Taking a shower or bath is something you enjoy every day. It helps you feel fresh and relaxed. However, this task is a bit tough and painful for big guys who want to spend an extended period of time in the shower. For this reason, a heavy-weight person needs a heavy-duty shower chair for a safe shower.
There are several reasons why people use shower chairs when showering every day. But for a plus-size person, standing in a shower for long can be challenging. The safest shower chair will help them with hygiene issues and make them more independent.
However, finding the best heavy-duty shower chair can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve made your buying journey easier. Here’s everything you need to know about high weight capacity shower chairs.
Types of Bath Chairs for Big People
Platform Bath Chair
This seat comes with a square or rectangular design with legs. It is the most versatile and cheap type of bath seat. If you’re looking for a wide seat that does not feature a back, arms, or other additions, this is an excellent choice.
These chairs are lightweight and easy to store. However, if you need more comfort and support, this may not be perfect for you.
Platform with Arm/Back
This is an advanced platform bath seat and is what many people think of when looking for a bath bench. The inclusion of arms and/or a back on a shower chair for heavy people helps you lean back, especially if you have a back issue.
While a back has several advantages, the inclusion of arms brings some drawbacks. Firstly, they can slow down your motion in the shower making it more challenging to wash, and for a plus-size guy, they reduce the seat’s width, making it hard to fit.
Slider/Swivel Transfer Bench
If you have problems entering the tub or shower due to mobility issues, this chair with a swivel is a good bet. Although the seats are a bit expensive, they are safe to enter and exit a tub or shower.
Wall/Tub Mounted
If you’re looking for the most sturdy shower chair, this is a good option for both tubs and showers. Wall-mounted chairs can hold 500 lbs or more, depending on the model. These chairs come with options like footrests, back, and armrests. The main disadvantage of these chairs is that they need installation, which may be a pain to the average person.
Related: Best Oversized Bath Towels
FAQs
How Much Weight Can the Shower Seat Take?
Weight is a crucial consideration when it comes to a plus-size person. An ideal shower seat should handle at least 250 lbs. However, if you’re looking for a heavy-duty, you should consider a wider chair that can take 500 lbs or more.
Are the Materials of Bath Chair Sturdy?
Shower seats are in the water most of the time. Therefore, you need to look for a chair with rust-resistant materials so that it does not get worthless after a few uses. Also, look for legs that are slip-resistant to reduce the chances of accidents in the shower.
Heavy Duty Shower Chair Buying Guide
Before you invest your hard-earned cash in a heavy-duty shower chair, it’s crucial to know everything about it. Knowing what to look for in a chair will help you determine the type of chair that suits your needs. Here’s what you need to know about shower chairs.
Weight Capacity
This factor is very crucial, especially for heavy-weight guys. Shower chairs come in a variety of sizes to cater for the needs of various users. The weight capacity of these chairs ranges between 250 pounds up to 500 pounds or more. For guys with lighter bodies, a standard shower commode will offer enough stability. However, heavy-weight guys will need a bariatric model.
Back and Armrest
The armrest and backrest are crucial in all shower chairs for users who have limited back balance and strength. The armrest makes them comfortable and allows smooth transfer and repositioning. You can go for a contoured design for extra comfort.
Construction
Shower chairs are constructed from various materials. Some chairs are built with plastic materials, while others feature aluminum construction. Aluminum chairs are a bit expensive, while plastic models are relatively cheap. If you’re looking for a chair with a firm and sturdy sitting surface, look for one with a more snug material.
Height Adjustment
Since users have different heights and the floors are uneven, look for a shower chair with an adjustable height feature. This feature helps you to modify the seat according to your needs.
Size
Most shower chairs are designed to fit properly in a standard shower. However, showers vary in size. For small shower rooms, a compact chair is a good choice. For standard-size bathrooms, bariatric size chairs will fit well.
Ensure you have the bathroom’s measurements before buying a shower chair, as this will help you get a product that fits in your shower’s dimensions.
Design: Upright or Recumbent?
Many people prefer a chair that comes with sturdy back support. Plus-size guys may find a recumbent option effective since it comes with reclining backrests and rising leg rests.
Padded Seat
If you have sensitive skin or have discomfort sitting on firm surfaces, go for a shower chair with a padded seat. However, if you don’t find one with a padded seat, you can buy a waterproof shower cushion.
