Have you foregone a bath simply because you have problems getting up and down the bottom of your bathtub? If yes, you aren’t alone, there are so many people out there who are just like you as well even though they enjoy the soothing and the benefits of soaking in nice, warm water.
The good news is that there is a perfect solution for you. A battery powered chair-style bath lift is definitely the best solution for you. Like with any other product on the market these days, battery-powered bath lift chairs come in different models and with a wide array of different features. The major differences can be seen in the bath lifts’ minimum and maximum lifting heights, weight capacity, seat width, reclining capabilities and weight capacity. Other differences can also be found in features designed to make getting in and getting out the bathtub easier. Such features include swivel transfer seat and side flaps.
Moreover, bath lifts also vary in prices just like any other item out there. Generally, the prices are normally between $400 and $1,500, depending on the features desired.
In as much as there is a sea of bathtubs out there for you to choose your ideal bath lift from, the reality however is that choosing a bath lift from numerous choices out there can prove to be a daunting task especially if you have never shopped for a bath lift before. This doesn’t mean that you can’t choose the best bath lift for your needs. Actually, it is something that you can do provided you know how to go about it. If you don’t, here is a comprehensive guide that will help you make an informed decision when picking a bath lift model that is best suited for your needs as well as the exact dimensions of your bathtub. As such, this guide is a great read for you if you are really looking forward to purchasing a bath lift.
How exactly does a battery-powered bath lift work?
Basically, a battery-powered bath lift doesn’t really require electrical wires or an electrical outlet connecting it to the bathtub. It is simply controlled through a battery-powered hand control. All you need is to simply press the up/down button on the hand control. The bath lift will do the difficult work of lowering to the bottom of your bathtub and raising you up again once you are done with your bath.
Modern models come with a safety feature designed for purposes of ensuring that the bath lift doesn’t lower you down in event that there isn’t enough battery power in the hand control to lift you back up again. It is therefore prudent to ensure that thus featured is present before purchasing any bath lift model.
What is the average number of lifts that a bath lift can perform per charge?
The average number of lifts that a bath lift can perform per charge is approximately between 7 to 12 lifts. The number can vary depending on the model of the bath lift, the lifetime of the battery used and the overall weight of a person. In other words, some models can perform more lifts than others. If you want to recharge the battery, all you have to do is to plug the battery into a charger. The charger needs to be located some safe distance away from the water source or in a separate room from the bathroom.
What are some of the important factors that I should put into consideration when choosing a bath lift?
Actually, there are a number of factors that you need to consider when choosing a bath lift so that you can choose one that best suits your needs. Here are a couple of them.
Height - it is prudent you choose a bath lift that is able to go up to a height that is even with the edge of the bathtub, or preferably higher. On average, most battery-powered bath lift models can achieve a height of between 17 and 18 inches. Some models such as the Petermann 58 can achieve heights that are as high as 23 inches.
Weight capacity- this is also another important factor that you need to consider when shopping for a bath lift. On average, most of the battery-powered lift models out there have a weight lifting capacity of 308 lbs. Bath Lifts such as the 
Bathmaster Sonairs 2 and Petermann 48 have a weight capacity of 375 lbs.You can also order a custom-made bath lift known as the Aquatec Major which has a weight capacity of more than 500 lbs.
Width - you also need to make sure that the bath lift that you settle for will perfectly fit the exact dimensions of your bathtub. Therefore, it is always a good idea to go for the widest bath lift that your bathtub can hold. This is because it will mean that the open gap between the bath lift’s seat and they edge of your bathtub will be less. Generally, bath lifts come in widths ranging from 26 inches to 27 inches . If the bath lift model comes with transfer side flaps, then it means that the advertised width also includes the side flaps.
Transfer Flaps or wings - many bath lifts have wings or transfer flaps that are attached to the sides of the bathtub seat. These transfer flaps are normally designed to extend beyond the top of bathtub’s wall once the lift is at its maximum height. The transfer flaps are also designed to fold upwards as the lift is lowering to the bottom of the bath tub. Moreover, they are designed for purposes of filling up the open gap that is between the bathtubs’ wall and the bath lift’s seat. This allows you to comfortably sit down on the edge of your bathtub while your legs are outside your bathtub. When seated on this safe position, you can comfortably slide yourself backwards right to the middle of your bath lift while at the same time lifting your legs over the bathtub’s walls each at a time devoid of stepping in and out.
Lowest height achievable-It is important to note that once the bath lift brings you to the bottom of your bathtub, it therefore means that you won’t be sitting directly on your bathtub’s floor. The seat together with the lifting components will still remain underneath you and they will be suspending you a couple of inches above the floor of your bathtub. Therefore, it definitely means that if a bath lift model enables you to go lower, then you will be submerged more in the water. If the bath lift model doesn’t allow you to go lower, then you will be less submerged in the water. If you are looking for a bath lift model that will offer you the lowest bath lift height possible, then it is prudent you go for Bellavita. This model offers a lower bath lift height of up to 2 ½ inches.
