Wells Step or Squatty Potty

I have searched this site to see if anyone has used one of these but came up empty. The step raises your feet about 7-9 inches. It claims that when you squat, your colon is in a better position for empting out completely. Sort of reminds me of the so called toilets in Asia.

Go to optimalhealthnetwork.com and look under accessories. Pricey, but they are there. OHN is a reputable co.

I buy all my supplys from OHN. and they are very helpfull. Just a lot of $ for one and I was just woundering if anyone has one and if they are worth it.

Both the colon hydrotherapists I visit have such steps. They do indeed help elimination.

My colon therapist also has one in the corner next to the toilet. I agree with the last post that elimination seems to be more thorough when using the step....less water retention on the way home and less need to revisit the toilet.

To the original post, the wells step is nothing similar to the squat toilets in parts of Asia and even Europe. I've seen up close and personal the squat platforms....not for me.

I did not know it had a name, but I had a few colonics from a guy who had a step for when I sat on the toilet to complete draining. I liked it.

It's completely crazy to pay the kind of money a "proper" Wells Step costs, when the alternative is so easy. Simply use anything of about 7-9" high (or higher, to more accurately simulate a squatting position) to rest your feet on while seated on the toilet, and Bob's your uncle!

I use a plastic stepper (about 1 foot high) you use for reaching shelves which are just that little too high - and it works great. Dead cheap too.

I have used them when I have had colonics. They are OK but I can't say they made a big difference either way.

The truth is, I don't see any difference between raising your feet up to bend your body compared to simply leaning far forward which seems to do the exact same thing.

I often do what Susie suggests. It isn't infallible, but in me it does seem to make a bit of difference. A simple stool also produces the same effect at a lower cost that a special device.

A squatty potty is only about $20.

@SwitchableSusie the difference with raising your feet compared to bending over while seated is you're still vertical if you bring you're legs up as opposed to more horizontal when bending over pushing. ( so gravity helps more when you're vertical )

And the only advantage that the Wells Step or Squatty Potty have over "just a stool", is their curved shape lets them be stored where it's thee most convenient it can be, wrapping around the base of the toilet.

And what that comes down to is how much "in the way" might a little stool be in your bathroom situation, but more than that, if the WS or SP is "right there", you'll tend to use it more than something that's maybe just out of reach.

I actually custom made a few of these back in the 1980's as presents for a few of my colon therapists. AFAIK they're still using them today

Enematically

Steve

I am not convinced that being vertical makes any difference helping gravity push feces through the last foot the colon.

All the ladies I have been to for colonics have had some form of "step" be it a Squatty Pottie, child's loo step or upturned washing up bowl. We have the former in our main bathroom and it helps but what really helps is a thorough tummy massage.

The reason squatting makes it easier to eliminate isn't from your colon being more vertical, it's because the squat position allows the puborectalis muscle to relax.

A squatty potty is only about $20.

An Ikea stepstool is under $10.

I didn't realize there was a thread about the two here for five years. But then again, I never searched either. Since this thread has come to the forefront, I might as well add my thoughts.

When doing my research, I too had considered a Wells step. Besides the price, what I didn't like is that the Wells step tilts backward, so shifting more weight from the feet to the butt. Some of the reviews I read also indicated that moisture eventually takes its toll on the Wells step's block of wood, and that the chrome starts to flake off eventually for some people. So, that was that for the Welles step.

I have to say I settled on the squatty potty because they did several things right. First, they provide multiple models at two different heights, with the cheapest one starting at about $20 as has been pointed out. Second, the way the squatty potty is designed, it can be used as either a step stool, or a squatting, or should I say crouching platform. Third, since the cheapest model is plastic, it should last years in a moist spot like a full bathroom. Finally, they did a great job of marketing a line of products for an awkward topic.

On the down side, those who will do their research will find that the squatty potty people admitted it costs them $4.50 if I remember right to make the plastic version. So as far as the cost, they aren't winners over the Welles step people in that respect.

As far as using a step stool, I tried a couple we have around here before deciding to go for the squatty potty. The biggest problem with them for me was that I couldn't put my feet as far apart as I wanted to. This is something the squatty potty solves beautifully for me. My conclusion is that I find the squatty potty to have been well worth the about $20, and as various reviews state, I love my squatty potty. No, I have no interest in the company.

There are as well several options for squatting over the toilet on platforms. Since I didn't want to be perched over a foot off the floor, I didn't personally go for them. I will conclude advising those who want a bathroom aid like the Welles step or the squatty potty, or something else to do your own research before you settle on something, or nothing at all as the case may be.

I have seen these but I just upgraded my toilet and bought a taller model. Seems kind of funny to me to take a dump with your legs up. I know some love it but I think I'll just do it the old fashioned way.

