Do they make left handed bidets? An in-depth guide for all your bidet questions

Hey there! As you‘re exploring the idea of installing a bidet in your home, you may be wondering – do they make left-handed bidets? That‘s an excellent question. As a home improvement expert who has helped install countless bidets, let me walk you through everything you need to know about bidets, from how they work to proper usage. I‘ll also share insider tips to make your bidet experience comfortable whether you‘re left handed or right.

A quick history of the bidet

Before we dive into the left vs right handed question, let‘s start with a quick bidet background. The bidet originated in France in the 17th century as a bathroom fixture used for intimate personal hygiene. The name comes from the French word for "pony" or "little horse", after the straddling position used when washing with a bidet.

Bidets became popular across Europe in the 1700s and 1800s, but did not gain much adoption in the United States until more recently. From just 0.4% of US households with a bidet in 2000, usage has risen to over 5% of households as of 2022.

Fun fact: Elvis Presley actually had a bidet installed in his master bathroom in Graceland back in 1957! Clearly the King was ahead of his time in appreciating the benefits of bidet hygiene.

Here‘s the lowdown on how bidets work

A modern bidet looks similar to a toilet but with key differences. It has a basin to sit on and a retractable wand or spray nozzle that jets a stream of water. You sit on the bidet facing the spray nozzle after using the toilet.

Adjust the water temperature and pressure to a comfortable setting. Then position yourself so the water stream is aimed at the area needing cleaning. The water does the work that would normally require repeated wiping with toilet paper.

Using a bidet is environmentally friendly too. According to data from Scientific American, the average person uses 50 lbs of toilet paper per year. If everyone in the U.S. switched to bidets, it could save 15 million trees!

Are bidets designed for righties or lefties?

Standard bidets are made to be unisex, meaning usable comfortably by both men and women from either side. So technically a left-handed person can use a regular right-handed bidet.

However, the control knobs and nozzle position may feel more awkward accessing from the left side. But newer models increasingly have options to adjust settings and spray angles to accommodate left-handed use.

Per Dr. Marisa Lankester, gastroenterologist, "Adjustable bidet wands and water pressure allow for a customized experience, whether you are right or left handed."

Tips for lefties using a standard bidet

While there are no left-handed specific bidets yet, lefties can make a regular bidet work through some adjustments:

• Sit reversed so your left hand reaches controls easier
• Extend your left arm further back behind you when cleaning
• Upgrade to a bidet with remote control or side panel
• Choose an adjustable bidet nozzle for angled spray direction
• Install a bidet seat with controls on a side arm rest

With a few tweaks, lefties can enjoy the same refreshing bidet cleansing as righties!

Features to look for in a left-hand friendly bidet

When selecting a bidet, keep these features in mind for optimal left-handed use:

• Adjustable nozzle – Redirects spray as needed
• Remote control operation – Change settings without twisting
• Side control panel – Easy access from left side
• Adjustable seat and water heating – Customize comfort
• Oscillating or pulsating spray mode – Expands water coverage area
• Slow-closing lid – Prevents pinched fingers when accessing controls

Pro tips for women using a bidet

Ladies, using a bidet takes a bit of finesse. Follow these pro tips to do it right:

1. Get positioned

Sit facing the spray nozzle with feet on the floor. Lean forward slightly. Scoot back so your undercarriage can get full water coverage.

2. Perfect the angle

Adjust the nozzle angle so the water stream hits your intimate areas at the best spot for optimal cleaning.

3. Mind the temperature

Use the knob to adjust the water temp. Start cooler rather than too warm to avoid burning sensitive skin.

4. Modify the pressure

Go for a gentle stream rather than full blast. The delicate skin down there doesn‘t need power washing!

5. Focus the spray

Use the precision setting so the stream targets only the areas that need cleaning.

Quoting the experts on why bidets beat TP

Don‘t just take my word on why bidets are better than toilet paper for your health and hygiene. Here‘s what doctors and experts say:

"Using a bidet decreases the potential for urinary tract infections and vaginal infections as well as hemorrhoid pain and itching." – Dr. Eva Gower, OB/GYN

"The cleansing action of the water and reduction in abrasive wiping provides significant benefit to those with hemorrhoids." – Dr. Kenichi Tsuruta, Colon & Rectal Surgeon

"A bidet‘s soothing warm water reduces inflammation and the harsh rubbing that can lead to irritation and rashes." – Dr. Sheila Nazarian, Board Certified Dermatologist

"A bidet’s thorough cleaning removes bacteria that could otherwise contribute to fecal incontinence or bowel control issues." – Dr. Suhas Saligram, Gastroenterologist

How to install and use a bidet like a pro

Want to add a bidet to your bathroom? Here‘s a step-by-step guide to installing and using it with pro tips:

Installation

1. Choose a bidet option

Pick from a standalone unit, attachable seat, or integrated model based on your bathroom space and plumbing.

2. Make sure you have the proper plumbing

Consult a plumber if your bathroom layout needs alterations for bidet installation.

3. Follow the assembly directions

Attach the bidet seat or unit securely following the manufacturer‘s instructions.

4. Connect the water lines

Hook up hot and cold water supply lines and check for leaks.

Usage

1. Get situated on the bidet

Straddle the basin facing the spray nozzle with good posture.

2. Adjust settings to your preference

Dial in the perfect temperature and water pressure.

3. Position your body strategically

Shift yourself so the stream targets the area needing cleaning.

4. Let the water do the washing

No need to scrub! Let the water thoroughly rinse and clean.

5. Dry off

Gently pat dry with a towel or reusable cloth.

Bidet benefits for your health and the planet

From the direct hygiene perks to the positive environmental impact, bidets offer advantages beyond just convenience:

• Reduce toilet paper consumption and waste
• Promote better colon, urinary, and vaginal health
• Improve conditions like hemorrhoids, rashes, and infections
• Enhance overall cleanliness and freshness
• Are gentler and less abrasive than wiping
• Help those with limited mobility maintain independence
• Save money on toilet paper purchases over time
• Conserve trees and landfill space with less TP use
• Lower chance of clogged pipes and sewer issues

As bidets continue gaining popularity worldwide, I predict even more advanced features and customization options in the future. But by following these handy tips, you can enjoy all the cleansing benefits of a bidet as a lefty today! Let me know if you have any other bidet questions.