Firm's bottom line: high-tech toilet seat

Already flush with cash from selling his online music firm, entrepreneur David Samuel hopes to be sitting on top of another business success: high-tech toilet seats.

"The Solution ComfortSeat revolutionizes bathroom hygiene by taking the
traditional bidet and making it a Super Toilet," says Great Ideas
President Scott Rubin. "Traditionally, a homeowner would have to
have separate plumbing to have a bidet in their home but with the
Solution ComfortSeat, you can have your bidet and your toilet in one
device."Two thirds of injuries occurring in nursing facilities occur in the
bathroom. Both patients and caregivers alike suffer a wide range of
injuries from falls onto the bathroom's hard porcelain and tile
surfaces.Not only does the ComfortSeat(TM) provide the physically-challenged
user with superior personal hygiene, but it offers important
emotional benefits as well. According to Dr. Ronald G. Rubin, MD,
PASARR examiner and Chief of Psychiatry for Geriatric Behavioral
Healthcare Group, "Patient's who have used the Solution
ComfortSeat(TM) are extremely encouraged by its results. Many of our
patients who are unable to wipe themselves must rely on caregivers to
assist them. The ComfortSeat(TM) not only eliminates this
embarrassment, it builds the patient's self-esteem."The Swash 400 is heated and has push-button controls to adjust water pressure and temperature. A self-cleaning spray arm moves forward or back to adjust to the anatomy of male and female users.The Solution ComfortSeat(TM) affixes directly to a standard toilet in
minutes. Models are priced to fit any budget, from the affordable
Portable Solution Bidet ($129.95) to the state-of-the-art Bio
Ultimate Wash Bidet ($799.95). In many cases, some or all the costs
of the units are covered by the patient's health-care provider.The ComfortSeat(TM) can reduce bathroom injuries.Samuel co-founded San Francisco's Brondell Inc., which plans to start marketing the Swash, a toilet seat that sprays a stream of warm water to cleanse a person's private parts. It turns an ordinary toilet into a bidet, a water-spraying toilet device that is popular in Europe.Takagi Industrial Company USA Inc. is the nation's Number 1 seller of
tankless water heaters. The company's innovative and space-saving
products deliver hot water on demand with far less energy consumption
than their tank-based counterparts. Takagi's tankless water heaters
are available for both home and commercial use.The Comfort Seat(TM) helps the physically-challenged build
self-esteem.However, the fact that Americans are buying more personal-hygiene products, such as water filters and sonic toothbrushes, is starting to increase demand for the Washlet, she said.The seat has a reservoir that stores and heats about 34 ounces of water, good for up to a one-minute continuous stream of warm water, although the operation only requires about 15 seconds, Pinizzotto said. The top-end model can blow-dry a user in about a minute.Tres Bien adds the freshness and convenience of a bidet to any standard
American toilet fixture simply by replacing the existing toilet seat
with the elegant, low-profile Tres Bien model. Easier to use than a
traditional bidet, the resulting all-in-one unit features adjustable
water pressure, full temperature control, a warm-air dryer and
one-touch remote control.By enabling patients to easily and effectively clean their intimate
areas, the ComfortSeat(TM) is also able to reduce the spread of
disease from contact with the stool-borne bacterium, enterococcus.

However, the fact that Americans are buying more personal-hygiene products, such as water filters and sonic toothbrushes, is starting to increase demand for the Washlet, she said.

Author: Benny Evangelista San Francisco Chronicle

Takagi Introduces High-Tech Hygiene With Tres Bien By Fresh Seat

Now Americans can benefit from the enhanced level of personal hygiene
that people have enjoyed in Europe for more than two centuries with
the new high-tech, hydro-cleansing Tres Bien by Fresh Seat, a
division of Takagi Industrial Company USA Inc.

