Choosing the best walk-in bathtub

传统浴缸对一些老年人和残疾用户提出了安全挑战。迈出第一步，尤其是在没有援助的情况下，可能会导致滑倒，跌倒和骨折，这是老年人中最常见的伤害类型。

一个步入式浴缸，其阈值低和符合ADA的座位，解决了这一安全问题。在许多情况下，这是给用户和看护者的礼物。

但是，在订购，安装和使用步入式浴缸方面存在一些缺点。这些浴缸可能很昂贵，安装挑战性并且难以使用。

In this review, we will examine both the positive and negative aspects of walk-in bathtub ownership. We believe that consumers considering such a substantial investment should have an honest evaluation of the end product.

That’s what BestReviews is all about: providing consumers with the information they need to make smart purchasing decisions. So if you’re in the market for a walk-in bathtub — or even just thinking about buying a walk-in bathtub in the future — you’ve come to the right place.

传统的浴缸距离地面两英尺或更多英尺。浴缸Bather必须能够将一条腿抬到边缘，同时在另一支腿上平衡以进行支撑。她还必须能够在浴缸开始时将自己的身体放到浴缸中，并在完成时将自己拉出。

步入式浴缸是传统浴缸的垂直版本。步入式浴缸的侧面或前部的门可以使Bather越过很小的阈值，通常只有几英寸的高度。进入浴缸后，贝瑟（Bather）可以坐在预先形成的椅子上，设置为ADA高度。Bather关闭了门，并激活水龙头以填充浴缸。

Some walk-in tubs offer additional features, including the following:

• Bubble jets

• 惠而浦喷气机

• 加热座位

• Powered seating

• 快速填充/排水选项
  

Walk-in tubs with the above features generally cost more than “bare bones” walk-in tubs that only have the basics.

Installing a walk-in bathtub is no small feat. It requires time, planning, and a significant financial investment. However, the benefits of having a walk-in bathtub could be worth it to you. Here are the pros and cons of having a walk-in bathtub in your home.

• 大浴缸洗澡时提供更多的稳定than traditional bathtubs. People with mobility issues needn’t negotiate the large step over the lip of a traditional bathtub.

• People who cannot pull themselves out of a traditional tub can easily exit a walk-in tub.

• People who cannot shower due to stability issues enjoy an easy-access bath.

• 坐轮椅的患者可以使从椅子到浴缸的过渡更加容易。

• 看护人更容易帮助患者进出浴缸。

• 步入式浴缸需要时间来填充和排水。填充浴缸的过程甚至无法开始。

• 在步入式浴缸中的水可能需要10分钟或更长时间才能沥干。由于水关闭了门，贝瑟必须等待水才能完全排水，然后再出去。

• 步入式浴缸通常不像传统浴缸那样宽敞。

• 看护人由于有限或尴尬的通道而难以帮助沐浴患者洗澡。

• A walk-in bathtub is a permanent household fixture.

• 家中的每个人都必须对这种新的沐浴形式感到满意 - 或者至少可以进入另一个浴缸或淋浴间。

• Walk-in tubs can become a hazard during a medical emergency or other event. For example, if the user were to suffer a medical emergency while bathing, he or she would be trapped until help arrived. Many emergency call buttons are not waterproof.

在线和现实世界中，无论是准备，愿意并能够将其产品推向有兴趣的人士而言，都不乏步入式浴缸经销商。近年来，步入式浴缸越来越受欢迎。这在很大程度上归功于领导“老化”组织的积极电视广告和认可。

Most walk-in bathtub vendors get their products from reputable manufacturers with strong brand recognition. But some less-scrupulous walk-in bath sellers offer poorly designed models from unknown manufacturers. It pays to do research on a supplier before committing to the purchase of a walk-in bathtub.

Once the decision to buy a walk-in bathtub has been made, the next step is to contact a supplier and negotiate the purchase. This could be a matter of driving to the nearest home improvement store and speaking with a knowledgeable sales associate. At the store, there may be several floor models on display, from a no-frills model that costs $1,000 or $2,000 to a deluxe model with whirlpool jets, a bubble jet, and a water heater that costs more than $5,000.

Another purchasing scenario involves visiting a specialty store. A specialty store will likely have a higher number of floor models than a home improvement store, along with details on each unit’s accessories and specifications. Because the sales associates at specialty stores often work on commission, they tend to lead customers toward high-ticket options.

Shoppers should keep in mind that while whirlpools and bubblers may sound relaxing, they may be far too complicated for the intended user to operate. What’s more, these deluxe features will jack up the price considerably.

