New figures(*) suggest that the number of obese people in England has almost doubled in twenty years; now, more than a quarter of the UK population is obese.
The issue has hidden hygiene implications, warns Closomat, particularly when going to the toilet- something we all do on average eight times a day.
“The WC in the average home is designed for ‘the average person’”, observes marketing manager Robin Tuffley. “There is huge emphasis on the health issues associated with being obese; the hygiene issues are too often overlooked. But size impacts massively on a person’s daily life, their ability to perform everyday activities appropriately. It is a topic people need to be more aware of, because poor hygiene can lead to poor health.
“If someone is obese, it affects their positioning over the pan, making it harder for them to pee and pooh accurately and without strain. Off-the-shelf- seats do not support the greater body mass correctly. Body mass affects the ability to reach and wipe effectively. There is increased risk of residue being left in contact with the skin, with all its associated health, wellbeing and odour implications.”
To help improve toilet hygiene, Closomat can fit its Palma Vita wash & dry toilet with a bespoke bariatric seat. Coupled with the Palma Vita’s innovative hygiene programme, the combination ensures optimum bottom hygiene for bariatric users.
The Palma Vita has integrated douching and drying, so eliminating the need to manually wipe clean, as the functions deliver that cleaning procedure. The bariatric seat not only appropriately supports the user, but positions them (and their cheeks) properly over the pan to facilitate bladder and bowel movement. The combination can accommodate up to 362kg/57 stone – more than twice the weight of comparable units.
Closomat has produced a white paper to help assist in the choice and specification of appropriate WC facilities for obese users. Guidance & Considerations for Toileting `Provision for Bariatrics can be downloaded free of charge.
(*) House of Commons briefing paper no 3336, obesity statistics/ Health Survey for England