Brondell is named after J.F. Brondel, an English architect who developed the first valve flush toilet in 1738.An advanced Swash 600 also includes a wireless remote control and a blow-dryer designed to eliminate the need for traditional toilet paper."While many Europeans feel that no well-equipped home should be without
a bidet, this type of product has been virtually unknown in the
United States until very recently," said Yasue Fuki, marketing
director for Takagi Industrial Company USA Inc. "Attaching the Tres
Bien seat to an existing one- or two-piece toilet provides the luxury
of a bidet without the cost or space considerations of adding another
bath fixture."Toto claims a 55 percent share of toilets in Japan, but Washlet's U.S. sales have been slow because Americans have been reluctant to adopt bidet-type toilets, said Toto USA spokeswoman Lenora Campos.

To learn more about the elegant Tres Bien by Fresh Seat or the Takagi
line of tankless water heaters, call toll-free at 888-882-5244 or
888-8-TAKAGI or go to www.takagi-usa.com.

The Toilet of the Future: Next Generation Bidet Takes Off in U.S. Markets

Long a European and Japanese tradition, the bathroom bidet has taken
off in American markets with a uniquely high-tech product called the
Solution ComfortSeat.

Pinizzotto said he and Samuel added an extra "l" to the company's name because it looked better.The Swash, which slides into a docking bracket, is designed to fit 95 percent of what the company says are 220 million residential toilets now in use in the United States. It is connected to the toilet's water pipe and requires a nearby electrical outlet.Although infrared controls have made automatic flushing and sink faucets common in public bathrooms, basic toilet technology "hasn't changed much in 200 years," Pinizzotto said.Click here to launch the video! Multimedia available: http://www1.iwire.com/iwire/iwprd?id=053124To learn more about the elegant Tres Bien by Fresh Seat or the Takagi
line of tankless water heaters, call toll-free at 888-882-5244 or
888-8-TAKAGI or go to www.takagi-usa.com.Other features of the Solution ComfortSeat include:The Solution ComfortSeat, distributed by Great Ideas of Highland Park,
IL, is a toilet seat attachment that has been described as a
technological wonder because it features an easy-to-use control that
allows users to clean themselves with a stream of hygienic water, and
then subsequently dry themselves with a stream of warm air.The ComfortSeat(TM) can also reduce the spread of disease.Brondell has tough competition. Japan's Toto Ltd., the world's largest plumbing manufacturer, has sold more than 20 million high- tech Toto Washlets (seats start at $727) since 1980. They have a similar warm-water cleansing system plus a catalytic air deodorizer that turns on automatically.Samuel, 32, is Brondell's chairman. He co-founded Brondell in 2003 with chief executive officer Scott Pinizzotto, a former Sony Corp. design engineer who worked with him at Spinner.com when it was part of a group of San Francisco Bay Area digital music firms known as "Audio Alley."All Solution ComfortSeats(TM) come with a 30-day Satisfaction Guarantee
and feature the best warranties in the industry. For a full listing
of ComfortSeat(TM) models, features and prices, visit www.bidets.us.Brondell lists the Swash 400 at $699 and the Swash 600 at $899, although the company is offering a 38 percent discount through its Web site.Essential for anyone who wants that extra measure of personal hygiene,
Tres Bien also is ideal for senior citizens, sports and fitness
enthusiasts, and people who require a higher level of cleanliness due
to a variety of medical conditions. Additionally, Tres Bien offers
feminine hygiene convenience for women of all ages.

Click here to launch the video! Multimedia available: http://www1.iwire.com/iwire/iwprd?id=053124

Travel: Kids rule on the Costa

IT wasn't exactly the flying start I was hoping for - a five-and- a-half-hour delay at Gatwick airport.

