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Yes, it’s true: toilet footstools can really help. HuffPost learned from Jennifer Bonheur, a New York-based gastroenterologist, that some studies actually show potty stools help facilitate proper squatting and make pooping easier. Resting our feet on a stool while pooping allows our lower muscles to relax, resulting in a more natural positioning.
Of course, the granddaddy of all potty stools is also the one with the most fun name to say: the Squatty Potty. It’s synonymous with toilet footstools, and it’s helped so many reviewers that several have posed the question: “How did I live without this?” The spiffy bamboo-made Squatty Potty is currently on sale for 38% off and offers an elevated (pun intended) look to the basic plastic model (also on sale for 20% off). It has a glossy, laminated finish for a smooth feel on your feet and easy cleaning, a 7-inch side and a 9-inch side that you can flip between for adjustable heights. Plus, it’s super durable.
If you’re not sure how well these stools work, a quick glance at some user reviews should stymie the worry. “I thought it was all just marketing and ended up buying this product out of desperation,” says reviewer Samantha T. “I’ve lived a miserable and constipated life prior. What used to take 30 minutes to an hour now only takes a few minutes or less to complete. […] I can just do my business and get on with my day and that’s amazing for someone who hasn’t experienced that luxury before.”
The bamboo Squatty Potty is a fan-favorite, but the plastic original is also on sale at Amazon and Walmart for $21.45, or 20% off its usual price, if you’re looking for a bathroom basic.
In any case, read on for more promising reviews of the Squatty Potty and how it’s helped optimize bathroom comfort.
“We recently installed a new ADA-compliant toilet, which turned out to be much higher than our previous one. I needed some support to adjust to the new height, and the Squatty Potty The Original Toilet Stool proved to be a fantastic, cost-effective solution. The stool is sturdy, well-designed, and provides the right height to achieve a natural squatting position. It’s also easy to clean and has significantly improved my comfort during bathroom visits. I highly recommend this product for anyone dealing with higher toilets or looking to enhance their bathroom experience.” — Regina
“This was very easy to put together and is adjustable for height. I was told that I have a back tilting bladder and that I should use something like this to clear my bladder completely as to not get infections. It also makes evacuation easier. I’m five foot tall and I can use it easily. It slides under the toilet enough so it’s not in the way for others that don’t want to use it. Very happy with my purchase and will be getting a couple more for my other bathrooms.” — leslie H
“easy assembly, sturdy and essential in my household. cant imagine life w/o it. the wood is a great touch.” — San Diego M.
“I thought it was all just marketing and ended up buying this product out of desperation. I’ve lived a miserable and constipated life prior. What used to take 30 minutes to an hour now only takes a few minutes or less to complete. Living that IBS life, I’m not going any less, but it makes it less miserable to go. I’m now completely voiding in one trip, more than I ever have in my life prior to buying this product. I’m no longer stuck on the toilet trying and failing. I can just do my business and get on with my day and that’s amazing for someone who hasn’t experienced that luxury before. I like that this stool is adjustable. The little size is perfect for our tiny bathroom sized toilet.” — Samantha T.
“I needed to do my business and felt like it was going to be a slow go, but fortunately I remembered that this Squatty Potty had just arrived in the mail today. I still needed to do my business, but I was able to assemble my Squatty Potty before my business did me! It was that easy! I’m currently using the Squatty Potty as I’m writing this review, and everything is going smoothly.” — Rebecca Drapkin
“No one likes to discuss number two, but I wish someone had told me about these sooner. Goodbye to straining, and all the unpleasantness that comes with it! I also appreciate the much more attractive wood option. Much better than the white plastic.” — Abby the Red
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a difficult time going. I’ve tried lots of things—drinking more water, eating more fiber, more exercise, stool softeners—and nothing has worked. I’d read a toilet stool helped things get moving so I figured I had very little to lose. Not does this thing work, it works almost immediately. The first day i got it, I had an easier time going. Since then, it’s not only easier but the frequency has picked up to once a day. I’m amazed. I wish I’d bought one of these ages ago!” — Frankie Valentine