You may have an elderly loved one at your home who is suffering from an old age disease like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, or in general, a debilitating condition that has led to dementia.
Or one of your loved ones is unfortunate enough to have a temporary or permanent tryst with disability early on in her life. In these situations, you may have hired a caregiver or you may have cared for your loved one yourself.
In either case, you may have often found that in the everyday struggle to complete even routine activities, the personal hygiene of your loved one may often take a back seat. Below is a snapshot of the best bidet toilet seats for the disabled. Or you can scroll down for more details.
Contents
Wheelchair-bound patients or the elderly, under the influence of dementia, find it extremely challenging to take a bath and often have to do with bathing frequencies of twice or, at a maximum, thrice a week.
In this scenario, it is important for your loved one to continue to maintain good personal hygiene and a bidet toilet seat is an extremely convenient apparatus to help her do that.
A bidet toilet seat is a device that can be attached to your existing toilet bowl and makes it very convenient for you to clean and dry up after using the toilet, with a combination of features like water sprays and air dryers.
Your loved one may suffer from any of the many disabilities or diseases (like arthritis) that would make it difficult or impossible to clean herself after a visit to the toilet; installing a bidet toilet seat will help your loved one to maintain better personal hygiene with dignity.
Why is a Bidet Toilet Seat Necessary?
- Better Hygiene and intimate health: This is by far the most important benefit of a bidet toilet seat. Even when you can clean yourself without help, a bidet offers you a more hygienic and comfortable clean when compared to using toilet tissue paper. Tissues are often not suitable for sensitive skin. And if you have a disabled family member at your home or an elderly who is not self sufficient, a bidet seat offers much better comfort and convenience for the user.
- Reduces cost and carbon footprint: A bidet reduces the cost of tissue and wet wipes significantly for your family. It has just a one-time installation cost. Further, wet wipes are not environment friendly and do not dissolve like tissue, even if we ignore that trees have to be cut to make both.
- It is also much more comfortable to use a bidet than tissue, when you suffer from conditions like hemorrhoids or constipation and other means of cleaning, including wet wipes, may aggravate your condition.
- The use of a bidet automatically takes out the use of your hand / tissue may go a long way in reducing infections caused by fecal bacteria which may be carried or transmitted through your hand. This is especially important in the case of public toilets. By the way, if you travel often you should read our review on best portable bidet for travel.
Types of Bidet Toilet Seats – Electronic v/s Non-electronic
Bidet seats come in two main forms – electronic and non-electronic. The electronic one offers a variety of options that are very comprehensive and sadly these options often stay unused unless you have hired a caregiver who is controlling the bidet through remote control.
The non-electronic ones have straightforward controls with knobs regulating the water force and air pressure. Both types of bidet have their own pros and cons. In general, while an electronic bidet spoils you for options, it is awfully expensive and maybe beyond your budget.
And a non-electronic bidet may fit comfortably within your budget but may not have basic features like water temperature control which make them uncomfortable to use. You must first take the basic decision of an electronic v/s non-electronic bidet and then go on to consider other factors as below.
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What to Consider While Buying a Bidet Toilet Seat
The choice of a bidet seat is highly dependent on the type of disability of your loved one and your budget. Electronic bidets, especially, are often feature heavy and pricey.
While all of the following may not be applicable or useful in your case, you must prioritize the most important factors which will make or break your experience with the bidet that you eventually buy.
- Water temperature: While all electronic bidets will have an option to closely control the water temperature, entry level manual bidets do not provide heated water. In this case, you will have to either tie your bidet water source to the hot or cold water outlets which may both be very uncomfortable depending on your weather. Therefore, if you are investing in a bidet, it is always advisable that you invest in one where you can get warm water out of the nozzle.
- Feminine hygiene option: Some bidets have a second nozzle with a wider spray to facilitate a feminine hygiene wash. Other bidets may adjust the single nozzle angle and spray to facilitate this. However, this is not an option that all bidets will provide by default.
- Air dryer: For a more comprehensive cleaning experience, some bidets will have the facility of an air dryer which blows warm air to dry up after a toilet use.
- Remote control: Remote control is very helpful for patients who are in advanced stages of dementia or have severe mobility challenges. In their case, the care giver can control the cleaning process through the remote control.