Styles and TypesGlass of beer..............pounds 1There are restaurants and bars galore along the front, from seafood and traditional Spanish to true Brit boozers. We settled on a pizzeria for lunch, where two dustbin lid-sized pizzas, drinks (beer for me, juice for Polly) and an ice-cream to finish cost around pounds 15.Writing isn�t easy. Even people who do it for a living say so. Tasked to write something, most people end up spending hours staring into a blank page, unable to type even a single intelligible word.Soft drink.....................65pConcealed TankThe first form of argument writing shows both sides of a single issue, letting the facts speak for itself with regards to how people should feel about it. These pieces can be deceptive since it is easy to dwell on one aspect while selectively presenting the other. Still, if your aim is to argue successfully, this type of writing can get your opinion heard while presenting a more complete argument for your cause.So I resorted to bribery. Yes she could have a go on the bidet. "No, it isn't for washing your feet." But only on the condition that afterwards it was pyjamas on - and bed.We could have paid more - gambas al pil-pil (prawns in fiery garlic and chilli sauce), boccarones (anchovies in olive oil), followed by grilled fresh fish around pounds 20 per person. I treated myself to this on the final day.WHAT'S THE DEAL?Trying to persuade a youngster it's time for bed is never easy, as most parents know, especially when they are wide awake.Showing Two Sides Of An Issue* Intro BidetsSEA LIFE (pounds 6.40 for adults, pounds 5.30 for kids). A brilliant way to entertain the kids for an hour or so, especially if it's a rare day when the sun isn't shining. Feed the giant rays, find the real Nemo and his friends and be frightened by the sharks that swim over your head.The walk from our hotel to the centre of Benalmadena Costa, with its upmarket marina packed with yachts and cruisers, took about 30 minutes. It was early in the season and the beach - unlike so many on the Costas - wasn't packed.But little luxuries like this don't last long with a child in tow.These are the two ways by which the toilet flushes. Standard gravity-fed toilets use the weight of the water to force everything from the tank into the bowl and through the S-shaped trapway, where a siphoning action finishes the flush. The first pressure-assisted [flush] toilet was intoduced in the U.S. in 1984 by Mansfeld. Crane followed shortly thereafter and by 1986, virtually every North American manufacturer offered at least one PA model. In 1992 the government passed a law that restricted toilets to no more than 1.6 gallons per flush, as opposed to the old 3.5 gallons. These systems use trapped air to initiate the flushing mechanism.The word bidet (pronounced: bee day) is French for pony, a reference to sitting astride as if on a saddle. It is not a bathtub, shower stall or different kind of toilet (though it is placed next to the toilet) - it is hands-free, sit-down water washing unit or basin that used in place of wiping with toilet paper. Most Americans have never seen a bidet, unless they frequent upscale hotels in the U.S. and/or Europe. European's consider the bidet to be an essential part of their bathroom, in fact, no well equipped home is without one. Bidets are offered in a host of styles, from the traditional to the contemporary and usually match the toilet.TELEFERICO (pounds 7 adults, pounds 5 kids). A fabulous cable car ride to the top of the mountain overlooking Benalmadena and its neighbours, Torremolinos and Fuengirola. Great views from the cars, which take up to four people. Even better ones from the top, if like me you prefer to keep your eyes shut. Once at the top (the ride takes about 15 minutes) there are some amazing walks, plus birds of prey, a Spanish horse show and donkey rides for kids."How about the beach?""Real cool," said Polly. "Oh, hell," I thought. "We've come all this way (well a two-and-a half-hour flight) to find some sun and I'm going to spend the next seven days trapped inside a stifling building."Average cost of a: Three-course meal....pounds 8.50MARBELLA Around an hour away by bus is upmarket Marbella. Experience the old town with its beautiful Orange Square, or sit on a beach front bar (Palms is my favourite - and my daughter says they do the best banana splits in the world) and watch the beautiful people."How about an ice cream?"Despite my best efforts to get up in time for breakfast the next day, we just missed it.MaterialsTHINGS TO DO IN BENALMADENAThe first thing you need is a clear focus for your written piece. If you�re writing about the health benefits of a bidet, for instance, it doesn�t help to turn your attention to product installation or details of its construction. Keep your head on the subject and start writing with only that in mind.If you find your head a mess of ideas, creating an outline for the piece you�ll be writing will greatly help in completing it. Think about someone presenting the ideas to you and imagine how you would like it to be structured.For the bidet example, you may want a short introduction about bidets, leading into their various health benefits and concluding with an emphatic argument about how they may improve one�s life. You can outline this as such:We could have eaten for less along the promenade - all-day English breakfast with "sausages and bacon from home" and Heinz beans, plus toast, marmalade, mug of tea and orange juice for under a fiver (which I tried one day, and yes it was delicious).If you�re the same way, you can take solace in the fact that writing does get easier over time. If you develop the right habits that make it less of an exercise in shotgun hunting and into a disciplined activity of organized presentation, you can learn to organize your ideas and write them in a way that makes people take notice."Come on, Dad," said Polly as I struggled into my swim shorts and sucked in my stomach. "Hurry up."* Intro Health BenefitsI was shattered but my six-year -old daughter Polly had found a second wind...and discovered the bidet in the bathroom.Most toilets have separate tanks and bowls, making them two-piece, but some higher-priced toilets are one-piece, and they are generally more stylish. The benefit of a one piece is that you won't have leaks between the bowl and tank and they tend to be quieter.HOLIDAY INFO:A week's self-catering at the Benalmadena Palace Apartments this summer in a one-bedroom apartment starts from pounds 269 low season to pounds 474pp high season (kids' prices from pounds 89 low season, pounds 249 high. Book through Direct Holidays, 0870 191 9055 or at www.directholidays.co.ukGOLF Take your pick from the dozens of courses, from the not-to- expensive Mijas (around pounds 25 a around) to the empty-your- wallet and bring-lots-of- balls Las Brisas (pounds 50-plus a round).There's nothing better than sitting on a sunny terrace at the end of a bleak British winter and having breakfast in the sun.- For senior citizens

