As a health writer and editor who’s commissioned more than my fair share of stories about gut and butt health over the years, I’ve long been interested in adding a bidet to my home. After all, many gastroenterologists and urologists are quick to sing their praises on bidets as an alternative to wiping with dry toilet paper (or, gasp, wet wipes), and I’ve traveled outside the U.S. enough to realize just how widespread they are in other parts of the world.
I finally got my chance when Tushy released its newest bidet attachment this fall: The Tushy Wave Non-Electric Bidet Seat ($189). Tushy is a trusted name in the world of bathroom accessories with the Tushy Classic gracing many a list of the best bidets, so it’s safe to say the Wave is the latest and greatest in the bidet game.
Here’s my experience installing and using the Tushy Wave as a first-time bidet owner (spoiler: I may never use dry toilet paper again).
Features and First Impressions
The Tushy Wave is a non-electric bidet seat, meaning it replaces (and upgrades) your toilet seat with the bidet attachment hooking directly into your toilet’s water supply. It’s a little more streamlined than some of Tushy’s other options, which also have to be connected to an electrical outlet and/or your sink.
That said, it doesn’t offer some of the more luxe features of those other seats, like a warm water spray or a heated seat (see: the Tushy Ace). I wouldn’t call it bare bones by any means, but it has a simple and sleek design as far as bidets go, and its price point ($189) reflects that.
My first impression when I unboxed the Wave was that it has a modern look and the bidet attachment is much more discreet than others I’ve seen, with a single knob that sits flush against the side of the seat. Although I installed this seat in my en suite master bathroom, I’d feel perfectly comfortable adding it to a guest bathroom, since it doesn’t scream “There’s a bidet in here!” (Not that there’s anything wrong with bidets, but I personally wouldn’t want it to become the main conversation piece when people come over.)
Installing the Tushy Wave
Tushy’s site says the Wave only takes about eight minutes to install, and this instructional video makes that look entirely possible. That wasn’t the case for me, though. That video dedicates about four seconds to the steps of shutting off the water and emptying your toilet’s tank, which, as someone who’s never done either of those things, left me a little confused.
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I prefer step-by-step visuals when it comes to putting things together, though, so I Googled around until I found this more detailed install video from Tushy, which was incredibly helpful (and weirdly soothing with its classic elevator-style music).
Pro-tip (and something the install video doesn’t tell you): Give your toilet and bathroom floor a good scrub before you get started. You’re going to get really, really close to your toilet during the installation process, so a clean slate is the way to go.
My Experience Using the Wave
The installation wasn’t the easiest thing I’ve ever done, but the seat felt sturdy and the bidet function worked properly once I got everything in place. And I have to say, I’m a big fan.
The bidet’s DuoFlow nozzle makes it easy to toggle back and forth between front and back wash modes. The water is not warm, but it’s not unpleasant either, and the pressure is just enough to get things really clean. Overall, it’s much more efficient than using toilet paper.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a first-time bidet-user like me, and even if you aren’t the handiest person on your block, I recommend the Tushy Wave as a simple and sleek way to upgrade your bathroom endeavors. Despite a few hiccups during installation, the payoff has been well worth it. Its design and effective functionality make it a seamless addition, and I’m already noticing how much cleaner and refreshed I feel after every use.
