Regarding the different heights, I found this info which may offer some help on the subject.
Height
A
comfort height toilet is sometimes known as an
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) toilet because the height matches that used for ADA-compliant toilets,
17 to 19 inches from floor to seat. This is like the height of a chair. The height of a standard toilet is about
15 inches from floor to seat. The one that is right for your home depends on the height of the family members, whether anyone has physical needs, and the way that family members transfer to and from the toilet.
Best use
It may sound strange, but to find the best toilet, test it out. It should be easy to sit on and stand up from. Also, rest both feet on the floor. For this reason, a
comfort height toilet will probably be the better choice for anyone who has difficulty standing from a low position, such as the
elderly or disabled. A
standard toilet will be the better option for a
child or someone small in stature. If your feet dangle without touching, it can result in leg pain or in your legs falling asleep due to cut off circulation.
Appearance
Both comfort height and standard toilets come in a
variety of styles and colors. The most popular color is white or beige since these are better for the resale value of the home. Choices include a one- or two-piece design. The
two-piece is the less expensive and more traditional. The
one-piece is easy to clean with a more sleek look. The inner mechanisms can also vary in either height. They can be traditional gravity flush or have pressure-assisted flushing mechanisms. You can even have bidet functionality with either toilet.
Installation
Both toilet types are installed in essentially the same way and perform best when installed by professionals. All connections between the tank and bowl should be tight and secure, and the flapper and flush valve should be working properly. All water connections should be leak free.
Costs
While some toilets can be purchased for under
$100, these are usually lower quality. Toilets range between
$150 and
$300 for comfort height models and
$220 and
$370 for standard versions.
The best brands for comfort height toilets are Toto, Kohler, and American Standard, ranging in price from
$256 to
$287. Three of the best selling brands of standard height toilets are made by Toto, Drake, and American Standard. They range from
$279 to
$376.
For example, a comfort height, elongated bowl, two-piece Kohler toilet will cost approximately
$168. The cost of installation will be about
$178 for a total cost of
$346. On the other hand, a standard height, elongated, two-piece American Standard toilet will cost approximately $170. The cost of installation will be the same for a total cost of
$348.
Constipation Problems
People with constipation issues will find that a standard seat is the best option for evacuating the bowel completely. This is because bowel movements are facilitated when the hips are slightly below the height of the knees in a
squat position. In this posture, the anorectal angle, the position of the rectum in relation to the anus, is at the optimum position for complete defecation. Also, this squatting position has been
proven to prevent hemorrhoids. If a comfort height seat is used, a step stool is needed to mimic that position. A step stool will also accommodate a child or shorter adult in a home with a comfort height toilet.
