles you use to sit and stand, so if you still need to engage those muscles to stand, you aren’t gaining much advantage with the lift. The lifting height should be equal to your inseam measurement to ensure proper function. If the lifting height is less than your inseam measurement, you should look for a lift that goes higher or ask about height extenders. See Figure 1 for a comparison of lifting heights of popular models.
 

Mistake 2 – Getting a Lift That’s Too High

If you are a shorter individual, you will need a shorter lift, or your feet will come off the ground when the lift is fully raised. You will need to look for a lift that has a low seating height and should ask a company representative what is appropriate given your height. See Figure 1 for seating height comparisons.
 

Mistake 3 – Getting a Lift That’s Too Steep

Seat tilt is a nice feature in lifts, as it helps to more closely mimic the natural sit-to-stand motion. If the seat is too steep, however, it can cause you to feel like you’re going to slide off the bottom of the lift and lead to muscle strain and skin tears. Your lift should not have an angle greater than 20°. See Figure 1 for seat angle comparisons.
 

Figure 1

Mistake 4 – Getting a Lift That’s Too Slow

If you get a lift that takes too long to lower you onto the toilet, you are more likely to have an accident. A lift that takes too long to raise can cause unnecessary strain on leg muscles. You should look for a lift that has a quick raise/lower time to minimize accidents and muscular strain. See Figure 1 for rise time comparisons.
 

Mistake 5 – Not Doing Your Research on the Lift Manufacturer

Many people only compare product features and pricing, without also looking at the company who makes the equipment. The company is as important as the product, especially for medical equipment that you will be using multiple times a day for many years. You need to be sure they have a reliable customer service team that can answer questions and troubleshoot problems. Look for companies that are highly rated (and have a lot of ratings).

Here is a handy guide to help you avoid these common mistakes and choose a lift that won’t let you down.

For a deeper dive into lift features and why they are important, click here.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.