Can you use the Turtle bath support with adults as well as children?

And as children grow taller and heavier, it can get harder to help them with their essential bathroom routines.

That’s why we developed the Turtle Bath Support Seat — to give children (and carers!) the support they need to make bathing as simple and comfortable as it can be.

But here’s something not every OT knows:

The Turtle works perfectly for small adults, too!

Here’s what you need to know about prescribing the Turtle for adult users — so you can recommend the right size for the clients you work with.

Which size is right for the user’s height?

The Turtle works great for children and smaller adults — but it won’t be a good fit for adults of every height.

It’s designed to give full-body support to people with mobility issues, from the lower legs up to the headrest. And while the headrest can be adjusted to match the exact height of the user, there’s a height limit to each size in the Turtle range — which means you need to choose carefully to help your client find the right fit.

So what does that mean in practice?

Here’s how to find the right size for your client:

With our largest Turtle bath support (Size 4), you’re looking at a maximum height of 1600mm.

That makes it a perfect fit for a lot of smaller adults — as well as the vast majority of children.

Which size is right for the user’s weight?

The Turtle is designed to create a strong and stable bathing platform — one that’s hands-free for the carer, and won’t let the user slip down in the bath.

That means the weight of your client is important when you’re choosing the right model.

But it’s not just about supporting their static weight:

It’s about the stability of the bath support if your client moves around and shifts their weight — so they can stay safe and supported whether they’re leaning, twisting, or rocking to the sides.

So while the largest Turtle bath support can safely hold the weight of most children, it won’t be a good fit for heavier adults.

Here’s how to choose the right size for your client:

With our largest Turtle bath support (Size 4), you get a maximum capacity of 80kg — around 176 lbs, or 12.5 stone.

That means the largest Turtle can be a good fit for lots of adults who have a light or medium frame — and a good fit for the majority of children.

Does every size have the same features?

Our Turtle bath seats come colour-coded for each different size.

But don’t let the colours fool you:

Each model in the Turtle range comes with the same functionality and features — just at different sizes for different users.

So whichever size you choose, you’ll get:

• A lightweight and waterproof construction
• A fully adjustable frame — to find the perfect seating angle and posture
• A seat belt and leg straps — for extra support where it’s needed
• A height-adjustable headrest that doubles as a trunk support
• And a compact design that can be folded away when not in use.

Need some help making a recommendation?

No matter how old or young your clients are, you need to be confident in the equipment you recommend.

That’s why our teams work closely with OTs like you — to understand the needs of each user, and advise them on the best possible solution for their situation.

So if you’re looking for someone to help you solve problems, start a chat with one of our specialists — and we’ll help you find the right fit for your client.

Talk to an expert