Guide

What is a toilet stool for and how do you use it?

Maybe you've seen one on social media or at a friend's place: a small stool sitting in front of the toilet. It looks simple, and it is. But it has a very specific job: changing the posture you sit in on the toilet. In this article we explain what a toilet stool is for, how to use it properly and what to keep in mind before buying one. You may also know it as a "squatty potty", the name of a well-known brand that many people now use for any toilet footstool.

What is a toilet stool?

A toilet stool is a footrest that sits in front of the toilet. When you rest your feet on it, your knees end up higher than your hips. That way, sitting on a regular toilet, you take a position similar to squatting, which is how much of the world's population has gone to the toilet for centuries and is still common in many countries in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

The Western toilet, on the other hand, has us sit with our legs at an angle of around 90 degrees. It's comfortable for sitting, but not necessarily the most natural position for going to the toilet.

What does a toilet stool do?

The idea behind the stool is simple: raise your knees to bring your body closer to a squatting position. Many people use one because they feel it makes going to the toilet more comfortable, without having to strain as much.

There is at least one published study on this type of device. In 2019, researchers at The Ohio State University published a study in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology with 52 healthy volunteers who logged their bathroom visits for four weeks: two without a stool and two with one. According to their conclusions, using the stool was associated with less straining, a feeling of more complete evacuation and shorter visits (Modi et al., 2019, PubMed).

It's a small study with healthy people, so it's best taken for what it is: an interesting signal, not a promise. A toilet stool is not a medical treatment. If you have persistent digestive problems, please see your doctor.

How to use a toilet stool, step by step

There's nothing complicated about it, but these steps will help you get the most out of it from day one:

1. Place it in front of the toilet. The stool sits against the base of the toilet so you can rest your feet comfortably when you sit down.
2. Sit down as usual. You don't need to change anything about your toilet.
3. Rest your feet on the stool. Your knees will be higher than your hips.
4. Lean forward slightly. You can rest your forearms on your thighs and keep your back relaxed.
5. Relax and take your time. The point is to be comfortable, not to strain.
6. Put it away when you're done. You can slide it under the toilet so it's out of the way.

It may feel a little strange for the first few days. That's normal: you've spent your whole life sitting a different way. Give yourself a few days to get used to it.

Who can use it?

Anyone in the household can use a toilet stool: adults and also children, who can rest their feet on it instead of leaving them dangling. If you have mobility, knee or hip problems, first check that the position feels comfortable and safe for you.

What to look for when choosing a toilet stool

• Easy-to-clean material. In the bathroom, plastic is practical: it wipes clean with a cloth and your usual cleaning product.
• Size. It should be wide enough for both feet and fit in front of your toilet.
• No hassle. Ideally it needs no assembly and you can use it straight out of the box.
• Clear terms. Check the final price, shipping and return policy.

The PosturaNatural toilet stool

The PosturaNatural toilet stool is designed to be simple and practical:

• Plastic, white.
• Size: 45 × 32 × 21 cm.
• No assembly required.
• Price: €21.99 with shipping included to mainland Spain (no shipping to the Balearic or Canary Islands, Ceuta or Melilla).
• 14-day returns; return shipping costs are paid by the customer.

If you'd like to try changing your posture on the toilet, you can see the product and order it at taburetewc.com/en.

Frequently asked questions

Does a toilet stool work with any toilet?

It sits in front of the toilet, so it works with most standard toilets. Before buying, check you have room in front of yours: the PosturaNatural stool measures 45 × 32 × 21 cm.

Does it need assembling?

No. The PosturaNatural stool needs no assembly: take it out of the box and place it in front of the toilet.

How much is shipping?

Shipping is included in the €21.99 price, but only for mainland Spain. We don't ship to the Balearic or Canary Islands, Ceuta or Melilla.

Can I return it if I'm not happy?

Yes, you have 14 days to return it. Return shipping costs are paid by the customer.