- Air deodorizer: If you are not in a well-ventilated toilet, the air deodorizer may prove to be a handy option to have in your bidet seat.
- Adjustable water pressure: This is a very common option in bidet seats and will allow user to choose the intensity of water stream.
- Adjustable nozzle: Due to varying width and sizes of users, the nozzle stream can miss the target area for cleaning, unless it can be adjusted either manually or by a remote control.
- Self cleaning nozzles: Over a period of time the bidet nozzle may get clogged from deposits in water. A self cleaning nozzle will keep your maintenance to a minimum.
- Warranty: Bidets, especially electronic ones, are a major investment and you must check the warranty details of your device thoroughly. Warranties may be offered for varying duration and for limited product defects. Also, it is important to check the procedure for invoking a warranty. Some sellers offer warranty, but the user must bear the shipping charges to send the product back to manufacturer, which is not always convenient.
Below we have reviewed a few of the better products in the market. We hope that it will help you arrive at the most optimal decision.
#1 Luxe Bidet Neo 185 Non-Electronic Bidet Seat
This is a basic dual knob manual bidet with a knob to control the water stream or switch between nozzles. He nozzles are behind a nozzle guard for better hygiene and the specific nozzle is lowered for use, depending on the knob control. The valve construction is metal-ceramic and it comes in two colors – blue and white.
Pros
- Dual nozzle system for posterior and frontal wash, you can easily switch between nozzles by a control knob
- Easy to install and is compatible with all standard toilets
- Self cleaning nozzle option available in the knob controls, reduces maintenance effort
- 18-month comprehensive warranty, indicative of quality of the product
Cons
- The bidet does not have water heating capability of its own & you cannot regulate the water temperature, which may be a cause for discomfort depending on normal water temperature
- While lot of bidets will claim that they can be self-installed, it is always better to let a plumber complete the installation
- No drying option, as in most manual bidets
The video below shows how to install the Luxe Bidet Neo.
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#2 SmartBidet SB-1000 Electronic Bidet Seat
This is an electronic bidet seat with remote control, where you can control the water temperature (3 options), seat temperature (3 options), water pressure (6 options, including turbo) and nozzle position (five levels). The remote has an option to operate the bidet in energy saving mode.
Pros
- Remote control option which can be used by care giver if patient is severely mobility challenged
- Nozzle position can be controlled by remote which makes it comfortable for all sizes of users. Facilitates feminine hygiene.
- Option to oscillate nozzle provides more thorough cleaning experience
- Dryer option available for complete elimination of toilet paper use
- Keeps the toilet seat heated, more comfortable during winter
- Comes in 2 formats – elongated and round
Cons
- Turbo option of the water spray may not be as strong as you would expect
- If you do not have a plug point near to your toilet, you will have to call your electrician to install one
#3 TOTO A100 Electronic Bidet Toilet Seat
This is an electronic bidet toilet seat with switch panel access for controlling water pressure, water stream direction, seat temperature and air dryer. The bidet comes with a ‘premist’ option which can be used to wet the toilet bowl before every use to prevent waste from adhering to bowl surface which reduces toilet maintenance effort.
Pros
- Option for heated seat is useful throughout the winter season and does not feel cold to the touch
- Has air drying option which takes out toilet paper use
- Option of air deodorizer is helpful if your toilet is not well ventilated
- Option for a wider frontal cleanse, suitable for feminine hygiene wash
Cons
- No remote-control access and hence care givers will have to use switch panel to control cleaning activity in case of mobility challenged patients
- Warranty coverage is less compared to other products
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#4 Brondell Thinline SimpleSpa Manual Bidet Toilet Seat
The product is a manual bidet that can be attached to any two-piece toilet bowl and seat. This bidet works on dual nozzle system for frontal and rear wash and can be controlled for water pressure by a conveniently located knob. The nozzles are retractable and are behind a nozzle guard when not in use.
Pros
- Dual nozzle system for both front and rear wash – suitable for feminine hygiene
- Easy to use controls, suitable for the elderly and disabled
- Fits almost any toilet seat and thickness of the bidet is just 0.2 inches
Cons
- Water temperature cannot be controlled and may not be comfortable during the winter
- No auto cleaning option for the nozzles; After using for a period of time, nozzles can get jammed due to water deposits.
