6 Best Bathtub Lifts for Elderly [2023]

 

The Mangar Bathing Cushion is an inflatable cushion controlled by the user to raise and lower them in the bathtub. This pneumatic lifting cushion makes transitioning in and out of the tub much easier and safer, allowing more frequent therapeutic warm or hot baths for those with limited mobility. This device requires some upper body stability for user safety. It supports up to 336 pounds, the second-highest of the top six lifts. It is the only bath lift that enables the user to go approximately to the very bottom of the tub. The next closest top six competitor goes down to 2.3 inches above the bottom of the tub. This bath cushion is the most comfortable option of the top six. It is the most recognized bath lift among occupational therapists and is the first portable bath lift, invented in 1981.² A 2-year warranty comes standard with extended warranty options. Click the following link to see more information about the Mangar Bath Cushion and how it compares with other top Mangar products.

 

Performance

• Weight Capacity: 336 Pounds
• Adjustable Height Range (From Tub Bottom): ~0 to 16.25 Inches
• Max Reclining Angle: Restricted Only by the Tub
• Floating/Waterproof Hand Controller: Yes
• Power Source: Battery
• Noise Level (dBA): Not Disclosed by Manufacturer

Portability & Storage

• Weight: 22 Pounds
• Folding: No
• Locks in Folded Position:Not Disclosed by Manufacturer

Dependability

• Manufacturer: Mangar
• Country of Manufacture: United Kingdom
• Conformity: BS EN 60601-1-6:2010 and A1:2015. BS EN 60601-1:2006 and A12:2014. BS EN 60601-1-11:2015. BS EN 62366-1:2015. BS EN ISO 10535:2006 (Clause 10)
• Warranty (Cushion & Motor): 2 Years

 

 

The Bellavita Bath Chair Lift offers a quick-release set of suction cups that anchors the chair to the bathtub. This folding lift locks when folded for safe carrying and easy storage. The Bellavita automatically reclines up to 50° to allow the user more access to tub water and additional comfort when soaking. The hand controller is waterproof and floats for smoother access and ease of use. It is lightweight at only 20.5 pounds, allowing for easy installation and removal for other tub users. The device may remain permanently in the tub if desired. The Bellavita Bath Lift supports up to 300 pounds. It comes with a 3-year warranty and conforms with ISO 10535 and 60601-1 guidelines.

 

Performance

• Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
• Adjustable Height Range (From Tub Bottom): 2.3 to 18.8 Inches
• Max Reclining Angle: 50 Degrees
• Floating/Waterproof Hand Controller: Yes
• Power Source: Battery
• Noise Level (dBA): Not Disclosed by Manufacturer

Portability & Storage

• Weight: 20.5 Pounds
• Folding: Yes
• Locks in Folded Position: Yes

Dependability

• Manufacturer: Drive Medical
• Country of Manufacture: Germany
• Conformity: DIN EN ISO 10535:2006 and DIN EN 60601-1:1996
• Warranty (Frame & Motor): 3 Years

 

The Aquatec is the only top-six bath lift made in the United States. It comes with a 3-year warranty and conforms with ISO 10535 guidelines. Weighing 26 pounds, the Aquatec has the highest weight of the products in this study but installation and removal are easy to manage. The device operates from battery power and has a floating hand controller. Aquatec, manufactured by Invacare, comes in four separate models: Aquatec R White, Aquatec R Blue, Aquatec SRB Special Reclining Backrest with Support Laterals, and the Heavy-Duty Aquatec XL with support for up to 375 pounds. The first three lifts support up to 300 pounds. All four models recline to a maximum of 40°. Invacare is the only manufacturer that reveals the noise of their product while operating. For the Aquatec, the sound level is 52 decibels.

 

Performance

• Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
• Adjustable Height Range (From Tub Bottom): 2.5 to 17 Inches
• Max Reclining Angle: 40 Degrees
• Floating/Waterproof Hand Controller: Yes
• Power Source: Battery
• Noise Level (dBA): 52

Portability & Storage

• Weight: 26 Pounds
• Folding: Yes
• Locks in Folded Position: Not Disclosed by Manufacturer

Dependability

• Manufacturer: Invacare
• Country of Manufacture: USA
• Conformity: EN ISO 10535
• Warranty (Frame & Motor): 3 Years

 

The Whisper Ultra Quiet design provides a universal fit for standard bathtubs. It installs without tools and comes with quick-release anti-slip suction cups for easy installs and removals. A padded seat and backrest make the bathing experience more comfortable. The adjustable height ranges from 2.3 to 18 inches, and the maximum reclining is 50°. Drive Medical manufactures the Whisper Ultra Quiet in Germany. The device weighs 20.5 pounds, making it simple to install and remove. When the platform folds, a locking feature secures the device for moving from one location to another and for storage. Although its name suggests it has quiet operation, none of the marketing materials from the manufacturer nor a call to them was able to uncover the actual noise output. The Drive Medical Whisper Ultra Quiet comes with a 1-year warranty, the shortest warranty among the top six.

