No inexpensive toilet seat raiser is perfect. Even the expensive ones aren't. I read a lot of reviews for a lot of different seats. I tried the Carex 3.5 inch elevator at first so I could use my existing seat. It was too high. Pretty much every toilet seat raiser is too high to keep your feet firmly on the ground when you're 5'4 and under unless you're wearing some shoes with at least a one inch lift to your height 24/7. This particular seat is not made of super hard, unbending plastic. There is some give. If you're more than 200lbs, I would look for something more sturdy, perhaps something "bariatric", even if you are super fit and all muscle. It's all about the weight support. I tried this seat both ways: on my existing seat and alone. On my existing seat, it would not completely fit in my existing toilet seat hole area, but it almost fit completely, and it gave a nice slow, angular rise, which I actually really like, because it keeps you from bending 90 degrees or more forward. Attached without the existing seat, it gave little rise and it was flat. I give this four stars, not five, because the product itself, without modifications, does wobble - on the existing seat or with it removed. I read another review somewhere about using dual sided sticky hook and loop (velcro) tape so I bought some on here. I tried it again, with this seat on my existing, strategically placing multiple round, sticky two-sided velcro tape pieces at the very front of the seat where it covers the original (or the ceramic toilet itself) and also ON and near the side screws. Either way - on existing seat or replacing it, it stays put very well. I've been home less than two days from hip arthroscopic labral surgery and I have not felt one bit shaky or concerned that I will fall. For reference, it is more invasive, more painful, and more time consuming a recovery than a hip replacement according to all of the medical professionals I spoke with and read research about. I will be on crutches/walker for 6-8 weeks. Some final thoughts: I have a round toilet seat. This is round as well. Even though it doesn't fit perfectly on the existing seat, in addition to the nice slant which may be helpful for some, depending on the type of surgery, this seat is easier to clean that way. Attached to the existing seat, I can lift up my regular seat and clean under there, instead of having to remove the entire seat. I weigh 160. I am able to sit on the toilet seat lid when it is closed. If you weigh more, I do not recommend that. Get a little foldaway bench you can sit on instead. I bought a two pack on here and use one in the kitchen and the other in the bath for sink activities and getting dressed. I am young. My injury is sports-related, not age related. I did not need a hip replacement, only some contouring and a new tendon. I was going to PT prior to the surgery to make sure I was strong enough in the shoulders and "good leg" to handle crutches, walkers, sitting and rising. If you are younger and fit, you probably could easily get along without this, especially if you're shorter. When I was in the hospital for obs just after surgery, the toilet in my room was no taller than my existing toilet which is your standard toilet without frills. In the hospital, I was able to get on and off of the toilet using my good leg without issue. Also, pain pills and muscle relaxants cause constipation. How you take care of your business is your own thing but it is something to keep in mind when deciding on whether to get a seat. All in all, I don't think it is a waste as it's less than 25$ and it gives peace of mind. It may come in handy after physical therapy if the muscles are extra sore. If it does help, I will update as I start PT today. If it doesn't make a difference, I'm probably going to remove the seat as I'd rather keep a greater range of motion for strength and quicker healing but I'll keep it as it may come in handy again in the future.
