Raised Toilet Seats vs. Comfort Height Toilets: The Ultimate Guide (2026)

The “Knee Test”: Why Your Toilet Might Be Too Low

It is a problem rarely discussed, but millions of people in the UK struggle with it every day. You sit down on the toilet, and when you try to stand up, your knees ache, your hips lock, or you have to grab the sink for support.

Standard UK toilets are typically 400mm (16 inches) high. For many elderly people or those with Arthritis, this is simply too low. It forces your knees above your hips, making standing up a strenuous “squat” movement.

At EA Mobility, we believe your bathroom should support you, not strain you.
To solve this, you have two main options:

1. The Quick Fix: A plastic Raised Toilet Seat.

2. The Permanent Solution: A ceramic Comfort Height Toilet.

Here is our honest comparison to help you decide which is right for your home.

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Option 1: The Raised Toilet Seat (The Quick Fix)

What is it? A plastic “ring” or riser that clamps onto your existing toilet bowl, adding 2 to 6 inches of height.

The Pros:

• Cost: Very cheap (£30 – £80).

• Speed: Can be fitted in 5 minutes without a plumber.

• Temporary: Good for recovering from a hip operation where you only need it for a few months.

The Cons (The YMYL Warning):

• Hygiene Risk: This is the big one. Plastic risers have clamps and crevices that are difficult to clean. They can trap urine and bacteria, leading to odours.

• Stability: If not tightened perfectly, they can wobble or slip, which is dangerous for someone with balance issues.

• Aesthetics: Let’s be honest—they look clinical. They instantly make a bathroom look like a hospital ward.

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Option 2: The Comfort Height Toilet (The Professional Solution)

What is it? A complete ceramic toilet that looks exactly like a standard modern toilet, but the porcelain pan is moulded 50mm–70mm taller (approx 460mm-480mm total height).

The Pros:

• Safety: It is rock solid. No wobbling, no slips.

• Hygiene: It cleans exactly like a normal toilet. No hidden plastic gaps for germs.

• Dignity: It looks like a stylish, high-end bathroom fixture. Guests won’t even notice it is an “accessible” toilet—they will just find it comfortable.

• Future-Proofing: It is a permanent upgrade to your home.

The Cons:

• Cost: Requires purchasing a new toilet (£200–£500) and installation by a plumber.

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Comparison: Which Should You Choose?

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The “90-Degree Rule”: What Height Do You Need?

How do you know if a toilet is the right height? Occupational Therapists use the 90-Degree Rule.

1. Sit on a chair (or your current toilet).

2. Your feet should be flat on the floor.

3. Check your knees.

   • If your knees are higher than your hips, the toilet is too low (Hard to stand up).

   • If your knees are lower than your hips, the toilet is too high (Can cause circulation issues).

   • The Goal: Your hips and knees should be at a 90-degree angle (or hips slightly higher).

Comfort Height Toilets usually sit at 460mm–480mm, which is the “Goldilocks” height for the average adult.

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The Next Level: Wash & Dry Toilets

If you are upgrading your toilet because of arthritis or mobility issues, have you considered wiping?
Twisting to wipe is often just as painful as standing up.

A Wash & Dry Toilet (Smart Toilet) combines a “Comfort Height” pan with a warm water spray that cleans you automatically.

• Read our full guide: Wash & Dry Toilets: The Ultimate Guide to Independence.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get a Comfort Height toilet in a modern style?
A: Yes. They come in “Back to Wall” or “Close Coupled” modern designs. You don’t have to have an old-fashioned toilet to get the height benefits.

Q: Are raised toilet seats safe?
A: They are safe if fitted correctly and checked weekly. However, for long-term use, a ceramic Comfort Height toilet is significantly safer as it cannot work loose.

Q: Can I get VAT Relief on a toilet?
A: Generally, standard sanitaryware (like a toilet) is not VAT exempt unless it is a specific specialist aid (like a Wash & Dry toilet) or part of a larger bathroom adaptation for a disability. We can advise you on this during a survey.

Q: Does a high toilet help with constipation?
A: Actually, a lower squatting position is biologically better for bowel movements. However, if you cannot stand up from a low toilet, safety comes first. We recommend using a small footstool while seated to raise your knees for “voiding,” then kicking it away to stand up safely.

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Upgrade Your Comfort Today

Don’t struggle every time you visit the bathroom. Whether you need a simple height upgrade or a full accessible bathroom redesign, we can help.

Book a Free Home Assessment
Our surveyors can measure your optimal seating height and recommend the perfect toilet for your knees and your home.