HOLIDAY INFO:A week's self-catering at the Benalmadena Palace Apartments this summer in a one-bedroom apartment starts from pounds 269 low season to pounds 474pp high season (kids' prices from pounds 89 low season, pounds 249 high. Book through Direct Holidays, 0870 191 9055 or at www.directholidays.co.uk

Author: PETER BISHOP

How to Write an Argument Piece - Focus, Outline and Impact

Want to write a piece that argues for a cause or a belief? Arguments are essentially essays written in such a way that tries to convince readers of the merits of a certain opinion. There are two ways most argument pieces are written.

Round bowl or elongated bowlEssentially, an outline small chunks your writing task into clear topics. Instead of one big task ahead of you, you�ll be looking at smaller pieces of copy with no more than a few sentences each. With a goal less daunting and the help of grammar software to ensure your words shine flawlessly, writing can really be much easier.The most common toilet bowl used to be round, because it conserved space, but now as bathrooms continue to grow in size, the trend is towards elongated bowls (two inches longer than a round bowl). The standard height of a toilet is 15 inches.FocusBottle of wine............pounds 2.50- For preventing infectionsConcealed toilet tanks are insulated and installed between the wall studs with the toilet mounted to the wall instead of the floor, making it easier to clean your toilet.* Closing Health BenefitsAn hour and a half later and I was beginning to get bored.Getting dressed for school can take forever. Getting undressed and into her cossie for swimming took Polly seconds.Gravity or PressureTHINGS TO DO NEARBYMaking An ImpactBut there's more to Benalmadena than just the food - once you drag your child away from the pool.When writing an argument piece, the goal is to create enough of a case for your cause to compel the reader to consider that point-of-view. As such, when going through your essay, you can�t have them bothered by common writing problems such as bad sentence construction, poor grammar and incomplete ideas. Five minutes with an English writing software, however, should be enough to ensure that your content stays free from all of those potential deal-breakers.Toilets are generally made of vitreous china, which is clay fired at high temperature to form a high gloss, stain-resistant surface. They are durable but can be chipped, cracked, or broken if abused. Under normal use, however, they can last a lifetime.BENALMADENA PUEBLOThis typical white-washed Andalucian village has fantastic views of the coast and is a great place for a morning stroll. Take the bus or just grab a taxi.TIVOLI AMUSEMENT PARK (Entry pounds 3, rides cost extra). The entrance is opposite the Telerifico. Great free shows, bars, restaurants, plus all the usual rides.* Detailed BenefitsTORREMOLINOS Right next door to Belmadena-Costa is this bustling resort famed for its five miles of golden sand.

