In the past bathing was undertaken typically but stepping over a 14”-21” tub wall or stepping over a 5”-7” shower curb. This was at one time the only option available as the industry had not considered disabled bathtubs, handicap bathtubs, walkin bath tubs, showers for handicapped or wheelchair showers. All this has now changed and there are a myriad of companies offering options for disabled bathtubs & walkin bathtubs as well as a few options for a wheelchair tub.

What is the difference between a walk in tub, wheelchair tub, handicap bathtub, disabled bathtubs a safety tub or a walk in tub shower? Essentially they all do the same thing by providing safe bathing but with different access options.

A wheelchair tub usually allows for transfer from a wheelchair onto a fixed height seat in the wheelchair bathtub by way of a large out-swing door which permits this type of transfer if the user is able to do so. This type of door also offers options for large users who may find a regular tub door too narrow to access their handicap tub. There are fewer companies offering an out-swing door typical in a wheelchair bathtub. Within the USA, EZ Access tubs are one possible option. In many instances and because of how they are used a wheelchair tub may be free standing allowing placement anywhere in the bathroom for an effective accessible design.

A handicap bath tub, safety tub, walk in tub shower, walkin tub & disabled bathtubs typically require that the user step over a 4”-7” curb and step through an in-swing door to gain access into the handicapped bathtubs. For users who are not able to step over the height of a regular tub a walk in bath may be the solution although they will still be required to step over an average 5” curb to access their walkin bathtubs. A walk in tub is considered a safety tub as it allows for safer access and safer use than standard step over bath tubs. Quality suppliers of disabled bath tubs and walkin bathtubs are companies such as Best Bath Tubs who manufacture everything in the US and who offer a rarely found lifetime warranty on their handicapped tubs rather than just a lifetime warranty on the door seal which is so common with the majority of walk in tub companies.

The option of using a walk in tub or wheelchair tub allows for the possibility of a combination of relaxation and possible pain management due to submerging aching muscles in warm water while using the safety tub. When included using the air and water jet system in your handicap bathtub can aid with therapy and possible pain management. The air jets typically oxygenate the water which can help to bring blood flow to a painful area of the body which may in turn relieve some of this pain.