How to Select the Caster Size for your Rolling Shower Chair

Rolling shower chairs come in a variety of types.  One of the most important rolling shower chair decisions is the size and type of casters that come with that particular shower chair.  There are several important questions that need to be answered if the right shower chair casters are  going to be part of your purchase.  The following are some important key factors that should go in to any purchasing decision.  

1. Caster Size: The size of the caster on the rolling shower chair you are purchasing has a dramatic effect on the usefulness of that shower chair. For instance, a 3’ caster is less expensive and works fine on flat hard surfaces. If the chair will only be used on a hard bathroom floor and not used over carpet the 3” caster should work fine. The other sizes offered on some but not all rolling shower chairs are 4” and 5”.

2.  5” Casters: A 5” caster can save a lot of caregiver hardship over the life span of the shower chair. A 5” caster rolls much more easily over carpet and over small threshold (floor level) changes like from wood to carpet or wood to linoleum. Also, a 5” caster is generally needed for easy access to roll in shower pans. Keep in mind a 5” caster makes the caregivers job much easier as it requires less effort to roll the shower chair with the patient in it from one place to another.

3.  Locking Casters: Some chair come with two rear locking casters, while others come with 4 locking casters. If part of the chairs use will be transferring a person with limited physical abilities into the chair, it is a good idea to purchase a chair with 4 locking casters, in able to provide the stability needed to transfer to the shower chair. If the user can generally stand and then seat themselves in the chair, without exerting undo pressure on the shower chair, then the two locking rear casters should suffice.As you can see, caster selection is an important part of your rolling shower chair purchase. 

Feel free to call our customer service representatives at 800-413-3302 to discuss your shower chair needs. Our reps are well trained on getting you to the right shower chair for your needs.  Check out our full line of shower chairs by clicking here.