#5 Luxe Bidet Neo 185 Bidet Toilet Seat
This is a basic bidet toilet seat model with a single nozzle and knob control for water pressure (4 levels). The product has a nozzle guard for better hygiene and the nozzle drops down on operating the knob.
Pros
- Self-cleaning nozzle and nozzle guard makes for lower maintenance cost and effort
- Easy to install and fits almost any toilet
- Cost effective solution for better personal hygiene of the disabled
- Product is covered by an 18-month comprehensive warranty
Cons
- Water temperature cannot be control, may be uncomfortable during winters
- No air dryer, which may still lead to the use of toilet paper after wash
- Not suitable for feminine hygiene wash
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#6 Kohler Puretide Elongated Manual Bidet Seat
This is a manual bidet toilet seat from Kohler which operates on a conveniently located handle on the right side for control on water pressure and nozzle direction.
Pros
- Convenient handle to adjust water pressure and spray position
- Nozzle auto cleans after every use
- 3 year limited warranty; You should check fine print carefully
- Easy to install and is compatible with most toilets
Cons
- No air dryer
- Water temperature cannot be adjusted
- Not a cost competitive product
#7 BioBidet Bliss BB2000 Elongated Bidet Toilet Seat
This is a premium electronic bidet toilet seat with remote control access as well as a simpler touchscreen side panel. It is a single nozzle system which can be controlled for feminine wash, rear wash and vortex washes for improved hygiene.
The nozzle is motor driven which makes it accurate and very consistent in water temperature as well as direction and pressure.
Pros
- Option for heated seat adds to comfort during early morning use or during the winter
- Controls for water pressure, water temperature, water stream direction gives complete control over cleaning process
- Hybrid heating technology provides for continuous stream of consistently warm water
- 3 year best in class warranty
Cons
- Remote control may be too complicated for an elderly user with dementia.
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#8 Veken Ultra-Slim Manual Dual Nozzle Bidet
This manual bidet has dual nozzle capability and is made of ABS plastic to make it durable. The bidet is one quarter of an inch thick and therefore can fit on any standard toilet seat.
The mode of operation and water pressure can be chosen by rotating the dial on your right side. When the nozzles are in use, the relevant nozzle drops down from behind the guard and retracts upon shutting the device.
Pros
- Dual mode for cleaning: posterior and feminine wash; makes this device perfect for entire household
- Product comes with detailed installation guide; however, we recommend you commission a plumber for setting it up
- Convenient and stylish dial system to choose between modes
- Easily adjustable water pressure
- Very slim product which makes it easily compatible with all toilet seats
- Nozzles are retractable and are behind the nozzle guard for better hygiene
- Cost effective product
Cons
- You cannot control the water temperature; may not be comfortable to you during cold winters
- No air dryer and thus may not completely eliminate use of toilet paper
#9 BioBidet Slim Edge Simple Bidet Toilet Attachment
This is a dual nozzle manual bidet which is lightweight, fits most toilets and saves electricity and toilet paper. This is one of the most basic but durable products in the market;
You may want to start with this product if you are a new bidet user and are not totally convinced about the concept of a bidet.
Pros
- Two modes of usage: rear wash and frontal wash mode for women
- Easy knob adjustment for selecting between modes of using
- One of the most cost-effective products in the market
- Water pressure can be conveniently controlled by turning the knob
- Backed by one year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- The nozzles are not self cleaning and require regular maintenance
- The nozzles are not adjustable and water stream may miss the mark depending on the user body type; Some amount of sitting adjustment may be necessary
- No option for warm water; your comfort will depend on normal fresh water temperature
- The knob has a small radius – the water pressure is highly sensitive to small movements of the know and therefore you may be surprised by the force of water, if you are a new user. For the same reason, it may not be suitable for the elderly with hand tremors
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Conclusion
In addition to clear benefits for the disabled and elderly, a bidet in general has a lot of benefits for normal people as well. It is like a plumbing fixture that your entire family can use.
Therefore, most often than not, it is worthwhile to invest in one, especially if the paper towel or tissue consumption of your household is high. Finally, the bidet seat makes a marked difference to the personal hygiene of your loved one who has lost her mobility.
