Portable Bathtub For Elderly
Dealing with mobility issues as you get older can pose a challenge, which is why so many people opt for portable bathtubs. If you have trouble getting in and out of your current bathtub, or you have difficulty maneuvering around slick surfaces, a portable bathtub could end up being your new best friend.
Of course, the last thing you want is to invest in a portable bathtub that is cramped and uncomfortable to soak in. So come dive in with us as we take you through some of our favorite portable bathtubs on the market.
Design | Freestanding | Cylinder | Inflatable | Freestanding |
Price | $$$$ | $ | $$ | $$$ |
Length | 54” | 27.5” | 63” | 47.2” |
Capacity | 220 pounds | 200 pounds | 220 pounds | N/A |
The 4 Best Portable Bathtubs For The Elderly
The 54" Three Stage Portable Bathtub is one of the most comfortable portable bathtubs on the market today. At 54", it is more than long enough for most adults.
The beauty of this bathtub is that it folds up when you're all done using it. In addition, the high-end soft TPE and PP materials are incredibly durable and gentle enough to bathe in comfortably.
Plus, unlike some materials that harness bacteria, this BPA-free material is odorless and environmentally friendly. At a low price, you'll enjoy this portable bathtub for up to 20 years if you take care of it.
The top lid is one of the unique features of this tub, which keeps the water temperature warm for up to an hour.
So unlike a regular bath, which often gets cold in a matter of minutes, you can enjoy a continuous heat cycle as you soak your pain away.
Lastly, the bottom of the tub uses a non-slip material, ensuring the safety of anyone inside it. Additionally, the grip is not rough on the skin, and has a smooth feel.
If you're looking for a durable, high-end portable bathtub that can retain water temperature, look no further than the 54" Three-Stage Portable Bathtub.
The Genenic Portable, Foldable Bathtub takes the cake as the most portable tub on this list. If you live in a small apartment or don't have much room in your bathroom, this tub still allows you to enjoy the relaxing and healing properties of a warm bath. The tub is made out of EPE pearl cotton, which helps maintain water temperature for up to 120 minutes!
Unlike some other bathtubs out there, you don't need to inflate this tub to set it up. It uniformly withstands gravity to give you the best bathing experience possible.
Though it might look small at first glance, you get 26 inches of diameter to stretch freely. Most adults will be able to stretch out their limbs and soak in total comfort.
It's worth noting that this tub is ultra-durable and made with non-toxic materials that can withstand the test of time. When you're all done with your tub, you can fold it up and store it in your bathroom cupboard.
If you're looking for an inflatable bathtub to use in your bathroom, we recommend looking at the CO-Z Inflatable Bathtub.
It's the perfect option for anyone on a budget as well! Don't underestimate the durability of this tub just because it's an inflatable design.
With high-density PVC, this inflatable tub is both durable and comfortable.
With some additional comfort features, such as the ergonomic backrest, the armrest, and the inflatable pillow, you can soak in pure bliss. Plus, you can zip up the top to keep the water temp consistent when the weather is cold.
The tub is very easy to blow up thanks to the included electric air pump. All in all, it takes about three minutes to inflate this bathtub fully.
Then, when you're done, simply empty it with the drain plug, dry it off with a towel (or let it air dry), let it deflate, and fold it to store away in another room.
We can't go without shining a light on the included cup holder! So enjoy a glass of wine while your muscles and joints unwind.
If you're concerned with how your portable tub will look in your bathroom, we don't blame you.
There's something about an excellent design that can make your bathing experience that much more upscale. But, of course, the Weylan Tec 47" isn't all good looks.
The bathtub has incredible insulation performance thanks to its six layers of waterproofing materials and high-density insulation.
As a result, you can soak in your bath for hours without the water getting cold.
Some seniors might appreciate the robust bracket design, making it one of the most stable tub models in its price range. In addition, you'll be able to use these brackets for a long time compared to standard plastic brackets that most portable tub manufacturers use.
At 47" in length, there is more than enough room to straighten out your legs and soothe your muscles. When you're all done with your bath, you can fold it up and place it in the corner. However, if you use your bath often, you can leave it out, as it looks great in just about any bathroom.
Factors To Consider When Buying
Size and Design
As you can see, there are many different designs and styles to choose from when looking into portable tubs. From round to rectangular, from inflatable to freestanding plastic, the options seem nearly endless. The first thing to consider when searching for the right bathtub is the amount of space you have.
Once you determine what kind of bathtub will fit easiest in your bathroom, you'll want to think of your needs.
Do you want tons of legroom to stretch out? While a tub with larger dimensions can be a better choice for seniors who wish to make the most out of their soak, these tubs aren't the most portable.
You should also determine what kind of tub you are looking to buy. For example, inflatable tubs can be great for those with mobility issues, as you just place them in the space where you plan to bathe and use the included electric pump to inflate them. However, compared to hard-bodied plastic tubs, inflatable tubs aren't usually as comfortable.
Durability
Because portable tubs come in a wide variety of designs, the material used to craft the tub can differ from one portable tub to the next. It's up to you to check out reviews and find a portable tub with high-quality material that is comfortable and long-lasting.
An odorless, eco-friendly material should be your number one priority. For example, odorless tubs won't retain bacteria after use, meaning they won't end up smelling over time.
While you look at the material that your portable bath is made out of, check out the interior material as well. Most seniors want non-slip interiors that promote safety. If your portable tub doesn't come with a non-slip material, you might want to purchase a bath liner.
Ease of Entry
If you have limited mobility, its important to look at the height of the entry point of your portable bath. Do reviews say that the tub is easy to get in and out of, or do people complain that getting in and out is a frustrating and scary experience?
Inflatable tubs can be more challenging for people to get in and out of because the walls aren't as sturdy. Also, unlike traditional walk-in tubs, portable tubs don't have safety features like grab bars or handrails. If safety is a significant concern, we recommend purchasing a plastic freestanding portable tub.
Drainage
Make sure that the drainage design fits your needs. It's near impossible to move a bath full of water when you're done using it.
Some portable tub models have drainage points on the bottom, while some portable tub models have drainage points on the side.
Consider where you'll be needing to drain your bath so that you don't buy one that gets water all over the floor.
Finding the Best Portable Tub For Your Needs
Many older adults say that their portable bath was the best purchase they had made in their later years. The beauty of portable tub models compared to permanent walk-in tubs is that they're much better for those on a budget. You can still enjoy a soak in hot water while maintaining space in your bathroom.
If we had to choose one above the rest, we would select the Three-Stage Soak Tub. This free-standing portable tub comes with high-end plastic, tons of space for stretching out your legs, and a unique temperature cover for keeping the water warm throughout the course of your bath.
We hope this guide has helped in finding the perfect portable tub for your needs. But if you're in the market for something more stationary, head over to our Best Walk In Tubs review article. Good luck and happy soaking!
