Padded toilet seat? Yes please, your bottom will thank you. We all have to use the toilet multiple times a day, so why not make it the most comfortable experience possible?
A padded seat transforms a formerly hard, cold toilet seat into a welcoming, warm seat. No matter which model you buy, a padded seat can be a small investment that makes a big difference. Read on to hear more about the different types of padded seats available today, along with our top picks to try.
Page Contents
Our Top Padded Picks
| › | Mayfair Soft Toilet Seat | |
|---|---|---|
| › | Ginsey Soft Toilet Seat |
Padded Toilet Seats vs. Normal Seats
Although padded seats cost slightly more than casual seats, they also have certain benefits to offer. Let’s see what are the differences between padded and normal toilet seats.
Comfort and Warmth
Aiding People with Disabilities
Potty Training
Reviews of the Best 5 Padded Toilet Seats in 2023
We’ve selected 5 of the best cushioned toilet seats to review that are not only stylish, but very comfortable to sit on.
1. Mayfair Soft Toilet Seat – Review Champion
- Dimensions (sourced from manual): 17″ x 15″ x 3″
- Bowl Shape: Round
- Style: Butterfly
- Type of Hinge: No Slam Plastic Twist Cap
- Slow Close: No
- Removable for Cleaning: Yes
This Mayfair padded seat is a relatively affordable choice that still offers both elegance and comfort. It also features a stylish butterfly design that is a good fit for both modern and older bathrooms. Finally, this model offers a sturdy wooden core that directly extends its lifespan, making it a good investment at an affordable price.
Manufactured in the US from eco-friendly materials, this toilet seat is compatible with almost any Kohler, TOTO, and American Standard toilet, as long as the bowl is round.
- Made from eco-friendly materials
- Good quality for the price
- Installation takes only 3 minutes
- Unique embroided butterfly design
- Color may fade slightly over time
- Edges of the thick plastic edge can be sharp
2. Ginsey Soft Toilet Seat – Editor’s Choice
- Dimensions (sourced from manual): 16.5″ x 2.75″ x 14.5″
- Bowl Shape: Oval
- Type of Hinge: Soft, textured vinyl with plastic hinges
- Slow Close: No
If you own a round-bowl toilet, you should definitely consider this Ginsey padded seat. It comes in 13 color variations, giving you many options to choose from, and the wooden core provides durability without compromising on comfort.
The seat material itself is soft and smooth, and installation is easy, requiring only a screwdriver and the easy-to-follow user manual. While the one downside to this seat is the plastic hinges which can break over time, the manufacturer provides a 2-year warranty which helps offer some coverage.
- Excellent comfort, enhancing your experience
- Many colors and designs to choose from allows you to match your space
- 2-year warranty in case you run into any issues
- Affordable option for the style
- Only fits on round bowls
Summary of Recent Reviews
Buyers are pleased with the comfort of this toilet seat option. Some noted that the colors weren’t exactly as expected, but with as many options they provide, you’re sure to find one that coordinates with your bathroom. “I am impressed that these are so comfortable.”
3. Comfort Seat Deluxe
- Dimensions (sourced from manual): 16″ x 14.4″ x 3.5″
- Bowl Shape: Round
- Type of Hinge: Adjustable hinges for prefect fit
- Slow Close: No
- High-density foam for improved comfort
- Basic installation only takes a few minutes
- Sturdy seat once installed properly
- A bit heavy compared to other options
- Screws are not included with purchase
Summary of Recent Reviews
Overall buyers are happy with this padded seat. Installation is easy and quick. The base is made from wood, making this more durable than some others we’ve seen. “The seat has lasted us for at least a year which is much longer than the seats we have purchased in the past.”
4. Kindax Gel Seat Pad
- Dimensions (sourced from manual): 6.7″ x 14.6″
- Bowl Shape: Round
- Finish Type: Silicone gel
- Features:
– Made of environmental gel with full liquid characteristics
– Materials is the medical-grade gel, hypoallergenic, latex and silicone-free
- Amazing comfort with a minimal design
- An affordable option that quickly improves comfort
- Easy to install and keep clean, no tools required
- Never deforms, holds its original shape over time
- Gel can sometimes stick to the skin
- Blue is the only color option available
Summary of Recent Reviews
Customers were leary of this option but overall are happy with the comfort it provides. Some buyers did mention it loses its stick after removing from the seat, but most remove to clean and have no issue re-attaching. “My sitting bones are no longer well-padded and this takes the hurt away!”
5. Saounisi Soft Toilet Seat Pad
- Dimensions (sourced from manual): 15.7″ x 6.7″
- Bowl Shape: Oval
- Features:
– toilet mat can be washed repeatedly
– universal type fit 95% of toilets
If you’re looking for a great starter seat, we love this open-front option from Saounisi. Similar to the previous review, this option actually consists of two separate padded pieces that stick directly onto your current seat. It fits on every shape of the toilet, and you don’t have to worry about difficult installation or swapping out hinges.
