Bidet toilet seats are quite common in many countries throughout the world, yet they are still the exception rather than the norm in American bathrooms. It is true that more Americans are adding bidets to their bathrooms in recent years, but many people are still not familiar with these high-tech toilet add-ons. How do they work? What exactly do they do? Will guests think it is strange if have one in my bathroom? Or will people like it so much I’ll have a line of friends and family waiting at my bathroom door? Since some people are trying to get over their fear of the unfamiliar, we thought we would demystify the bidet seat for folks who are new to these fabulous cleaning machines.
One question that some bidet newcomers have is if using one might be uncomfortable. Anyone who has used one can tell you this is not at all the case. In fact, some people are recommended a bidet as an alternative to the discomfort of wiping. The wash spray from the nozzle is a soothing stream of water that cleans you similar to a shower. With the electric seats, the water is comfortably heated with adjustable temperature settings, and the pressure level can also be adjusted. Most people prefer the strong cleaning of the higher pressure settings, but you can also go with a lower pressure setting if you prefer a gentler spray. Regardless of your personal preference, it doesn’t take new users long to see that washing with water is more comfortable and more effective than wiping with toilet paper.
Some people ask if it is sanitary using a bidet seat. Well, the answer is yes. Today’s seats are designed to be highly sanitary and efficient. And when compared with wiping with toilet paper, a bidet seat is much healthier and cleaner. The primary sanitary issue when using the bathroom is hand contact with waste. This is an obvious concern when using toilet paper alone. A lot of people do use a small amount of toilet paper when they have a bidet seat, but it is for drying after washing. Many of our electric units include a warm air dryer to help with residual moisture after cleaning as well. The wash nozzles extend when you initiate a wash function and otherwise retract and are out of the way. The nozzles are also cleaned with a spray of water before and after each use to further keep them clean. Plus, several units have upgraded to stainless steel nozzles for a more sterile surface.
Sometimes we hear from men who think that bidets are mostly just for women. We’re not sure where this idea comes from, but the truth is, bidet seats are for everyone who uses the bathroom. Most seats will offer a separate feminine wash function for women, but the posterior wash is designed for male and female users. Using the posterior wash is highly recommended for any men or women with issues related to incontinence, hemorrhoids, itchiness or sensitive skin. The wash function can help relieve and in some cases even eliminate many of these problems. Because of their hygienic benefits for all, some places such as Japan offer bidet seats in men’s and women’s public restrooms in addition to their prevalence in private restrooms in homes and businesses. They can be found everywhere and are good for everyone!
We try to pack our website full of great information all about bidets, and a lot of people looking to find out more about the different models find our bidet toilet seat comparison chart is a good place to start. Modern seats are designed for simple do-it-yourself installation directly on your toilet with no invasive plumbing required - it simply replaces your old toilet seat. Besides the hygiene benefits, our bidet seats offer a variety of features for both cleanliness and comfort such as adjustable warm water temperature, adjustable water pressure, warm air dryer, and heated seat with adjustable temperature to name a few popular options. Of course the best way to find out how much better a bidet is than wiping is to try it yourself. As those who have used them can attest to, you’ll never want to go back once you experience the benefits of a new bidet seat!
If you’re reading this, you are likely among the growing number of people who have heard about the health and hygiene benefits offered by a bidet toilet seat. Modern bidets are packed with features which provide a healthier and more comfortable experience when using the bathroom. Washing with water is common sense in other aspects of our lives, so it makes sense we should absolutely be washing ourselves with water after going to the bathroom. So it is easy to see why more Americans are adding bidet toilet seats to their homes. While deciding to add a bidet to your bathroom is an easy choice to make, deciding which specific model is right for you means knowing what to look for, so here are some basic guidelines on what to look for when you are choosing a bidet.
The first thing to know is that modern bidet toilet seats are not separate plumbing fixtures like the old fashioned version, but rather are designed to install directly on your existing toilet. They offer greater economy of space for your bathroom as well as easier use since you do not move from the toilet to the bidet. They are also much easier to install – the do-it-yourself installation means most people can install it on their own within about 30 minutes. Most modern bidet seats are also electric, so you will need to plug it into a standard outlet. There are some non-electric attachments as well however they are much more limited in their functionality compared to the electric models. Next we’ll explain some of the wash functions of the electric models.
Any good electric bidet will have some basic wash features such as adjustable water pressure, adjustable water temperature and adjustable nozzle position. Everybody is built a little differently, so being able to make these adjustments to best suit your needs is essential. Being able to wash with warm water is a huge plus for most people, so it’s important to note the water heating system of the different units. Some models use a reservoir tank water heating system which holds a reserve of heated water which provides about 45 seconds of warm water per wash. Other units use a tankless water heating system which uses an instant heating coil that heats the water continuously. The benefit of reservoir tank heating is that these units tend to be more affordable. But the benefit with the tankless design is that you can wash for as long as you want without running out of warm water.
There are some additional wash functions to be aware of, such as oscillating wash. This feature moves the wash nozzle during the cleaning cycle to provide a larger coverage area and a more thorough cleaning. Another wash feature available on some seats is a massage wash, which pulses the water stream like a strobe light for a massaging effect. A few units like the BB 2000 include an enema wash (or turbo wash) which can help induce movements for users who have difficulty going to the bathroom. All of the various wash features can add up to create a better cleaning experience.
Besides the wash functions, there are also a variety of non-wash functions available. A heated seat with adjustable temperature is very popular, especially during the winter months. Some models have warm air dryers which dry residual moisture after washing and can help eliminate toilet paper consumption, although some people will use a small amount of toilet paper to speed up the drying process. Air deodorizers can help remove unpleasant odors from the bowl area, while night lights can make it easier to see at night without needing to turn on bright bathroom lights. Most units have slow closing seat and lid so they won’t slam closed, and a couple have an automatic opening and closing lid. Another important feature to note is whether the unit is operated by remote control or an attached control panel. Most people find the remote controls a lot easier to use compared with the attached panels. The remote control includes a wall mounting kit so you can place it wherever is most convenient. Like with other home appliances, there is also the warranty to consider. Most warranties are between one to three years with either full or partial coverage, although a couple of brands do offer extended warranty options.
As more and more people trend toward installing bidet seats as a regular part of their bathroom, it’s important to have a resource to know the differences and similarities of all the various brands and models available. If you are planning on upgrading your bathroom with a bidet, we hope our website offers a great resource for you to familiarize yourself with your options, and you can always give us a call or send us an e-mail and get advice from the bidet seat pros here at bidetsPLUS!
