Yahoo answers: Does putting a brick in your commode reduce EC/WC

With climate change talks happening in Copenhagen this week, I'd thought i'd have a little search and see what comes up with conserving water consumption when it comes to commode toilets and found this funny question:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070727053152AAuSvbW

I can't really imagine anyone doing this, actually putting a brick in their commode toilet, to reduce water consumption, lol. What about all the residues from the brick totally ruining your stylish commode. As pointed out in some of the answers, perhaps this was done in the 70's - but common it's 2009. The mind boggles. A far better solutions as offered by one of the readers is to install an adjustable flapper valve, which is very cheap and certainly less messy than putting a brick down there.

Commode seats

The seats of commodes, are a very important constituent of the whole commode. When choosing commodes, one should always select a seat which is both comfortable for the user and easily to clean with antiseptic wipes and other cleaning agents. A lot of the plastic commodes will come with cushioned seats which serve both purposes well.
The cushioned seats can easily be cleaned with antiseptic and anti-bacterial cleaning agents and what's more is that they provide a comfortable solution for the user of the commode. However, if you buy a commode and find that it's uncomfortable or can't be cleaned easily you can always buy replaceable seats or customize the seats: perhaps add a plastic cover for the seat making it more hygienic or add extra comfort padding to it.

Commodes for Chirstmas

With the festive season fast approaching us, now is the perfect time to start looking to either modern day mobile commodes, or perhaps fixed antique commodes for the Christmas break. Even if you don't plan on using the commodes during the festive season, it makes sense to by whilst many online retailers are having sales on not only their commodes, but all disability and elderly domestic products. Of course if you wanted to decorate your commodes and make them more christmasy there's many ways to do this, perhaps fairy lights around the handles and base? Or a bit of a christmas tinsle to really get the person sitting on the commode in the festive mode. Although, a somewhat novel idea, it could be a lot of fun, brightening up those plain and mundane toilet commodes and giving them a festive makeover!

If you decide to get into the spirit of things with your commodes, bidets, and other toilet units please send us some pics and we might even give a prize to the best one again!

Automatic washing systems versus manual bidet washing

Depending on what country or even continent you live in, you may be more familiar with automatic bidets rather than manual bidets. It also boils down to personal preference, and what you've been accustomed to. There are those who prefer manually scooping a pan full of water to wash their derrière, and there are those people who find the automatic fan jets cleansing their behind perhaps more therapeutic. The automatic washing systems generally tend to set you back a pretty penny as well, anywhere from $300-$1000 depending on the features and functions. Whereas a manual bidet, is perhaps more affordable at around the $150-$200 mark. Its better to go with the large ceramic bidets with ample coverage area when it comes to manual washing bidets, and go for a well known manufacturer as oppose to a cheap and cheerful one.

The range of features and functions that come with many automatic bidets can be somewhat lavish, so its fundamental to do your research before buying and get the most bang out of your buck. A lot of them, nowadays, will come with therapeutic spa jets as standard making for a very clean, and comfortable experience.

Whatever, bidet you choose, make sure its kept clean after use with the use of anti-bacterial sprays and clothes - ensuring that your bidet will keep you clean and healthy. Get a few quotes before, committing to a particular one, and find out what the manufacturer's warranty is.

Why isn't there much information on the net about commodes

As I've run this blog for quite a few months now, I've noticed in my research that there really isn't much information out there on commode toilets especially modern commodes. Just product catalog pictures with some brief information about the specifications of the commode chair. There is occasionally, the odd novel design from creative designers either real or imagined which have their unique designs and are often implemented in upmarket condos, hotels, and so forth. If one really wants to find out some substantial facts about commodes, and a bit about the history the library is as good as any other place to start. Simply go to your local library and they will be able to tell you exactly what informational resources they have on commodes.

Where are the best places to buy commodes?

It can be difficult to find good deals nowadays on both modern and antique commode toilets, especially the latter as over the years more value has been placed on having antique French styles of furniture. Of course the obvious places that spring to mind are auction places, as well as car boot sales for getting some of the best deals. And with the season coming up for car boot sales, antique commode furniture and toilets are bound to be in abundance here. When going to car boot sales, try and haggle a little to see if the seller will offer a bit of a discount. This all adds to the fun.