Essentially, an outline small chunks your writing task into clear topics. Instead of one big task ahead of you, you�ll be looking at smaller pieces of copy with no more than a few sentences each. With a goal less daunting and the help of grammar software to ensure your words shine flawlessly, writing can really be much easier.

Author: Jane Sumerset

Home Building - Bathroom Toilets

When designing your bathroom, the easiest product to pick out should be your toilet, because it's style is simply one of personal preference because all of them work in the same way. The first style point will be deciding whether you want a round or elongated model, a one or two piece, how high you want it to sit and whether you want a pressure-assisted or gravity feed. Beyond that you will have a choice of colors and ornamental trim, and several style options. Always sit down on your new throne before buying it to make sure the height and size are comfortable. An average toilet bowl will start around $200, but a royal throne could run you around $1000.

"How about some exploring, Polly?"Because of the hold-up we didn't reach our hotel in Benalmadena on Spain's Costa del Sol until 3am.PARQUE LA PALOMA (free). This peaceful park is a short walk from the front. Ducks, rabbits, chickens and cats roam around - some are so tame they come up to the kids to be petted.But not to worry, the helpful restaurant manager at the Benalmadena Palace Hotel brought out cheese, ham, jam and bread and a fresh orange juice for Polly.OutlineThe second form of argument writing, on the other hand, takes an issue and focuses on a single aspect of it. If your intention is to show the folly of a particular action, for instance, you can write the entire essay detailing its negative consequences. These pieces, for the most part, make no qualms about masking its intention and present a hard-nosed operation from the onset.- For the sickOne-piece or two-pieceIt worked. We dried off, slipped on T-shirts, shorts and sandals and set off for the seafront. It wasn't difficult to find, our hotel was just 200 yards from the beach - and Belmadena's fabulous promenade.A bit about BidetsFirst Polly saw the huge outdoor pool. "Cool," she said between mouthfuls. Followed by the children's pool next to it. "That's for toddlers, not me!"Oh, and we met the couple staying in the room next to ours. They had wondered what the noise was coming from our bathroom in the early hours. Now they knew.

The word bidet (pronounced: bee day) is French for pony, a reference to sitting astride as if on a saddle. It is not a bathtub, shower stall or different kind of toilet (though it is placed next to the toilet) - it is hands-free, sit-down water washing unit or basin that used in place of wiping with toilet paper. Most Americans have never seen a bidet, unless they frequent upscale hotels in the U.S. and/or Europe. European's consider the bidet to be an essential part of their bathroom, in fact, no well equipped home is without one. Bidets are offered in a host of styles, from the traditional to the contemporary and usually match the toilet.

Author: Tammy Crosby

INAX to Distribute Product Line in U.S.

Terranee, CA - INAX, Japan's leading manufacturer of tile and sanitary fixtures, has begun distribution of its lavatory products in the U.S., the company recently announced.

So there you have it. The next time a bidet comes up in a conversation, you can amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge of all the different bidet types, and its evolution.In North America however, bidets are still very much in their infancy. When looking at readers� comments on the many bidet articles out there, a lot of people have heard of the bidet, but not sure what it is exactly. How does it work? Is it used to wash your feet?

"We are aggressively going after the rebounding remodeling business," said INAX's Senior Regional Sales Manager Paul Burghardt, adding that the company is targeting plumbing distributor showrooms "that are looking for outstanding designs and a technically superior product lineup."

Bidet Evolution � The Modern Electronic Bidet

Outside of North America, using a bidet is the preferred method of cleaning after using the restroom. Perhaps in your travels to Europe (particularly France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal), you�ve seen them as they are commonly found in homes, hotels and restaurants. They are also popular in Asia � sometimes referred to as a Japanese toilet or washlet. They can be frequently found in the Middle-East, and parts of South America as well. In Argentina for example, almost every home has a bidet. And in Venezuela, having one will actually increase the value of your home!