Related: Best High Capacity Bathroom Scale
Best Heavy Duty Shower Chair Reviews
Carousel Sliding Transfer Bench with Swivel Seat. Premium PADDED Bath and Shower Chair
If you’re looking for the perfect bathroom aid for heavy-weight guys, this is a good bet. This shower chair is highly recommended by nurses, physiotherapists, and doctors. It is very convenient for the users and others who don’t use the chair but need some bathroom space.
The Carousel Sliding Transfer Bench with Swivel Seat comes with padded armrests that can be lowered or raised for convenience. It has additional psychological and physical support that prevents falls and slips. It also comes with a padded back, seat, and armrests that are easy to clean and disinfect.
Features
- Polyurethane padding
- 360-degree swiveling seat
- Padded armrests
- Height adjustable legs
Pros
- Comfortable and safe to use
- Height adjustable
- Provides support against falls and slips
- Smooth and effortless sliding
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- The seat may fail to lock into position
OasisSpace Heavy Duty Shower Chair – 500lb
The OasisSpace Heavy Duty Shower Chair – 500lb helps reduce the uneasiness and stress from the fear of falling while in the shower. This sturdy chair comes with a free shower handle that can be easily attached and detached. It has handlebars that keep you safe in a slippery or wet place.
With the contoured seat and backrest, you’re assured of a fun moment in your shower. It has ergonomically positioned drain holes that reduce sliding or slipping on pooled water. This shower chair comes with a detachable cushion that’s comfortable and easy to clean.
Features
- Detachable cushion
- 1.45mm Anodized aluminum
- Drain holes
- 18″Lx11″ W seat dimension
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Non-slip rubber tips
- Soft padded seat
- Sturdy and perfect size for heavy-weight guys
- Heavy-duty construction
Cons
- It might need a little force to assemble
Moen DN7105 Home Care 33-Inch W x 18-Inch D – 400lbs
Are you looking for a comfortable shower chair designed with stability in mind? Look no further! The Moen DN7105 Home Care 33-Inch W x 18-Inch D – 400lbs can support up to 400 pounds and fits several shower and tub sizes thanks to its adjustable height. It has a non-slip surface that offers comfort and stability when in the shower. It also has a basket organizer that gives you a convenient place to store bathing essentials and toiletries.
This shower chair comes with a support handle that allows the safe transfer and provides additional stability. It is easy to assemble and can be set in left-facing and right-facing orientations.
Features
- High-density polyurethane
- Support handle
- Aluminum legs
Pros
- Non-slip seat
- Backed by a limited lifetime warranty
- Height adjustable
- Comfortable and stable
Cons
- The wide legs that extend outside the shower make it hard to keep water inside the shower
NOVA Medical Products Heavy Duty Shower & Bath Chair with Back – 500 lb
This shower chair has a perfect combination of comfort, sturdiness, and affordability. This ergonomically curved seat not only allows water to drain efficiently but also keeps you comfy. It comes with a handle on both sides that give you stability when you sit and stand.
The NOVA Medical Products Heavy Duty Shower & Bath Chair with Back – 500 lb comes with an easy snap-together design that can be put together and taken apart easily and doesn’t need any tools.
Features
- Snap-together design
- 500 lbs weight capacity
- 20″ wide seat
- Rust-free aluminum frame
- Rubber tips
Pros
- Very affordable
- Strong and stable
- Wide seat
- Easy assembly
Cons
- Poor customer service response
OasisSpace Tub Transfer Bench 500lb
The OasisSpace Tub Transfer Bench 500lb is designed to withstand a heavy-weight capacity of up to 500 pounds. It is equipped with two lateral poles designed to support heavy-weight guys. It comes with four poles that make the shower bench stable, steady, and safe.
Features
- 1.45mm 7 series Anodized aluminum
- 10 height setting
- Reversible backrest
- 16″x27″ dimensions
Pros
- Non-slip suction cups
- Heavy-duty construction
- Capable of holding up to 500 pounds
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Not made for a tub
- No assembly instructions in the box
- Poor customer service
Conclusion
Showering can be tricky for those who are on the heavy side. To alleviate this issue and give plus-size guys a fun showering experience, you need a heavy-duty shower chair. This will help you to get in and out of the bathtub safely.
If you need the best heavy duty shower chair, this guide will help you pick the right shower chair that is durable and sturdy.