For modern commode toilets, the best places to buy is generally online or at disability shops. Often the online stores will offer postage discounts for buying their commodes, perhaps enhanced if you buy other products from them. You may also be able to pick up some modern styles of commodes at car boot fairs as well, but these will be few and far between.

If you like toilet humour you're gonna love this...

Here's a great Ebook I've found which is great for training your cat(s) to use the toilet; potty training for cats essentially. Click on the link below for a good laugh and to get your cats potty trained at home!!!

Potty training for cats

Commode furniture

It's a reminder of perhaps the decadent times of the past, in the 17th century commode furniture was all the range and had to be displayed in people's homes. Then the first commodes had marble tops, fitted with pairs of doors. Moving towards the 18th century the commodes took on a slightly different appearance shifting towards a more convex shape, and long cabriole legs. The method of lacquering used East Oriental techniques such as japanning or marquetry. The style further changed during Louis XV reign to extravagant Rococco curves became the order of the day, thus contributing to a more lavish style than previously. The French commode was immitated all throughout Europe, but many countries including the Italians reproduced a slightly exaggerated and grotesque version of the French commode. English furniture makers, however, were able to reproduce the elegant French style and add some subtlety to it, it became a common piece of furniture in houses. The term commode up until the late 18th century was used to term low cabinets with chest draws and serpentine fronts, but reaching the late 18th century it was also used to refer to a night table containing a small chamber pot for waste - as we know it today.

Asia paving the way for more modern toilets

So last week I featured a post from a new novel design from Korean designer living in Italy: Young Sang Eun. It seems on my travels around Asia that some countries are light years ahead of clean, modern and fully functional commode toilets, whilst other countries are still relying on the hole in the ground toilets - which are undoubtedly a playground for all kinds of germs, bacterias and even diseases. When one thinks about the more modern and sophisticated designs in regards to toilets and commodes, invariably they're usually coming out of the richer Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, Singapore etc. But also we shouldn't neglect the designs that are coming out of some parts of Europe, especially the Scandinavian countries which seem to always have a firm handle on the edgiest and most modern designs.

However, it's all very well having these snazzy and multi-factional commodes, but what good are they if they out of many peoples' price ranges? It is my hope that one day even the most modern of designs are affordable for everyone, and that we can help improve the sanitation and hygienic practices of even the poorest countries.

A solution to unhygienic toilets

Using public toilets can be sometimes a nightmare, especially for someone who values hygiene. Although, at present it's just a concept at the moment, Young Sang Eun - a designer from Milan, Italy has come up with the perfect solution for shared toilets in public places. It's a unique contemporary design that changes from a urinal to a toilet commode at the press of a button. Furthermore, it self sanitizes leaving a nice clean and hygienic commode after its use. This is activated by a UV triggered sterilization system. What's more is that it can be used by both males and females. As you can see form the pictures below, it's pretty high-tech, and got a great design to it. Let's hope it's not too long before we can see this product in our public toilets:

Asian Commode Furniture

Perhaps the most famous asian commodes are those made out of rosewood. Laotian rosewood has proved a cheaper alternative to sourcing rosewood from other Asian countries such as Thailand, but yet not compromising on quality. A lot of furniture designers will carefully craft their commodes to maintain the Asian authenticity, often juxtaposing linear lines with round shapes to achieve this, as in the image pictured above. If you're looking for asian commodes it's well worth checking out your local auction house, or perhaps looking into furniture companies that export to where you are if you're after something really genuine and authentic. Having a great carved and decorated asian commode, will certainly add value to the room it's going to go in.

Modern hygeine and toilet aids for the elderly and disabled

Given the recent pandemic events of swine flu, and everyone's growing concern that even in developed countries perhaps our hygiene standards have fallen short somewhat of the desired and necessary standards health officials and bodies/organizations are strongly advocating the use of effective hygienic practices particularly when it comes to public restrooms and toilets as well as domestic toilets.

