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Top 10 Bathing Aids: Expert Guide for Safe & Independent Bathing

Posted by Mike Phipps on August 25, 2021

 Image shows a white, long bath with a man inside (just his torso and head can be seen). There's a wooden floor and a light blue wall. The TOP 10 ident can also be seen

 

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Hello everyone! It’s Kate Makin here – Ability Superstore’s Occupational Therapist, or OT.

Maintaining comfort, safety, and independence in the bathroom is essential – especially for older adults, people with limited mobility, or anyone recovering from surgery. That’s where bathing aids come in. These essential daily living aids make washing and personal care safer, easier, and more dignified.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 10 bathing aids for 2024, with expert tips on choosing the right products for your needs.

What Are Bathing Aids?

Bathing aids and mobility aids aren’t just for elderly and disabled people – there is a wide range available, and there are aids for people of all ages, ability and health conditions.

That blog led me to think that, with so much choice around, how helpful it would be if I let our customers know what I consider to be the top 10 of bathing aids and how they support daily living. So, here it is, my ultimate – Top 10 of Bathing Aids!

1. Bath Seats - Myco Ultra Adjustable Width Swivel Bather Bath Seat

Best for: Stability and seated support while washing

Ideal for: Older adults, those with reduced mobility or fatigue

This bathroom aid is perfect for independent living.

The Myco Ultra Adjustable Width Swivel Bather Bath Seat is the ultimate in bathing aids and is full of innovative features. This is ideal for people who find turning themselves and lifting their legs in and out and over the side of the bath difficult to manage, as the anodised swivel pin allows the user to safely turn and face the direction they’re getting into or out of the bath.

This bath seat has been cleverly designed with drainage holes so that water drains away quickly, and its frame is made from high-quality stainless steel tubing for a long-lasting product.

With a maximum user weight rating of 25 stone (160kg), it can support people of all sizes, and the locking lever and secure positioning screws ensure your safety when using it. 

Ability Superstore has a wide range of bath seats and bath boards available – they can be seen on this link.

1. Bath Boards - Savanah Slatted Shower Board

Best for: Bridging the bath edge for seated bathing

Ideal for: Users who can’t lower themselves fully into the bath 

One of the standout features of the Savanah Slatted Shower Board is its integrated slats. These slats are strategically placed to ensure that excess water is drained efficiently, reducing the risk of creating a slippery mess on your bathroom floor. This not only helps to maintain a clean and safe bathing environment but also saves you time and effort in cleaning up after each use.

Unlike standard bath boards, this boasts a wider design. The wider surface area provides optimal support for users of all sizes, making it a versatile and accommodating option for a range of individuals. Whether you're looking for extra stability during your shower or simply want a more comfortable bathing experience, the wider design of the Savanah Slatted Shower Board has you covered.

With its efficient drainage system and wider design, the Savanah Slatted Shower Board offers a practical and user-friendly solution for enhancing your shower routine.

3. Grab Rails - Suction Grab Bar

Best for: Improving bathroom safety

Ideal for: Anyone who needs extra support when standing or stepping in/out

The Suction Grab Bar is an incredibly accessible addition to the bathroom. Its installation is incredibly simple, making it a convenient option for those looking to add extra support and safety to their bathroom without the need for complex tools or adjustments to the wall.

This bathing aid features two pressure switches at each end that create a strong vacuum. This vacuum allows the grab bar to easily stick to any flat, smooth surface, providing a secure grip for those who may need assistance in the bathroom.

This in turn makes it incredibly portable. Since it does not require drilling or permanent installation, it can easily be brought along on trips. This is especially useful when staying in accommodations where the bathroom may not have the appropriate support features in place.

Whether you're staying in a hotel, rental property, or with friends and family, the Suction Grab Bar can provide added peace of mind and support during your travels.

4. Bath Lifts - Bathmaster Deltis Bath Lift

Best for: Lowering into and rising out of the bath

Ideal for: Those with significant mobility challenges

The Bathmaster Deltis is one of our bestselling bath lifts that exemplifies quality and functionality. With its easy installation process, this bath lift is suitable for bathrooms of all sizes.

One standout feature of the Bathmaster Deltis is its quick release system at the rear. This innovative design allows for effortless removal without the hassle of using screwdrivers or pressing multiple switches. The convenience and ease of use make this bath lift a popular choice among customers.

Being fully battery powered, there’s no risk of electric cables running through your bathroom too. For easy and convenient lowering and raising in and out of the bath, this is the ideal bathing aid for you. For an upgraded option, a version with premium comfort covers is available too.

5. Non-Slip Bath Mats - Sure Tread Bath Mat

Best for: Preventing slips in the bath or shower

Ideal for: All users – especially older adults or those with balance issues

This is one of the most basic types of bathing aid available, but it is so effective and lets you make bathing safe again.

Slipping in the bath is very common and this simple, non-slip bathroom mat reduces this risk. The bath mat mobility aid fits securely to the base of the bath and is also machine washable.

This mat is also available as a square option, which is ideal for use in the shower.

