What is a Bedside Commode?
A bedside commode is a chair that can be used as a toilet when reaching a traditional toilet is difficult because of mobility or illness. Bedside commodes are also called commode chairs. The commode chair or bedside commode is made up of a chair with a toilet opening in the seat, a bucket that can be removed for cleaning, and it usually has arms to help with balance. Some commodes come equipped with drop arms to make transferring from a wheelchair easier. When the arm is lowered you can get yourself seated easier than trying to maneuver around an arm when you are transferring from a seated position. If you are walking to the bedside commode then standard arms will be more helpful so you can use the arms for balance while sitting.
All-in-One Bedside Commode or 3-in-1 Bedside Commode?
Medical supplies seem to be plagued with products that are called different things. It can be difficult to know what to buy when you are looking for a specific item and you don't realize that that exact item has two different names that mean the same thing but are used at different times. This is the situation with 3-in-1 bedside commodes and all-in-one bedside commodes. So what is the difference between a standard bedside commode and an all-in-one or a 3-in-1?
Standard Bedside Commode: The standard bedside commode has a seat with arms and a removable bucket. The commode chair can not be used over a standard toilet and is intended to be used outside of a regular bathroom facility. Standard bedside commodes can be kept right next to the bed. This will help to end nighttime trips to the bathroom and keep you or your loved one much safer.
All-In-One Bedside Commode: An all-in-one bedside commode has a removable bucket system so when you remove the bucket the entire commode chair can be placed over your existing toilet. This means you can use the commode chair in the bedroom or in the bathroom. When used over the toilet it will work as an elevated toilet seat. So what is the difference between an all-in-one bedside commode and a 3-in-1 bedside commode? There isn't a real difference at all. Both of these types of commodes can be used independently away from the toilet, they can be used over a standard toilet, and they can be used as a raised toilet seat or toilet safety frame. So whether or not it is called a 3-in-1 or an all-in-one bedside commode doesn't matter.
Shower Transfer Chair with Commode Opening:
This type of bedside commode is different from the ones previously mentioned because the transfer chair has wheels. This is a bedside commode chair that can work over an existing toilet and it can be used to transport a person or yourself to the bathroom and back to the bedroom because it also functions like a wheelchair or a transfer chair. Shower chairs and bath seats can be extremely helpful to have in the home. The nice thing about the Invacare Mariner Rehab shower chair and commode seat is that it can be used throughout the home. If you are your loved one is having issues with mobility, the wheeled design can be just what is needed. 
How to Make Using Bedside Commodes Easier with Bedside Commode Liners
Bedside commodes, when they are used away from a standard toilet can be difficult to clean and maintain. Emptying the pail or pan is not an easy task. Emptying a large pail into a toilet can cause more of a mess if/when it splashes. Luckily there are bedside commode liners. These liners fit inside the standard bedside commode pail and keep the person's output contained. The liner is made with a special absorbent pad on the inside that helps to solidify liquid waste, this makes the liners easier to change and empty because liquid can obviously move quite a bit when the pail is moved or carried. When the bedside commode is used, the liner can be picked up and disposed of easily. The bedside commode stays clean and sanitary.
