When choosing a shower chair you really need to plan in advance.

Not only do you need to make sure a certain model would be a good fit for the user, but also consider bathroom space.

Apart from that, your main priorities should be safety, comfort, and practicality.

From my experience working with the elderly, here are my preferred shower chairs available online.

Best Shower Chair

Platinum Health Shower Chair

If you’re looking for a great quality shower chair that is also safe and adjustable, the first item on our list has it all.

The aluminum frame is durable and will hold users up to 310 lbs. It is also rust-proof and comes with a lifetime warranty.

We really like the light blue color, as it helps people see it better and is especially helpful for dementia users.

This is a step up from the standard gray-colored shower chairs that tend to melt with the background.

Safe & Comfortable

Also, the padding on the seat, arm-rest, and backrest make it very safe and comfortable for the user, and some elderly people decide to sit in it even when they’re not in the shower.

The weight-bearing armrests will allow the user to push themselves as they get out, so if you need some assistance to use the shower, this might give you your independence back.

The armrests can also be removed if necessary.

The backrest is made of soft foam that doesn’t collect water, and the seat has a groove that will allow water to flow off.

Height Adjustable

The best part of the comfortable shower chair is the height-adjustable legs. The higher position is especially helpful for the elderly that have knee or hip issues since they won’t need to bend as much.

The seat width is 16’’ and the total chair width with armrests is 22’’.

Assembly is super-easy since everything snaps into place, and it literally takes a few minutes to set it up.

The only downside we could detect is the price range which is a bit higher than other shower chairs on the market, but as the customers often say, you pay for quality, comfort, and peace of mind.

What We Like

• Safety and comfort.
• Adjustability.
• Durability.

What We Don’t Like

• High price range

Most Comfortable Seat

Moen Home Care Premium Adjustable Shower Chair

The Moen shower chair comes with an attractive design and an appealing mesh seat that allows the water to flow through.

It was made with ergonomics in mind, featuring a curved seat that is very comfortable. The backrest is curved as well allowing the user to safely lean back.

The width of the legs is 18” and the total width with armrests is 22’’. So if you have a standard 20’’ bathtub this might be a tight fit.

What customers are saying

Most customers that got the Moen shower chair use it in a walk-in shower, an adapted bathtub, or as a substitute for a dining chair.

Some customers have struggled with assembly since the screws don’t seem to line up properly. The trick is to insert them all just a little bit, and then tighten them all up. This way you’ll have it ready in 5 minutes.What We Like

• Attractive design.
• Ergonomic seat and backrest.
• Strong and durable.

What We Don’t Like

• Tricky assembly.

Most Sturdy Option

MOBB Premium Bathroom Swivel Shower Chair

The MOBB shower chair comes with a 360-degree swivel that can be locked at 90 degree turns with the help of a release pin.

This option has proved to be very helpful, allowing the user to get in and out of the bath-tub with ease.

The frame was made of light aluminum that is surprisingly sturdy and will hold users up to 300 lbs of weight. The width of the seat is 16’’ and the width of the legs is 19’’.

The size of the chair would be ok for a standard tub, but the swivel option requires a larger tub or a walk-in shower.

Comfort & Safety

The seat, backrest, and armrests are padded for comfort and safety while transferring the user, making sure they won’t slip when using the MOBB.

The seat has drainage holes, so the water can simply flow through. Just like the first item on our list, the MOBB also gives you the option to adjust the height of the legs depending on your personal needs.

The only downside to the MOBB is the size of the seat, as it is not really wide.

So before ordering it, make sure you measure the user’s thighs at the widest point because once you open it, you won’t be able to return it.

What We Like

• The swivel option is a life-saver.
• Lightweight but sturdy.
• Easy to assemble.

What We Don’t Like

• Seat is on the narrow side

Best Sliding Bath Chair

Medline Tub Transfer Bench

The Medline tub transfer bench was made with an antimicrobial surface that prevents bacterial growth.

The seat is long and comes out of the tub to help the user get in and out with ease.

Its legs can be adjusted for height with the help of a push-button, and the position of the backrest can be switched to allow both left and right-side transfers.

Design & Comfort

The seat is not padded, but it does have drainage holes.

There will be some shower leakage on the side that sticks out, but customers have solved this by cutting slits in their shower curtain and sliding it between the outer and middle seat panel.

There are non-slip suction cups for added safety. The makers of this product intended it for people that have undergone knee or hip surgery, but also for people with arthritis.

Judging by user experience anyone that has limited mobility could benefit from this bench.

Just like the MOBB, the transfer bench doesn’t require tools to be assembled. The only thing to be mindful of is that it will not work with tubs that have glass doors, or tubs higher than 21.5’’.

What We Like

• Safe and convenient.
• Easy to clean.
• Easy to set-up.

What We Don’t Like

• Water leakage outside could cause a slip hazard.
• No instructions included in the package.

For Bath & Shower

Duro-Med Tub Transfer Bench & Sliding Shower Chair

The makers of the Duro-med transfer & slide shower chair specialize in mobility products and have created a truly helpful item that will fit most bathtubs.

