Padded toilet seats are becoming increasingly popular with buyers all around the world. These seats are soft, comfortable, and perfect for people with back pain or other disabilities, and they look great in your bathroom as well.
Selecting the best padded toilet seat can seem like a chore since there are so many things you need to consider. From its shape, material, and thickness to its style, color, and design — everything is important.
That is why we will offer you a rundown of all the information you need to pick the best padded toilet seat for your home. Read on to find reviews of some of the best seats out there, as well as interesting information and useful tips you might not know about!
What You Need To Know Before Buying a Padded Toilet Seat
There are several things you need to consider before you buy a padded toilet seat:
- The size and shape of your toilet
- The padding mount type
- Sturdy hinges
- The padding material
- The padding style
The Size and Shape of Your Toilet
Before going out to buy a padded toilet seat, it is important to measure the toilet or toilet seat you already have. Since padded toilet seats come in different sizes and shapes, you need to make sure you’re buying the right one for you.
The majority of padded seats are either round or elongated. Round toilets are more common in homes and apartments, while elongated ones are more readily found in public toilets and office or commercial buildings. Most models are available in both shapes though, so you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for easily.
Of course, different seats have different measures, so the best thing to do is to measure out your seat with a tape measure and write everything down. By doing so, you’ll be able to find the right padded seat easily and won’t waste time looking at different sizes.
The Padding Mount Type
The mount type refers to the way you secure your padded toilet seat to your toilet. You can opt for either integral bolt-and-nut mounts or traditional mounts.
Though integral mounts seem easier to install, they have a drawback. If you need to remove the toilet seat for any reason, you will have to use a screwdriver to remove the nuts. This can be quite a nuisance.
Traditional mounts, on the other hand, are a little more complicated to install. But they are also quite easy to remove if you need to do so. They are just as secure as integral ones, so you don’t have to worry about your seat coming undone.
Sturdy Hinges
Since the toilet seat goes up and down a lot during the day as you and your family use it, its hinges need to be strong and durable. If they are not, constant use will wear them down, and your seat will break.
Hinges made out of materials such as stainless steel, chrome, and brass tend to last the longest. They can also withstand direct contact with water without sustaining damage. Thus, make sure the padded seat of your choice comes with hinges made of said materials.
The Padding Material
The material of your padded toilet seat is quite important. Most padded seats are made from either polypropylene or vinyl, which is what makes them so soft and comfortable. Such materials also ensure that you can close the lid quietly, without disturbing anyone.
Still, there are some drawbacks to said materials. You use your toilet seat every day, and so does your family. Gentle materials like polypropylene and vinyl can get worn easily from such frequent use. To remedy that, some top-rated sellers combine the materials with other, stronger ones to increase durability.
You should also pay attention to whether your padding is filled with foam or not. If it is, it will support any weight easily. If there is no foam, or if the foam is of low quality, the seat will flatten quickly, and you will need to replace it. Though foam-filled padding is a tad more expensive, its durability makes up for it.
Finally, some models also contain antimicrobial materials, which keep mold and different bacteria at bay. They ensure that your seat is clean and safe to use every day.
Related: Best Padded Toilet Seat Covers and Cushions
The Padding Style
When it comes to the padding style, you can let your imagination run wild. The padding can be in virtually any color you can imagine.
If you want to put a padded seat over your existing plastic or wooden one, you can look for padding that will match the colors you already have. Amazon offers a vast selection of padding styles, and you can easily find and choose the ones you like best.
If you are buying a full-on padded seat to fit on your toilet, you can look for styles that match your tiles or other furniture in your bathroom. Whether you want something minimalistic and simple, or an elaborate and luxurious flowery design, there’s sure to be something for you here.
Quick-Release Mechanisms
Certain brands of padded toilet seats can include quick-release mechanisms. Those enable you to easily remove the seat from your toilet whenever you want to.
If you want to deep-clean your toilet and the seat is in your way, you simply remove it and clean everything easily and efficiently. Once you’re done cleaning, put the seat back into place, and you’re good to go.
4 of the Best Padded Toilet Seats
The padded toilet seat business is vast and lucrative. There are dozens of brands and models out there, and trying to choose one can get overwhelming.
So, we decided to take every important aspect of the product, including its quality, price, reviews, as well as the materials used in its production, and pick the best ones. What follows is the list of the best padded toilet seats.
1. The MAYFAIR Soft Toilet Seat With Chrome Hinges
When we consider all its features, it is no wonder this padded toilet seat from Mayfair took the number one spot on our list.
Basic Features
The MAYFAIR seat is both stylish and sturdy. The wood core ensures that the seat is strong and can take a lot of pressure, while the vinyl cushioning makes it as soft and comfortable as a cloud. The seat is made of eco friendly-materials, and all the manufacturing processes used in its production are environmentally friendly as well.
