If I am already comfortable with squatting on a toilet rim, what benefit does the lillipad provide?
Having just come back from two weeks away on holiday and squatting on the rims of toilets I can honestly say that the couple of times I used a Lillipad at friends places and back home was a real relief. The Lillipad is stable and there is no digging in of the rim on your feet, or struggle for balance. Therefore you can truly relax and don't have to rush things. It was the awkwardness of squatting on the rim that led me to develop the Lillipad in the first place and I am so glad I have.
Do you have any thoughts on how the Lillipad compares to other products?
The Lillipad offers more heel/toe height variations and squatting/sitting position options than the other products. Some products seem to only promote an on the toes crouch or a semi—squat rather than a flat footed squat.
The ability to aim successfully is worth considering — the Lillipad and In Lieu take a similar approach placing the user lower and tilting them forward to make aiming when urinating easier — especially for women. To facilitate the wider stance the Lillipad comes in two sizes with adjustable footpads that slope slightly inwards and down for comfort.
Lots of people like the step on the Lillipad which allows a semi—squat position. Children can use the step to gain access to the lowered toilet seat upon which they can squat. The step is also useful for children accessing the hand basin. Being lower than some products and having a step, the Lillipad is easier to get on and off for more people.
Many of our customers comment about the attractive design of the Lillipad, many like that it is made from wood, a sustainable resource (the postage weight is just two kilos).
The Lillipad does not need removal before another person can use the toilet in the sitting position, nor replacing—when one wants to squat.
The promotion of squatting and its benefits over sitting is of course the goal of all the products — and all (including the squat position itself) will require time to adapt to.
Do you touch or sit on the rim of the toilet when using the Lillipad?
If you squat fully on the footpads you won’t touch the toilet at all, but you can position the heels of your feet so they rest on the rim of the toilet and your toes rest on the footpads of the Lillipad. You can also sit on the toilet seat with your feet on the foot pads, or even sit with your feet up on the toilet-step. That’s the beauty of the Lillipad, there are many ways to use it.
When using the Lillipad, are you positioned far enough back to urinate easily?
You can easily position yourself forwards or backwards. When squatting fully on the Lillipad the user is tilted forward and closer to the bowl, this facilitates urination — especially for women. Men will be able to aim as usual.
Is splashing a problem?
No more so than sitting — but you can put a piece or two of toilet paper in the toilet bowl to prevent it.
Can people with big feet use the Lillipad?
I'm 6’ 5" and I've got feet to match, one’s toes just hang over the front and if you are wearing shoes there is support from the sole of the shoe, it's really not a problem. If you click on the ‘how to use the Lillipad’ link you can see me (a few years back now) with feet on the footpads.
Is slippage a problem?
Slippage only seems a problem if you are wearing socks. It seems a lot of problems (in life in general) are bigger in our imaginations than they are in reality. People think toilets are wet places but in reality they aren't really. If a problem exists you could wear some grippy rubber soled house shoes. As it is, I try not too sand too fine a finish on the footpads they have a matt finish.
Our toilet is 41 cm high to the rim, if we get a lower toilet in the future would we be able to cut the Lillipad down?
If necessary, when you shift, the Lillipad can be cut shorter. Stand the Lillipad on a flat surface. Lay a sharp pencil on its side. Pack under the pencil (use a matchbox, book, etc) up to the thickness you wish to reduce the height of the Lillipad by. Carefully mark a pencil line on all sides of the bottom of each leg parallel to the surface. Cut just to the waste side of the line — not on it. Or you could take the Lillipad to a woodworker.
Would you recommend hanging the Lillipad from a (bathroom) wall when not in use?
Yes, you could hang the Lillipad from the wall or the back of a door, this is a good solution when space is an issue. A bit of string around the step and onto a firmly secured hook, the Lillipad weighs only 2 kilos (4½ lb.)
Can the Lillipad be painted?
Yes, You can use water or turps based paint over the 'danish oil' that has already been applied, however do not use white spirit based paints.
Please follow the directions of the paint manufacturer and apply an undercoat if recommend.
Your Lillipad will last you many years and any nicks or marks can easily be sanded back and another coat of oil easily applied with a rag.
If you paint, make sure you use a good durable one and not too glossy — which will make things a bit slippery in socks!
What oil is used on the Lillipad?
We use Penetrol, here is a clip from their fact sheet.
Penetrol is an air drying, film forming, deeply penetrating mixture of natural oils. It
does not contain linseed or fish oil, has a low odour and is non-toxic when dry. With
a penetrating power 3 times that of water it goes deep into the substrate and forms a strong bond for subsequent topcoats. Penetrol also stops and prevents rust, corrosion and oxidisation. It can be used in confined and damp areas and reduces
fire and fume hazards.
Click here to read more about squat toilet benefits.
