Best Shower Transfer Benches

The Best Shower Transfer Benches: Different Models

Transfer benches often come in different shapes and sizes, as well as different varieties. For example, some transfer shower benches slide or even pivot to help a person get in and out of the bathtub. They all serve the same basic function: to help an elderly or handicapped person achieve safe access to their shower. Of course, they are also useful for those who are recovering from surgery and suffer from problems like chronic pain and limited mobility due to physical ailments as well. This guide is intended to help you find the right transfer bench to suit your individual needs.

The Best Bathtub Transfer Bench

There are some key features that are worth considering when choosing the right type of transfer bench. These are:

Easily Graspable Handles

If you are looking to purchase the best bath transfer bench for your needs, one of the most important considerations to keep in mind is which side of the bathtub the handles will be on. Which side the handle is on is a fact that can influence assembly. The best transfer benches on the market have handles that can be installed on either side of the model, to eliminate this concern.

Sliding or Stationary Seat

Some of the best shower transfer benches available have a sliding seat which offers premium quality transfers in and out of the bathtub. This feature allows them to easily get in and out of the tub without having to manually scoot along the bathtub. These models were constructed with comfort in mind. The sliding seat will prevent the skin from becoming sheared or pulled due to friction between the seat and the skin. Essentially, these seats are designed to mitigate skin problems due to use or from particular medical conditions. This is achieved through the seamless transfer made possible by the seat.

Heavy-Duty Aluminum Frame for Support

While some transfer benches have PVC plastic as a part of the base, almost all of the best-rated bath transfer benches have very sturdy medical-grade aluminum legs that can easily bear between 300 and 550 pounds. Weight capacity is a critical factor to consider when looking for a transfer bench. Failure to comply with the specified weight capacity on a medical transfer bench can lead to physical injury, bending or breaking of the shower chair itself, or even buckling of the aluminum legs & metal frame. This can be very dangerous.

Cushioned vs. Not Cushioned

This is a common question that many people consider when they are purchasing their transfer bench. While this option does not determine whether a transfer bench is the absolute best transfer bench, it’s important to know whether someone needs a padded transfer bench or not. There are pros and cons to both cushioned transfer bench seats and those which are generally made of harder plastic material. Benefits of using a cushioned transfer bench include the following: Many people find them to be more comfortable, and they reduce friction between the person’s body and the seat, thereby reducing the likelihood of shearing (when the skin gets pulled). Some people claim that the non-cushioned benches are more comfortable, and easier to clean, as well. When choosing the best shower transfer bench for one’s needs, it is important to decide what makes sense for you; cushioned, or non-cushioned. 

What Makes the Best Shower Transfer Bench Safe?

Transfer benches are made primarily with safety and security in mind. Almost all of the best tub transfer benches feature a backrest, and many of them also come with a handle. These transfer benches are designed to provide the user with something supportive to hold onto or to lean against when accessing the bathtub or shower. Some transfer benches even feature foldable backs that can be placed on either side of the bench itself. This enables access from any direction.

Height Adjustment

Height adjustability is another crucial feature that will make your shower transfer bench be the safest possible, and the best for your needs. Adjustability ensures a level placement which can prevent tip-overs and falls. By adjusting the legs properly, the transfer bench can be made level, reducing the possibility of the unit tipping over.

Rubber Feet

Rubber feet also add to the safety of the sliding bench, and since many of the frames are a consistent size, many replacement feet are available. Rubber feet allow for the transfer bench to be used on many surfaces, as the feet will keep the bench steadily gripped to the floor. The feet also help to reduce slipping both in and out of the tub.

Texture of the Seat

Whether a seat is textured or not depends partially on the material, although most of the best bathtub transfer benches on the market generally have seats with surfaces that are meant to minimize the risk of slipping. The texture of a seat also serves to provide comfort, and can make it easier to clean the seat.

If you’re looking for the best transfer bench, check out AvaCare Medical now to find your best options at great prices. We take phone orders and online orders, accept most major credit cards, and we even accept PayPal. Simply add the items you need to your cart, click the Checkout button, and then enter your information. It’s that simple! If you do have any questions, not to worry - you can always email us after business hours, or give us a call during our business hours at 1-877-813-7799, and one of our customer support representatives will be happy to assist you!

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