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The
earliest known written reference to the bidet is dated 1710. The
bidet originated in France, at a time when full body bathing was
done once a week. It was invented to cleanse the 'private' areas of
the body, in-between regularly scheduled baths.
In 1750, the bidet à seringue appeared. It provided an upward spray
through the use of a hand-pump fed by a reservoir.
Until the 1900's the bidet was confined to the bedroom,
along with the chamber pot (a bucket that served as a toilet.)
Modern plumbing brought the bidet into the bathroom.
Where it sits next to the toilet.
Popularity of the Bidet
In continental Europe, the usefulness of the bidet is
fully understood and is considered to be as important in the
bathroom as the toilet and the tub - no well equipped home is
without one.
However, most Americans have never seen a bidet. Those who have, generally observed them in upscale hotels, either in the U.S. or in Europe. Rare is the American home that actually has one!
To some, this seems a bit strange, considering the
American preoccupation with cleanliness. But the majority of
Americans start their day in the shower, rather than visit the bathtub once a week. Thus the use of the bidet for personal hygiene has
not yet taken on an important role in America.
It is interesting to note, that American plumbing
manufacturers are among the top producers of bidets, and almost all
of these are exported to other countries.
Who
uses them and why?
The bidet can and is
be used by both men and women. Bidets offer the user a hands-free
and supposedly superior water wash in place of the wiping and
occasionally irritating action of toilet paper.
An invaluable aid to person hygiene, the bidet is gaining popularity
among senior citizens, the disabled and those with impaired motor
functions. or incontinence.
Bidets are also used for sitz baths. A sitz bath (also called a hip
bath) is a type of bath in which only the hips and buttocks are
soaked in water or saline solution. Its name comes from the German
verb sitzen, meaning to sit
A sitz bath is used for patients who have had surgery
in the area of the rectum, or to ease the pain of hemorrhoids,
uterine cramps, prostate infections, painful ovaries, and/or
testicles. It is also used to ease discomfort from infections of the
bladder, prostate, or vagina. Inflammatory bowel diseases are also
treated with sitz baths.
In America, the bidet has developed an aura of
indelicacy, largely due to its primary use - to clean the private
body parts. But the bidet can be used for anything a wash basin is
used for. From foot baths, to hand washing clothes, to soaking
tennis shoes!
The Modern Bidet
Today's bidet is a sit-down wash basin. Usually made
from vitreous china, it is styled to resemble the shape of the
toilet. The bidet is placed next to the toilet in the bathroom, an
arrangement meant to encourage personal hygiene.
There are four basic types of bidets:
Over the Rim
This model is fitted with a standard faucet. The bowl is filled with
water the same way you fill a sink. This is generally the cheapest
and simplest type to install. Having a rimless bowl makes easy to
clean.
Heated Rim (flushing rim)
This unit has Hot/Cold handles on top, but the water enters the bowl
below the rim of the basin.
Spray
The more popular models are equipped with a spray, which provides a
gentle shower. There are two type of sprays:
Vertical which has a fountain jet in the center of the bowl, and
horizontal, which has special over the rim spout that delivers a
horizontal stream of water.
There is a possible risk of water becoming contaminated from back
siphonage created by spray fittings. These units must be installed
using backflow prevention devices, and should be installed by a
plumbing contractor. As usual, consult local building codes before
installing.
Combination
Some models combine the heated rim and a vertical spray option in
one unit.
Styles
Bidets are offered in a host of styles, from the traditional to the
contemporary, matching the toilet.
HOW do you use them?
The conventional bidet is designed to be sat upon, legs
astride, facing the taps (faucet). While sitting, you simply turn on
the water. When the temperature is to your liking, you increase the
pressure to direct a stream or spray of water towards those spots in
need of cleansing.
Some models are designed with seats, and the user sits
on the bidet, the same way they would on a toilet. Controls for
these models can be at the side, the front, or the rear of the unit.
A wall mounted grab bar helps the user get up and down
easily.
To make it more convenient for the user, place a shelf near the
bidet to hold soaps, wash clothes, and towels.
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