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).
Tushy Wave Non-Electric Bidet Seat — $189.00
Finishes: 2 (bamboo or platinum) | Temperature settings: 1
- Sleek, modern, minimalist design
- Doesn’t require an outlet or connection to your sink
- Easy to use
- Slow-close lid
- Fits 95% of toilets
- 1-year limited warranty
- Only comes in white
- A little tricky to set up if you’ve never installed a bidet before
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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.)
Next, I noticed there wasn’t a ton of equipment included, just a small box containing a tank adapter and hose along with a couple of bolts, brackets, and washers. This was a relief because as my husband will attest, I’m not the handiest around the house (I once tried to open a can of paint with a steak knife, for example).
The Wave comes in white, with the option to choose between a bamboo- or platinum-colored knob. The toilet in my master bathroom is dark gray, so the seat doesn’t exactly match, but I’m willing to sacrifice that particular aesthetic for its functionality. The seat has a slow-close lid, which is a nice little bonus, and it comes in an elongated or round shape. I chose the elongated shape, and it fit perfectly on my toilet (Tushy claims the Wave is compatible with 95 percent of toilets, fwiw).
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.
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).
The beginning of the video is all about checking your toilet’s compatibility with the Wave, which would actually be much more helpful before you purchase the product. Fortunately, my toilet was A+ for compatibility, so I skipped ahead to the actual install part.
In all honesty, it took me about an hour from start to finish. Again, though, I was starting from absolute zero in terms of plumbing experience and am probably the last person my friends or family would call to help with any kind of handyman tasks. Installing the seat was a breeze, but I struggled a bit with hooking up the bidet to my toilet’s water supply, mostly because my toilet sits very close to the wall and I had to use my left hand to screw and unscrew everything (I’m a righty).
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. I waited to install my Wave until just after our bimonthly house cleaners came by (I’m not bougie, I swear, it’s just one of the things I decided to outsource occasionally once I discovered how difficult it can be to clean a house with two rambunctious toddlers hellbent on destroying things in my wake).
Another pro tip: If you’re watching the install video on your phone as you’re working like I did, put it on a safe, stable surface so it doesn’t accidentally slip into your toilet (yes, I had a close call).
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, which makes me wish I had it in the weeks and months after delivering my kids. To not have to deal with a peri-bottle each time I went to the bathroom would’ve made postpartum life that much easier (and simplifying self-care really is the ultimate goal for that hectic, draining time of life).
The water is not warm, but it’s not unpleasant either, and the pressure is just enough to get things really clean down there. Overall, it’s much more efficient than using toilet paper.
I haven’t used the Wave long enough to see how it might affect our overall toilet paper consumption, but I have a feeling it will significantly cut down our spending in that area, which makes my environmentally and financially minded little heart happy. Who knew a little ol’ bidet could do all that?
Final thoughts
In the end, if you’re a first-time bidet-user like me, and even if you aren’t the handiest gal 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 simple, modern design and effective functionality make it a seamless addition to any bathroom, and I’m already noticing how much cleaner and refreshed I feel after every use. For anyone curious about trying a bidet, the Tushy Wave strikes the perfect balance between approachable and game-changing—your bathroom routine will never be the same.
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