My toilet is very close to my tub in my very small bathroom. I find it easier to have a BM if I put my feet up on the tub.

I have seen these but I just upgraded my toilet and bought a taller model.

As you get older, the taller toilets are easier to get up from as well. Would be nice if they made one like the recliner chairs that actually stand you up! I have to help my wife up from the john, and it takes a lot of lifting on my part. A taller toilet would help immensely - and we plan to get one soon. I don't think a squatty potty would work well with that. In Japan a lot of toilets are more like holes in the floor that flush - so you have to squat to poop.

I've enjoyed enemas for years, which is a good thing, as I have a lot of trouble with constipation. I have never found that position makes much difference in ease of expelling. In my experience, there is a wide range of "ease" , from my enema just not wanting to come out to barely making it to the toilet on time. I cannot say with any certainty what causes the difference, but it seems to have something to do with just being able to relax and let it go. I have tried using a Dulcolax suppository before the enema, and that seems to make it easier, but I prefer to avoid laxatives. Enemas are quicker, more thorough, and definitely give me the best control of when my bowels will move, thus no embarrassing desperate searching for a toilet when out and about.

@gwhap

As you get older, the taller toilets are easier to get up from as well. Would be nice if they made one like the recliner chairs that actually stand you up! I have to help my wife up from the john, and it takes a lot of lifting on my part. A taller toilet would help immensely - and we plan to get one soon.

I'll throw in my $0.02 on this. From my point of view, the taller toilets create an even bigger problem. While they're easier to get up from, they also put the user into more of a standing position, which I believe makes elimination even more difficult. Instead of a taller toilet, consider a seat with bars, or grab bars which mount on the floor next to the toilet. Less expensive than a new toilet, aid in getting up, and allow for elimination in a better position still. If I ever own a house where tall toilets are the only option, the first renovation project would probably be to get rid of them.

I don't think a squatty potty would work well with that.

They make a nine inch version designed for tall toilets. They also make height adjustable versions.

In Japan a lot of toilets are more like holes in the floor that flush - so you have to squat to poop.

I wouldn't mind trying that some day.

n Japan a lot of toilets are more like holes in the floor that flush - so you have to squat to poop.

That must be terrible for people with arthritis in their knees.

I wonder how they work pulling pants down far enough to not urinate on the back of your pants because the higher the knees/legs go, the farther straight forward the urine stream goes in contrast to its going down when you aren't squatting so much. I'll have to squat and urinate in the shower tonight to see exactly what the differences are in the direction of the urine stream between a deep squat and normal sitting position.

@gwhapI'll throw in my $0.02 on this. From my point of view, the taller toilets create an even bigger problem. While they're easier to get up from, they also put the user into more of a standing position, which I believe makes elimination even more difficult. Instead of a taller toilet, consider a seat with bars, or grab bars which mount on the floor next to the toilet.

Bars don't work for someone paralyzed on the left side. I have to lift my wife off the toilet. The lower seat creates more of a fall risk and is harder for me to get my wife up than an elevated seat. Handicapped seats - convenient seats - are safer for us. It's hard to pick up a 140 lb lady from the floor - which I've had to do a couple of times. We have bars to help - but it is difficult

BTW- I've seen the Japanese toilets. They are messy - disgusting. No one seems to hit the hole, pissing or defecating.

BTW- I've seen the Japanese toilets. They are messy - disgusting. No one seems to hit the hole, pissing or defecating.

That's what I suspected.

The squatty potty is good for some, but not all. I think it does make it easier to eliminate though. Less stress on sphincter muscle.

Susie and others: In France, some public toilets (e.g. in unmanned rest areas) are squat toilets similar (but somewhat different) to the ones in Japan. We had these in my elementary school and I hated them for pooping. Such toilets are now less common than they used to be.

There are times when I put my feet up and my colon works, and times it doesn't. I'm not sure that it isn't placebo, or maybe the movement helps.

I still try it sometimes, but I'm not going to spend $20 on a step - I'll keep using the stool.

We have had a Squatty Potty for some months now and all I can say is that it works great for us.

I can truly say that it speeds up the process and I feel like it’s a complete evacuation—usually in one or two shots.

It’s also allowed me to relax more. There were times where I felt the need to strain to pass large solids and it took longer to complete. With the SP, as soon as my feet go up I can feel everything moving and; with the feeling of relaxation due to the elevation of my knees everything is over in moments.

I was very skeptical at first, but I’m a believer now.

I'm a firm believer. I've been using my small bench during every bowel movement that I have at home for over a year now. I like using it.

I was in China a few months ago and the squat potty was everywhere. Our tour guide to us he was raised with one but has a western toilet in his condo. He said it allows more time for comfort and reading in privacy. He said his wife says he spends way to much time in that western style room.