6. Bath Steps - Bamboo Step

Best for: Safely entering or exiting the bath

Ideal for: Users with limited leg mobility or joint pain

The Bamboo Step is crafted from durable bamboo wood, known for its sturdiness and strength. It can support up to 317kg (50 stone), making it a reliable choice for individuals of all sizes. The natural bamboo material also adds a touch of sophistication to your bathroom, elevating the overall aesthetic.

One of its key features is the curved top surface, which not only adds a stylish touch but also serves a functional purpose. The curves are functional too, acting as a water channel, allowing excess water to drain away easily. This design helps in maintaining slip resistance, ensuring a safe bathing experience for all users.

Whether you are looking to add a chic element to your bathroom or need a reliable aid for daily use, this bamboo step is the ideal choice. Say goodbye to boring, utilitarian bath steps and upgrade to the Bamboo Step for a touch of luxury in your daily routine.

7. Shower Stools - Shower Stool with Swivelling Seat

Best for: Flexibility and mobility in the shower

Ideal for: Users with mobility limitations

This innovative Height Adjustable Shower Stool with Swivelling Seat features a rotating seat that allows you to move freely in any direction, providing you with the flexibility and mobility you need in the shower.

The sleek light blue and white design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. The rounded seat is designed for maximum comfort, allowing you to relax and enjoy your shower time without any discomfort. The rotating top can be easily removed for hassle-free cleaning, ensuring that your stool stays hygienic and in top condition.

Whether you prefer to leave the stool in the shower for everyday use or remove it to accommodate other family members, this shower stool offers the flexibility you need. Its lightweight construction makes it easy to move in and out of the shower, allowing you to customize your shower experience according to your preferences.

It is useful in the bathroom in other ways too, as it allows you to sit at the sink/basin to brush your teeth or do your hair and make up. The fact that it is height adjustable allows it to be used in various situations within the bathroom.

8. Commodes - Etac Swift Commode Chair

Best for: Comfort and versatility in the shower

Ideal for: Those with significant mobility challenges

The Etac Swift Commode is a versatile and comfortable shower chair that offers more than meets the eye. With both back and seat pads, this commode provides the ultimate in comfort and discretion. The seat pad cleverly conceals a removable commode pan with a secure lid that automatically locks when lifted.

One of the key features of this shower chair is its multi-functionality. Not only can it be used as a shower chair, but it can also double as a standard commode or a freestanding toilet seat raiser. Each part is easily removable, allowing for seamless transitions between uses. This versatility makes it the perfect option for those who need a reliable and adaptable solution.

Aside from its versatility, the Etac Swift Commode is designed with convenience in mind. The easy-to-remove parts make it simple to transport, whether you're traveling or just moving it from room to room. The secure lid on the commode pan also adds an extra layer of safety and peace of mind for users, making it a discrete and safe choice.

9. Bathing Cushions - Mangar Inflatable Bathing Cushion

Best for: Comfort when being raised and lowered into a bath

Ideal for: Users who share the use of the bath with other members of a household

 A link to the Mangar Inflatable Bathing Cushion that's available for sale on the Ability Superstore website 

The mangar inflatable bathing cushion is ideal for people who share the use of the bath with other members of a household and wish to easily remove the bathing cushion from the bath.

This mangar bathing aid is lightweight, portable and easy to fit and remove – it provides a safe and comfortable way of being raised and lowered into a bath, as the cushion inflates to raise you up and then deflates, at the push of a button, to lower you into the bath.

The mangar inflatable bathing cushion comes complete with a compressor, which is the item which does all the hard work of inflating the cushion.

10. Luxury Shower Mat

Best for: Security and stability in the shower

Ideal for: Users with mobility limitations

The key feature of the Luxury Shower Mat is its non-slip material. This material provides a secure footing for users, giving them peace of mind while showering or taking a bath. The mat is soft and pleasant to rest your feet on or sit on, ensuring a comfortable experience every time.

The underside is equipped with innovative suckers that keep the mat securely in place. These suckers prevent any slipping or sliding, allowing you to shower with confidence. You can trust that the mat will stay exactly where you need it, providing stability and safety.

In addition to its safety features, it also prioritizes hygiene. An anti-microbial coating prevents bacterial and fungal growth, ensuring a clean and healthy environment in your bathroom. The mat's self-draining mechanism prevents moisture build-up, which can attract household germs.

Choosing the Right Bathing Aids: Expert Tips

  • Assess your needs: Are you looking for seated support, help with access, or safer washing?

  • Think long-term: Choose aids that will continue to support you as needs change.

  • Check your space: Measure carefully to ensure a proper fit in your bathroom.

Shop Bathing Aids at Ability Superstore

With the UK’s widest selection of bathing aids, Ability Superstore makes it easy to find exactly what you need – whether you're shopping for yourself or a loved one. From bath lifts to long-handled sponges, we’re here to support greater independence and safety in the bathroom.

  • Free UK delivery on orders over £40

  • VAT relief available on eligible products

  • Friendly, expert customer service

Browse our full bathing aids range here

Get in Touch

If you do have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call our customer service number free on 0800 255 0498 or email us – we’re here to help.