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Taking a warm or hot bath is one of life’s pleasure, which is why everybody should be able to enjoy. However, due to some mobility issues, many people cannot. Individuals who struggle with balance or people who have health problems and are now disabled cannot enjoy a lovely bath just because they have trouble getting in and out of the tub. That is why bath lifts were invented. So, if you are one of the individuals mentioned above, then my advice to you is to invest in the best bath lift you can afford.
What is a bath lift?
A bath lift is a device that will help the user get in and out of the tub with ease. It is designed as a seat that you use to lower yourself in the tub. Once you are done, you can use the seat to get out of the tub. It works like a lift, just as its name suggests. By using this device, you will no longer have to step over the edge yourself, and there is no risk of injuries. You can find bath lifts in a variety of models, colors, and different mechanisms.
Types of bath lifts
Not all bath lifts are created in the same manner. Yes, you can find several models, but the most important difference is the operating mechanism. You can choose one depending on your ability to control it. Here is what you can find:
Battery powered bath lifts
This type is the easiest to operate. As you may have figured it out from the name, the seat is driven by a battery. You push a button to lower yourself in the tub, and with another push of a button you get back up. Depending on the model, a fully charged battery can perform between 4 and 20 lifts before needing a recharge. I know what you are thinking. What if you have enough battery to go in the tub, but you do not when you want to get out. Let me put your mind at ease and tell you that such a thing is not possible. Bath lifts are designed to not lower if they do not have enough battery to come back up.
Keep in mind that the number of lifts depends on your age, weight, and model. The age of the battery is also a factor. When the battery is low, you need to take it out and plug it in. It is a simple process. Usually, battery powered bath lifts can go as low as 2.3 inches, but that depends on which model you go for. They are designed to fit standard tubs, but if you can find a model that can fit a wider model.
Inflatable bath lifts
This type of bath lifts goes the lowest possible in the tub. It is also battery-powered, but instead of powering the seat, the battery powers an air compressor that will fill and empty the cushion that is the seat. It is convenient and comfortable, but not for everyone. If you are a very tall person or you have issues with balance, such a bath lift may not be the best idea.
Just like with the previous bath lift, this one will also refuse to lower you in the tub if there is not enough battery for the comeback. The time that it takes the air compressor to lift you up is about three minutes, but that depends on the model. There is one thing you should know, though This model is not very popular because getting out of the tub may be tricky. The risk of injuries is high, which is why you may not even find such a model.
Water-powered bath lift
You can use this type only if the water pressure in your home is high. That is because there is no battery to power this bath lift. You need to connect the lift to a water pipe, a diverter spout, or a diverter, and let the pressure do its job. It is nice to know that you do not need batteries, but this type has lost its popularity once the battery powered bath lifts were released. Finding one may be tricky.
Manual crank-style bath lift
This is the most affordable solution. There is no power involved, you do not need batteries, and the mechanism is quite simple. All you have to do is manually turn a crank. You do not have to worry about not getting out of the tub. However, the crank may prove to be tiring, and you can suffer from muscle fatigue at some point, but if you are up to, this type of bath lift will do a great job.
What to consider when looking for the best bath lift?
The are some things you need to take into consideration before making a purchase. First and foremost, choose the type of bath lift that suits your needs. Then, you need to look at the specification of a particular product to see if it meets several criteria. Here are the most notable.
- Maximum and minimum achievable height – make sure that the model you choose can go at least as high as the edge of your tub. As long as it is as high or higher, you should be okay. Some models can go as up as 23 inches. As for the minimum, you want to have a good soak, so the lower, the better. You can find models that can get you as low as two inches from the bottom of the tub, which is ideal.
- Weight capacity – you should choose the type according to your weight as well. That is because some models cannot withstand the weight of people who have weight problems. However, you can find a bath lift with a weight capacity of up to 400 pounds. If you need something over that, you can have a custom bath lift that can withstand up to 500 lbs. You just need to find the right manufacturer.
- Flaps – not all models have flaps, but they are beneficial. When the lift is up, the wings act as an extension that goes over the edge of the tub. That fills the space between the seat of the lift and the side of the tub. I think it is safer than without flaps, but it is entirely your choice.