Recline vs. No –recline- While most of the bath lifts model on the market these days do recline, there are however some models that don’t recline at all. Some models are designed to recline you back as they lower while some models are self-controlled , hence providing you with the option of whether to recline or remain upright. The models that are designed with a completely upright back that hardly recline at all offer more legroom, hence making them the best option for taller persons. However, if you aren’t tall, it is prudent you choose a bath lift model that comes with a self-controlled feature that is designed to give you the option of whether to recline or remain upright. The reclined position is quite relaxing for soaking, while the upright position enables you to easily reach your legs and feet for cleaning or shaving.
Suction cups - Most bath lifts have suction cups on their bottom, which are basically designed for purposes of holding them still when getting in and out the bathtub. Bath lifts can come equipped with 4-6 suction cups , largely depending on the model and the manufacturer. However, suction cups aren’t the same. Some suction cups may be compatible with the surface that is on the bottom of your bathtub, while others may not be compatible at all. As such, confirm with our customer service whether the suction cups for that model you are thinking of purchasing are compatible with the surface that is on the bottom of your bath tub or not. Nothing can be more disappointing than purchasing a bath lift only to realize that its suction cups aren’t compatible with your bathtub. Generally, bathtubs suction cups don’t work well on bathtubs with textured bottom or bathtubs with safety strips on their bottom. The Petermann 48 and 58 bath lifts do not use suctions cups , therefore they will work with or without a textured surface.
Swivel transfer seat –most bath lifts manufacturer these days offer swivel transfer seats. The swivel transfer seat can be added to the seat for purposes of helping you turn your bottom easily when getting in and out of your bathtub. 
Therefore, you need to pay close attention to the swivel seat when picking a bath lift for your bathtub, and most importantly ensure that there is a swivel transfer seat available, should you want or need to add it in the future.
Cleaning- the other incredibly important factor that you need to consider when it comes to selecting a bath lift is ease of cleaning it. Basically, you should go for the model that is quite easier to clean. If possible, choose the model with fewer moving pieces, thanks to the fact that such a model is quite easy to clean. Again, if you are susceptible to infections, it is prudent you go for a bath lift model that comes with a smooth antimicrobial surface such as the Bathmaster Sonairs 2. The model should also have the fewest moving pieces possible. Lots of manufacturers these days additionally provide removable, washable and hygienic covers for their bath lifts. A bath lift model with a removable, washable and hygienic cover can be the best bet for you if you are highly prone to infections.
Slip-resistant surface (Seat Covers)- generally, bath lift seats can come with or without back and seat covers. The two versions have their fair share of pros and cons as well. From a safety point of view, it is advisable to go for a bath lift model with slip-resistant covers and slightly textured seat such as the Bathmaster Deltis to ensure that you don’t slip off while taking a bath. The main drawback to choosing a model without a seat cover is that it is quite easy to slide across while getting in and out of your bathtub.
Frame materials- Generally, bath lift frames can either be made of aluminum, stainless steel or plastic. The best and strongest frame material is stainless steel. Bath lifts that are made of stainless steel such as the Petermann’s are capable or getting to higher lifting heights as opposed to their counterparts that are made of plastic material. Although the models with frames made from stainless steel material are costly than model with frames made from other materials, there are however worth the extra prices considering that they don’t only enable the bath lift to reach the highest level possible, but they are more durable than other models made from other materials as well.
Installation - While most of the bath lifts out there are quite simple to put together, there are still some models that may be difficult to put together and will require you to have your tools handy. It is therefore prudent to settle for a bath lift model that is quite simple to put together by simply joining the pieces together without using any tools. The easier a model is to install without any tools and with less effort required, the better the model is for you.
Additional features- If you are an overly a tall person, you should select a bath lift that offer headrest attachments. Again, if you have a poor sitting balance, you should select a bath lift with seat belts and chest straps to prevent you from slipping forward.
Do your research - before deciding to purchase a particular bath lift model, you should research online to see whether there are some complaints that have been filed against it.
With this guide right at your fingertips, then there isn’t any doubt whatsoever that you will pick the best bath lift that suits your needs. Please call us at 877-573-8311 for more information about bath lifts.
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bevels as long as the transfer flap is several inches on the side of the bath tub to support the weight of the individual.
Q: The Only bath lift the back can be removed from is the Petermann IPB-100 Peter Pan manual bath lift. Removing the back of the bath lift will enable the user to recline fully back in the bath tub, stretch out and enjoy the jets. The Petermann IPB-100 has a gear assisted, turning mechanism which take very little effort to raise and lower. In addition, it is great exercise. 
A: The bath lift seat just sits in the bottom of the tub. All bath lifts have 4 suction cups to keep it from sliding. An Additional row of suction cusp can be added to the Bathmaster Deltis and Bathmaster Sonairs 2 for a total of 6 suction cups. The Petermann bath lifts work on anti-slip feet that will work with textured tub bottoms. 
A: Our verified buyer reviews of the 
