TOTO Travel Handy Washlet YEW350-WH

What an amazing little gadget this is. I can honestly say there are only a handful of things I've bought over the years that have offered such a quality of life improvement for relatively little money.I got this portable washlet because I had heard friends and colleagues over the years rave about using a bidet or washlet when traveling and I was curious. Phrases like "life-changing experience" are not uncommon from the converts. So I decided I needed to try one. Problem is, I'm in a phase of life where I move with some frequency, and I did not want to go to the trouble of hooking up one of those kits that modifies your existing toilet only to have to dismantle it again a short time later. Also, many rental agreements prohibit you making modifications to the plumbing. Besides, I liked the idea of something I could easily take with me when traveling. As it stands, I use this washlet daily, in my home, so I have had a lot of opportunity to figure out how to get the most of it. I loved it the very first time I used it, and have only grown to love it more in the nearly half a year that I've used it.It is true that the product arrives with instructions that are all in Japanese. I could have probably figured out how to use it just by looking at the symbols in the instruction manual, but it took literally all of 15 seconds of googling to find the english version and download a PDF. So if you're concerned about the lack of English instructions in the package, that should not factor into your decision at all.Having said that, I think I can expand on the guidance offered by the instruction manual to address some of the issues that others have reported. The basic operation of this device is straightforward, but using good technique can make a big difference. (More on that below.)The device is essentially a small plastic water tank with a pump that shoots water out of a stiff retractable plastic wand. When not in use the whole thing folds into itself ingeniously. If you ever played with Transformer toys when you were a kid, you will absolutely love the way you push, pull, and fold the different parts to transform this gadget from its compact storage mode (when it could fit inside of your pants pocket) to its action mode. I never tire of the way you prep it for action.When you're ready to use the washlet, you fill the tank with water, point the tip of the wand at the area to be cleaned and press a button. And here is where I some additional guidance might come in handy.First, it's important to acknowledge that the capacity of the water tank is limited, which is understandable given that Toto wanted to keep the device portable. Nevertheless, I have found that if I fill the reservoir to capacity, I can get nearly completely clean back there. It's important to define our terms. When I say "nearly completely clean" I mean that if use one full tank of water to clean msyelf, I can take a couple of squares of toilet paper, pat dry, and the toilet paper will show the wetness of the water with (maybe) a very light discoloration in some very small area and rarely a small remnant. If I fill the reservoir a second time, I can get *completely clean*, meaning that the toilet paper will show nothing but the wetness of the water. Every time.And let me tell you, the feeling of being that clean is instantly addictive. Everyone is different, but I would be willing to bet that if you are like most people, you will NOT want to use toilet paper again if you can use a stream of water.The question, then, becomes how to make it easy to refill the device's tank while you're on the throne. If the sink is within reach, you could always lean over and fill it from the tap. But I prefer to keep a disposable plastic bottle (like the kind soft drinks come in) under the sink. Before you sit down, you fill the washlet's tank with warm water and also fill the bottle. After you're done with your business, you do a first pass with the washlet, refill from the bottle, and do the second pass if you think you need it. That may sound like an inconvenience, but it takes just a few additional seconds and not once have I ever found it to be anything I even think about. It's about as much work as drying your hands on the towel after you wash them.Others have commented on the strength (or lack of strength) of the stream of water that shoots from the washlet's wand. I suppose it's all relative. I'm sure it's not as strong as what you would get from something that is built into the toilet. But in several month's use, I have never had this device fail to clean me completely with one or two tankfuls of water. The nozzle has two pressure settings and you do have to be careful to make sure it's on the high setting - it's easy to accidentally move it to the low pressure setting when you clean /wipe down the nozzle, and if you do, the stream does indeed feel diminished.Also, you have to be sure to use a fresh *alkaline* battery (it uses one AA) for maximum performance. If you don't use an alkaline battery, you will have poor performance. Still, if there's one quibble I have it's that the battery does not last all that long - with daily use, expect performance to taper off after about a month. I can use the device effectively for six to seven weeks before needing to replace the battery. Like the size of the water tank, I think the choice of battery was made with consideration for portability.Now let's talk about cleaning technique. The trick to getting a good clean with one tank of water is all about giving the stream of water access to the relevant parts. You MUST open up your cheeks so the water can get to where it needs to go. When you're ready to clean, scootch up a little towards the front of the seat, incline forward just a bit, and use one of your hands to gently pull one of your cheeks to the side, exposing the inner workings, so to speak. Hold it there while your other hand presses the button on the washlet and guides the stream of water to its bullseye. Then move the stream up and down and side to side. This may sound like a lot of work, and if you suffer from mobility issues, it might be. But for most people, it's astonishingly intuitive and easy to do. Once the stream hits your bottom, you will automatically know what to do.When the water runs out, you can refill from your water bottle and do another pass if you like, making sure to once again open up the cheeks. I suspect the #1 reason that people report that this device doesn't clean them properly is because they are not opening up their cheeks. I'm guessing that a washlet that's built into the toilet might have enough force in the stream of water to get into all the nooks and crannies, but with this device, you're going to have to help it out. It's absolutely not a big deal.About the wand that shoots water ... what I have found works well is to brace the wand against the back rim of the toilet seat, thus preventing you from accidentally touching the wand to your body and allowing you to guide the stream of water to where it needs to go with greater precision.After you're done cleaning, you detach the wand from the tank (it snaps on and off) and wash it with the same soapy water that you wash your hands with. You might be wondering why you would want to detach and wash the wand if it never touches your body ... it's because sometimes there can be drops of water that splash back onto the nozzle during the cleaning process. The detachable wand is just one of several thoughtful and well-engineered touches that you'll find on the device. When not in use, you shake out any remaining water, fold the device in on itself, allow to air dry and store.As I mentioned, I use my washlet daily at home, but I have also used it for travel - that is what Toto intended it for, after all. When you travel with it, you appreciate how compact it is and you understand some of the design concessions that were made (tank capacity, type and number of battery, etc.) In countries that use squat toilets, this device is going to be your priceless little friend. Compact does not mean inconspicuous, though. When in use, it sounds like an oral irrigator or maybe an electric toothbrush. Which is to say, it's not an unpleasant sound in quality or volume, but it's loud enough that anyone in a public bathroom is absolutely going to hear you when you run it and will wonder what you're doing in that stall. I have never had a TSA agent ask about it, although I can imagine some might.The build quality is very good. Materials are mostly hard plastic. On my washlet, there are no sharp edges, everything fits tightly and moves smoothly. No leaks have developed thus far. I did accidentally drop it down a flight of wooden stairs - it bounced three or four times and landed hard on a slate floor at the bottom. I thought it was done for. The water reservoir cap flew off, but I was able to snap it back into place and nothing else was damaged. Obviously, that's just one data point, but I was suitably impressed with its ability to withstand that kind of knocking around.Is it worth the relatively high price? Especially when you can get a squeeze bottle solution for a fraction of the price? I paid $70 for it, have used it about half a year, and if it broke tomorrow I would not hesitate to get another one. For the convenience, utility, novelty, and ability to contribute to your quality of life, it's an easy choice.

