Youโve probably wondered why public toilet seats are U-shaped. Apparently, there are many reasons and theories to explain why those public toilet seats are shaped like a U. And yes, it does make a difference as youโll soon see.
It may be an odd topic but itโs one backed with research and personal experience. Donโt ever underestimate the power of a well designed toilet seat. So why are they popular?
They are required by code
Thereโs an organization called the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials that writes the codes for most states. These are adopted as public restroom laws.
Since 1955, the American Standard National Plumbing Code (as written by the IAPMO) mandates for U-shaped toilet seats in public restrooms in the US. The answer is because the open-front design offers a whole host of hygiene benefits.
They Reduce The Risk Of Backsplash
Thereโs this theory that men arenโt really careful with their aim when using public toilets as compared to private ones. The U-shaped toilet seat is there to give a partial solution for misfiring.
That open-front design means men reduce the chance of urine backsplash at the front of the toilet seat.
Honestly, regardless of being a man or woman, who doesnโt like less chance of backsplash?
Thereโs Less Room For Mingling
Man or woman, child or senior, if youโre a toilet sitter, that U-shaped seat lessens the chances of your privates touching a surface area where someone elseโs privates probably rested.
What it is is a nice, breezy, hygienic gap that helps avoid the chances of this happening.
Thereโs a paranoid myth that you can catch disease or bacteria from toilet seats, so a little extra precaution never hurts.
Front Wiping Is A Breeze
Lynne Simnick, a senior vice president at IAPMO, suggests that the main reason international codes require the U-shaped toilet seat is to make female wiping more hygienic. That big, open space at the front helps women avoid contact with the seat.
It is really meant to allow women โto wipe the perineal areaโ after using the toilet without their hands touching the seat. Still a good idea to wash your hands after.
Theyโre Cheaper To Produce
Itโs pretty obvious that U-shaped toilet seats require less material to produce as compared to the fully rounded ones. And since theyโre often found in public restrooms, business owners will definitely go for the cheaper design in outfitting their facilities.
That personal, fully rounded seat you have is a real luxury so appreciate it when you can.
Theyโre Less Tempting To Toilet Seat Thieves
Toilet seat thieves wonโt be too tempted to get their hands on a U-shaped seat. One of the alleged benefits of the U-shaped design is that theyโre less likely to be stolen. And yes, toilet seat thieves are a real thing.
In fact, itโs become quite a problem that some public restrooms have begun forgoing their toilet seats together.
Theyโre Allegedly More Ergonomic
They May Be More Flexible And Able To Support Different Body Weights
The law may have the final say, but there are plenty of theories surrounding that porcelain abode. A Reddit user even suggested that the missing material on a U-shaped throne allows for greater flexibility
Itโs supposedly meant to accommodate the varying weights of its users.
An engineer on Reddit weighed in to corroborate, saying that circle-shaped objects do have high rigidity. They can break more easily than horseshoe-shaped ones.
Thereโs More Room To Aim
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