A bedside commode sits beside the bed for indoor toileting, while a shower commode is waterproof and wheeled for use in wet areas. Those are the core differences, but the right choice comes down to where and how you actually need support.
In this article
- What each commode is designed for
- Choosing the right commode for your situation
- Price, features, and our recommendation
What each commode is designed for
Both types of commode chair serve the same core purpose: giving you a safe, accessible place to toilet without the risk of a long walk or a wet floor. What sets them apart is where they are built to be used.
What makes a bedside commode different
A bedside commode is designed for dry indoor use, most commonly placed beside the bed or in the bedroom. It looks and functions like a sturdy chair with a padded seat, armrests, and a removable bucket underneath. Most models are lightweight, foldable, and height-adjustable to suit different users.
Because they are not built to get wet, bedside commodes often have padded fabric or upholstered components. They are quieter, more discreet in a bedroom setting, and some styles are designed to blend in with home furniture rather than looking like a piece of hospital equipment. If the main challenge is the distance between the bed and the bathroom, a bedside commode is generally the right starting point.
What makes a shower commode different
A shower commode is fully waterproof and built to be used in wet areas, including the shower recess. They typically feature rust-resistant aluminium or stainless steel frames, open-back or sling-style seats for washing access, and castors (wheels) so a carer can manoeuvre the chair in and out of the bathroom with ease.
Shower commodes can also be positioned over a standard toilet, which makes them a versatile choice when toilet access is the main concern but shower support is also needed. They are a common choice in home care and aged care settings where one piece of equipment needs to cover both bathing and toileting.
The 3-in-1 option: when one commode does both
Some commodes are described as "3-in-1" because they can be used beside the bed, over the toilet, or as a shower chair. These are usually shower commodes with additional features rather than standard bedside models, and they work well when you want one solution that handles multiple scenarios.
If you are setting up a home for the first time and are unsure which situation will arise most often, a 3-in-1 shower commode gives you the most flexibility. Just keep in mind that they are slightly heavier and less discreet in a bedroom than a dedicated bedside model.
Choosing the right commode for your situation
Once you understand the design difference, the decision usually comes down to three practical questions about your situation.
If your main concern is getting to the toilet at night
If someone is waking at night and struggling to make it to the bathroom safely, a bedside commode is the most practical answer. It eliminates the walk entirely, reduces the risk of falls in low-light conditions, and can be stored discreetly beside the bed during the day.
For this situation, look for a model with a padded seat, height-adjustable legs, and a sturdy frame with a weight capacity that suits the user. A folding design is useful if space is limited during the day.
If you need support in the shower or wet areas
If the main concern is bathing safely, or if a carer is providing personal care in the shower, a shower commode is the right choice. The waterproof construction, open back, and castors make it purpose-built for wet environments where a standard bedside commode would be damaged and potentially unsafe.
Shower commodes with locking castors offer extra security when the chair needs to stay still. Attendant-propelled models, which have larger rear wheels, suit situations where a carer is doing most of the movement. If the person using the chair has some upper body strength and independence, a self-propelled model may offer more freedom.
What to consider about your bathroom layout
Before choosing a shower commode, measure your bathroom doorways and shower recess. The commode needs to fit through the door and turn within the wet area. Most standard shower commodes are between 58 cm and 70 cm wide, so a narrow doorway or small shower base can limit your options.
If your shower is a small cubicle rather than an open wet area, a fold-up shower seat or a compact shower stool may serve you better than a full commode chair. Our team is always happy to help you figure out which option fits your specific setup.
Price, features, and our recommendation
| Feature | Bedside Commode | Shower Commode |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | No | Yes |
| Wheeled | Usually no | Yes |
| Use over toilet | Some models | Yes |
| Use in shower recess | No | Yes |
| Blends into bedroom | Yes (many styles) | Less so |
| Typical price range (AUD) | $80 to $250 | $200 to $700+ |
| NDIS or Home Care fundable | Often yes | Often yes |
Key takeaways
- Choose a bedside commode if the main need is safe overnight toileting or reducing distance to a bathroom in a dry indoor setting.
- Choose a shower commode if you need support in wet areas, if a carer is assisting with bathing and toileting, or if you want a single chair that covers both needs.
- A 3-in-1 shower commode is the most flexible option when circumstances are likely to change, or when one piece of equipment needs to cover multiple scenarios.
- Both types are commonly funded through NDIS and Home Care Packages. If you are using a funding programme, speak with your coordinator before purchasing.
Bedside commodes are generally the more affordable starting point, and for many people at home they are all that is needed. If the situation involves showering assistance, limited mobility, or carer involvement in personal care routines, a shower commode is worth the additional investment.
Browse our full range of bedside commodes and shower commodes to find the right fit for your home. If you are not sure which suits your situation, contact our team and we will help you work it out.