Buying a Bariatric Shower Chair

 Shower Seat Benefits, Shower Seat Features, Shower Seat Materials, Shower Seat Types  No Responses »
Feb 042011
 


The term “bariatric,” if you are not familiar with it, refers to weight. Simply put, a bariatric shower seat can hold more weight than the standard shower seat which typically can hold someone up to 250 pounds.

These heavy duty shower seats are available for people who weigh over 250 pounds up to about 900 pounds. These chairs are built to provide extra stability, allowing the larger person to enjoy the benefits of sitting while in the shower.

There are a number of factors to consider when you are about to buy one of these bariatric shower chairs. All bariatric chairs are not the same. By matching your individual needs with the considerations below you will be able to find a safe and comfortable chair.

The features you should consider are similar to the ones found in The Benefits and Features of Shower Seats.

  • Weight capacity
  • Construction and Materials
  • Dimensions
  • Seat height
  • Seat Legs
  • Backrests and Armrests
  • Cost

Weight capacity

The key feature to consider is, of course, how much weight the chair can hold. Chairs are available that can hold 350, 500, and even up to 900 pounds. This is the first thing to look for when buying a bariatric shower chair. A shower seat that is labeled “bariatric” or “heavy duty” should list its weight capacity. That’s the first thing you should look for.

And when you first get the chair, sit on it before you use it in the shower to be sure it’s stable and the seat legs do not bend in any way.

Construction and Materials

Drive Deluxe Bariatric Heavy Duty Bath Bench with Backrest

How the seat is put together will give you a clue about how sturdy it will be. Most bariatric shower chairs will have cross-braces going across the legs. This key feature is what helps the chair support the extra weight. If you have to assemble the chair yourself be certain these braces are tightly in place.

You need to consider what material the seats and legs are made of. You want the legs to be made of aluminum, rather than steel. Aluminum is less likely to bend and it will be more rust-resistant. The seats are usually made of vinyl or plastic which helps prohibit mildew.

Drive Heavy Duty Bariatric Bath Bench with Back

You also want to know the materials used to hold the chair together. Is it screws, rivets, or all plastic? Screws must be securely tightened. Rivets must be welded properly. And the PVC must be solidly glued together.

Other questions about the assembly of the chair include:

  • Does it have drain holes in the seat to let water through, reducing the chances for mildew?
  • Is the seat curved or straight? Which one will you feel more comfortable sitting on?
  • Does the seat come with other construction options you want such as handles in the seat or padding on the seat?

Dimensions

The size of the seat is important because each of us has a different shaped body. Check the width, length, and depth of the seat. You want the measurements to be large enough to accommodate your bottom.

I recommend actually measuring how much space your bottom takes up when sitting in a chair. Then check to make sure your shower seat is wide enough for those measurements. If you don’t fit comfortably on the shower chair there is a danger of you slipping off, even if it can hold your weight.

Seat height

This measurement can be important, especially if you are tall. You want your feet to rest comfortably on the shower floor when you are sitting in your seat. Otherwise you may be off balance.

While sitting in a comfortable chair, measure the dimension from the floor to where your bottom is on the chair. This is usually from 14 to 19 inches. Some shower chairs have seats that are adjustable. Make sure the seat can adjust to the height you need.

Chair Legs

You don’t want your shower chair slipping around in the shower. Make sure that the legs have rubber tips or suction cups on them to hold the chair in place when you’re using it in the shower.

Backrests and armrests

Some models are available with backs and some come with backs and arms. People find that having a back or back and arms provides added support, especially if you are overweight.

The back prevents you from leaning too far back in the seat and the arms can help you get into and out of the chair. Attached arms can limit the width of the seat, so if you do want arms, make sure the width of the chair will still accommodate your body.

Bariatric Chair Cost

A shower seat with bariatric support will typically cost a bit more than a standard shower chair. The additional cost is for the added bracing used on these type seats. But it is well worth it for the comfort and safety. Also, chairs with backs and arms will also cost more.

You can find these chairs online and in local pharmacies or large chain stores. Prices can vary a lot, so be sure you are comparing similar models with similar dimensions and features.

NOTE: Some overweight people use wheelchairs. For them, bariatric transfer benches are available. These transfer benches are long seats that provide extra support legs in the middle. You can then more easily move from your wheelchair to sit in your shower.

You can purchase bariatric shower chairs here:

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Using a Portable Tub for your Pet Bath

 Pet Bath, Shower Seat Benefits, Showerheads  1 Response »
Jan 212011
 


A portable pet tub is the opposite of a built in pet shower or standard tub. You take it out when you need it and store it when you don’t. So the main benefit of the portable tub is that it saves you space. But portability also means you can take it with you when you take your dog travelling. This is very convenient when the family is on vacation or even after a day at the beach when your dog is full of sand.

One type of portable dog bath has a collapsible frame that you lift up when you want to use it.


