A shower and commode chair should fit the person using it and the way they receive care. Seat opening, access for personal hygiene, and the choice between using a toilet or a commode pan all affect which setup makes sense.
The Metapal M1 offers multiple cushion styles, custom cushion options, and flexible commode configurations so these details can be considered together.
Choose the cushion opening that works for you
Metapal cushions are available with left, right, front, and rear openings, as well as a closed option. Different openings provide access from different directions, allowing the setup to reflect the user’s reach, positioning, and whether someone assists with personal care.
A left- or right-opening cushion provides access from the side. Front- and rear-opening cushions offer alternative access points depending on the person’s needs and care routine. A closed cushion provides a continuous seating surface when a toileting opening is not needed.
Cushions can also be customized. If a standard cushion does not meet a person’s needs, our team can discuss the required shape, opening, and other seating details to help identify an appropriate configuration.
Explore the Cushion Builder to plan your custom cushion →
The cushion is only one part of the setup. What sits beneath it matters just as much.
Using a side-opening cushion over a toilet
When the Metapal is positioned over a toilet without the commode pan beneath the seat, a side-opening cushion can provide access for wiping and perineal care.
This is different from using the chair with its standard commode pan installed. The standard commode sits flush against the underside of the cushion, blocking the space needed to reach through the side opening. A side-opening cushion alone does not provide usable side access with the standard commode in its normal position.
For someone who needs the commode pan to remain beneath the seat during personal care, the drop commode option may offer a solution.
What the drop commode option does
The drop commode hardware lowers the commode pan, creating a gap between the pan and the underside of the seat cushion.
When paired with a left- or right-opening cushion, that added clearance may provide room for wiping and perineal care from the side while the commode remains in place. This can make the side-opening feature useful for someone who relies on the commode pan rather than positioning the chair over a toilet.
The right combination depends on the individual. The opening direction, available clearance, and access needed by the user or caregiver should all be considered when choosing the cushion and commode setup.
Allow for toilet clearance
If the chair will also be used over a toilet with the drop commode hardware installed, a higher seat height is required to provide clearance above the toilet.
That extra clearance needs to be considered alongside the user’s seating and transfer needs. For someone who alternates between a toilet and a commode pan, it is worth reviewing both arrangements before settling on a configuration.
Flexible commode access and removable rails
Metapal also offers flexibility in how the commode pan is accessed. The commode can be inserted from the front as well as the rear, giving users and caregivers another option when planning access around the chair and bathroom.
The commode rails can be completely removed when they are not needed. This allows the under-seat setup to be adapted along with the cushion choice and intended use.
Put the options together around the person
There is no single cushion and commode arrangement that works for everyone. Someone using the chair over a toilet may need a different setup from someone using a commode pan. A person managing their own hygiene may prefer a different opening from someone receiving caregiver assistance.
Metapal’s cushion choices, customization options, drop commode hardware, front or rear pan access, and removable rails make it possible to consider those needs together.
Our team can help you review:
- The cushion opening that best suits your personal-care routine.
- Whether a standard cushion or a customized cushion is appropriate.
- Whether you will use the chair over a toilet, with a commode pan, or both.
- Whether a lowered commode could provide the side access you need.
- Seat height, toilet clearance, and front or rear access to the pan.
Explore the Metapal M1 and its configuration options, or visit the Cushion Builder to explore a custom cushion.
