History of Bidet
Origin
Bidets originated in France around the year 1710. The purpose of the bidet was to cleanse private areas after using the bathroom. The term “Bidet” is a French word for "pony", and this terminology comes from the notion that one "rides" or straddles a bidet, as if they were riding a pony or a small horse.
Early History
The earliest date to use the word "bidet" was in 15th century France to refer to the pet ponies belonging to the French royal society. Historians suggest that the earliest known written reference to the bidet is dated 1710, and à seringue (i.e., syringe-in French) bidet appeared in 1750, which provided an upward spray using a hand-pump fed by a reservoir. Today, the bidet is an evolved plumbing fixture or type of sink intended for washing the genitalia, perineum, inner buttocks, and anus of the human body. With constant improvement, the bidet has evolved into a personal cleansing and health-care device, which is meant to improve sanitation, and hygiene.
Although there has been no exact date or inventor is known for bidet[1], the earliest written reference to the bidet is in 1726 in Italy[2]. Historical records suggest that Maria Carolina of Austria, Queen of Naples and Sicily requested a bidet for her personal bathroom in the Royal Palace of Caserta in the second half of the 18th century. However, the bidet did not spread in Italy until after WWII[3]. According to the history of the bidet’s purpose, it can be associated with the chamber pot and the “bourdaloue,” which is like a small gravy boat like pot for women to relieve themselves by urinating in it when they were unable to find a public bathroom. This was supposed to assist women wearing big gowns, as they could urinate while standing without having to spoil their dresses. Maids often helped by dumping the urine out of the gravy boat for them.
Evolution of Bidets
It is interesting to note that early functions of the bidet were believed to be used as devices for contraception [4]. However, the bidet’s use for this function quickly disappeared with the advent of modern contraceptives such as the pill. In the early days, the sole purpose of the bidets was for contraception and cleaning of one’s genitals, and posterior. However, like toilets, the size and the space the bidets used to occupy were too large and usually found in wealthy homes. Users would then position themselves in an awkward position, while a stream of water would rise, and the user would clean themselves with their hand or a towel. Although this was much better than using paper, it was not the most comfortable way to clean oneself.
In 1928, an American inventor named John Harvey Kellogg applied for a patent on an "anal douche" in the United States[5]. In his patent application, Kellogg used the term “anal douche” to describe a system comparable to a “bidet” nozzle that can be attached to a toilet to perform anal cleansing with water. In 1965, the American Bidet Company featured an adjustable spray nozzle and warm water option seeking to make the bidet a household item.
Modern Day Bidets
Over the past 30 years, bidets have become more commonly used, as the newer designs are simpler to use and install on toilets. For example, in Japan, more than 80% of all homes have an electronic bidet installed on their toilet. In these households, the bidet is replacing toilet paper, as the standard for personal hygiene. This multi-purpose fixture saves space and offers the convenience of a hands-free cleansing experience. However, when it comes to portable bidets to take on the go, the market lacks user-friendly, portable and personal bidets. There are very few portable bidets in the market, all of which have a bulky design and are not user friendly. With the increase in popularity, and the knowledge of the benefits, the portable bidet will become more commonly used in the 21st century.
In most of the countries in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, bidets are commonly used. In North America, bidets are not commonly used or available. One of the main reasons for this is the lack of awareness about bidets and the benefits of using it. Portable bidets not only offer hygienic benefits, but they also help with emotional well-being, as being away from home all day can sometimes make people feel dirty or self-conscious. With the recent and emerging need for eco-friendly products for the environmentally conscious generations, the portable bidet warrants a bit of discussion.
New Revolutionary Bidets
The new revolution of bidets has a wide range of features for users to choose from such as the water temperature, water pressure, seat warming function and air-drying options. However, despite this evolution on bidets, the portable bidet markets lack good portable bidets for users to take with them on the go, where bidets are not already installed on the toilet. Since bidet culture is not common in North America, expecting bidets to be installed in public bathrooms, in offices or work environments is not possible. It will take years before bidets are installed everywhere in North America on toilets similar to Japan. In the meantime, North Americans can take portable bidets with them on the go. Since the market lacked good portable bidets for users to take with them on the go, we invited the Pocket Bidet.
The Pocket Bidet
The Pocket Bidet is a magic bidet bottle that collapses into a small flat design. It is lightweight and can be easily taken on the go, in your pocket or in your purse. It offers a tremendous opportunity not just to keep yourself clean in your workplaces, but also can be used in other areas such as long trips, camping, or areas with lesser facilities for hygienic toilets. With the Pocket Bidet, you never have to doubt your hygiene, when you are away from home for long hours. Whether it is a long work meeting, business trip, road trip or vacation with uncertainty about the quality of bathrooms available, the Pocket Bidet will ensure your hygiene does not have to suffer while you are out. The Pocket Bidet also helps the environmentally conscious consumers reduce their toilet paper usage. With the Pocket Bidet, you will always feel clean and confident and think green!
