Long before modern flush toilets, people relied on chamber pots and squat-style arrangements. In ancient Greece, for instance, chamber pots—also known as potties—served as portable toilets used indoors, especially at night. Meanwhile, cultures across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East adopted squat toilets—essentially floor-level bowls requiring a crouched position, which naturally aligns the body for smoother elimination.

The seated pedestal toilet arrived later, becoming standard in Western civilisation. Its origins trace back to innovations in the 16th and 18th centuries—pioneers like Sir John Harington and Alexander Cumming laid the groundwork for flush mechanisms and S-traps.

The Toilet: Convenience Meets Compromise

The modern toilet feels like the ultimate upgrade. It’s clean. Comfortable. Familiar. Most of us couldn’t imagine life without it. But here’s the thing—we traded something important for that comfort, and our bodies have been quietly paying the price.

When you sit on a standard toilet, your body isn’t aligned for easy elimination. The posture creates a sharp bend at the anorectal angle, like putting a kink in a garden hose. That bend makes it harder for waste to pass through smoothly. Your body has to push harder. And over time, that extra effort takes a toll.

Researchers have connected this seated posture to constipation, haemorrhoids, pelvic floor issues, and more. It’s no coincidence that cultures that still use squat toilets experience fewer bowel complications. We’ve made toilets more comfortable, sure—but in doing so, we’ve made going to the bathroom a little less natural.

Enter the Potty Toilet Stool: The Squatty Potty Revolution History

The Story Behind the Stool

  • The Squatty Potty emerged in 2011 when Judy Edwards, suffering constipation and haemorrhoids, adopted squatting—albeit awkwardly—based on medical advice. Her son, Bobby, prototyped a U-shaped stool in the family garage, designed to elevate the feet just right so that Judy could achieve a natural squatting posture on a Western toilet.

  • Initial sales soared: after a feature on Dr. Oz and a massive leap following a Shark Tank appearance, the product became a viral sensation. The 2015 ad, “This Unicorn Changed the Way I Poop”, starring a whimsical unicorn, dramatically amplified awareness globally.

Why It’s More Than Just Quirky Marketing

  • The Squatty Potty is a type of potty toilet stool, medically known as a defecation postural modification device (DPMD). It repositions the body into a semi-squat, relaxing the puborectalis muscle and straightening the anorectal angle for easier elimination.

Clinical studies show promising results:

  • A 2019 Ohio State trial: over 90% experienced less straining; 71% had faster bowel movements; many reported feeling fully emptied.

  • Another study found that average toilet time dropped from 113.5 s to 55.5 s using a stool.

Beyond anecdotal benefits, experts affirm there's physiologically plausible reasoning—though it's not a guaranteed solution for everyone.

From Garage to Global: The Squatty Potty’s Rise in Australia

While many Squatty Potty products originate in the US, Australians can easily find them through retailers and at the official site of Squatty Potty Australia. The product fits comfortably under any standard loo and continues to gain endorsements from healthcare professionals and everyday users alike.

The brand's iconic squatty potty unicorn campaign helped drive international buzz—even down under. Australians seeking better gut health now embrace these stools both for function and novelty.

Simple, Evidence-Backed Tips for Using a Potty Toilet Stool

Making the switch to a potty toilet stool isn’t complicated, but a little know-how can make it a game-changer for your gut health. Think of this as a mini bathroom reset—simple tweaks, backed by science, that help your body work the way it was designed to.

1. Go for a 7-inch stool.

  • Seven inches is a sweet spot for most Aussie toilets. It’s just enough height to get your knees up without feeling like you’re balancing on a step ladder. If you’re particularly tall or petite, don’t stress. You can adjust over time, but this size is a great starting point for nearly everyone.

2. Nail your foot placement.

  • Flat feet on the stool. Heels slightly higher than your toes. That’s it. This tiny shift changes everything: it tilts your pelvis forward, relaxes your pelvic floor, and straightens the anorectal angle. Translation? Less straining, smoother flow, and a whole lot less time sitting there scrolling your phone.

3. Slow down and trust your body.

  • We live in a rush, even in the bathroom. Take a breath. Literally. If you’re used to pushing hard, this posture might feel strange at first. Let your muscles adjust. Let gravity do its job. You’ll notice a difference within days, sometimes after the first try.

4. Support the process.

  • A stool isn’t a magic bullet. It’s part of the puzzle. Hydrate well. Eat a fibre-packed breakfast. Walk after meals. If things still feel off, check in with your GP—your gut health is worth it. What’s beautiful about this? You’re not adding more strain, more meds, or more effort. You’re giving your body the posture it’s been waiting for.

Your Turn to Take Action (and Reflect)

Isn’t it something how a potty toilet stool can reshape not just your bathroom posture—but your entire daily routine?

  • If starting to strain less, going faster, or feeling more empty appeals to you, why not try it—and notice what changes begin? You might even find yourself sharing your experience over dinner or embracing your own squatty potty unicorn moment.

  • Here’s your friendly nudge: next time you sit on the throne, consider lifting your feet first. You can try our bathroom tools like ghost stools, and shifting your posture, see how your gut responds—and reflect on how small design shifts can lead to big wellness gains.

Also Read:- Bathroom Tools That Make Great Gifts

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only. We do not offer medical advice under any circumstances. A medical professional must be consulted for any advice, diagnosis, or treatment of health-related issues. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk. The author will not be held responsible for any misuse of this information. No guarantees are made, either expressed or implied. If you need clarification on any information presented here, please seek medical advice before using any suggested product.

FAQ

Q: How did toilet design evolve over time?

Ans:- Toilets evolved from ancient pit latrines and Roman public toilets to modern flush systems designed for hygiene, convenience, and water efficiency.

 

Q: What is a sitting toilet and when did it become common?

Ans:- Sitting toilets became popular in the 19th century with indoor plumbing, especially in Western countries, due to ease of use and sanitation benefits.

 

Q. What is a potty toilet stool?

Ans. It’s a foot-elevating stool (like the Squatty Potty) that helps promote a natural squatting posture on seated toilets—supporting easier bowel movements.

 

Q. How does the Squatty Potty improve toilet posture?

Ans. Elevating your feet relaxes the puborectalis muscle and straightens the anorectal angle—minimising strain and supporting more complete elimination.

 

Q. Is there scientific evidence that squat-like posture helps?

Ans. Yes—studies show up to 90% of users experience less straining, with many reducing toilet time by nearly half.

 

Q. Can Australians buy Squatty Potty products locally?

Ans. Absolutely—from our website, Squatty Potty Australia, Australians can easily access models such as the classic 7-inch stool, ghost stools, and more.

 

Q. Are there risks or downsides?

Ans. It’s generally safe, but if you have mobility issues, pelvic floor disorders, or severe gut conditions, consult your healthcare provider first.