There are other things you should consider, like the seat surface, the backrest, or the overall construction. At the end of the day, it is you who is going to use the bath lift, and you decide which one is the most comfortable for you.
What are the best bath lifts?
There are many models on the market, and choosing one may be confusing. All you need to do is pay attention to what you purchase, and if you want your experience to be a good one, never buy something without reading about it. As long as it has good reviews, at least you know that your choice is good. Below you will find three suggestions that I hope are of help.
Drive Medical Whisper Ultra Quiet Bath Lift
You have probably heard about Drive Medical before. It is a well-renowned company that makes assistance devices. Moreover, their products are among the best rated online, which is why I just could not ignore a Drive Medical device. The bath lift from them is simply incredible, and you will see why.
The Drive Medical Whisper bath lift is meant to help you with entering and getting out of the tub so that you can enjoy a nice, warm bubble bath. You do not need assistance with anything. Just sit down, press the buttons, and enjoy the experience. It is a battery powered bath lift that will give you the independence you need at bath time. It has a two-piece construction that is very easy to assemble, and no tools are required. You can easily transport and store it.
The four suction cups at the bottom will keep the seat in place and make sure that you do not slip while in the tub. Both the seat and the backrest are padded for comfort. The remote is waterproof so that you do not have to keep an eye on it to not get wet, and it gives you control over the height of the seat, but over the inclination of the backrest as well. The Drive Medical bath lift can go as low as 2.3 inches and as high as 18.8 inches. It can withstand a weight of up to 300 pounds. Click here to read more reviews and buy on Amazon.
Rolyn Prest Bathmaster Deltis Bath Lift
The Bathmaster may be a little more expensive than the previous product, but if you can afford it, it will change your life. It provides excellent support when you want to take a bath, and thanks to the latest battery technology, you do not have to recharge it as often as other products. It works flawlessly, and your quality of life will be improved.
Every piece of electronics in this device is waterproof. You do not have to worry about the remote. Not only that it is designed to be waterproof, but it even floats so that you do not have to look for it in the water when you want to get out. The two-piece construction allows an easy assembly, and the fact that it is lightweight makes it easy to transport. The flaps ensure extra safety.
This model has a sturdy construction and is made of high-quality materials. You will not slip on the seat, and the seat will not slide in the tub. Both the seat and the backrest are highly comfortable. You can even incline it for a more pleasant experience. The battery can be recharged in a single hour, and the weight capacity is 300 pounds. The minimum achievable height is 2.3 inches, and the maximum is 18 inches. The Bathmaster is an incredible product that is worth the investment. Click here to read more reviews and buy on Amazon.
AdirMed Ultra Quiet Automatic Bath Lift
The AdirMed bath lift is not very different from the other two products I described above. The brand differs, and the price is quite affordable, but as far as use and comfort are concerned, it provides plenty. The seat can lower to 2.3 inches from the bottom of the tub, and it can go as high as 18.8 inches. That should be enough for most tubs.
The seat and the backrest are padded for maximum comfort. The backrest can recline as low as 50º, which will make your experience perfectly enjoyable. The suction cups will keep the device steady, and they hold on almost any tub material. You also have the option of ordering to extra suction cups for a more regular base.
The remote is waterproof and floats for your convenience. Once you are done, the bath lift is easy to fold and put away. It has a sturdy construction, and the flaps will provide extra safety. It can hold a person who weighs up to 300 pounds. Click here to read more reviews and buy on Amazon.
My recommendation
It is pretty tough to choose when you have three excellent products. However, there must be a winner, and as far as I am concerned, I think that the Drive Medical Whisper Ultra Quiet Bath Lift is one of the best bath lifts you can find. The brand does not disappoint, the quality is unquestionable, and the price is affordable. You could not wish for more.
Conclusion
Just because you are disabled or going through a bad experience, that does not mean you should not enjoy a nice bath. It is relaxing and pleasant, which is why you should not give it up. A bath lift will help you with that. It provides safety, comfort, and convenience. Whichever product you choose, your satisfaction is guaranteed. Click here to buy on Amazon