ADA Toilet Phenomena and Retro Fitting Bidet

As our aging population tend to be looking to remodel their bathrooms to be more aging friendly with walk in showers and new toilets this has created a rift in the supply and demand of average height toilets that are 13″-15″. As a direct result of the increase in bathroom remodeling by our geriatric population there has been a huge increase in ADA or “comfort height” 16″-17″ high toilets that are now predominantly found in big box stores and plumbing stores. We experienced a great deal of frustration and disappointment when remodeling our own bathroom toilets and were unable to find any 14″-15″ toilets locally. Ultimately we were able to order in an average height toilet for both of our bathrooms but not before one sales person suggested the use of a step stool.

TIP: Please keep in mind that if you need help getting off the toilet because of knee or hip pain then consider having hand rails installed in your bathroom.

The more commonly agreeable height of a toilet for your average height female of 5’4- 5’7 is going to be the 14″ to 15″ high. If you want to know what size toilet is going to work for you then I encourage you to measure from your heel to the bottom of the back of your knee which should bend at a 90 degree angle when sitting on your toilet. Furthermore if you have noticed that Squatty Potties are a step stool used to step up onto your toilet and claim to aid the user in bowl movements. I am not a supporter of using these step stools for our geriatric population as they present a tripping hazard.

Retro Fitting Bidet

Being a healthcare provider for over ten years now I often wonder why we don’t have bidets in our hospitals and homes. I have patients suffering from severe chronic back pain, shoulder pain, hip and knee pain and all too often they can’t clean themselves after using the bathroom. I have had obese patients who were too big to open their legs so that we could adequately clean them after using the bathroom and they themselves could not reach themselves to wipe clean. One women said that she often uses tongs to reach herself and clean after using the toilet. As a woman I don’t feel adequately cleaned after using toilet paper and wanted a better way. My husband had been suggesting a bidet for a few years now.

So I started looking into bidets and quickly found that there is a wide array of options. Interestingly enough thought I could only find reviews conducted by male users of the bidet and as a woman I am wondering if these will adequately clean the varying female anatomy. My biggest concern is with the higher end electrical drying bidets and washers. I am skeptical of an air dryer that is at the back of the toilet being able to dry the front area of a woman. I am not willing to gable over $800 to find out if the dryer will work and sadly one author reports that his wife found the rear dryers useless in drying the female anatomy.

Bidet Styles

Basic non Electrical

There are basic non electrical bidets that simply tie into the existing water that feeds into your toilet. Such as with the

GOBIDET 2003C CHROME BIDET ATTACHMENT (FOR 1 AND 2 PIECE TOILETS).

This can be tied into a hot water line if your toilet is close to your sink and does not require an electrical power source for $149.00+tax

This option is best for people who have their sink next to their toilet and can tap into the hot water for use with this system or if you can’t run electrical to your toilets location.

Bidet Wand 

I don’t like this want system because its requiring people have to twist, bend, and turn in order to reach to clean themselves and this could pose a problem for those with back or hip pain.

Non electrical simple bidet by Aquaus $60.00+tax

• Handheld bidet designed for use with your existing toilet
• Adjustable spray pattern and pressure for ultimate comfort
• May be hung on the side of the toilet or mounted on the wall

Electrical Bidet

Toilet Seat integrated washlet/bidet that can often times have features such as heated toilet seat, toilet night light, air drying, and changeable water pressure settings. These toilet seats can range in price from $200 up towards $1,400. It is important when making a large purchase like this to look closely at the manufacturers warranty.

Things to consider when looking at electrical Bidets are the features that you want it to have. While the only video reviews I have found have all been from men being satisfied with electrical bidets and dryers I haven’t heard of any feedback from women being satisfied with the front drying mechanisms yet alone the washing mechanisms.

Turbo/Enema Wash

The enema wash is offered in some electric bidet models. This feature does not substitute a medically prescribed enema, but is often used for alleviating conditions like hemorrhoids and constipation. This option is designed to give a gentle and swirling massage to relax the anus before a bowel movement.

The slimmest toilet seat integrated Bidet on the market with the top of the line bum dryer! and for sake of comparison it caught my attention is the TOTO washlet s300e.

The TOTO Washlet S300e

1 year warranty for $849.00

• ewater+
• WASHLET cleansing with 5 spray settings
• Instantaneous water heating
• Built-in air deodorizing system
• Adjustable water and seat temperatures
• Warm-air dryer
• Easy-to-read illuminated remote control
• Convenient magnetic wall mounted cradle
• Compact and slim design
• 2-user personal memory settings
• SoftClose Seat
• Self-Cleaning Water Wand

Some Amazon reviews complain of quality control defects but most users across the board seem to be happy with it. One users wife reports that the rear dryer does not dry her front area.

If the bum dryer doesn’t matter to you nor does height then you may want to look at these other top selling bidets

 

Toto c200  

$419.00 on Amazon with a 1 year warranty

You can get all the bang for your buck with a majority of similar features found in the TOTO S300e at half the price.

USPA 6800 BIDET 

$499.00 with the option to purchase a 6 year warranty for $99.00

 

BLOOMING NB-R1063 BIDET SEAT W/ REMOTE

The Blooming NB-R1063 from BidetKing.com is covered by a 3 Years Full Manufacturer’s Warranty

Conclusion

I like the feature of warm water and the self cleaning of the electrical bidet however I am disappointed that TOTO would only give a 1 year warranty which is the most discouraging element in my decision making process on making such a large purchase. Ultimately I am leaning towards the GOBIDET 2003C if I can find a way to tap into a hot water source otherwise I will be getting the Blooming NB-R1063 due to its 3 year warranty or one similar. I will update this with an unboxing, install, and user review once my purchase is made.