There are a few essential products that every household or public toilet facility can equip themselves with to kill harmful germs and bacteria:

• Alcohol sanitizer/Sanitizing hand gel. This is good for killing bacteria and germs spread through the hands, be it hand to hand or hand-object contact.
• Wet wipes containing Aloe Vera. These kinds of wet wipes are great for cleaning the skin and the body.
• Latex gloves, particular suitable for carers, nurses who come into contact with different patients on a daily basis.
• Readiwash foam. A hygienic cleansing foam, used to keep the skin and perfect for those suffering from incontinence. Readiwash foam contains no harsh alkaline soaps and can be buffered to the skins neutral pH.
• Aloe Vera Hand Gel. There are many brands available for this type of product. It does a great job of removing harmful germs and bacteria from the hands. Should be used before and after going to the toilet, or coming into contact with other people's skin.
• Bottom wipers. There are various bottom wipers available on the market, that are designed for effecting cleaning of the bottom. The material is usually moulded plastic with serrated edges designed for griping. Ideal for someone who perhaps suffers from arthritis, or for the use of carers or nurses for the elderly.

Kids get new commode toilets in California

There were cheers all round last month when children at St. John Notre Dame School in Folsom as the restrooms got a $100,000 dollar refurbishment. The money was raised for the updating of 44 year old previous toilets used in the school by donations from parents and others at an auction last year.

Students at the school, were said to have been waiting for the new commode installations for a long time. The school celebrated the opening of the new commodes, with Father Ray Berspal blessing each stall in the boys and girls restrooms with holy water and local council
woman Kerri Howell helped the proceedings along further by cutting the ribbon.

It's good to see community spirit well and truly alive, and people realizing the importance of providing clean, hygienic commodes for children so that they can be free of harmful germs and bacteria. Thus providing a clean environment for learning.


Source: Don Chaddock • The Telegraph
http://edhtelegraph.com/detail/127934.html

Winner of the commode competition

As promised, here's Mr Cook's entry which I'm sure you'll agree is a very unique commode. I recently got reminded of a last season's episode of The Apprentice on in the UK, where one of the tasks that was featured involved them having to sell a list of 10 selected items from an auction house and trying to sell each item in London for what they felt was a profitable price. And one of the teams selected a very old fashioned commode, which you don't see many of around today.

Here's the video:

Announcement of winner

So a few weeks back I posted a competition to send in your pics with some unique and interesting designs of commode toilets. Thanks for the all you entries. After much careful thought I decided the winner is: a Mr Cook from Derbyshire, UK. Thanks very much I'll post his submission next week.

In the meantime, I'd like you to post suggestions of future competitions I could run on this blog to billythekid98@yahoo.co.uk.

Thanks.

Antique commode designs

So I've posted some pics of some modern commode toilet designs on the blog. I'd thought this week, I'd go for the opposite end of the spectrum and post a look at some interesting antique commode toilets. I firmly believe that antique commodes still have their place in the market, although perhaps only appealing to a certain percentage of the market. If you are an avid collector of commode toilets, I recommend going to your local antiques shop or attending an auction house as usually some real gems will turn up.

Although quite rudimentary in design, this commode toilet would have served its purpose very well in Victorian times and earlier dates in history. I found this image on a catalogue auction site in canada, sadly bidding has ended for this item. If i was in canada and had seen this, I might have been tempted to make a bid on it.

Probably my favourite antique commmodes are the French vintage commodes that would have been used during and after the reign of Louis XVII. You can imagine such a commode taking its place in a fabulously elegant chateau:



Although, you can see from the image the paint has been chipped away slightly, it still remains in pretty good condition. These kinds of commodes would really be used for their subtlety and blend in well with the interior decor.

If you have any pictures of great antique commodes, please send them to me.

Do you find buying commodes embarassing?

Some people will be worried about potential embarrassment when it comes to buying commode toilets. After all it's not an everyday purchase, and it can be hard enough just finding a commode that matches our requirements. Of course the net helps eliminates any possible social awkwardness that may occur. Here's some helpful tips to think about and prepare you for when you go into the shop:

1. Choose something that is stable and comfortable.
This is probably the most important, but many people will neglect this aspect and rank number 3 as the most important. You want to choose something that is easily maneuverable, can be put away easily and inflexible

2. Lightweight. The material from which the chair is made from should be lightweight, something like aluminum steel, reinforced by acrylic plastic is perfect. The stuctural composition will lessen the overall weight, and make it easier for incontinent patients or elderly people who struggle moving objects.

3. Price matters. There are a variety of price comparison websites you can use to aid you in your purchase and getting a competitive price.