The Saounisi seat’s plush design and soft materials keep your toilet warm and comfy. There are also a number of colors and fun patterns to choose from, which make this an ideal choice for adults or kids.
- Comfortable addition to any toilet seat
- Easy removal for cleaning the seat
- Many color options available to match your bathroom design
- Easy installation for any type of seat
- Some experienced sticking issues from the start
- Mention of losing stickiness over time
Summary of Recent Reviews
This two-piece option is a hit among buyers. it’s easy to install, easy to maintain, and provides a comfortable experience. “The best for keeping my toilet seat warm!” There are plenty of colors and styles available, to fit your bathroom decor.
Buyers Guide for Padded Toilet Seats
While similar to an ordinary toilet seat, padded seats can significantly increase your comfort level while sitting on a toilet because they offer additional cushioning and overall support. Furthermore, people with certain medical conditions may also need padded toilet seats for additional benefits. Overall, knowing what your priorities are when shopping for a padded toilet seat will help you determine the best option for you.
1. Type of Seat (Bowl Shape)
Before you buy any toilet seat, you should know what type of bowl you have. There are two types of toilet bowls: elongated and round. Elongated seats are a bit longer and provide more comfort. By comparison, round seats are more common and are also typically a little shorter, making them ideal for compact bathrooms.
Learn how to measure a toilet seat using our guide.
- Elongated Seats – constructed to fit elongated toilets, including compact elongated toilets. These seats measure 18-5/8 inches or more and will look more like an oval shape instead of a circle.
- Round Seats – round padded seats are designed to fit toilets with round-front bowls. These seats measure 16-3/4 inches or less.
2. Comfort Level
If you’re considering a padded toilet seat, chances are that comfort is already high on your list of features to verify. Depending on how important comfort is, you can even look for a seat that offers an ergonomic design. You can also look at the composition of the material to help decide which will provide the right comfort level for your personal preference.
3. Material Composition
There are a few composition factors to consider when picking out a padded seat. To start, you’ll want to consider the material used for the base of the seat. A wooden core guarantees the seat will be strong and sturdy and won’t break over time. However, some plastic options will offer similar durability to a wooden seat without as high of a price tag. If you want to learn more, you may be interested in the difference between wood vs. plastic seats.
Then, don’t forget to check the composition of the padding itself. Whether you choose foam or gel, be sure that the seat is a high-quality model that won’t start to leak or deform over time. Look for a model with a warranty for even more ease of mind.
4. Price Point
When it comes to price, we’ve got some good news! No matter which seat you buy, you will likely spend less than $50. A toilet seat is not expensive, so even paying a bit more can be an excellent long-term investment without breaking the bank.
5. Ease of Installation
One final detail to consider is the ease of installation for your new seat, especially if you are not comfortable with DIY. Although most seats only require a screwdriver for installation, things might get a bit complicated if you buy a seat with extra features like heating or a bidet. That being said, whichever seat you do select should come with instructions and all the tools required for their installation. In general, installation shouldn’t be too complex no matter which seat you select. However, there are some models that offer a special easy installation mechanism if you’re looking for the simplest option out there.
Here are a few more details to keep in mind when narrowing down the perfect padded seat for your bathroom.
6. Durable Material
The material of the padded seats is the most vital factor that you need to consider. We’ve already discussed the value of a wooden vs plastic core, and that you should look for a durable material no matter which option you choose.
For the padding itself, we strongly advise you to choose a high-density foam. Thicker materials can hold decent weight and spring back over time, whereas low-quality foam tends to flatten after a few uses. Once the foam flattens, you really have no other option than to replace it, so if you’re hoping to use your padded seat for a long time, thicker foam is worth the investment.
On the other hand, too firm of padding can lead to a rigid seat, which takes away the actual comfort provided by a padded seat. Therefore, it’s important to find a foam that is comfortable while still dense enough to be durable.
Finally, make sure the manufacturer clearly outlines the antibacterial elements of the seat as well. Your padded seat should be just as easy to clean and maintain as a normal toilet seat, so don’t pick an option with materials that aren’t antibacterial.
7. Strong Hinges
The hinges of a toilet seat should be sturdy and robust as they are the most common point where toilet seats break. Overall, metal hinges are expensive compared to plastic hinges, but they last longer.
You’ll also want to caution your family to avoid slamming the seat shut after use. Padded or not padded, repeated slamming over many uses can damage your seat. If you notice the seat itself isn’t staying up, you can check our how-to guide about fixing a toilet seat not staying up.
8. Color Aesthetic
Finally, especially if you’re focused on your bathroom’s aesthetics, make sure that the color of the padded toilet seat matches your toilet bowl and the décor of your bathroom. Several padded seats come in a variety of colors, which will help you find a seat that provides both comfort and style.
Final Verdict
Buying a padded toilet seat doesn’t have to be challenging. Before you buy, clarify what exactly you need and what your main priorities are, and then pick the seat that fits those needs. Overall, you can’t go wrong choosing from any of the padded seats reviewed here. Either way, we hope this article helps you understand what to look for and how to find the perfect padded seat for your bathroom.