Squatty Potty Toilet Stool Review (Updated March ’20)
The modern Squatty Potty was invented by Robert Edwards in his garage. His mother, Judy, had had bowel problems for quite some time and was advised by her doctor to raise her knees as high as possible when trying to have a bowel movement. She tried putting her feet on books, boxes, etc, but these were somewhat unstable and often in the way. Robert began working on the problem – possibly after tripping on the current make-do idea for raising Judy’s feet – and came up with the Squatty Potty. When the finished product appeared on Shark Tank it was met with some resistance until Loir Greiner made a deal for it and displayed it in Bed Bath and Beyond, and the idea took off. The company remains a family business and does offer other products.
WHAT IS THE SQUATTY POTTY:
A squat toilet is one that is used by squatting rather than sitting. This is also called a Turkish toilet. However, homes in this country have a sitting potty. The Squatty Potty is simply a stool that is designed to fit around the front of the base of a standard toilet so that a person can rest his feet on it when attempting to have a bowel movement. This puts the person in more of a squatting position rather than a sitting position.
ADVANTAGES OF THE SQUATTY POTTY:
This platform’s purpose is to create a a footrest to put someone in a squat when using a toilet and this relaxes the muscle around the colon. The premise is that the more natural position of squatting makes the muscle relax, thus enabling the colon to empty more completely. This is thought to relieve some common health problems” such as:
- Constipation.
In the squatting position, gravity helps move fecal material out. Squatting also relaxes the rectal muscles to aid in better emptying.
- Hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are inflamed anal and rectal veins. These can be caused or aggravated by straining to stool. They also make passage of stool difficult because of decreasing the size of the opening as well as pain.
- Colon disease.
Lack of elimination increases risk of colon disease, so if it is true that squatting helps with defecation, the Squatty Potty does its part in good colon health.
- Pelvic floor issues.
The pelvic floor muscles often become damaged as we age, and squatting helps to preserve the integrity of these muscles.
- Height:
Short people have a distinct disadvantage if they must sit for extended periods of time on the toilet. Numbness may occur in the legs. The Squatty Potty solves this problem.
TWO EXANPLES OF SQUATTY POTTIES:
Amazon features a slim 9-inch Squatty Potty made of plywood with a natural finish that works with any standard height or comfort height toilet and stores easily under the toilet bowl when not being used. This 9-inch model is great for limber people.
Another featured Squatty Potty on Amazon is the Tao bamboo adjustable height version, which easily assembles to be 7 or 9 inches tall. It also can be discretely stored under the toilet bowl. It also has a forward slant to make it more comfortable.
The 9-inch Squatty Potty is better if you are tall or have a higher stool, or if you are limber. For shorter people, it is probably best to go with the 7-inch one. It can also be of help in potty training children who cannot reach the toilet effectively.
There are models made of plastic also and can come in many styles and colors. They can be purchased online at Amazon, on the company’s web site, or at Target and other local retailers.
USE OF SQUATTY POTTY:
The position may feel strange at first but people quickly adjust. For some, the difference is immediate. For others, it may take a week or so to adjust.
EVIDENCE:
There are not many studies to confirm or deny the benefits of the Squatty Potty. Doctors are naturally cautious in endorsing products or methods. However, gastroenterologists seem to agree that while the Squatty Potty has not been studied in depth with clinical trials and long-term following of results, it would seem beneficial just because of the alignment of internal organs, especially the colon, in the squatted position.
