Why aren't we all using Japanese toilets? • Hacker News Board

Re: Why aren't we all using Japanese toilets?

#221

Post by Retric » Wed, Nov 14, 2012, 11:07 PM UTC

aplusbi wrote: post #171

eob wrote: post #161

Earlier quoted context omitted.

No, they stand because that part of the world is used to squatting when they go to the bathroom. The "toilet as throne" model is from the west. Over there, historically, toilets are built into the floor. The toilet bowl is a rounded-rectangle depression in the floor rather than something that sticks out of it. You stand with one foot on either side of the bowl and squat while you do your business. I prefer Western to…

When I first started using toilets on my own I stood to wipe. Eventually I figured out that I could remain seated. This was on a western toilet.

Leg and arm fat is also part of this equation. Many people can't really to a full job while sitting.

Re: Why aren't we all using Japanese toilets?

#222

Post by graeme » Wed, Nov 14, 2012, 11:08 PM UTC

mmagin wrote: post #180

graeme wrote: post #151

I recently started using a squat toilet. Never has number two gone so well. Apparently it's the position we're best designed for. Provides a great hip flexor stretch too. I use a lillipad: http://www.lillipad.co.nz/ It converts any normal toilet into an optional squat toilet. I don't think it would work with these warm-water jet toilets though. If you have any issues with your bowel movements (constipation, diarrhea,…

Here's another similar product http://www.naturesplatform.com/

They sent me a 'sorry, we have to much business to sell you anything' message.

I suggested they raise prices to a level that would let them sell more. Never heard anything back.

Re: Why aren't we all using Japanese toilets?

#223

Post by nikatwork » Wed, Nov 14, 2012, 11:10 PM UTC

coin wrote: post #183

chopsueyar wrote: post #145

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Just the toilet seat is $750 (Disclosure: This is on my Christmas wishlist)! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011YSEUC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?... Although it does come with a remote (with LCD display), water temperature adjustment, volume control (for your iDevice), warm air-dryer, and air deodorizer.

What's with the affiliate link (littdidd-20)?

I'm genuinely curious to know why people have a problem with affiliate links.

If it doesn't harm you, and the info is good, why begrudge someone their tiny percentage cut?

Re: Why aren't we all using Japanese toilets?

#224

Post by travis29 » Wed, Nov 14, 2012, 11:16 PM UTC

trifilij wrote: post #220

I actually do use a bidet, from http://www.bluebidet.com/ it was easy to install and keeps my ass clean

Ha! I have the same one and love it!

Re: Why aren't we all using Japanese toilets?

#225

Post by EwanToo » Wed, Nov 14, 2012, 11:21 PM UTC

nikatwork wrote: post #223

coin wrote: post #183

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What's with the affiliate link (littdidd-20)?

I'm genuinely curious to know why people have a problem with affiliate links. If it doesn't harm you, and the info is good, why begrudge someone their tiny percentage cut?

I'm not particularly bothered by this case (or more affiliate links), but when I see them in a blog post saying "This article / service is awesome, buy it", and there's an affiliate link involved, I do generally think "Yeah and how much are you making for saying that?"

But then I've done the same affiliate link stuff on occassion myself, especially when there's a perk link extra free space - it's easy to do, and as you say, not any harm as long as the intention isn't to mislead.

Re: Why aren't we all using Japanese toilets?

#226

Post by Khurrum » Wed, Nov 14, 2012, 11:26 PM UTC

A thousand bucks to buy and install is kinda steep for minor comfort. If the company / apartment complex already does it, then its something cool, but otherwise its coming out of your paycheck and that money can buy other cool things that you might care about more.

Re: Why aren't we all using Japanese toilets?

#227

Post by meej » Wed, Nov 14, 2012, 11:29 PM UTC

eob wrote: post #161

s_henry_paulson wrote: post #128

Earlier quoted context omitted.

From what I read on the internet 25-40% of people out there seem to stand up to wipe.. and I have to believe that's largely due to people never discussing how they use the restroom.

No, they stand because that part of the world is used to squatting when they go to the bathroom. The "toilet as throne" model is from the west. Over there, historically, toilets are built into the floor. The toilet bowl is a rounded-rectangle depression in the floor rather than something that sticks out of it. You stand with one foot on either side of the bowl and squat while you do your business. I prefer Western to…

Squatting is the anatomically correct position for a bowel movement; it straightens out the kink in the colon and makes the whole process more efficient. It's also supposed to be better for bowel health -- leads to less straining and fewer hemorrhoids and such.

To that end, there are several companies out there that sell stepstools designed to allow squatting with western toilets. The first one I saw was the Lilipad, made in New Zealand, and more recently a company called Squatty Potty has started making them in the US.

Re: Why aren't we all using Japanese toilets?

#228

Post by meej » Wed, Nov 14, 2012, 11:37 PM UTC

graeme wrote: post #151

I recently started using a squat toilet. Never has number two gone so well. Apparently it's the position we're best designed for. Provides a great hip flexor stretch too. I use a lillipad: http://www.lillipad.co.nz/ It converts any normal toilet into an optional squat toilet. I don't think it would work with these warm-water jet toilets though. If you have any issues with your bowel movements (constipation, diarrhea,…

I already posted about this upthread, but now I'll post with a link:

http://www.squattypotty.com

Re: Why aren't we all using Japanese toilets?

#229

Post by gcheong » Wed, Nov 14, 2012, 11:39 PM UTC

chopsueyar wrote: post #145

pdenya wrote: post #44

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Minus the necessity of the wreath, I assume construction managers in the US are equally willing to accept free drinks and an extra $100/per bathroom. Does this not work in the US because it can't be a reasonable default in those types of situations?

Just the toilet seat is $750 (Disclosure: This is on my Christmas wishlist)! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011YSEUC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?... Although it does come with a remote (with LCD display), water temperature adjustment, volume control (for your iDevice), warm air-dryer, and air deodorizer.

The company mentioned in the article seem to have comparable ones but are cheaper.

Re: Why aren't we all using Japanese toilets?

#230

Post by warfangle » Wed, Nov 14, 2012, 11:39 PM UTC

eob wrote: post #50

pdenya wrote: post #44

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Minus the necessity of the wreath, I assume construction managers in the US are equally willing to accept free drinks and an extra $100/per bathroom. Does this not work in the US because it can't be a reasonable default in those types of situations?

It's not a reasonable default because every visitor to your house would make a comment requiring you to justify having "fringe" bathroom habits. Edit: Not every, of course. And the number would vary by region of the US. Excuse the universal quantifier :)

I saw this somewhere else, but it stuck with me: "if you get poop on your arm, do you wipe it off with a dry piece of paper - or do you wash with soap and water?"

I don't understand why bidets are fringe :(