The biggest advantage of the Simple Bidet Seat Attachment is cost. Many of these bidets can be found for less than $100 USD, and they do an effective job at cleaning. Many folks will find that this type of bidet will suffice, as it is certainly more effective than taking multiple wipes with toilet paper.� Electronic Bidet Seat Attachments � this type of bidet also attaches to your existing toilet but as the name implies, is plugged in to an electrical outlet. These are the most modern and technologically advanced bidet types. Features include telescopic wash nozzles which retract when not in use, and a warm air dry to take care of residual moisture after washing.There are certainly many advantages of the feature-rich, electronic bidet. Think of it as an attachment that upgrades your existing toilet to a bidet. Electronic bidets are comparable to basin-type bidets in price � about $400 to $500 USD. But the fact that electronic bidets don�t require extra space in the bathroom makes it more practical for North Americans to install. And when you consider the additional features an electronic bidet has over the other bidet types, the electronic bidet is a great choice for many.Whether you choose to use a nose bidet on a daily basis or just for occasional sinus relief, following a step-by-step process will ensure a safe and reasonably comfortable process. You can purchase a nose bidet or Neti Pot at most local drug stores or order online if they are unavailable in your area. To use your nose bidet:Avid users swear by daily irrigation of the sinuses, similar to the routine of brushing your teeth.Which type of bidet is the best for you? Well before answering, let�s consider that most North American bathrooms weren�t designed to handle an additional fixture next to the toilet. This probably leaves you to choose between one of the two bidet attachments.Fighting a cold. The most common use of a nose bidet is to treat the common cold. Some people use it at the first sign of illness while others turn to it when all other remedies fail."We are aggressively going after the rebounding remodeling business," said INAX's Senior Regional Sales Manager Paul Burghardt, adding that the company is targeting plumbing distributor showrooms "that are looking for outstanding designs and a technically superior product lineup."Known around the globe for sustainability practices and a passion for design, INAX has roots dating back to 1924, when Frank Lloyd Wright used the company's tile to design Tokyo's Imperial Hotel.

So there you have it. The next time a bidet comes up in a conversation, you can amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge of all the different bidet types, and its evolution.

Author: Jensen Lee

A Nose Bidet � Your Ticket to Nasal Health

Nose bidets are becoming a very popular way to treat allergies and the common cold. The Neti Pot is the most popular nose bidet available. There is a new kind of bidet spreading in popularity across the United States. The nose bidet or Neti Pot is an age-old remedy used in many cultures to combat sinus problems such as:

1. Mix a saline solution. You can either buy a pre-mixed solution or make your own at home using non-iodized salt and warm water.Then there�s the Electronic Bidet which as stated, is the most advanced of the bunch. In addition to retractable wash nozzles and an air dry function, these bidets are equipped with a water heating system so you don�t have to use cold water. They also have massage features like a pulsating water stream, and a temperature-controlled heated seat. There�s nothing like sitting on a nice, warmed seat in the freezing winter! To further illustrate, here�s a video demonstration on the electronic bidet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sj8nCyrZbY� Simple Bidet Seat Attachments � these bidets attach to your existing toilet so they take up a lot less space in your bathroom. Often made of plastic, these bidet attachments come in varying levels of sophistication, with the simplest form being just a water extension from the cold water supply. The water flows thru a wand which can be directed at your undercarriage.4. Dry your nasal area. Once you�ve finished flushing your sinuses, make sure you�ve gotten all water out by blowing through your nose and drying the area around it with a towel or tissue.3. Pour the solution. Hold your head over a sink or tub and pour the solution into one nostril, allowing gravity to let it flow through your nasal passages. You may also want to repeat the process starting with the opposite nostril.� Basin-type Bidets � the first type of bidet ever created. These are actually separate porcelain fixtures that sit next to the toilet. Many basin-type bidets have a water spout at the bottom of the bowl which directs the water stream upwards to wash you as you squat over it. These are the bidets most North Americans think of when hearing about a bidet.Incorporating a nose bidet can help relieve sinus pressure and leave you breathing easier during cold and flu season or on a daily basis. It was even recommended by Dr. Oz on the Oprah Winfrey show. Give a nose bidet a try and your sigh of relief will be more satisfying than ever before.2. Relax your muscles. The most important step to this process is to relax your facial muscles. Breathing through your mouth can be more effective than holding your breath.