Having to be away from home more recently has made this a life saver and improved quality of life on the road. It has been reliable, and so great to have while traveling. Can highly recommend this portable bidet, and recommend that you invest in a USB-C rechargeable battery (also can find affordable on amazon). Game changer for life away from home creature comforts.

Not as powerful as a commode mounted unit, but makes the job easier. One of my best investments for travel, I’ve taken it everywhere.

This portable washlet is really handy to have around.You should practice with it before you really need it, because it could take a few tries to get the hang of it.It does the job well, but I have a few criticisms:1) The basin doesn't seem to hold much water--though, I understand that the larger the basin, the less "portable" it is.2) It's a bit noisy! If anyone's around, they might wonder what's going on in the bathroom.In any case, it works way better than just toilet paper, and it's more soothing.Just be sure not to use water that's too hot or too cold.

Did you ever dread not to go hiking or to enjoy an open air festival because of the lack of the kind of facilities that you need?I know, for many if not most people managing anal health is an non issue. For all of those: stop reading and move your attention to something that's important to you, but please do not criticize those for whom this is in fact an issue. You have no idea!Now, for the rest of us who have pain or anxieties or both about keeping clean "back there":This gadget really works!Especially when the additives of moist toilet tissues cause sensations similar to being poked with a branding iron, carrying this and perhaps a small quantity of table salt, will allow you to take care of yourself and be pain free while on the road, in the wild, or in places lacking bidets or washlets.Yes, it's a bit more volume than a travel size pack of wet ones, but it is so worth it!Only caveat: instructions are Japanese only. But it's not rocket size. I am confident, you'll figure it out. And maybe, some day, Toto will realize that there are enough gaijins out there that customer care should be a bit more inclusive.

Great until it stops working after a few uses. Too late to return for replacement ; ( not like it’s used very often so the return window should have been more flexible

So, I’m not totally convinced this item is new, rather than “used” or “refurbished.” To be honest, there was a brown spot on the arm that folds out with the sprayer holes. The item costs $225 new from Toto. I filled it up with 91% isopropyl alcohol and let it sit before spraying it all out, as well as cleaning the outside with alcohol. Not happy about it not being brand new, if that’s the case, but $225 for this item was definitely not in the budget and I really wanted it. The stream is powerful and is definitely much better than wiping with dry toilet paper.

I wish this had a little more "umph" behind the pressure. It obviously doesn't go hard enough to penetrate my bum a bit a give that deep clean feeling inside but does do a overall wonderful job of eliminating the need for wet wipes. I would repurchase again. After looking at all other available options again I believe this one appears to be the most well thought out design. 5/5 stars