¶ Introduction
A commode is a type of toilet that simply collect human waste into a bucket or tray. Some commodes are intended to be used over a flush toilet where the waste will be deposited and thus do not have a collection mechanism of their own.
Commodes of all types are prone to leaking urine at the front, especially when being used by a male patient.
Commodes typically have height-adjustable legs to account for the height of the patient. Taller patients may reach the limit of range quickly. Configuring the commode to be as high as possible is beneficial, however, the patient must be able to sit upon it safely.
Commodes are prone to moving when the patient sits down on it, or when they go to stand up, especially if the patient is applying significant pressure to the support bars with their arms. When the patient begins to stand up, the commode may tend to move or tilt backward; this may damage the tank of a flush toilet.
Wheeled commodes have levers on every wheel. Most are brakes, though one or more may be steering locks instead. If so, the lever on that wheel may have a different color or shape from the others. All brakes and steering locks should be activated before the patient uses the commode.
Wheeled tilt shower commode, front view.
Wheeled tilt shower commode, side view, upright.
Wheeled tilt shower commode, side view, tilted back.