4. Easy to clean. It's no good buying something that's impossible to clean, you should aim to choose materials that are friendly towards cleaning agents. A lot of the time commodes will have been coated with non-stick paint, so that dirt and grease won't stick to it as easily. If your choice is not coated with this kind of paint, consider giving it a lick of paint.

5. Sanitary Engineering. There are many designs out there on the market that incorporate the latest flush systems to remove stools. There are others that will add a chemical agent such as bleach to the waste to neutralize the foul smell. So make sure you inquiry about the different options.

6. Operational Flexibility. Ideally you want to go with something that is extremely versatile, for example a stand alone structure but with the option of adding wheels to make it more mobile.

Considering these pointers, you will be sure to find something that will match your requirements and certainly cause you little embarrassment in buying

Invitiation to you the readers........

I would like to invite you to post any pictures you may have on interesting commode designs, either antique commodes or perhaps new modern commodes. Together with a short review about the product.

A prize will be awarded to the most unique entry, in the form of a $15 amazon gift card.


So get posting your entries. You have until the 24th July 17:00 GMT to submit your entries.

Good Luck!

Choosing the right commode

It's important to take into consideration a range of factors when choosing your not just commode toilets but also other toilet products. Many people are going to be influenced by the aesthetics of the products itself, rather than say the durability and practicality aspects. For others it may be a question of price. I was recently talking to a fellow admire of commode toilets, and he was quite happy to pay good money for antique toilets dating back to the Victorian era as long as they would keep in line with the interior decor of his house. Of course, if you are buying for an elderly relative, friend or loved one then its important to factor in ease of use. Is the person in question going to struggle with using the commode, or is it going to be a relatively straight forward exercise. It's, largely dependent on the person's mobility at the end of the day. In terms of where to look for buying commode products, it's best to start looking at home delivery catalogues, as well as online, to get a feel for the different designs and a more accurate picture on pricing. Always be sure to check the reviews online, and see what people think about the particular product. You would do also well, to contact the NHS or your country's relevant health authority, and find out what qualified health care professionals are currently recommending.
There are some great savings as always to be had on the net, so make sure you don't forget to have a look here as well before buying!

Back in business.

So after a very short hiatus, I'm back at work in front of my trusted laptop. And hopefully this week will be less stressful than last week and no passports will be lost.

Anyway I'm always on the lookout for new and interesting designs of commodes and toilets, be it modern or traditional. And I stumbled across this unique design from Jan Ctvrtnik and glad to see people are still come up with inventive designs and solutions for toilet commodes:


It basically switches between toilet seats for different users, thus combating the problem of unhygienic sharing in public toilets or home toilets. Perhaps an idea that can be integrated for commodes that are shared by more than one user maybe?

Types of commode chairs

There are actually a lot more product ranges on the market than you may initially think, when it comes to commode chairs. Ranging from the standard adjustable commode chair to luxury high end deluxe wooden chairs. Not only this but there are specific products which are tailor made for added convenience such as shower commodes. The swift commode is a product that has unique versatility, it can be used either as a bedroom aid, and because of its height-adjustable nature it can be used in the shower or over the toilet. The choices are endless. Typical price ranges for such products are very affordable, usually between 20 and 50 pounds. Looking at the unique ranges of commode chairs, such as wicker basket/weave chairs one can note all the subtleties that come with such a product. Usually they will have a removable cushion, so to the untrained eye it would be mistaken for a normal chair. These are great products if something subtle is preferred, and the great thing about these chairs is that they can be integrated well with the interior decor of the chosen room. Typically prices for these products are anywhere between 150 and 250 pounds.
So when choosing a commode chair, one should consider if they want something a bit subtle or if versatility is preferred then it's definitely worth considering something like the swift commode.

Moving up the rankings

Well, I never anticipated the popularity of this blog. But my Google Analytics and rankings are making for impressive reading. The only thing is people seem to be a bit shy on posting comments. So I'm writing this post to hopefully generate some response from the readers. If you have any questions or comments please don't hesitate to write them at the end of this blog.

I started this blog, because of my grandads battle with parkinsons and old age. Sadly, we lost him last month at the age of 95. Despite all the assoicated problems old age bought with it, he never once complained. Or if he did it would be about minor things. I therefore, wanted to help people in combining the best resources on the net for this topic and helping people find the products they want. As there is limited information on commode chairs, just lots of ecommerce sites. So hopefully the featured ads on this site combined with the product reviews will match what you're looking for. If there's anything else you want to see in this blog, please don't hessitate to drop me a line.

