The Disadvantages Of Cushioned Toilet Seats Show How Comfort Comes At A Cost

Have you ever experienced using the toilet and having the wind knocked right out of you because the seat seems to have turned into a block of ice? Well, people who have cushioned or soft toilet seats don't usually have to deal with that. It's one of the many benefits to this style. Aside from being warmer than traditional hard seats, padded toilet seats are the most comfortable choice for accessibility. They can be better for the elderly and potty-training children. Unfortunately, there are also downsides to this feature you shouldn't overlook, including frequent replacements, higher costs, comfort concerns, susceptibility to germs, and deformation.

When it comes to cost, cushioned toilet seats are typically more expensive than regular hard ones. You can get a conventional toilet seat (without any extras) for just $10 to $15. But we checked online, and the least expensive padded seat with good ratings we could find was the ACHIM Fantasia Toilet Seat, which cost over $17 on Walmart and more than $21 on Amazon. Beyond the product cost, these seats also need to be replaced more frequently. Cushioned seats are typically constructed by surrounding the solid core rim with foam or padding, then overlaying that with a vinyl cover. They are not as durable as the hard seats and will likely get damaged much quicker. This will force you to replace your toilet seat sooner than expected, increasing your expenses.

With these seats, going for a high-quality option is not a choice; it's a necessity. This is because a low-quality cushioned toilet seat can come with an inferior vinyl covering. This can crack or puncture within a short time, but that is the least of your worries. When the vinyl covering cracks, the padding or foam underneath can easily soak up bodily fluids and moisture from the bathroom. This creates the perfect conditions for bacteria and mold growth inside your toilet seat. Additionally, the shape of cushioned toilet seats can change with prolonged use. The padding can get compressed, causing it to deform and stop providing adequate support. This particular problem is a dent to the major advantage of these padded toilet seats which is the comfort they offer.

Generally, the concept of comfort can be subjective depending on personal preference, and for some people, these seats are simply not comfortable. Reviewers have even compared them to sitting on mushrooms, which doesn't sound like a very good experience, to say the least. The vinyl covering of these seats can also get sticky on hot days, making it a very unpleasant bathroom break. There is also a low, deflating sound padded toilet seats make when you sit on them that can be unnerving to some people. While these cushioned upgrades are a unique alternative to basic plastic toilet seats, you should weigh their downsides against any benefits they offer.