 

Performance

• Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
• Adjustable Height Range (From Tub Bottom): 2.3 to 18 Inches
• Max Reclining Angle: 50 Degrees
• Floating/Waterproof Hand Controller: Yes
• Power Source: Battery
• Noise Level (dBA): Not Disclosed by Manufacturer

Portability & Storage

• Weight: 20.5 Pounds
• Folding: Yes
• Locks in Folded Position: Yes

Dependability

• Manufacturer: Drive Medical
• Country of Manufacture: Germany
• Conformity: CE 93/42/EEC Class 1
• Warranty (Frame & Motor): 1 Year

 

The Archimedes Bath Lift is a rigid seat that provides lift and slow descents from and into the bathtub for the user. It is the best bath lift chair-type device, but because of the inflexible structure, storage will need plenty of room. The Archimedes operates off of battery power. There is no reclining function, offering more legroom than the other devices in the top six. Quick-release suction cups on both sides provide stability while in use. Weighing 22 pounds, the Archimedes meets portability requirements but is somewhat cumbersome for storage with the rigid seat. Folding side flaps help with user stability and with ingress and egress. The waterproof ratings for this device are IP67 for the hand controller and IP 50 for the battery charger. The warranty is for two years against manufacturer defects in material and workmanship.

 

Performance

• Weight Capacity: 364 Pounds
• Adjustable Height Range (From Tub Bottom): 2.5 to 17 Inches
• Max Reclining Angle: Fixed
• Floating/Waterproof Hand Controller: Yes
• Power Source: Battery
• Noise Level (dBA): Not Disclosed by Manufacturer

Portability & Storage

• Weight: 22 Pounds
• Folding: No
• Locks in Folded Position: Not Disclosed by Manufacturer

Dependability

• Manufacturer: Mangar
• Country of Manufacture: United Kingdom
• Conformity: 
• Warranty (Frame & Motor): 2 Years

 

The design of the Surfer Bather is to support the bathing of children. It helps children weighing up to 112 pounds with a maximum height of 4 feet, 5 inches. This bathing platform has an adjustable height from 2.5 to 17 inches above the tub bottom. The backrest declines to a maximum angle of 70° to provide more comfort and exposure to the bath. It comes with a waterproof hand controller that lowers and raises the platform. Side rails and a leg strap help keep the child secure. The product comes with a 2-year warranty that can upgrade for extended warranties of 1, 3, or 5 years.

 

Performance

• Weight Capacity: 112 Pounds
• Adjustable Height Range (From Tub Bottom): 2.5 to 17 Inches
• Max Reclining Angle: 70 Degrees
• Floating/Waterproof Hand Controller: Yes
• Power Source: Battery
• Noise Level (dBA): Not Disclosed by Manufacturer

Portability & Storage

• Weight (lbs.): 21
• Folding: Not Disclosed by Manufacturer
• Locks in Folded Position: Not Disclosed by Manufacturer

Dependability

• Manufacturer: Mangar
• Country of Manufacture: United Kingdom
• Conformity: BS EN 60601-1-6:2010 and A1:2015. BS EN 60601-1:2006 and A12:2014. BS EN 60601-1-11:2015. BS EN 62366-1:2015. BS EN ISO 10535:2006 (Clause 10)
• Warranty (Frame & Motor): 2 Years

The comparison factors listed below determine the ratings of the products. Information for comparisons came from public information on manufacturers' websites, user manuals, a phone calls to the manufacturer. "Not Disclosed by Manufacturer" indicates that the manufacturer did not disclose the information in the product breakdowns and comparison charts.

Performance

• Weight Capacity – more is best.
• Adjustable Height Range – the lowest and highest height from the tub bottom offer the most effortless transitions and best soaking opportunities.
• Max Reclining Angle – having a lower reclining angle allows greater comfort and more exposure to the water in the tub.
• Hand Controller – should be waterproof and floating.
• Lifting Mechanism – two types of mechanism are in the top six: mechanical and pneumatic.
• Noise – the lower the noise, the better.

Portability & Storage

• Weight – less is best.
• Folding – offers better portability and requires less space for storage.
• Locks in Folded Position – increases the portability.

Dependability

• Manufacturer – indicates experience and track record for quality products.
• Production Location – European and United States production have the highest quality ratings.
• Conformity – compliance with ISO guidelines for the safety of the user.
• Warranty – extended warranties are best.

 

 

Benefits of Bathroom Tub Lifts

The design of these bath transfer devices is to support people who cannot comfortably and safely enter and exit a tub. They reduce the need to complete expensive bathroom alterations or remodeling. These devices help increase the quality of life for people with disabilities. Anyone experiencing difficulty transitioning safely in and out of a bathtub may benefit from these assistive devices. These bathing aids also protect the health of caregivers by preventing limb strain injuries or back injuries while rendering assistance.

 

 

Types of Bathtub Lifts for Disabled

The lift rankings in the top 10 are of two types: adult lifts and pediatric lifts. The adult lifts are larger to accommodate increased size and weight, while the pediatric versions are more petite. Only one pediatric bath lift made the top 10 in this ranking report: the Surfer Bather.

The mechanism used to lift the patient is another distinguishing characteristic. There is one inflatable bath lift (pneumatic lift) and five mechanical lifts in the top six rankings. Pneumatic lifts offer the best fit with all tub shapes and are the most comfortable. Mechanical lifts provide more stable support.