Many thanks

Dom

Interesting article about a new antibacterial mat for commodes

NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Weston, FL, United States, 07/29/2008 - Sanastar launches the new WizKid antimicrobial urinal and commode mat that keeps your company's restroom odor and germ-free. Because of its unique design this innovative disposable mat fits both commode and urinals.
	Sanastar launched the new antimicrobial product for restrooms, the WizKid Commode and Urinal mat. Because of its unique design, this innovative disposable mat fits both commode and urinals. It is placed under urinals or commodes but due to its shape, users do not step on it. The rubber back helps it stay in place and yet makes it easily disposable. The WizKid Urinal Mat is a 100% American product, as a matter of fact the only U.S. patented product of this kind. It is produced and distributed in the USA. The urinal mat is set to be feature at the ISSA show in Las Vegas as the new antimicrobial toilet mat. The WizKid Commode and Urinal mat offers unique features: • strong antimicrobial is embedded into the fibers and not topically applied on top of the mat. This allows the urinal mat to last a longer time. It stops the foul odors, caused by developing bathroom bacteria. • catches the urine drips or spills. WizKid is there to catch what the toilet misses. It helps maintain the toilet sanitation by keeping the restrooms germ-free and odor-free • protects the restroom floor from being damaged or stained. The urine will no longer touch the tile or grouts. • is highly beneficial for restrooms that do not have a urinal or service both men and women’s restroom, due to its perfect-fit shape for any kind of toilet. • helps against cross-contamination. Up to this point all the toilet mats did not help with cross contamination because the person had to stand on the mat. Once on the mat, anything that was picked up on the shoes was deposited wherever the restroom user went. The WizKid Commode Mat’s revolutionary shape allows the restroom user to avoid contact with the mat. Its truncated shape allows you to use the toilet without having to step or touch the mat. WizKid should shortly become a standard in toilet sanitation, due to its improved toilet mat features. Sanastar Inc. President Jeff Crevier says: “We have schools, office buildings, restaurants, and even airports ready to buy our urinal mats. It is a safe product; it keeps the restroom clean and hospitable, odor and germ free. WizKid will soon become a must, as restroom hygiene is a clear indicator of a company’s image.” The US and worldwide distribution is executed through the company's business portal, sanastar.com, supported and maintained by ke Solution, and powered by the proprietary ke engine.

Commode Chairs, raised toilet seats and toilet frames

Unfortunately with old age comes many assoicated problems, and unfortunately through getting older we must encounter and tackle these problems head on.  Through old age we become frail, and perhaps the daily functions we used to be able to do easily have become harder.  However, there are many mobility and modern convenience products and items that make dealing with old age easier.  

There's no shame in considering commodes as we become older, and that daily function of going to the toilet becomes harder.  There are a wide range of commode chairs that cater towards the elderly.  If mobility is a real issue, you may want to consider something like an Avon mobile commode chair, which has comfortable seating and 4 wheels at the base to make moving easier.  Depennding on where you buy them from these can be very affordable as well ar around the hundred pound mark.  However, if something static is preferred then your best bet may be to go for something like such as a Stackwell commode or heavy duty Stackwell perhaps. These are a more affordable option, with chairs around the 40 quid mark.  

 

Commode Chairs

After hours of trawling though the interenet, I found some good commode chair product ranges.

A night commode refers to the Victorian times where a bedside cabined closed by either one or two doors, enabled people to stoe a chamberpot which collected human waste and came accompanied by a washbasin and water pitcher for personal cleaning after use.  These were usually found in middle-class bedrooms before the days of modern plumbning.  

It was not until the 20th century until the term commode came to mean toilet.

Information about Commodes

The actual name commodes derives from the French word meaning convenience, originally introduced in the 1700s as a piece of furniture to mean a chest of drawers or alternatively a low cabinet.  Such pieces of furniture usually occupied a very prominent position in the room, perhaps by the windows and would often be surmounted by a glass mirror.  The french used the term commode à l'anglaise literally meaning english convenience, and this piece of furniture would have shelves flanking the mid-section.