There are certain things that everyone does. Everyone eats. Everyone sleeps. And everyone… well… go. To the bathroom, of course. While it’s not something many people discuss in polite company, it’s a universal experience. And just as I would recommend a great restaurant or a quality mattress, I’m here to suggest a wonderful little item that will help make “time off” more enjoyable. Ahhh and less ahhhh: O Squatty Potty Toilet Stool.
Amazon
The updated Squatty Potty stands 7 inches tall and features a slight tilt for the perfect lift when you need a little extra help answering nature’s call.
O Squat potty was invented to help alleviate a common problem: constipation. About 16 out of every 100 U.S. adults fight against constipationand the problem only gets worse with age – this number rises to 33 in 100 when we are 60 or over. Judy Edwards was one of those people, until his doctor recommended elevating his feet to help reduce strain. This inspired Judy’s husband, Bobby, and her son, Bill, to build a stool that curved around the base of the toilet so that Judy could easily prop her legs up while using the bathroom. The “gadget” was so successful that the family brought the concept to Shark Tank – and the best-selling Squatty Potty was born.
This surprisingly simple accessory uses science to get the job done. The Squatty Potty is officially known as a “defecation postural modification device” (say that five times fast) and is intended to position us so that we can empty our bowels the way our bodies are supposed to. After all, for thousands of years, cavemen spent time squatting – sitting on a toilet is a recent concept. The Squatty Potty promises to “unknead the colon” by raising the knees above the hips, relaxing certain bowel muscles and making it easier to go without pushing or straining.
While most people might feel uncomfortable talking about this — and listen, I get it — I have no qualms about sharing anything that might help Yahoo readers live a more comfortable life. Here is my testimony: I have used the Squat potty since I discovered it almost a decade ago. Friends, it really works.
While I’m no scientist, I’ve certainly tested the stool-relieving stool for several years and notice a difference when I use it and when I don’t – like, say, in a public bathroom, where Squatty Potties aren’t exactly a dime a dozen. . Even when I travel, I miss it, and “travel time” always tends to take longer (or more, uh, effort). At home, I have a standard Squatty Potty in the master bathroom and a sleeker, sleeker black version (see below for more on that) in the downstairs bathroom that guests use—and it’s gotten a lot of rave reviews.
But I’m not the only one who believes in the power of the Squatty Potty: Time reports that in a study of over 100 users, “90% of people who used a Squatty Potty strained less and 71% had faster bowel movements. Fewer users also reported feeling like they still needed to go to the bathroom after using the bathroom” . These numbers are quite surprising!
More than 5,500 Amazon reviewers are thrilled, giving this new footrest a five-star rating.
“I can’t poop without it,” he said. an outspoken fan. “If you don’t have one of these, you need to. Makes the potty experience so much better – perfect compact size. Easy to clean; fits perfectly under the toilet. Careful… makes the potty experience then comfortable, you can sit on the pan for hours.”
“There’s a reason why this was a success Shark Tank item”, he insisted another user. “My sister bought one for her boyfriend and I actually thought the concept was ridiculous, until I sat on a toilet that was too high for my feet to touch the floor as an adult. [the Squatty Potty]. I will never use the bathroom for a number 2 again without it. When I go on vacation, I wish I had brought it with me. If I have to go somewhere other than my home, I would like it to be portable. The science behind it really works.”
A third reviewer summed up his feelings well: “It’s sturdy, has good height, works great for its intended purpose, and is easy to clean.” (And what more can you ask for when you go?)
Still, some buyers say there’s not enough traction for their liking: “If you’re wearing socks (and I live in a very cold climate), it’s quite slippery since there’s no real grip.” said one. Awake other: “You need traction so your feet don’t slip.” (Personally, I’ve never had a problem with the Squatty Potty’s traction – on the other hand, I’ve never had a situation where I actually needed it!)
Amazon
I also like this slimmer black model, which matches our downstairs bathroom and has a slightly lower profile than the master bathroom. Get it in a variety of colors including pink, gray and purple.
The revisions cited above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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