Frequently Asked Questions
Q. "Who can benefit from these seats?"
A. The great thing about these seats is that just about everyone can benefit from having a shower or bathtub seat. However, there are many who specifically require assistance entering or exiting the shower and/or while bathing. Elderly persons, those with physically debilitating diseases like Parkinson's or arthritis, and those with cognitive or neurological disorders like Alzheimer's/dementia may be prone to falls or have difficulty standing. A shower seat can offer a much needed respite from standing too long, and provide the opportunity to bathe safely and independently. Those with physical disabilities, have suffered stroke, or for other reasons experience limited mobility can also greatly benefit from these seats as they may be able to transfer and shower without assistance, affording them greater privacy and preserving their independence. Even individuals without a chronic condition, such as someone recovering from a severe injury or surgery, or who are in physical rehabilitation can find comfort in safe and easy bathing with one of these wonderful seats.
In short, anyone who requires assistance with activities of daily living can spend less time trying to uncomfortably manage a bath or shower and more time relaxing and enjoying their bathing. Having a sturdy, reliable surface to rest on while showering or bathing greatly reduces the risk of injury, promotes comfort and independence, and helps to maintain a person's privacy and dignity while attending to personal hygiene.
Q. "What are these seats made of? What is a phenolic seat? What is naugahyde?"
A. Any of the seats ordered in a designer finish are made of solid surface - a hard, non-porous, and very strong material that is primarily comprised of an acrylic or polyester resin. Phenolic is a hard, dense, resin material that is light weight, and stronger than solid surface. This nonporous material does not splinter or require oiling and will not support the growth of bacteria. It is available in either a White or Teak (wood-grain) surface finish. The naugahyde used on these seats is a soft, synthetic, leather-like material that covers 2" of foam which is mounted to 1/2" marine plywood.
Q. "What is the maximum weight capacity for these seats?"
A. When properly installed, all Seachrome shower seats have been designed and manufactured to support loads exceeding the downward pull requirements for Federal specifications FHA, VA, HUD, hospital codes, and private construction. The actual "in use" load bearing capacity of any shower seat, however, will be limited by the strength of its mounting surface and installation hardware. Seachrome recommends that shower seats be installed using 2" minimum thickness "in wall" solid wood backing material with #10 x 2" stainless steel, phillips-head, sheet metal screws, or using a wall embedded, minimum 12 ga. (2.8mm) steel anchor plate with #10 x 24 stainless steel machine screws. Please contact the factory for further mounting recommendations. Under no circumstances should any shower seat be mounted to drywall, sheetrock, plaster, fiberglass, acrylic or other similar "hollow" wall surfaces without appropriate wood or steel backing material.