一些冒险的消费者可能想考虑与在线或基于电话的公司开展业务。这些媒体提供的主要优势是选择。您可以搜索来自各种制造商的产品的页面，而不是在少数几个地板型号之间做出决定。但是，由于近年来步入式浴缸行业经历了繁荣，因此有大量的制造商和中间商以人为的低价提供不合格的型号。从发光的书面评论或讨人喜欢的照片中衡量步入式浴缸的实际质量可能很困难。对于这种尺寸的产品，运输成本也可能是巨大的，并且应将专业安装纳入最终价格。

也许毫无疑问，您想安装步入式浴缸。或者，也许您仍在争论是否进行投资。当您准备四处逛逛新的步入式浴缸时，请记住这些替代方案。

滚动淋浴类似于步入式淋浴，但没有障碍。地板简单地向下倾斜以沥干水。一个滚动淋浴介绍了步入式浴缸地址的许多相同的安全性和移动性问题，通常以低得多的价格向客户成本要低得多。如果需要，用户可以在淋浴时添加特殊的通风椅，以提供额外的支撑。

一家储存良好的家庭保健商店应该有许多沐浴援助的选择。

A bath bench, for example, will extend over the edge of a traditional bathtub, allowing the bather to slide in and out of the tub.

淋浴椅在沐浴时使沐浴者处于坐姿。当然，安全轨是任何浴室中的有用保障。

在该国许多地区，可以作为家庭保健服务提供洗澡援助。训练有素的护士或专业人士团队将参观客户的家，并协助她完成包括洗澡在内的基本个人卫生任务。

有些人可能会发现这种服务的成本比安装步入式浴缸或滚动淋浴的成本更实惠。

如果使用传统的浴缸已经成为问题，那么还有其他方法可以在正式沐浴之间保持个人卫生。

例如，有一些干性洗发水可用于日常护发和一次性清洁布，用于个人清洁。

• A walk-in bathtub’s inward-opening door has a rubber gasket to prevent leaks. The pressure of the incoming water holds it in place during bathing.

• 步入式浴缸中发现的许多ADA兼容座椅与符合ADA兼容的厕所座椅的高度相同。

• For those who are elderly, disabled, or injured, getting in and out of a traditional bathtub calls for a very challenging series of maneuvers.

• A basic walk-in tub uses the home’s existing water line and drainage system. Some models have outward-swinging doors and flexible door orientation (left- or right-opening).

• 当步入式浴缸充满水时，门处于相当大的压力下。一个完全健康的人将无法打开门，如果她真的这样做，水就会淹没整个房间。因此，沐浴者必须等待整个浴缸排出，然后才能下车。

• 由于步入式浴缸是一项昂贵的投资，因此您可能希望询问店内融资选择。必威体育娱乐app零售价可能不包括安装和交付的成本，因此请准备好借出大量贷款或支付安装自付费用。

• 传统的浴缸要求用户完全沉浸在自己身上或躺在底部。对于健康的用户来说，这可能是一个轻松的位置，但对于残疾人或老年人来说，这可能是一个陷阱。

问：我的年迈的母亲可以从步入式浴缸中受益。Medicare或其他保险计划是否有助于支付费用？

A。不幸的是,答案是否定的。医疗保险做es not currently consider walk-in tubs to be “durable medical equipment” (DME) and will not reimburse the cost of purchase or installation. Some Medicaid plans will consider a partial compensation for walk-in tubs, but in general, the user would have to demonstrate a bona fide medical need.

However, it is possible for qualified walk-in tub owners to deduct certain expenses (including a therapeutic walk-in tub) if they have dependents living in the home. Check with your healthcare provider and tax advisor for more information.

Q. I want to put a new walk-in tub in my existing bathroom. Are the installers going to have to tear out and replace all of my pipes and drains?

A。Under most circumstances, the installers will be able to attach the existing water supply lines and drain to the new walk-in bathtub. Some manufacturers claim to include faster fill valves or drain openings, but they are still limited by the capacity of the existing plumbing. If you have opted for accessories such as whirlpool jets or a heated seat, however, then the installers will have to perform some additional plumbing and electrical upgrades.

Q. Can I get other design options on a walk-in tub? I don’t like the location of the door, and I have trouble getting in and out of the chair.

A。A number of modifications are possible with a typical walk-in tub, but you need to be aware of the positives and negatives of such changes. For example, an inwardly opening door works well for most users, but some doors swing outward for easier access or emergency drainage. The door could be placed on the side or front of the tank, and this placement might affect the way the bather enters and exits the tub.