Most of us take sitting for granted, but when you’re recovering from a hip replacement surgery that’s not as easy of a prospect as it used to be. Luckily, there are several manufacturers producing chairs suitable for post-operation patients, letting you sit safely and pain-free anywhere in your home.
If you need a chair for in the shower, the Hip Solution Bath and Shower Transfer Bench is the best chair after hip replacement (>>> Check on Amazon). On the other hand, though, something like the Drive Medical 17100-BV or Hathaway Cambridge Spectator Chair could be a better option for the living room or dining room. Let’s compare the top options on some key features so you can pick the perfect chair for you.
- Drive Medical 17100-BV
- Hathaway Cambridge Spectator
- APEX Hip Chair
- Drive Medical 12455
- Medokare Shower Chair
- The Hip Solution Bath and Shower Transfer Bench
Best Chair After Hip Replacement – Top Picks for 2022:
| Drive Medical 17100-BV | Hathaway Cambridge Spectator | APEX Hip Chair | Drive Medical 12455 | Medokare Shower Chair | Hip Solution Shower Transfer Bench | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |
|
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs | 300 lbs | 265 lbs | 300 lbs | 280 lbs | 330 lbs |
| Seat Dimensions | 17.5” Width x 26” Height | 22” Width x 25.5” Height | 20” Width x 23” – 27.5” Height | 14” Width x 21” – 27” Height | 16” Width x 16” – 20.5” Height | 17” Width x 19” – 23.5” Height |
| Frame material | Alloy Steel | Wood | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 29 x 22 x 40.75 inches | 30 x 23 x 44 inches | 22 x 23 x 38 inches | 11 x 14 x 27 inches | 5.12 x 4.33 x 21.65 inches | 34 x 20 x 35 inches |
| Item Weight | 37 lbs | 29 lbs | 13 lbs | 12.5 lbs | 4.6 lbs | 25 lbs |
| Price | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon |
Sitting Ease
After surgery, you don’t want to bend much at the waist, and standing back up after you sit can be much more of a chore. A taller chair helps with this, as do sturdy armrests that you can use to brace yourself. Seats that are angled, like the APEX Hip Chair and Drive Medical 12455, are also very helpful, giving you a head-start on getting to a standing position.
In terms of getting in and out, the unique design jof the Hip Solution Bath and Shower Transfer Bench is ideal. The seat slides and swivels so you won’t need to twist to get out of the tub, while the sturdy, padded armrests can also be lifted, lowered, and locked into place, giving you lots more options for sitting and standing safely.
Easiest to sit in: Hip Solution Bath and Shower Transfer Bench
Height and Weight Range
Not every chair will be the right height for all users, and the weight limit is an important factor for safety, too. Seats with adjustable height are more versatile in this regard, giving you more options for finding your perfect, comfortable position.
Most of these chairs have a maximum weight limit of 250-300 pounds (though the Hip Solution goes all the way up to 330lbs), so they’re similar in this regard. When it comes to height, the Drive Medical 12455 offers the widest range of options, going as low as 21” or as tall as 27”.
Widest height and weight range: Drive Medical 12455
Seat Comfort
A hard seat is the last thing you want after you’ve had a hip replacement surgery. While the vinyl seats of the Hathaway Cambridge Spectator Chair and Drive Medical 17100-BV are relatively comfortable, the padding of the Hip Solution Bath and Shower Transfer Bench is downright cushy. It’s by far the most comfortable seat on the list, especially if you’ll be sitting for a while.
Most comfortable seat: Hip Solution Bath and Shower Transfer Bench
Seat Weight
A heavier chair could be better if it’ll be staying in one place, since that heftier size gives it more stability. If you’ll be moving the seat around your home, though, the weight of the seat is an important factor. For that, the Medokare Shower Chair is the top choice, weighing less than 5 pounds. That’s light enough for anyone to move with ease.
Lightest seat: Medokare Shower Chair
Drive Medical 17100-BV
The materials used in the Drive Medical 17100-BV are ideal for use in any area of the house. Its sturdy steel alloy frame can support uers up to 300 pounds without tipping or shifting, so you can feel confident when you sit and stand.
The seat of this Drive Medical chair comfortably padded with a vinyl material that’s water-resistant. This means you can use it outdoors or in the bathroom and no worry about staining or damaging the seats. It also makes it very easy to clean since you can just wipe it down with soap and water.
The only thing to be aware of when buying this chair is that the height isn’t adjustable. Those who are average height will find it comfortable use, but if you’re particularly short or tall it may not be as suitable.
Pros
- Heavy and solid enough not to shift
- Durable and stable frame
- Easy to sit without bending
- Well-paded seat with contoured armrests
- Water-resistant vinyl padding
Cons
- Height isn’t adjustable
- Seat may be too narrow for some users
Hathaway Cambridge Spectator Chair
The stylish Hathaway Cambridge Spectator Chair doesn’t look like a medical device, and that makes it a great option for those who need a bit of extra help but still care about their furniture décor. Its solid hardwood frame is still quite durable and heavy enough not to shift, and comes in two attractive finishes (Antique Walnut or Rich Mahogany).