Incorporating a nose bidet can help relieve sinus pressure and leave you breathing easier during cold and flu season or on a daily basis. It was even recommended by Dr. Oz on the Oprah Winfrey show. Give a nose bidet a try and your sigh of relief will be more satisfying than ever before.

Author: Biffy Bidet

Experiencing a Bidet for the First Time

When people inquire about the electronic bidet and try it for the first time, we like to ask them about their experience. The most common responses are rather positive � it�s usually a refreshing experience for someone first trying the bidet. After all� these folks have been wiping themselves with toilet paper their entire lives. They are so used to taking multiple wipes with paper after using the bathroom. It�s no surprise they usually have positive things to say about the feel and effectiveness of their first aerated wash.

5. Caroma's Somerton Smart 270 One-Piece Toilet is a dual-flush high-efficiency toilet with a 1.28 gpf for solids and a 0.8 gpf rate for liquids. The Somerton Smart's contemporary styling includes an 'Easy Height' fully skirted bowl, and is suitable for ADA installations.Circle No. 221 on Product CardIn addition, the latest group of high-efficiency toilets provide greater flushing capabilities with less water usage, a bonus that will make environmentally and cost-conscious customers smile. And, bidets with multi-purpose options and 'mart�euro? toilet seats only add to the pampering environment that highly styled baths provide.7. Geberit's In-WaII Carrier Systems open up the space in powder rooms by mounting the plumbing fixtures on the wall instead of the floor. The systems are available for wall-hung toilets, wall-hung bidets and wallhung washbasins. All internal components are easily accessible.This month, Kitchen & Bath Design News takes a closer look at the latest offerings in the world of the water closet.

Warm Air Dry � The bidet�s air dry is used after you�re done washing. It�s similar in concept to hand dryers which are common in public restrooms. Next to the wash nozzle�s housing pocket, there is a small vent where the air is exerted from and it blows across your bottom. Just like with hand dryers, it does take a minute or two to finish drying. It�s also noteworthy to mention that an important side-benefit of this feature is the reduction of paper waste, which is more eco-friendly to the planet.

Author: Jensen Lee

Bowled OVER

While much of the design focus in the bath centers around spectacular bathing and shower areas and beautifully detailed sinks, the more functional portion of the room has been hidden away or begrudgingly accepted as an undesirable necessity.

Cleaning with Water � The bidet works with retractable cleaning nozzles which wash you after using the restroom. During the wash cycle, the nozzles extend forward to supply the stream of water. The nozzles then retract back into an internal housing pocket when not in use. People normally find using water to be a more comfortable method of cleaning, especially for sensitive parts of the body. It�s also interesting when people realize they already use water to wash their body � when taking a shower. Using a bidet is like taking a mini-shower, in between showers, so to speak.Circle No. 220 on Product Card10. The ECO-X Series of water-conserving toilets from INAX includes a lineup of one-piece and two-piece models with dual-flush action. The toilet uses 100 percent of the water with every flush to completely clean the bowl from the top down. The fixture's design is smooth from the tank lid to the base of the easy-toclean, full skirted bowl.

This month, Kitchen & Bath Design News takes a closer look at the latest offerings in the world of the water closet.

Bowled OVER

While much of the design focus in the bath centers around spectacular bathing and shower areas and beautifully detailed sinks, the more functional portion of the room has been hidden away or begrudgingly accepted as an undesirable necessity.

