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Comfort Height Vs Standard Toilet – Positives and Negatives

Comfort Height Vs Standard Toilet
Written by Kai Michel
Last Update: August 10, 2023

Do you really need a comfort height toilet or a regular toilet will suffice? Since you’re here, this means you’re looking for the answer.

Read on and you will find exactly what you were looking for.

What is Comfort Height Toilet: Positives and Negatives

Positives Negatives
1. ADA-compliant height 1. Loss of circulation might occur if feet dangle
2. Great for the handicapped and the elderly 2. Not suitable for constipation, might aggravate the problem instead
3. Easy to sit and stand from 3. Children and people with short stature won’t find them comfortable

What is Standard toilet: Positives and Negatives

Positives Negatives
1. Comfortable for shorter individuals and children 1. Difficult for adults to sit down and get up from
2. Facilitates squatting position. Ideal for constipated people 2. Puts greater pressure on lower back and joints
3. Can fit in tight spots 3. Not compliant with ADA height

Comfort Height vs Standard Toilets – Their Major Differences

Chair height Regular height
Other names: Universal Height (Toto), Right Height (American standard), ADA-compliant height, Comfort Height Standard Height
Height of toilet (without seat): 16’’ to 18’’ 14’’ to 15’’
Toilet height with seat: 17’’ to 19’’ 15’’ to 16’’
Suitable for: Tall people, elderly, disabled, and others Children and short people
For constipation problems: Not so good Great
Cost: Less costly Slightly more costly

1. Height

The height for comfort height toilets matches ADA-friendly toilet heights. Usually, it is 17’’ to 19” (or a bit more) in height, which is equivalent to a regular chair’s height

Standard height toilets on the other hand are usually around 15”(from the floor). The correct heighted toilet for you is determined by your family members heights and their physical needs.

2. Use

The comfort height toilets will be an excellent choice for individuals such as the seniors or handicapped who may face difficulty to stand up from a position that is low.

On the contrary, standard toilets will be a more convenient option for children or people of small stature. Pain in the legs or a numb feeling in legs could result if feet hang instead of touching the floor.

3. Constipation problems

For evacuating the bowel completely, people who face constipation problems will find the standard seats ideal. This is due to the fact that bowel movements are facilitated when the body is in a squat position; i.e., the hips have to be lower than the knees.

This position even helps in the prevention of hemorrhoids. An additional step stool helps mimic that position.

Chair height toilets do not facilitate the squat position due to being taller in height, making them difficult to use for people with constipation problems.

4. Installation

There isn’t much of a difference between the installation of the two toilets. They provide the best performance when professionals install them. The connection between the bowl and the tank must be fixed tightly and securely.

Apart from that, the toilet’s flapper and the flush valve must function correctly. It is also essential to ensure that the water connections are not leaking.

5. Cost

The price of comfort height toilets ranges between $150 to $300 dollars whereas for standard heights the range generally stretches from $200 to $400. It’s not uncommon to find toilets under $100 but you can be sure that they won’t last long.

Those comfort height toilet units from renowned brands manufacturing like American Standard, Toto and Kohler cost between $250 to $300. The ones from brands like Drake, American Standard and Toto who produce the highest-selling toilets could cost over $400.

6. Appearance

Both chair height and regular height toilets usually are available in a wide array of designs and colors. For someone who is enthusiastic about ‘bathroom aesthetics’, this is good news for them. White and beige are the most popular colors of toilet bowls since they add a significantly good value when homes are up for resale.

You can choose between a one piece or two piece design. Designs of the two-piece toilets are usually less pricey and utterly traditional. On the other hand, one pieces are easier to clean and possess a look that is far sleek-looking.

7. Mechanism

The mechanisms inside may also differ for either heighted toilets. The commonly found mechanisms in them are the older gravity flush or the pressure-assisted flushing systems. If required, a bidet function ality can also be added.

Which one to get?

You can definitely go for comfort height toilets for tall and physically challenged users as long as there are no kids or short people. But don’t forget to pick a bowl that is elongated for more comfort since the shape naturally fits the human body in comparison to a bowl that is round in shape.

FAQs

1. How high are comfort height toilets?

Ans. Compared to the regular 15-inch toilets, comfort/chair height toilets come at an increased height of 17’’ to 19.’’

2. What is the best toilet for the elderly?

Ans. Comfort height toilets will be excellent for the elderly since it’s usually difficult for them to sit and stand up from the shorter standard height toilets. American Standard, TOTO, Convenient Height, Drake, and a few other brands have quality comfort height toilets for seniors.

3. Are comfort height toilets more expensive?

Ans. Comfort height toilets cost slightly less expensive than standard height toilets. The price of comfort height toilets ranges between $150 to $300 dollars whereas the regular units cost $200 to $400.

About the author

Kai Michel

Hello, this is Kai, addressing homeowners in need of some help with their home renovation projects. I’ve worked on numerous toilet repair projects over the years that incorporated a wide variety of tasks, from repair to renovation and maintenance. Besides acquiring a degree on the legal codes and procedures, I gathered vast insights into bathroom settings, toilets, showers, fittings, and other household appliances, fixtures, and components. This helps me guide my clients through their home improvement and interior development plans. Since maintenance is my area of expertise, I can assist people in all phases of the actual ‘improvement’ process. To get my messages even further, I contribute to this site through my blog posts. Check my content here for expert suggestions!

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