What are portable bidets?

Essentially, they are shower sprays in a slightly smaller format designed for cleansing the anal and/or genital area with water after using the toilet. When permanently installed in the bathroom, these sprays are connected to the water supply or an outlet valve using a flexible hose. Bidet sprays are equipped with an integrated shut-off mechanism. Pressing a lever or button generates a gentle water stream. Many people find this method of cleansing more effective and hygienic than using toilet paper alone. In the case of portable bidets (also known as travel bidets or camping bidets), the principle of water cleansing is applied to a portable bidet spray.

What are portable bidet sprays used for?


Mobile bidet sprays are often utilized as a practical solution in situations where conventional bidets are unavailable or impractical. Here are some reasons why people prefer portable bidet sprays: 
  • Traveling: Especially during trips, particularly in countries where bidet-equipped toilets are not widely available, mobile bidet sprays can provide a hygienic alternative. They are compact and easy to transport. 
  • Camping and Outdoor Activities: For camping trips or other outdoor activities where conventional toilets may be lacking, mobile bidet sprays offer a convenient way to maintain personal hygiene. 
  • Emergencies: In emergency situations where conventional water supplies are unavailable, mobile bidet sprays can contribute to maintaining basic hygiene. 
  • Environmental Awareness: Some individuals opt for mobile bidet sprays for environmental reasons. The use of water for cleansing can be considered more resource-efficient compared to the production and disposal of toilet paper.
  • Health Reasons: Individuals with specific health concerns, such as hemorrhoids or sensitive skin, may find the gentle cleansing with water more pleasant and soothing than using toilet paper. 
Overall, mobile bidet sprays provide a flexible and hygienic option for personal cleansing, especially in situations where conventional bidets are unavailable or impractical.

Are there different types of portable bidet sprays?

Yes! Even though the principle of water cleansing remains the same, there are different implementations.

  • For example, there are portable spray bottles with a special water nozzle. The bottles, made of flexible plastics, are filled with water, and pressing the bottle generates a water stream at the outlet nozzle.
  • In the era of high-performance batteries and USB charging options, this principle has been expanded to battery-operated bidets with an integrated pump. The water stream in these bidets is no longer manually generated but rather by a built-in water pump. The built-in batteries can be recharged via a USB charging port.
  • Some travel bidets do not have their own water tank and therefore need to be connected to the water supply. The bidet spray, along with an extra-long hose and a special adapter, is delivered for this purpose. This adapter allows the bidet to be connected to most common plumbing fixtures (e.g., the basin faucet next to the toilet). This type of travel bidet is very popular among international travelers from the Arab region. In many international destinations such as Europe or the USA, fixed bidets or bidet sprays attached to toilets are rare. To maintain their accustomed method of personal hygiene during toilet use, the travel bidet is often a permanent part of their luggage. Upon arrival, the bidet is connected to the water supply using the adapter. Good adapters for bidet sprays should also allow the normal use of the plumbing fixture, so the bidet spray only needs to be connected once during the stay and dismounted again before departure.
  • Finally, there are bidet attachments for PET drinking bottles. In this case, a plastic nozzle, sealed with rubber gaskets, is simply attached to a standard PET drinking bottle. Pressing the water bottle then generates the water stream for cleansing. Not all drinking bottles are suitable for this type of application, and the use can be somewhat uncomfortable. However, the significant advantage of this solution lies in its particularly space- and weight-saving implementation. The attachable bidet nozzles are very small and fit into any jacket or pants pocket. Moreover, plastic drinking bottles are available almost anywhere in the world. Therefore, these bidets are also gaining popularity as a mobile emergency solution among travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

And what is a "Travel Shattaf"?

Shattaf is the common term in the Arabic-speaking region for bidet sprays. Therefore, a Travel Shattaf is simply the international term for a travel bidet.

The etymology of the term "Shattaf" is not entirely clear. One possibility is its derivation from the Arabic root "sh-t-f," meaning "clean" or "wash." Another explanation, however, suggests its derivation from the English "shut off." Bidet sprays feature an integrated shut-off valve that allows stopping the water flow. In this context, the connection to the English "shut off" could provide a plausible explanation for the origin of the term "Shattaf."