Shower Chair, Shower Stool or Tub Transfer Bench? How to Choose

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Sitting down to bathe can make showers safer and much less tiring. The trick is choosing the right kind of seat for your body and your bathroom.

The three main types

Shower stool

A stool is a small seat with no back and no arms. It takes up little space, which helps in small showers. It works best for people with good sitting balance who just need to rest their legs.

Shower chair

A shower chair has a backrest, and many also have armrests. The back helps you sit steady, and the arms give you something to push on when standing up. This is a good pick for people who tire easily or feel unsteady.

Tub transfer bench

A transfer bench is long. Two legs sit inside the tub and two sit outside on the bathroom floor. You sit down on the outside part, then slide across into the tub, lifting your legs over the side. You never have to step over the tub wall. For many people, that is the riskiest part of bathing.

Tub or walk-in shower?

Walk-in shower: A stool or shower chair usually works well. Check the floor space so the seat fits with room for your feet. If your shower has a curb, make sure you can step over it safely.

Bathtub: If you can step in and out safely, a chair or stool inside the tub may be enough. If climbing over the side is hard or scary, a transfer bench is often the better choice. Pair it with a shower curtain, not glass doors. Benches do not work with most fixed glass doors.

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How to measure

For a bathtub

• Inside width of the tub floor: The legs inside the tub need to sit flat on the bottom, not on the curved sides.
• Height of the tub wall: Measure from the bathroom floor to the top of the tub side. A transfer bench must clear this.
• Floor space outside the tub: A transfer bench needs room for its outside legs and for you to sit down safely.

For a walk-in shower

• Measure the shower floor width and depth.
• Check where the drain is so the chair does not block it.
• Note any curb height you need to step over.

For the person

Seat height matters. When seated, feet should rest flat on the floor with knees at about a right angle. Measure from the floor to the back of the knee while sitting on a regular chair. Choose a seat that adjusts to that height.

Features to look for

Adjustable legs

Most shower seats have legs that adjust in steps. This lets you set the right seat height. It also helps level the seat on a sloped shower floor. Make sure every leg is locked at the same setting, or set as needed to keep the seat level, before use.

Rubber tips

Non-slip rubber feet keep the seat from sliding on wet surfaces. Check them often. Replace worn or cracked tips right away.

Drainage

Seats with holes or slots let water drain away. This keeps you from sitting in a puddle and helps the seat dry faster, which cuts down on mold.

Backrest and arms

A backrest adds stability while you wash. Arms help with sitting down and standing up. Some arms flip up or come off, which helps with side transfers.

Weight capacity

Every seat lists a maximum weight. Pick one well above the user's weight. Heavy-duty and bariatric models have wider seats and stronger frames.

Padded seats

A padded seat can be more comfortable for people who are thin or sit for a long time. Make sure the padding is waterproof and easy to clean.

Cut-out seats

A seat with a U-shaped or round opening makes it easier to wash private areas while seated. Some people find this very helpful for personal hygiene.

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Pair your seat with these

• A handheld shower head: It lets you rinse while seated and control where the water goes. This is one of the most helpful upgrades you can make.
• Grab bars: Install them into wall studs near the seat, so you have something solid to hold when sitting and standing. Towel bars and suction-cup bars are not safe for support.
• A non-slip mat inside and outside the tub or shower.
• A long-handled sponge to reach your feet and back without bending.

For a full room-by-room list, see our bathroom safety checklist. If getting on and off the toilet is also hard, read our raised toilet seat guide.

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Does Medicare cover shower chairs?

Original Medicare generally does not cover bath or shower chairs or tub transfer benches. They are usually seen as comfort or convenience items rather than durable medical equipment. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra benefits, so check with your plan. Learn more in our guide: Does Medicare cover home medical equipment?

Frequently asked questions