A toilet seat riser (also called raised toilet seat) is an assistive device designed to elevate the height of a toilet bowl by attaching a riser or replacing the seat itself. The rise helps reduce the bend required at the knees and hips when sitting down and standing up from the toilet.
Typically, risers add 50–150 mm (about 2-6 inches) of extra height, depending on the model and user’s needs.
Why Use a Toilet Seat Riser? Health & Safety Benefits
Using a riser can have many real-world benefits, especially for people who are older, recovering from surgery, or who have reduced mobility:
Reduced Strain on Joints: Less bending at the knees or hips means less load on arthritic or recovering joints.
Better Safety / Fewer Falls: A higher seat makes sit-to-stand transitions easier and more stable, reducing risk of slipping.
More Independence: Users may need less assistance in toilet use, preserving dignity and increasing confidence.
Useful in Rehabilitation: After hip, knee or back surgery, or injury, toilet seat risers help meet medical advice to limit bending.
However, there are some trade-offs to be aware of (which we’ll cover later).
How Much Rise Do You Need?
Choosing the right height is key. Too low, and you won’t get the benefit. Too high, and your feet may dangle, causing instability. Some guidelines:
Measure Knee Height: from the floor to the underside of your kneecap while standing.
Measure the existing toilet seat (floor to top of bowl).
Calculate the Difference: that difference is roughly how much extra height you need in a toilet seat riser.
Also, check that your feet can rest flat on the floor when sitting, and that hips and knees are at about the same level. That improves stability and reduces strain.
Medical experts (occupational therapists, physiotherapists) are often helpful here, especially if the riser is for post-surgery recovery or chronic pain.
Possible Downsides / When a Riser May Not Be Ideal
For balanced decision-making, here are some less-often discussed points:
Reduced squatting angle: Some studies suggest that squatting posture (or more bent knee posture) helps with easier bowel movements. A very high riser might reduce that angle, which could contribute to constipation in some people.
Feet Dangling: If your feet don’t reach the floor, that can reduce stability and increase risk, rather than lower it.
Cost & Installation: More sophisticated models cost more; those with arms or adjustable parts need more care in fitting and maintenance.
Shared Bathrooms: A riser that’s perfect for one person may be too much (or too little) for another.
Related Aids: Toilet Stools, Bamboo Stools & Fold Away Stools
While toilet seat risers elevate the seat, there are other aids that may support bathroom health and posture. These can work in conjunction with a riser, or be alternatives depending on need.
Toilet Stools: These are small stools placed under your feet while using the toilet. Some models are designed to mimic a squatting posture (feet higher, knees above hips). They help align the digestive tract for easier elimination.
Bamboo Stools: A type of toilet stool often made from bamboo. They’re lightweight, stylish, eco-friendly, and easy to clean. A bamboo stool can be a natural option for people who want something that blends in, while still supporting posture.
Fold Away Stool: These are stools that can be folded and stored away when not in use. They’re helpful in tight bathrooms or shared facilities, offering flexibility.
If you have a riser, combining it with a toilet stool (or fold away stool) under your feet can greatly improve posture during bowel movements, lessen strain, and complement what a toilet seat riser does.
How to Choose the Right Toilet Seat Riser: Practical Tips in 2025
Here are steps to make sure you pick a riser that meets your real needs:
Assess who will use it. Is it for a single person recovering from surgery? Or for multiple people of different heights?
Measure toilet shape and size. Some toilets are round, others elongated; check if bracket/clamp styles match. Also check hinge spacing.
Think about safety features. Non-slip surfaces, locking brackets, arms/handles are big pluses.
Consider material & hygiene. Moulded plastic or antimicrobial surfaces are easier to clean. Padding must be water-resistant or removable.
Future flexibility. If mobility or strength may change (for example, during recovery), an adjustable height or modular design may be better.
Try if possible. Visiting a medical supply shop or showrooms, or trial-borrowing, can help you test comfort before permanent purchase.
Real-World Example
Case Study: After Hip Replacement
Sarah, aged 68, had a hip replacement. While recovering, bending her hip more than 90° caused pain. Her bathroom’s standard toilet seat was too low, making it difficult to sit and stand. Her physiotherapist recommended a toilet seat riser with arms.
Measurement showed existing toilet height from floor to bowl top was ~400 mm, her knee height was ~480 mm, so they needed ~80 mm rise.
She selected a fixed height riser with arms, raised by 80-100 mm, with secure brackets.
In addition, she used a fold away stool under her feet for bowel movements to mimic more squat posture.
Outcome: less pain, more confidence to use the bathroom independently.
Where Toilet Seat Risers Are Used / Legal & Availability in Australia
They are common in aged care homes, rehabilitation clinics, and private homes for seniors.
Medical supply stores - online and bricks-and-mortar - stock fixed and adjustable risers. For example, in Australia toilets seat risers are offered in 6 cm or 10 cm heights by certain brands. In some cases, devices may be covered or subsidised via NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) or private health aids, depending on your eligibility and medical advice.
Also Read:- Best Bathroom Tools for Remote Work Setups : Guide
Conclusion
Thinking about whether a toilet seat riser is right for you? Before making a decision, reflect on:
Your current comfort and pain when sitting down or standing up.
Whether your feet reach the floor comfortably when seated.
If joint pain, surgery, or mobility issues are affecting your bathroom safety.
Whether you’d benefit from combining a riser with a Squatty Potty Australia toilet stool, bamboo stool, or a fold away stool for posture.
If possible, try out some models, talk with a health professional (occupational therapist or physiotherapist), and measure carefully. Small adjustments like choosing the right rise or using a stool under your feet can make a big difference to comfort, safety, and independence.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only. We do not offer medical advice under any circumstances. A medical professional must be consulted for any advice, diagnosis, or treatment of health-related issues. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk. The author will not be held responsible for any misuse of this information. No guarantees are made either expressed or implied. If you need clarification on any information presented here, please seek medical advice before using any suggested product.
FAQs
Q. How high should a toilet seat riser be?
Ans. A riser should raise the seat so your feet rest flat on the floor, and your knees are roughly level with your hips when seated. Measure knee height, subtract current bowl height, and choose a riser close to that difference (typically 50-150 mm).
Q. Will a toilet seat riser help with knee or hip pain?
Ans. Yes. By reducing the angle your knee and hip need to bend, a riser can cut down strain on those joints. Especially helpful for arthritis, post-surgery recovery, or chronic pain.
Q. Can toilet seat risers affect bowel movement / constipation?
Ans. They can. Some people find that raising the seat reduces the squatting angle needed for easy bowel evacuation, which may contribute to constipation. Using a toilet stool or bamboo stool under the feet can help restore better posture.
Q. Are there safety risks with toilet seat risers?
Ans. If not chosen or fitted correctly, yes. Risks include slipping if brackets are loose, feet not touching the floor creating instability, or risers too high for certain users. Always ensure proper fit, stable materials, and secure mounting.
Q. How do toilet seat risers compare to toilet stools or fold away stools?
Ans. A riser primarily lifts your seating height. A stool under your feet improves posture (especially for bowel health). Bamboo stools are a type of stool that’s often stylish and natural in look; fold away stools offer portability and space saving. Many people use a riser and stool together for optimal benefit.