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If you’re unsure which type of toilet is best for your needs, you’re in the right place! We’re going to run through a detailed head-to-head on comfort height vs standard height toilets. They’re both popular types of toilets in today’s market and are both made for different people.
Firstly, we’ll run through the difference of the comfort height and standard height toilets, then run the pros and cons of each.
Quick Summary: Comfort Height vs Standard Height Toilets
A standard height toilet has a rim or seat that is around 14 to 16 inches high. It can accommodate most people comfortably and is ideal for small and average-height adults, teenagers, and kids.
Comfort height toilets range between 17 to 19 inches; it’s measured from the floor to the top of the seat. This height is compliant with the American Disability Act (ADA) law.
In general, a comfort-height toilet will be more comfortable for taller people who are over 5’9″.
Overview: Comfort Height Toilets
Technically, comfort height is a brand-specific term for a chair height toilet made by Kohler. Other names for it include universal/right height or ADA compliant toilets. They are also commonly known as chair height toilets because the height is similar to a chair.
Comfort height toilets typically range between 17 to 19 inches, this is measured between the top of the seat and the floor. The height is compliant with the American Disability Act (ADA) law.
The additional height means that people don’t need to bend as far down; this is ideal for the elderly and people who have difficulties bending down because of injuries or ailments. It can also be beneficial for taller people, allowing them to maintain a good posture.
Pros
- Good for Taller People – A comfortable height toilet is a similar fit to the standard height toilet. It’s a good size that can allow a natural bend and good posture.
- Prevents Back Pain – Comfort height toilets can help prevent back pain and discomfort that you might experience from sitting on a shorter seat. Also, if your knees hurt from bending over the toilet, a comfort-height seat is what you need to eliminate these aches and pains.
- Better for Seniors or Disabled – These toilets are the best for seniors, disabled people, and wheelchair users as they allow them to sit upright without needing to hunch over.
- Easy to Sit and Stand – Thanks to the increased height, it’s easier to sit on and stand up from a comfort height toilet.
- Less Expensive – It is also good to know that the average comfort height toilet is less expensive than a standard toilet and can save you money in the long run.
- Great Choice for Restrooms and Commercial Places – As comfort height toilets are ADA approved, it makes them an excellent choice for public restrooms and restaurants.
Cons
- Not Suitable for Kids or Short People – The additional height can leave kids fit dangling which can lead to reduced blood circulation. This can be an issue for children with bad blood circulation or low blood pressure.
- Heavy – Comfort height toilets are typically heavier than standard height toilets. They can typically weigh up to 15% more.
- Increased Chances of Constipation – The higher seat position can be straining due to the lesser natural body position.
Overview: Standard Height Toilets
Standard height toilets are 14 to 16 inches high. It’s excellent for people of average height and below because it leaves your hip position at a less than 90° angle. This angle is optimal for efficient bowel movements and can help with constipation.
Pros
- Better Sitting Position – The standard height toilet seat is excellent for the natural position of bowel movements.
- Ideal for Kids and Shorter People – Kids don’t need a ladder or step chair, and people of average height find it easier to use a standard height toilet.
- Great for that Experience Constipation – Because the toilet is lower, it provides your hips at a better angle for efficient bowel movements.
- Lighter – Standard height toilets are lighter in weight than comfort height toilets.
Cons
- Less Comfortable for Tall People – If you’re tall, a standard height toilet may make it difficult to sit up straight. This bad posture can lead to back pain and discomfort.
- User-unfriendly for Seniors, Wheelchair Users, and Disabled – Standard height toilets are not ADA-compliant and can be challenging to be used by disabled or wheelchair users.
- More Expensive – Standard height toilets cost more than comfort and chair height toilets.
- Difficult to Sit and Stand – Some users, significantly taller people, may find it challenging to sit and stand on a standard height toilet.
Comfort vs Standard Height Toilet: Which one is right for you?
It may be hard to decide which toilet is most fitting for your household, and it can depend on where you plan on installing it. Here are the main points on our comfort height vs standard height toilet that will help you decided.
1. Best Use
If you plan on installing a toilet into your guest bathroom, then a comfort height is your best bet. You can also get a footstool if you plan on having young guests too. This way, you’ll have a toilet that can fit everyone’s needs.
Moreover, comfort height toilets are ADA-compliant making them the best choice for commercial and public uses.
2. Height
Comfort height toilets are best for the elderly, taller people, and people with injuries or aliments affecting their joints. Standard height toilets are excellent for kids, teenagers, and your average height and below adults. It gives their hips a more optimal angle for efficient bowel movement.
3. Bowel Movements
An optimal hip position allows for more efficient bowel movement. Standard height toilets allow users a less than 90-degree hip position which promotes a natural posture.
Conversely, a comfort height toilet can disrupt this natural posture. It can lead to unfinished bowel movements or even constipation.
4. Design & Appearance
Both the comfort and standard height toilets have very similar designs. Nowadays, they are both popular choices and made by most of the biggest toilet brands. The only real difference is the slight height difference.
5. Installation & Cost
The installation is the same with both the comfort height and standard height toilet. Even though the comfort height toilet is slightly bigger, it’s typically cheaper; this may be due to more mass production because of its ADA compliance.
FAQ
Yes, you can easily replace a comfort height toilet with a standard one. Other than two to three inches height difference, they are similar in all the other ways.
The toilet seat height is the distance between the floor and the top of the toilet bowl. Whilst the toilet bowl is the distance between the floor and the toilet bowl rim.
Final Words
To sum up the comfort height vs standard height toilet, comfort height toilets are excellent choices for the elderly, taller people, and people with joint injuries or ailments. While the standard height toilet is perfect for average and short adults, teenagers, and children.
Comfort height toilets provide more comfort and less stress on your joints. In comparison, standard height toilets give a more natural seating position for more efficient bowel movements.
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