A different version is inflatable. You simply inflate the tub when you’re ready to use it. Both are lightweight and made of a soft material such as polyester.

One issue is that when using these tubs, they sit on the ground or floor. That means you will probably have to kneel down to wash your dog. That can be a pain for people with bad backs. You may want to consider a small stool or shower seat to sit on when giving you dog a bath.

Secondly, if your dog splashes, the water can easily spill over the side. That’s not a problem if you’re outside, but if you’re inside, you may end up with water all over your floor.

A different type of portable pet tub is the kind with legs. Basically, this is a small bathtub, with its own drainage hole, to which a hose can be attached to let the water out. Add a flexible shower head to a faucet and you’re ready to go.

These tubs are usually made of strong but lightweight polyethylene so it’s portable but your dog won’t break it. Some assembly is required to attach the legs. And you may want to get a ramp so larger dogs can more easily get into and out of the tub.

The big plus for this type portable tub is that with the legs attached it’s off the ground so you don’t have to bend over or kneel to wash your dog. Models typically also come with cushioned mats for the dog to stand on in the tub as well as restraints for holding the dog in place. Some models come with places to hold your dog shampoo and brushes.

On the other hand, the portable dog baths with legs don’t fold down so they will take up more storage space than the inflatable kind.

Whichever you choose, you will always be able to provide your dog with a bath to keep him or her clean – even when you travel.

For Your Pet Bath: Built in or Standard Tub?

 Pet Bath, Shower Seat Benefits, Showerheads  No Responses »
Jan 212011
 


It’s bath time for your dog. You can take your dog to the groomer, where they have large metal tubs for washing the pet. But if you want to do it yourself, you have at least three different choices for cleaning your pooch. There’s the built-in pet bath, the portable pet tub, and the regular bathtub. In this article we’ll look at the built in and standard tubs. Read Using a Portable Tub for your Pet Bath for details about the other type of dog bath.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/augie/219441870/sizes/m/in/photostream/

Built-in Pet Bath

A built-in pet bath, also called a pet shower, is a permanent fixture that has been specially constructed for the area where it is located. If you have the space and money, this pet shower option is actually the more preferred one, since it has numerous practical benefits that make it stand out from the rest.

Although it can cost the most, custom pet showers can be built with tiled walls and floors and a short lip for the entrance so your dog can easily step in and out. By choosing different types of tile, this pet shower can be a visually appealing addition to your home.

The height of the built in pet shower can also be predetermined, meaning you don’t have to build all the walls to the ceiling. You can make the side walls short enough so that you only have to do minimal bending when it’s time to bathe your pets. This planned shower height contributes to the comfort of your knees and back when it’s time to bathe your dog.

With a permanent built-in pet bath you won’t have to think about where you will be giving your dog its bath on a regular basis. You’ll be assured that on any given day, at any given time, you can have a pet tub that will always be there to help make your pets look hygienic and clean. What’s more, your pet will start thinking of the pet shower as its own space, meaning he or she will be less fearful of taking a bath.

Because they can be expensive to build, some people also use these as part of a mud room. If located near the rear of the house, the built-in shower can then also be used to wash off muddy boots and gardening tools. If you already have a mud room with a small shower area, a low cost solution would be to simply attach a flexible showerhead hose to the faucet to wash your dog.

Standard Tub

If however, you choose a regular bathtub for bathing your dog, you have to think about numerous considerations before you do so. You want the height of the tub to be comfortable so washing your dog is not a back breaking job. If you are short, or the side of the bathtub is high, you may want to get a small stool you can kneel on. You’ll be surprised at the strain this can take off your back from bending low into the tub.

Is the edge of the bathtub smooth or are there tracks for sliding shower doors? The tracks can make bending over the edge of the tub very uncomfortable. If this is the case, you may want to put a towel over the edge of the tub.

You should ensure you have a flexible showerhead. Traditional shower heads tend to be very rigid when it comes to the angle and the height that the water comes from. If you do not have a flexible shower head, you might have a hard time ensuring that you are hitting the right spots with water as you bathe your pet.

And make sure you can easily grab the sliding door or shower curtain for when your dog shakes himself off. This will help prevent you and the bathroom floor from getting wet.

Other items to use in a pet tub

Some people swear by tub restraints that hold your dog in place. This can be good for a frisky dog that might try to jump out of the tub right in the middle of his or her bath!

To prevent your dog from slipping around, you may want to use some kind of non-slip mat at the bottom of any tub you use.

Some people put a shower chair or shower seat in their tub. Your animal, especially if it’s large, can rest his or her front paws on the chair to let you reach under him or her. For a smaller dog you can put him or her on the chair so you don’t have to reach all the way down in the tub.

Finally, be sure any pet tub you use has a good drainage system – you’ll probably have a lot of pet hair floating around after you clean your dog off. Tub drain strainers are available to catch all that hair.

Summary

A standard tub and built in tub offer you a low and high end choice when it comes to bathing your pet.

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