Circle No. 222 on Product Card4. The Porcher Solutions wall-mounted Dual Flush Toilet, part of the company's Solutions bath suite, offers the choice of 1.6 gpf or ultra-low consumption of 0.8 gpf. Its Geberit in-wall tank system is compact to accommodate small spaces.This month, Kitchen & Bath Design News takes a closer look at the latest offerings in the world of the water closet.Others comment on the bidet�s temperature controlled, heated seat. Since most people have never experienced a warmed toilet seat before, this too is a new experience. At first, it usually takes a few seconds to notice the warmed toilet seat, and it�s often a pleasant surprise. Last but not least, there is also the bidet�s warm air dry which helps get rid of residual moisture after washing. This is perhaps the bidet�s most popular feature.11. SensoWash Starck, a 'Shower Toilet' by Duravit, is the company's latest collaboration with designer Phillippe Starck. The flat, slim design that curves gently into the wall has a power-activated lid, a seat with rear, front and oscillating washes to provide three genderspecific wash types and a wireless remote control.8. Flushmate Pressure Assist Technology from Sloan Valve Co. conserves water. It is featured on the ULF toilet, which flushes less than 1.6 gpf, as well as the HET model, which flushes 1.0 gpf.In addition, the latest group of high-efficiency toilets provide greater flushing capabilities with less water usage, a bonus that will make environmentally and cost-conscious customers smile. And, bidets with multi-purpose options and "smart" toilet seats only add to the pampering environment that highly styled baths provide.Today's toilets are highly styled to go along with their increased functionality, and can now take their rightful place as part of a dazzling bathroom design. From soft curves and geometric shapes to bold and striking colors, bath designers are now met with countless options to complement any style d�cor.Temperature Controlled Seat � The heated seat is another popular feature of the modern electronic bidet. It�s similar to some high-end automobiles, which have seats that can be heated to a more comfortable temperature. This is especially useful in the winter time, when you can avoid having to sit on a freezing toilet seat.Circle No. 218 on Product Card9. TOTO's new Aquia one-piece, dual-flush highefficiency toilet allows users to select the level of water used each time the toilet is flushed - 1.6 gallons for heavy or bulk waste or 0.9 gallons for light or liquid waste. Featuring one-piece construction, the toilet has an elongated skirt for ease of cleaning.Circle No. 216 on Product CardCircle No. 219 on Product CardToday's toilets are highly styled to go along with their increased functionality, and can now take their rightful place as part of a dazzling bathroom design. From soft curves and geometric shapes to bold and striking colors, bath designers are now met with countless options to complement any style d�cor.3. Danze offers high-efficiency toilets (HETs) in several of its bath suites, including the Cirtangular two-piece, shown here. Available in White and Biscuit, and WaterSense certified, the Cirtangular uses 25% less water than a standard 1.6 gpf toilet. The new 1.28 gpf units are also available in the Orrington and Ziga Zaga collections.So here�s a brief overview of the things most commented on when people first try the electronic bidet:Circle No. 214 on Product CardSo what do folks usually talk about? A lot of people find cleaning with water to be more comfortable than dry paper, which often times can be abrasive. For example, when shopping for toilet paper, people usually purchase the softest roll they can find. Folks who try the bidet however, quickly realize that even the softest toilet paper is not as soft as using water. People also mention that using water leaves them feeling cleaner. This is quite natural really, as we typically take showers in the morning to start the day. Using a bidet can be an extension of something we do everyday.6. K�hler is celebrating the 75th birthday of its Wellworth toilet by introducing a new version with Class Five flushing technology. The new model flushes at 1.28 gpf and is WaterSense certified. It is also available in a comfort-height model.Circle No. 212 on Product Card1. Gerber has added two new toilets to its Avalanche series: the Avalanche 1.28 LS (shown) and the Avalanche gravity one piece. Both use 1.28 gallons per flush igpf) and are engineered with a 3" flush valve for quick evacuation. The toilets are available in White and Bone.Not anymore.2. The new 1 .28 gpf Saver toilets from American Standard are designed to be installed with simple hand-tightening, so no additional tools are needed to install. Available in both one- and two-piece models, the Saver fits elongated comfort into a standard space, allowing small bathrooms to offer full-size comfort.Not anymore.Warm Air Dry � The bidet�s air dry is used after you�re done washing. It�s similar in concept to hand dryers which are common in public restrooms. Next to the wash nozzle�s housing pocket, there is a small vent where the air is exerted from and it blows across your bottom. Just like with hand dryers, it does take a minute or two to finish drying. It�s also noteworthy to mention that an important side-benefit of this feature is the reduction of paper waste, which is more eco-friendly to the planet.

Circle No. 222 on Product Card