Before you buy, consider the points listed below:
- Bottom wiper: These long-handled gadgets grip the toilet paper to extend your reach to clean yourself when seated on the toilet.
- Bidet bowl: These shaped bowls fit inside a standard toilet to enable the user to wash themselves. The bowl can be put in place before filling and can be emptied directly into the toilet bowl.
- Hand-held bidet: Small, battery-powered device with a short spray arm is filled with tap water and held in position by hand to give a gentle spray; more of a ‘freshen up’ than a wash.
- Hand-held Douche shower: This hose with a compact shower head and trigger must be plumbed in beside the toilet. The hose is held in position and trigger is pressed to deliver a powerful water wash.
- Traditional Bidets: A traditional bidet can be installed beside the toilet for a thorough wash after using the toilet. For easier transfers the bidet should be at the same height as the toilet. Traditional bidets will wash but not dry.
- Bidet Seat with integral dryer: Qualified technicians can install a powered bidet seat onto the existing toilet pan, for hands-free washing and drying. The wash/dry function is operated with buttons on a handset. Bidet seats have a smaller than standard aperture and are not compatible for use with shower/commode chairs. Check other users can use toilet safely with bidet seat attached.
- Wash and dry toilets: Qualified technicians can install a complete replacement toilet with wash and dry facility. These have a larger aperture, are more robust and can be fitted at a height to suit the user. They are compatible with some shower/commode chairs. Adjustments can be made to set temperature, pressure and direction of wash jets. Manual, remote, and sensor controls are available, depending on the model of toilet, so they can be fully hands-free.
- Consider whether equipment will impact the ability of others to use toilet
- Check weight limit on the equipment is adequate for all intended users
- Always follow manufacturers instructions
- See: ‘Before you Buy: Toilet Equipment to help you get on and off the toilet’
Expect to pay from £3,500 for Wash & Dry Toilets (+ VAT + fitting),
or from approximately £600 for a Wash & Dry Bidet Seat (+ VAT + fitting)