Hemorrhoids, constipation, sitting on the toilet for long periods of time – many people are familiar with these problems. The solution has long been known in the medical world: a natural squatting position. But let's be honest: most toilet stools look like a child's potty or a medical aid from a medical supply store. No wonder they disappear into the closet as soon as guests arrive. But digestive health and aesthetic design don't have to be mutually exclusive. Modern solutions combine both – for a bathroom that promotes health without compromising on interior design.
The most important facts in brief:
- Adults need a medically correct squatting position (35° angle) to completely empty their bowels.
- Standard stools are often tripping hazards and visual distractions – which is why they are put away and not used.
- Modern solutions such as stuul combine ergonomics with design and blend inconspicuously into the bathroom.
- The squatting position helps prevent hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic straining – scientifically proven.
What is a toilet stool for adults?
A toilet stool for adults is an ergonomic aid that raises the feet in front of the toilet to simulate the natural squatting position. Unlike step stools for children, they are designed for the height and weight of adults and the height of standard toilets.
Science: Why we sit “incorrectly” on the toilet
The problem begins with the modern sitting toilet. In the classic 90° sitting position, the puborectalis muscle—an important pelvic floor muscle—remains active. This muscle forms a loop around the rectum and bends it like a garden hose. This makes sense from an evolutionary perspective: when standing and walking, this mechanism prevents unwanted bowel movements. However, it becomes a problem on the toilet.
When sitting, the stool has to be pressed “around the curve,” so to speak. This leads to unnecessary pressure, longer retention time, and increases the risk of health problems. The solution is simple: Lifting the legs creates a 35° angle between the thighs and upper body, which relaxes the puborectalis muscle. The bend in the intestine disappears – and bowel movements become child's play.
The advantages at a glance:
- Complete emptying – no residue, less flatulence
- Lower pressure – protects against hemorrhoids and anal fissures
- Relief for the pelvic floor – especially important after pregnancy or in cases of incontinence
- Shorter toilet time – less sitting, more efficiency
Studies, including those by Sikirov (2003) and Modi et al. (2019), scientifically prove these effects. In regions where squat toilets are common, hemorrhoids are significantly less common.
Toilet stools vs. step stools: What's the difference?
Many people resort to improvised solutions: an IKEA stool for eample, a stack of books, the old children's step stool from the bathroom cabinet. But these makeshift solutions have serious disadvantages:
Incorrect height: Children's stools are often too low to achieve the medically effective 35° angle for adults. Standard step stools, on the other hand, are often too high and uncomfortable.
Lack of standing space: Narrow step stools do not offer enough space for adult feet – including the risk of slipping on tiles.
No ergonomic recess: A special toilet stool is precisely tailored to the shape and height of standard toilets. Improvised solutions do not fit, get in the way, or tip over.
A real toilet stool for adults is not a random product, but a well-designed tool for daily health routines.
The design problem: Why most stools disappear into the closet
Here's the rub: Health is invisible, design is visible. The classic white plastic stool looks like a relic from a hospital or nursing home. It literally screams “medical aid” – and that's exactly what most people don't want to see in their stylishly furnished bathroom.
The result? The stool ends up under the sink, in the closet, or behind the door – and is only used sporadically. This negates the health benefits. After all, routine only develops through visibility and low barriers to use.
The solution: the toilet stool must be a piece of furniture, a design object, not an aid. It should be designed in such a way that people are happy to leave it standing – as part of the interior design, not as a disruptive foreign object. Modern design, high-quality materials, and a well-thought-out shape make all the difference.
Comparison: Designer stool (stuul) vs. standard plastic stool
| Feature | Standard plastic or wooden stool | Designer stool (e.g., stuul) |
| Appearance | Functional, medical, often bulky | Aesthetic, inconspicuous, designer object |
| Material | Hard plastic (cold) or woods of dubious origin and extraction, such as bamboo. | Ecofriendly EPP (warm, light, robust, skin-friendly) |
| Space requirements | Takes up a lot of space, trip hazard | Can be dismantled (2 parts), stackable, ‘invisible |
| Target group | Mainly non design-savvy / for rehabilitation purposes only | Lifestyle-oriented adults, families |
| Hygiene | Edges often difficult to clean | Wipeable, resistant, sterilizable |
| Weight | Heavy, unwieldy | Light as a feather (over 90% air in the material) |
| Sustainability | Cheap production, often in the Far East | Made in Germany, climate-neutral, 100% recyclable |
EPP (expanded polypropylene) material is a real game changer: it is extremely durable, always pleasantly warm (never cold like plastic), skin-friendly, water-repellent, and yet so light that even children can handle it with ease.
Buying advice: What to look for in a stool for adults
When buying a toilet stool, you should consider the following points:
✅ The right height: Ideally between 17 and 25 cm – depending on your height and the height of the toilet. The angle between your thighs and upper body should be around 35°.
✅ Stability & safety: Make sure the underside is non-slip, especially on smooth tiles. The material should remain dimensionally stable even under heavy weight.
✅ Handling: Does the stool need to be stored away every day? Or is it always ready for use? Solutions with a plug-in system are more practical and encourage daily use.
✅ Material: Is it skin-friendly, warm to the feet, and easy to clean? Cold hard plastic can be uncomfortable, especially in winter.
✅ Aesthetics: Does the stool fit in with the look of your bathroom? The better it fits in, the more likely it is to be used on a regular basis.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How high should a toilet stool for adults be?
The ideal height is around 17–25 cm, depending on your individual leg length and the height of your toilet. The resulting angle is crucial: your thighs and upper body should form an acute angle of around 35°.
Does a stool really help with constipation?
Yes. Scientific studies show that the squatting position significantly shortens the time it takes to empty the bowels and reduces the effort required. The puborectalis muscle relaxes, the intestine is no longer bent – bowel movements occur without straining.
Is the stuul also suitable for heavy people?
Absolutely. High-quality EPP material is extremely resilient and dimensionally stable, even with higher body weight. It retains its shape for years and is light as a feather to handle.
Can I take the stool with me when traveling?
That depends on the model. Collapsible systems such as the stuul are compact and lightweight – many users report that they missed having it on longer trips and now take it with them.
Is a toilet stool hygienic?
Modern stools made of EPP are water-insoluble, odorless, and easy to clean – they can even be sterilized. Compared to porous plastics or wood, they offer significantly better hygiene properties.
Conclusion & recommendation
Health begins in the gut—but what you see matters too. A toilet stool is not just a nice-to-have, but a sensible investment in your digestive health. However, it is crucial that you actually use it. And you will only do that if it is not in the way, does not get in the way, and looks good.
Modern designer stools like the stuul prove that medical function and aesthetic appeal don't have to be mutually exclusive. Made in Germany, from sustainable EPP material, collapsible, and available in different colors – this is how gut health becomes a natural part of everyday life.
Invest in your intestinal health with a stool you don't have to hide. Your body will thank you – and your bathroom will remain what it is: a place of well-being.
👉 Discover stuul now and live healthier