- LONG LASTING COMFORT: Soft, cushioned vinyl Seat with...
- CLASSIC CHROME HINGES: Accent bath hardware finishes
- FITS ALL ELONGATED TOILETS: Including Kohler, American...
- PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA: With Earth friendly materials...
Hinges
The hinges are made of chrome, which is one of the most durable materials, especially where constant contact with water is concerned. So, the hinges will not get damaged easily and will last you a long time. They are also quite easy to install and remove, as all you’ll need is a screwdriver.
Securing the hinges should be easy even if you are a novice and haven’t done it before. Once you have fastened the hinges, the toilet will stay secure for a long time.
Family Style
Though this particular MAYFAIR seat isn’t a family-style one, a junior seat can be attached easily with the use of magnets. So, if you have a kid at home, this model is still a good choice.
Lid
Since this model can also be used on bidets, it does not have a soft-close lid. Still, the softness of the material ensures that closing it is almost completely soundless, so you don’t have to worry about waking anyone up at night.
Cleaning
Lastly, cleaning the seat is rather easy as well. You can use either wet wipes or a mild disinfectant. A combination of the two is also possible. Whichever you choose, just make sure you clean it regularly, and you’ll be golden.
2. The MAYFAIR Soft Toilet Seat with Embroidered Butterfly
MAYFAIR proves once again why they are the leading supplier of padded seats in the country. This model is just as well-made as the previous one, but with a few drawbacks.
Basic Features
The butterfly model has a wooden core covered with a plastic wrap. The materials used are eco-friendly, and the seat is affordable. The cushioning is made of vinyl, and it doesn’t tear or wear off from frequent use. It is also durable and can sustain a lot of pressure.
- QUICKLY AND EASILY REMOVES: For cleaning or replacement
- LONG LASTING COMFORT: Soft, cushioned Seat with wood...
- COVER DESIGNS: Stylish Butterfly design complements...
- FITS ALL ROUND TOILETS: Including Kohler, American...
Hinges
The hinges on the butterfly model are plastic ones, which makes this seat a tad less sturdy than our first pick. Still, the hinges can come in any color you want and go with the color of the padding perfectly.
Style
This model comes with a beautiful embroidered butterfly on the lid, which makes it stand out immediately. Apart from the butterfly, daisies are also an option for decoration. The seat fits into any decor your bathroom might have, and you can even remove the embroidery if you get tired of it.
Lid
The lid is a soft-close one, which means that closing it is soundless. Still, some buyers complain that the plastic in the lid is too thin and easily breakable.
Cleaning
You can clean the butterfly model easily, either with wipes or a cleaning spray. If you do opt for the spray, make sure it is a mild one so you don’t damage the padding.
3. MAYFAIR 13EC 000 Soft Toilet Seat
The 13EC is similar to the butterfly model, with a few differences.
Basic Features
The seat’s core is wooden while the wrap is plastic. The plastic layer is a bit thinner than in the previous models, so the seat is not as durable. The materials the seat is made of are just as eco-friendly though, and the seat is quite affordable.
- QUICKLY AND EASILY REMOVES: For cleaning or replacement
- LONG LASTING COMFORT: Soft, cushioned Seat with wood...
- FITS ALL ROUND TOILETS: Including Kohler, American...
- PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA with Earth friendly materials...
Hinges
The 13EC has plastic hinges. They can’t last as long as metal ones, but they come in different colors and styles. They also allow you to remove the seat from your toilet quickly, as they have a quick-release mechanism.
Style
The 13EC model comes in several different colors and color combinations. Our favorites are the biscuit, pink, rainforest, and sky blue colors, but there are some simpler and more traditional ones as well. If you want the seat to look extra neat, you can get the hinges in a matching color as well.
Lid
Though the lid isn’t soft-closing, the material of the padding makes lowering the lid quiet nonetheless. The padding material quality is probably one of the best on the market, and it is soft, comfortable, and stays warm easily as well.
Cleaning
Although you can always use wet wipes to clean it, using disinfectant would be the best option for this particular model. The padding is of high quality, so even stronger cleaning products won’t damage it. Just remember to rinse with water before using the seat, so the disinfectant doesn’t come in contact with skin.
4. Dorigan Home Service Premium Bone Soft Toilet Seat
The Dorigan padded seat is easy to install and clean but is not as durable as the rest.
Basic Features
The seat is fully plastic. Though the plastic in the core is of good quality, it is still not as sturdy as wood. The wrapping is thin, but durable.
The cushioning is high-quality, and there is an extra layer that offers even more softness and some extra height, so the seat is perfect for someone recovering from surgery or someone with back issues.
Hinges
The seat has plastic hinges which allow for easy installation and removal. However, past users have noted that the hinges tend to break after some time due to frequent use.
