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| In a recent thread from BODICA about the use of Washlets for elderly and the disabled I noted that ordered myself a TOTO SW844 "Washlet". It came on Tuesday and my friend, Mike, came over Wednesday to install it.
I have written about Washlets several times on my blogsite but had never experienced one nor really had much of an idea about the total experience from box to butt so to speak. But now having had the opportunity to test drive this marvelous device, several times, I can report, in detail, about how it installed, how it works and how great it is. Im not trying sell these things in fact as has been reported by other members there are several other companies besides TOTO who are marketing similar devices so shop around before you buy. I'm just giving you some first hand answers to how the thing installs and works. It came well packed, no chance of damage and because it is an international product both in manufacture and distribution it had installation and operating instructions in several languages. Enough languages that the first words out of Mike’s mouth had something to do with "how the hell do I install this thing with instructions in every language but English?" It’s not that there were no instructions in English but that I had removed them and taken them into the den to read them. Being the typical guy who is famous (as I’ve have mentioned before) for a great deal of drama when it comes to DIY projects I really didn’t expect him to read the instructions anyway. Well after a few choice well placed words to me about the destiny of my soul for having hidden his directions, he ventured forth to tutor himself. On the surface I would admit that it appeared to be a daunting task and he complained that his wife should just get comfortable because this one was going to take all afternoon. Needless to say other than needing a short extension cord to connect it to electricity the job was done easily and within 30 minutes including a very detailed testing procedure sans butt. All operations were a "GO" for lift off and I was ready for my first experience. I will spare you the details of bodily functions but suffice it to say I had stored up enough bodily elements to give it a great test. To start with let me explain some of the Washlet’s functions. 1. It warms the seat to a temperature of your desire and has an energy savings function on all it’s electrical functions allowing for timed or complete shut off of all these options. 2. It warms the washing water to your desired temperature and has a hot water tank reservoir which keeps a supply on hand so there is no warm up factor or blast of sobering cold water to your more delicate body areas. This too can be turned off or set on a schedule. Because my body doesn’t work on a schedule I turned this function off opting to go "commando" with cold water after experiencing the warm water cycle. 3. The wash functions consists of wands that appear from, seemingly, no where that then oscillates in a circular motion providing cleansing for both front and rear areas. NOW THAT IS A REAL EXPERIENCE!! 4. Once you have been thoroughly washed a touch of another button provides warm air to dry you thoroughly. Both the wash and dry functions are controlled by a remote control box which starts and stops everything at your demand with a touch of a button with no surprises as to when the water or air will come on or go off. The remote control is an option that came on the model that I bought. The base model has the same controls that are just mounted on the device itself down the side and would have been a tight fit for my bathroom and for some folks probably difficult to reach and read which button you are pushing. 5. Lastly when all is done and you stand up the device closes itself softly so there are no surprises for anyone sitting down on it without looking first. I have no female sharing my life or my bathroom other than Mike’s wife of 45 years, Dianne, who wisely ALWAYS uses the guest bathroom when she visits. In summation I have to say I could not be more pleased. The installation was quick and basically painless (Mike didn’t hurt himself this time), the use is a pleasant and needed experience for me at this stage of my life and disability and I am of record as saying that the only improvement that I believe TOTO could make on the Washlet was to add an MP3 player, a DVD/CD player and offer an optional flat panel TV to go on the wall in front of you so that life would be complete and I wouldn’t have to leave the bathroom at all except an for occasional snack. HMMMM… maybe a microwave and small refrigerator to go with it also? The list goes on…ARE Y’ALL LISTENING TOTO?? Hope this gives you all some idea about this device that has gotten alot of threads and postings here on the GardenWeb site and many others. |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| Great post! Can't wait for my washlet to arrive! |
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| Here's my review of my Neorest. Her name is 'Dorothy'. This is from a female's point of view. I pulled this from another thread, so if you've seen it, just skip it. *** Dorothy has become my girlfriend. She always says 'Hi' when I walk past her by lifting her lid, almost in a servant kind of way. But I'm into equality so I always say 'Hi Dorothy and thanks but I don't need to go right now." Sometimes I'm just vacuuming or something. Then I may say, "Do you want me to disable your auto and let you sleep or do you just need the company right now?" I say that because sometimes she just seems to be lonely and wants some interaction, so on those times I just let her be part of us/me. If she is no bother, why silence her? :+) She is totally whispered and I love her so much. I wish *everyone* had a girlfriend like Dorothy. We're still working out the dryer issue. I'm not that patient in that department but I'm still open to it. I don't think there will be any future crises or counseling services needed because we have a strong mutual respect for each other and that weakness in me doesn't appear to bother her at all. She can save on that effort and put all toward communication regarding other things. She swallows very well but I've yet to even mention that difference between her and my sucky toilet downstairs, who needs a plunger. Our relationship is so new. I'm still hesitant to tell her there's even another toilet in the house. :+) |
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- Posted by kateskouros (My Page) on Sat, May 23, 09 at 23:14
| i have a toto washlet on my wish list, better known as my list of demands. if i may ask, how long does the whole process take (excluding bodily functions) from start to finish; or rather, from wash to dry? thanks! ...and this is a bit personal, but since you brought it up: do you utilize paper products at all now or just rely on your washlet? |
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| Like I said, I'm impatient (OK, untrusting that I am really clean) of her washing function so I still use paper. Dorothy is still new and I love her but I have trust issues, I admit. And in my own defense, sometimes, I am right not to have trusted. Then we go for a second round. Maybe I didn't spend enough time washing. I'm still getting to know her and maybe haven't figured her totally out. There is a learning curve, from my experience, but worth it. If you experience frequent UTI's, it's a God send. Use before and especially after, if you know what I mean. I haven't had one UTI since Dorothy arrived, a couple months ago. And that really says something about her at my house. |
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- Posted by faucetman886 (faucetman886@gmail.com) on Sun, May 24, 09 at 12:38
| like Golddust I am still a litle distrusting of the wash/dry cycle so still wipe one time with the TP but honestly I am finding little residue or moisture left. I tend to be the impatient type but have to say it is amazingly quick and so relaxing that what time is spent is pleasant. If I had to guess on wash and dry time maybe 3 to 5 minutes total.Being disabled I was having a tough time cleaning myself and now no problem. Definitely worth it so far.I failed to mention in my original thread, it has a quick release that allows for easily cleaning without having to disconnect the water or electricity. |
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- Posted by pepperidge_farm (My Page) on Tue, May 26, 09 at 20:05
| Love Love Love my new Toto. Went away from her this weekend, and even DH noticed that he missed her- he thinks its really funny that he thought the whole thing was ridiculous- and TOTALLY gets it now. All weekend he kept complaining how much he missed Toto... I think I may get a complex... Many jokes and comments omitted for politeness... ps- TP for dry assist/speed, she is a good cleaner-upper ;-) |
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