Since this chair is designed for use by pool players, it has a handy cuprest tray along the side with a notch to hold a pool cue, which can be convenient for holding your drink when you’re hanging out with friends, too.
As to comfort, the seat is well-padded vinyl and wider than many steel-frame chairs, which makes it easier for many to get into. Unfortunately, the armrests aren’t padded and can be uncomfortable for longer use. It’s also quite tall, so shorter users may struggle to get in and out.
Pros
- Stylish wood frame with 2 finishes
- Well-cushioned vinyl seat
- Good seat width for users of various sizes
- Cuprest built into side of the chair
- Handcrafted wood frame is solid with good weight
Cons
- Armrests aren’t padded
- May be too tall for shorter users
APEX Hip Chair
The APEX Hip Chair is designed to meet the needs of patients after a hip replacement. The seat is fully-adjustable, and you can change both the height and the angle, making it much easier for users of all heights to sit pain-free and easily.
The armrests and seat of the APEX Hip Chair are padded with polyurethane foam that’s comfortable even when sitting long-term. It’s also completely waterproof and the aluminum frame won’t rust, so it can also be used as a shower chair without a problem.
The chair itself is much lighter than most, at around 13 pounds. Unfortunately, it also has a lower maximum weight limit, and while it has no-slip feet, larger users may not feel as secure once they’re settled in.
Pros
- Height and angle of seat are easy to adjust
- Padded, removable armrests
- Foam seat is comfortable and easy to clean
- Completely waterproof with non-slip feet
- Lightweight and easy to move
Cons
- Lower maximum weight capacity
Drive Medical 12455
The Drive Medical 12455 bathroom bench is a very versatile option. It has a high weight limit and the height can be adjusted to accommodate pretty much any person who needs it. The armrests can be removed, too, and since it’s not heavy you don’t need to struggle to move it around the house.
The seat of this Drive Medical chair is relatively comfortable. The padding is somewhat thin, but enough for most to sit withouth any pain. The seat is angled, too, which makes it easier for many to get in and out. Its only significant lack here is that the armrests are unpadded steel, so they’re not the most comfortable.
Like other aluminum and vinyl chairs, the Drive Medical 12455 won’t be damaged by water. This lets you use it in the shower, outside, or anywhere else you need a place to sit.
Pros
- Adjustable height
- Angled seat is easier to get in and out
- Removable armrests
- Completely waterproof
- Lightweight and easy to move
Cons
- Armrests aren’t padded
- Seat padding is somewhat thin
Medokare Shower Chair
If you want a chair specifically to use in the bathroom, the Medokare Shower Chair is one of the best options. The suction cups on the feet cling to the tub, preventing slips and other safety issues. Both the frame and seat are fully waterproof, with drainage holes in the seat so water won’t pool.
At just under 5 pounds, the Medokare Shower Chair is by far the lightest option on the list. That’s great for moving it around, though it can be an issue if you’re using it outside the shower since it’s more likely to tip when you sit in it.
As far as comfort goes, the width of the seat is nice, and there’s a wide range of adjustable seat heights. The seat padding is the thinnest on the list, however, so it’s not as suitable for long-term comfort.
Pros
- Tool-free adjustable seat height
- Wide seat with well-spaced, padded armrests
- Removable backrest
- Suction cup feet
- Exceptionally lightweight
- Comes with a shower caddy
Cons
- Plastic seat isn’t comfortable for longer timespans
The Hip Solution Bath and Shower Transfer Bench
When it comes to the ease of sitting and standing, few other chairs can match the Hip Solution Bath and Shower Transfer Bench. It has a unique sliding and swiveling design that’s perfect for getting into and out of a tub or shower without any fear of slipping and falling. This is also an excellent option for visually-impaired users, with an eye-catching blue color that stands out more against the tub and shower walls so you won’t miss it.
The polyurethane padding of this Hip Solution bench is plush and comfy even for extended sitting. It’s still fully-waterproof, too, and easy to clean after use. The armrests are padded, as well, and can be raised for easier entry or adjusted side-to-side to give you more room in the seat.
With its adjustable frame height, the Hip Solution Bath and Shower Transfer Bench fits a range of heights, though they are all on the shorter end of the spectrum—taller users may still need to bend a bit much to get into it. The frame is also wider than most, which could be an issue if you have a smaller tub.
Pros
- Swiveling seat is easier to get in and out
- Very comfortable seat padding
- Seat belt for added safety
- High contrast blue color for visually impaired users
- Armrests can be raised and adjusted
- Adjustable seat height
- Wide, stable base
Cons
- May not fit in narrower tubs
- Not great for taller users
Choosing Best Chair After Hip Replacement
The first question you need to answer is where you’ll be using the chair. For the bathroom, the Hip Solution Bath and Shower Transfer Bench is a fantastic choice, and the lightweight Medokare Shower Chair can be a convenient option, too.
Both of these look like medical devices, though, and that’s not always something you want in your living spaces. If you want a chair that’s a bit more stylish, the wood frame of the Hathaway Cambridge Spectator Chair is an excellent option (and it even has a cupholder where you can keep your drink). We hope this comparison has helped you find a perfect seat to use during your recovery!