Squatty Potty Original Toilet Stool: Put Your Feet Up
A plastic footstool that sparked a nationwide conversation about bathroom posture.
Few household products have made people talk about their bathroom habits in public, but the Squatty Potty did it. The idea is almost insultingly simple: a curved plastic stool that wraps around the base of your toilet so you can rest your feet on it and sit in a more squat-like position.
It went from a family invention to a Shark Tank appearance and a cult following, and it still looks like a slightly strange piece of bathroom furniture.
What is the Squatty Potty and how does it work?
The stool curves to hug the base of a standard toilet, so it can be tucked away when you are not using it and pulled out when you are. Raising your feet changes the angle of your knees relative to your hips, which is the posture the brand promotes. The listing describes the Original as made in the USA, doctor recommended, and rated to hold 350 pounds.
Height matters. This listing is the 7-inch version, which the brand says is a good place to start for new users. It is designed to work with standard toilets of about 14 to 15.5 inches and comfort-height toilets of about 16 to 18 inches. A 9-inch model also exists for people the brand calls limber or advanced squatters. The material is a hard polyurethane plastic that wipes clean easily.
The brand admits that it can feel strange at first. The listing says many people feel a change immediately, though some need roughly a week to settle in. We are not going to make medical claims here, so if you have a health condition, a doctor is a better source than a product page. What we can say is that it is simple, sturdy, and has no moving parts to break.
Squatty Potty: who it’s for (plus gift ideas)
It suits anyone curious about the posture idea, households that want a sturdy bathroom step, and people who love a gift with a built-in punchline. It is also handy for kids who need a boost at the sink or toilet.
- The friend who always brings up weird health trends
- White elephant swaps where bathroom humor wins
- A bathroom-themed gag set with the toilet fishing game
- New homeowners outfitting a bathroom
Pros and cons
What we like
- Very simple design with nothing to assemble
- Tucks around the toilet base when not in use
- Rated for 350 pounds
- Easy-to-clean plastic
- Works with standard and comfort-height toilets
What gives us pause
- It takes some getting used to
- Adds a visible object to a small bathroom
- The 7-inch height may feel low for some users
- Health benefits vary by person and are not guaranteed
FAQ
What height Squatty Potty should I get?
The brand suggests the 7-inch stool for newcomers and the 9-inch stool for people who are more flexible. Both work with standard and comfort-height toilets.
How much weight can it hold?
The listing rates the Original at 350 pounds.
Does it fit every toilet?
It is designed for standard (about 14 to 15.5 inches) and comfort-height (about 16 to 18 inches) toilets. Unusual toilet bases may be a tighter fit.
Is it easy to clean?
Yes. It is made of hard polyurethane plastic and wipes down easily.
The verdict
The Squatty Potty is proof that a plain plastic stool can become a pop-culture icon. Whether you buy it for comfort or for the joke, it is sturdy and easy to live with. For more bathroom oddities, try the SipCaddy shower beer holder or the Aqua Notes shower notepad.