A New Day for the Bidet

A fixture that has long been standard in Europe and Japan is now trending in the USA. “Bidets are becoming more common place in America”, confirms Lars Kleinstein. “It is the new must-have item for home and travel.”

A big reason for its growing popularity is the bidet’s appeal with environmentalists. “There’s so much waste in our waste,” Kleinstein argues. “Toilet paper destroys 27,000 trees every day. By replacing paper with a bidet, we’re cutting this number down and keeping more trees in the ground.”

However, other groups are also waking up to the advantages of bidets. Anyone who spends hours in athletic wear, which can be chafing, can benefit from regular use of a bidet. Also, those who experience discomfort with the coarse fibers in toilet paper are finding relief with water baths. Some parents even report that the novelty of the jets on bidets makes personal hygiene fun for their young children.

For older and or mobility-challenged users, bidets may reduce reliance on home care aides for bathing. The jets and dryers on many of the models may enable some people who experience difficulty getting into and out of a tub or shower to remain independent at home longer, and with the potential for greater safety.

Bidets eliminate the need for costly wet wipes and reduce the risk of plumbing problems and clogs.

The big difference between European and Japanese bidets and the models gaining popularity in America is that Americans are predominantly choosing the bidet-style toilet seat over the separate stand-alone fixture.

The seats come in varying styles with a long list of features. Luckily, it is not necessary to invest in the “Mercedes” of bidet-style toilets with all their bells and whistles. As with any appliance, you can get as basic or elaborate as you want, spending less than $400 on a seat with a warm water and an air bubble wash or splurging over a grand on a fully automated seat with a remote control and built-in air deodorizing system.

The Bio Bidet Bliss BB-2000 offers a sleek design with a touch screen panel and an easy-to-use remote control. The adjustable seat is heated and includes a warm air dry, powerful deodorizer and a patented 3-in-1 nozzle system.

The Toto® Washlet S350E incorporates the technologically advanced ewater+ system, which mists and cleans the bowl with electrolyzed water after every use. It is fully automated, with a remote control and heated seat and a built-in air deodorizing system, warm-air dryer, convenient magnetic wall mounted cradle and a self-cleaning water wand.

For those who want to dip their bum into the bidet lifestyle to see if it is for them, a portable version available.

But beware warns Kleinstein, “The portable bidet will make converts of tissue paper users and convince many to upgrade to the full-sized home model.”