Bariatric Needs (Obesity or plus-sized)

Overview

According to NHS England, around 1 in 4 adults in the UK live with obesity and demand for bariatric support equipment continues to rise across care and home environments.

Functional Toileting Challenges:

1
Reduced mobility and flexibility: making reaching, wiping or positioning difficult
2
Increased joint and muscle strain: limiting safe transfers on and off conventional toilets
3
Restricted space: Unsuitable bathroom layouts that make safe manoeuvring difficult
4
Greater fatigue: Especially when standing or transferring
5
Increased carer support: Requiring manual assistance may be physically demanding and unsafe.

Impacts:

Incomplete hygiene tasks

Fatigue and weakness can increase the risk of infections, odour and skin problems if wiping becomes difficult due to difficulty reaching effectively

Loss of dignity

Reduced self-esteem when unable to toilet independently

Reduced confidence

Due to fears of accidents or accessibility barriers

Safety concerns

From risks of falls or structural inadequacies in standard bathrooms

How our products help those with Bariatric Needs (Obesity or plus-sized)

FEATURE WHY IT HELPS
Palma Vita Wash and Dry Toilet Provides improved hygiene, comfort and independence with integrated washing and drying functions, reducing the need for assistance and supporting accessibility.
Big John Seat Extra-wide seat area with a higher weight rating and added stability, comfort and safety
Touch sensitive hand/foot switch Makes it easier to recognise and use without complex instructions
Douche (standard) Supports personal hygiene and cleanliness, helping users maintain independence and comfort during toileting.
Closomat wash and dry toilet in a modern bathroom with a teal wall

Priority specification

Foundational

The Closomat Palma Vita supplied with the Big John Seat

Moderate

Large easy-to-use touch sensitive switch to suit the reach of the individual

Sample specification wording

The individual has bariatric needs associated with obesity, resulting in reduced mobility, flexibility and endurance. These challenges can make transfers, personal hygiene and independent toileting increasingly difficult.

A standard Closomat Palma Vita Wash and Dry Toilet, fitted with the optional Big John bariatric seat, provides a solution designed to accommodate users weighing up to 362kg/57st. The wider, supportive seat offers greater comfort and stability, while the toilet’s fully integrated automatic washing and drying functions eliminate the need for reaching and manual wiping, which may be difficult or unsafe for the individual. 

The addition of the Big John seat provides enhanced support for bariatric users while retaining the Palma Vita’s established wash and dry functionality, helping maintain personal hygiene, safety and dignity.

The Closomat’s adaptable design, combined with the Big John seat, provides a long-term solution that supports independence, reduces reliance on carers and accommodates changing mobility needs.

A touch-sensitive hand/foot switch can also be incorporated to minimise physical strain and enable easier independent operation.

Final checks

Confirm structural and floor load-bearing suitability
Verify required user weight capacity
Ensure correct controls are specified to suit the reach and dexterity of the individual
Review clearances for additional equipment, such as wheelchairs and hoists
Consider the person’s posture on the toilet, particularly if they have a gluteal shelf, and how this impacts on their ability to position the body effectively.

Download the specification

Wash and dry toilet specification for plus-size (bariatric) users, with the recommended features and clinical justification.

Closomat wash and dry toilet in a modern bathroom with dark grey tiles
Our Toilets

The Vita Range for Occupational Therapists

Closomat’s Vita Range has been developed specifically to support safe, dignified and independent toileting for disabled and older people.