Style
The style is quite minimalistic and pretty. It comes in simple colors, such as white, beige, and black. It goes well with most styles of bathrooms, and it looks simple but sophisticated.
Family Style
You can easily attach a junior seat to the Dorigan padded seat by using either magnets or plastic hinges. Removing it after your kid has used it is simple and easy too.
Lid
The lid is not of the soft-close type. However, the padding is so plushy and rich that lowering the lid is almost soundless anyway.
Cleaning
The Dorigan model is the easiest one to clean. It is made of antimicrobial heavy-duty polypropylene, which is resistant to all chemical cleaners. The material itself is antimicrobial, which means that the seat has even more protection from germs and bacteria.
You can clean the seat with an antibacterial cloth or cleaner or a soft cloth or sponge and detergent. Whatever you use, you can be sure that your seat will not be damaged.
How to Install a Padded Toilet Seat at Home
Now that you’ve picked the best padded toilet seat for you, it is time to put it up. Though most seats come with detailed instructions for installation, we know that actually seeing someone install a seat like yours will be even more useful.
How Do You Clean Padded Toilet Seats?
You need to clean padded toilet seats quite regularly, but the great thing is that cleaning them is fairly easy. On a daily basis, you can wipe them down using wet wipes.
However, at least once a week, you need to clean the seat thoroughly. You can use any type of mild disinfectant. Simply spray it over your seat, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it up. By doing so, you ensure no germs remain and your seat is safe and stain-free.
The Benefits of Padded Toilet Seats
Apart from the obvious comfort they add to your life, padded toilet seats can make your life easier and your bathroom more accessible. The best padded toilet seats:
- provide comfort and warmth,
- aid people with disabilities and back problems,
- help with potty training.
Comfort and Warmth
Though it’s not the only benefit padded toilet seats offer, providing comfort and warmth is definitely their main purpose. They make toilet visits a lot easier and more relaxing for everyone.
Since the majority of toilet seats are made from hard materials such as plastic or wood, they are not too comfortable. The hard materials dig into your skin and can lead to numbness and stiffness in your legs after just a few minutes. Sitting down and getting up from the toilet is also more difficult because of the seat, especially for kids and the elderly.
Plastic and wooden seats are also rather cold. No one is a fan of shivering while being on the toilet, but that’s exactly what happens when you sit down on ordinary toilet seats.
By installing a padded toilet seat, you solve both problems. Toilet seat cushions are made of foam and other similar materials, so they stay warm even during winter, when the temperatures outside drop.
Additionally, padded toilet seats are taller than regular seats. So, the elderly and anyone with back pain or movement problems can sit down and get up from the seat more easily. The softness of the seat also prevents it from digging into your skin, which means that the days of having numb and stiff legs after using the toilet are over!
Aiding People With Disabilities
Apart from providing overall comfort, padded toilet seats are great aids for people with disabilities. If you suffer from arthritis or any other joint-affecting condition, a padded seat is a great choice.
The padding makes the seat higher, so sitting down won’t be as painful and hard. The same goes for standing up: it will be much easier, and the pressure on your joints will be reduced.
If you or someone in your household are in a wheelchair, a padded seat will be most useful. The soft padding will provide extra safety and support during the transfer from the wheelchair to the toilet and vice versa.
Padded seats are also quite useful for people recovering from surgery (especially on their hip or back) as their limited ability might prevent them from using the toilet easily. The soft padding can help ease their discomfort and make relieving themselves easier and less painful.
Additionally, padded toilet seats are great if you are prone to pressure sores or have any skin-related conditions. The soft cushions will prevent any irritation or injury to your skin, and you’ll be able to use the toilet safely.
Potty Training
If you have a toddler and you’re trying to teach them how to use the toilet, padded toilet seats could be of great help. Since they are soft and warm, your kid will be comfortable.
Padded seats also come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can look for something fun and colorful that will draw your kid in. Once they see the padding design and feel how soft and warm it is, it will be much easier to get them to use the toilet.
Potty training padded seats can also have handles for support or even a backrest. In some cases, the seat can even come with a little ladder attached to it so your kid can climb up without your help. You can find a vast selection of potty training padded toilet seats here.
Additionally, if you don’t want to change the padded seat on your toilet every time your kid is done using it, you can opt for a family-style soft seat. Family seats are designed so a smaller soft seat is attached to the bigger one with magnets. When your kid isn’t using it, the junior seat can be flipped up so it’s not in the way of your other family members.
In Conclusion
As you can see, a lot of thought goes into picking the best padded toilet seats. Doing a lot of research is important before making any purchase, and a padded toilet seat is no different. You need to pay attention to the quality, the material of the seat, the style, how durable it is, and so on.
If none of the toilets that made our list suit your needs, don’t despair. There are countless other models and styles, and one of them will surely be just what you’re looking for. So, get searching and find your favorite — some of the best padded toilet seats are still waiting for you!
