Buying Guide

How to Choose a Shower Chair

Shower Chair vs. Transfer Bench: The Core Difference

A shower chair sits entirely inside the tub or shower stall, while a transfer bench extends over the tub wall so you can sit down outside the tub and slide across without stepping over the edge at all. The right choice depends less on preference and more on whether you can safely step over a tub wall.

Basic Shower Chairs

A basic shower chair works well for someone who can still step into the shower or tub safely but wants a stable place to sit rather than standing through a full shower. Look for rubber, non-slip feet and drainage holes so the seat doesn't stay wet between uses.

Transfer Benches

A transfer bench is the safer choice after surgery, a fall, or for anyone who can't reliably lift a leg over the tub wall, since it lets you sit first and swing your legs over one at a time. Some models add a sliding seat for users without much upper-body strength to scoot themselves across.

Is a Shower Chair Covered by Insurance?

Here's the detail most buying guides skip: basic shower chairs generally aren't classified as DME by Medicare or most private insurers, even though they clearly serve a medical purpose. Transfer benches and shower/commode combination chairs are more likely to be considered billable equipment — so the type you choose can affect coverage, not just comfort.

What to Look For

Weight capacity — standard is usually around 300 lbs, with bariatric options above that
Adjustable leg height for a stable fit
Back and armrests, if standing up unassisted is difficult
Non-slip rubber feet or suction-cup stability

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FAQ

Are shower chairs covered by Medicare?+

Usually not. Most basic shower chairs fall outside Medicare's DME definition, though transfer benches and combination commode chairs are more often covered — confirm with your specific plan.

What's the difference between a shower chair and a bath chair?+

The terms are often used interchangeably, but "bath chair" sometimes refers to models with suction-cup feet designed for use inside a bathtub specifically, rather than a walk-in shower.

Do I need a transfer bench or is a shower chair enough?+

If you can safely step over the tub wall, a shower chair is usually enough. If stepping over the wall is difficult or risky, a transfer bench is the safer option.

This article is general information, not medical or insurance advice specific to your situation. For questions about your own coverage or care, talk with your provider or contact our team.