The entire length of this product is 39’’, and the seat size is 19’’. You get one armrest that can be positioned on either side of the frame to make it left or right-sided.

Comfort & Safety

The Duro-med works by placing the user outside of the bathtub and then sliding them inside.

We really like the safety belt that is created to prevent the user from slipping and injury, as well as the seat lock that keeps the user stable and safe once inside the shower.

You also get a pelvic cut-out on the seat that will be extremely helpful for some users.

Placement

There are two considerations we need to mention: Your bathtub floor and bathroom floor should be the same height, and your tub shouldn’t be over 19’5’’ in order to use this product.

The good news is, unlike the Medline transfer bench, you won’t have to deal with splashes of water on the floor with this one.

What We Like

• Sliding feature.
• Safety belt.
• Pelvic cut-out.

What We Don’t Like

• Sizing limitations/won’t fit most bath-tubs.

Choosing A Chair

Quality

You don’t buy a shower chair every day, so make sure that the one you choose is made of high-grade materials that are durable and safe.

Seat comfort

Most people will need to use the shower every day, so choosing a comfortable seat is crucial for the user.

Good quality ergonomic seats will have padding or contoured shape. Make sure the seat has drainage holes to let the water flow through.

The size of the seat is also extremely important for the user. A seat that’s too narrow could cause discomfort and skin irritation. A seat that’s too wide might cause the user to slip.

Arm & backrests

Most shower chairs on the market will have arm & backrests that are padded, adding to the safety and comfort of the user.

Also, make sure you choose a sturdy shower chair that will hold the user if they lean back.

Some shower chairs have removable arm & backrests so they can be used for a variety of situations.

Adjustability

If you’re worried about the correct height of the chair, go for adjustable legs that can be extended.

Once you place the user on the shower chair their feet should be flat on the tub floor and the knees bent at a 90-degree angle.

However, some users prefer a higher position so they won’t need to bend their knees as much, and it makes it easier to get out of the chair. This is why adjustability is important.

Weight capacity

Choosing the right weight capacity is extremely important both for caregivers and users with mobility difficulties. This is why we included this feature for each of the items on our list.

Size

Understanding the correct sizing of the product will prevent having to return it as soon as you get it.

Make sure you know the sizing of your bathtub and how it corresponds with the sizing of the shower chair.

In most cases, user dissatisfaction is connected to not having enough space to place the chair inside the tub, or choosing a seat that’s too wide for the bathtub.

Some chairs can’t be used with glass panels, or in the case of transfer chairs, you’ll need to make sure your bathroom floor is the same height as the tub floor.

Other Recommended Seats

NOVA Shower & Bath Chair

The NOVA shower & bath chair is good for users that have a high level of mobility. It is sturdy and will hold up to 300 lbs of weight.

The chair is also lightweight allowing it to be transported with ease.

The armrests are padded which is nice, but the seat isn’t, so be careful when using soap under the shower, it might become slippery.

Adjustability

The armrests and backrest can be removed if necessary. The legs are 19.75’’ wide and can be adjusted for height.

The seat is 15.75’’ but since the armrests are positioned at an angle, you actually get at least 18’’ of seat width. You won’t need tools to assemble the NOVA shower chair.

Medline Heavy Duty Shower Chair

The Medline shower chair was made with the heavier user in mind. It holds up to 550 lbs of weight but doesn’t have armrests or a backrest.

It comes with two grip openings on the sides that would allow the user to be more stable under the shower. This would also mean they would need assistance with the showerhead.

The seat is 20’’ wide which is the widest on our list. The legs have rubber tips to avoid chair movement in the shower.

HydroGlyde Heavy Duty Sliding Transfer Bench

The HydroGlyde transfer bench is very similar to the Duro-med chair on our list. The frame is made of aluminum and won’t rust. The length of this product is 38’’, and the seat is 16’’ wide.

The HydroGlyde helps the user slide into the tub with little effort and it has a heavyweight capacity of 420 lbs. The legs can be extended if you choose the optional leg extension kit.

Visibility

Just like other Platinum health products, it sports a deep blue color that is very visible for the user. The cut-out seat is very helpful with reaching the pelvic area.

One thing that was a bit confusing is that the product description states you’ll be able to return it if opened, but some users received the package with a note that  says:

“Once you open this product you won’t be able to return it.”

Medline Elements Shower Chair With Back & Arms

The Medline shower chair is highly adjustable, making it a good choice for a variety of users.

Height-adjustable legs are a standard feature for most shower chairs but the Elements shower chair gives you the option to also adjust the seat and backrest height with push buttons and knobs.

Design & Comfort

The frame is made of aluminum and will hold up to 350 lbs of weight. The seat is contoured and comfortable and it includes drainage holes that allow water to flow through it.

It is also extra wide giving you 18.1’’ of seat space. The widest point is 19.2’’ and fits most tubs.

The Medline brand is well-known for its Microban protection imbedded in the plastic that prevents bacteria growth, thus eliminating odor, mold, and mildew.

Assembly

You won’t need tools to assemble this product, but it does require some effort since there are many parts in the box (27 to be precise) and not very clear instructions.

If you get stuck call customer service at 1-800-MEDLINE and they will send you a great instructional video.