Biffy instead of toilet paper, would you? |
I know outside the US it’s much more common to have water shooting up you know where instead of or in addition to using toilet paper, more commonly known as a bidet. There is this toilet add-on called the Biffy (warning: video onload) that is designed to clip onto the toilet seat and spring into action after doing your business.
Perhaps bathroom humor, but some of the text on the biffy website made me chuckle:
Can we talk? When you are sitting on a toilet seat your bottom is perfectly positioned for thorough cleaning. The toilet seat supports your cheeks while your body weight presses down, spreading your cheeks and exposes your bottom parts to the cleansing rinse of the Biffy.
That’s among the most polite explanations of sitting on the toilet I’ve ever read. And what is with the ‘can we talk’ bolded? The toilet isn’t the place to do much talking, unless one wants to talk over the, er, sounds.
Popgadget explains more about the international aspect of the Biffy:
For those unfamiliar, a bidet uses a gentle jet of water to cleanse the body in lieu of, or in conjunction with, toilet paper. The bidet is all over Europe in one form or another, and many Middle Eastern countries use handheld Water Pik toilet wands that clean and sterilize themselves between uses. It’s quick, hygienic, and very effective.
Perhaps a European reader is willing to explain how great bidets are to me. Why don’t we have them in greater numbers in the US? Are we just bidet snobs or what? I’ve never been outside the US/Canada/Mexico so I’m very unsophistocated in the wonders of the bidet. It’s possible we’re screwed up in the US like we are on the metric system front.
The bestselling Biffy version sells for $99 in the Biffy Personal Bidet Store. No, that’s not an affiliate link. 1-877-422-4339 if you have questions. It comes in different colors too.
“Um, how much for a cherry red Biffy, please?”
Or maybe: “I really would like a Biffy with a dragon breathing fire on it.”
Seriously, I do like the hygienic idea but am not sure about the water shooting up part. Do they use the toilet paper afterwards or just let air dry? I’d definitely opt for the ambient warmer to avoid cold water if I did go the Biffy route. The toilet is a good place to read though. Think I’ll stick to TP only and keep the biffy-style rinses confined to the shower. Someday we’ll travel outside this area where bidets are more commonplace and I might become a fan of bidets.
Anybody reading have one of these Biffys or some other bidet installed?
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You are missing out! When I lived in Japan, the warmed toilet seat and bidet were heaven. There was even an air dryer to dry you off so you didn’t have to worry about the TP. Now I’m in London, UK and like the convenience of a traditional bidet. For women, especially, it is much more hygienic. As for drying off, I use a bath towel.
Comment by Hsien Lei — January 19, 2007 @ 1:43 pm PST
I just asked my Wife (who is French - I’m a brit) and when I mentioned bidet I got this - “It’s for what? Well my Nan had one, but we used it to wash our feet as kids. You’re supposed to do what with it?”.
I’m guessing it has fallen out of favour over the year, but I’ve no idea why.
Comment by Ross — January 19, 2007 @ 1:50 pm PST
So what you are saying is if you were to get crap on your hand while wiping with TP, you would just use more TP to wipe your hands as well? Or would you(do you) wash your hands with water afterward? Personaly, I would much rather blot a little water off myself than spread and rub dookie into my skin, but hey, whatever makes you comfortable.
Tony D.
Comment by Tony D. — January 19, 2007 @ 4:45 pm PST
Yes, definitely wash your hands afterwards whether you use the bidet, biffy, TP or some combination thereof.
Comment by TDavid — January 19, 2007 @ 4:59 pm PST
The Biffy has changed my life. I feel so much cleaner and healthier. In fact, I will rush home to use the Biffy since I want to avoid having to use any abrasive toilet tissue. I have had one in each of my bathrooms for years and all my friends have left my home to go and order theirs. My children remark on how they cannot imagine NOT having one. The personal hygiene aspect on this is reason enough to give it a try but consider the medical benefits. Anyway, I am a huge Biffy fan and will keep turning my friends and family on to this remarkable product.
Comment by Tina — January 22, 2007 @ 2:53 am PST
I live in Switzerland and have visited several countries in Europe and I can tell you the bidet has become a rare animal here. Haven’t seen one since I lived in Venezuela (that’s in South America(!)) 25 years ago… ah and BTW I never used it anyway.
Comment by Widi — January 22, 2007 @ 11:04 am PST
I recently bought biffy, and like it a lot. Will be ordering more for other toilets in the house. Wish it had an electric water heater.
Comment by aUser — February 20, 2007 @ 7:00 pm PST
To keep it short: tried bidets in europe and loved them after previous scorn (my ignorance). I won’t go into details, but I can’t understand anyone who tries this thing and doesn’t love it. Cleaner, easier, paper saver. Soothing, quick, and “encourages” movement. Easy to install too. Why didn’t I buy this years ago?
Comment by jsb — May 24, 2008 @ 11:18 am PST