The Best Shower Chairs of 2023

Shower chairs can be a lifesaving purchase—literally. For anyone struggling with mobility issues, flexibility, or dexterity, getting in and out of the shower or tub can be a complicated, frustrating ordeal. Consider the additional hazards of slippery floors, stray towels, and possibly a large step to get in and out of the tub, and you could be looking at the makings of a very serious fall, which can be especially dangerous for seniors, who may have a harder time recovering.

Whether you’re seeking the best shower chair for a narrow tub with a small step, a double-wide roll-in shower, a traditional tub, or a spacious walk-in tub, there is one for you. We especially love the HydroSlide Sliding Bath Chair (available at Amazon) , since it is extremely comfortable and its sliding nature allows users to safely slide their body into the tub instead of having to take a large step while twisting their body toward the shower.

When choosing a shower chair, it is important to pick one that allows for a safe, seamless shower at home. In this review, we’ve rounded up five of the best shower chairs to support this experience. Based on personal use and customer reviews alike, these are the best shower chairs for your money.

Editor's Note: The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.

What you should know about shower chairs

As mobility becomes a struggle thanks to age or disability, using the tub or shower can require some assistance. Shower chairs are designed to make entering the bathtub less treacherous while reducing the risk of falls. The chair attaches to the tub and swivels, so the user can sit on it from outside the tub and lift their legs over the side as the chair turns to face them toward the tub's spout. Some can be reversed, if that works better.

Many shower chairs have cutouts that allow for cleaning in ways that the solid seats won't. Peri-care capabilities are a major consideration to think through before your shower chair purchase.

When choosing a bathing chair, consider how much weight you’ll need it to support, whether you’ll be using it in the tub or shower (or both), if you might want it to double as a commode, and if you need it to be small and foldable for storage or travel.

If the chair will be used by someone with visual or cognitive impairments, you may want to consider getting a chair that is a bright color, like blue, that can be more easily distinguished from its surroundings.

Does Medicare cover shower chairs?

Even though shower chairs can cost a decent amount for buyers on a budget, they are not covered under a traditional Medicare Part B plan. In the rare case they may be covered as Durable Medical Equipment, the chair must meet the following criteria:

• Used inside your home
• Used repeatedly
• Expected to last for at least three years
• Necessary for a specific medical condition

Given these stringent requirements, a concrete need for a shower chair can be a challenge to justify, but you can still attempt the process by having your doctor write a valid prescription for the item. If approved, you’ll work with Medicare to find an applicable supplier.

Shower chairs are far more likely to be covered under a private Medicare Advantage plan, which includes Medicare Part C, but most folks on standard Medicare probably won’t have much luck getting coverage for shower chairs.

Where can I buy shower chairs?

As detailed above, shower chairs can be purchased from a wide variety of retailers. We’re partial to larger all-encompassing shops like Amazon or Walmart, but local drug stores and medical supply sellers are also likely to have a basic selection of shower chairs if you need something simpler than what we’ve listed here.

Especially when leveraging the endless list of suppliers on the internet, it shouldn’t be difficult to find a shower chair that works for you. This list should ease some of the heavy lifting in making an appropriate selection, but, as always, take care to pay attention to customer reviews and the advice of professionals before committing to a single choice. After all, safety should always be a top priority when navigating damp surfaces.

How to use a shower chair

Provided you’re using a simple chair and not something unique like the HydroSlide, there are a few best practice tips to consider when trying a shower chair for the first time.

• Check for wobbling: When placing the shower chair, it should be on the flattest possible surface with no wobbling whatsoever. Some like to place non-slip shower mats both inside and outside the shower, but this should only be done if the bathing area is clearly wide enough to support it. Otherwise, the mat may just curl up and get in the way.
• Start by placing the chair facing the shower knobs, as this is what most people will likely prefer.
• When adjusting the chair, make sure the user can feel the back of the chair at around knee height.
• To sit, simply grab the back of the chair and slowly lower yourself. Many shower chairs have handholds on the sides, so use those to their fullest.
• For bathing, it may help to take advantage of a handheld shower head or long-handle sponge to maximize reach as you clean.
• When getting up, just turn to face the outside of the shower, scoot to the edge of the chair, and use handholds, a caretaker, or an exceptionally strong wall for support.
  

Installing a grab bar near where the shower chair will likely be used is optimal as well. In which case, you may want to consult our list of best grab bars.

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