If you’re looking for a relaxing bath that provides a deep clean and some pain relief around the genital area, a sitz bath is for you. A sitz bath uses a toilet insert full of warm water to provide instant relief. Using a sitz bath regularly offers many benefits including keeping clean, increased blood flow, faster healing, and relief from itching and pain in the genital area.
Below we share some additional benefits of a sitz bath to help determine if it’s right for you. We’ve also included our favorite sitz bath options!
Table of Contents
Our Top Picks
| › | Zafina Sitz Bath | |
| › | Drop of Diviniti Sitz Bath |
Sitz Bath Review
Who Needs a Sitz Bath?
- Recently had surgery on the vulva or vagina
- Going through discomfort due to hemorrhoids
- Irregular and uncomfortable bowel movements
- Recently given birth
- Recently had your hemorrhoids surgically removed
A sitz bath can benefit both children and adults equally; however, parents should always supervise their children during a sitz bath. Furthermore, doctors also can recommend medication and additives that you can add for more comfort and pain relief.
Using a Sitz Bath
Here we listed a how-to guide for using a sitz bath in your home.
- Arranging a sitz bath requires a plastic kit that goes over your toilet. The kit includes a shallow basin that has a plastic bag with long tubing on the end.
- Securely fill the bag with warm water through the tube. The size of the basin is slightly bigger than the toilet bowl, which allows for its easy and secure mounting on the toilet.
- While using a kit for a sitz bath, you can add warm water before sitting down, or you can also add water using the tube if you have already sat down. The water should be deep enough to soak your perineum thoroughly. Sit in that position for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Most kits feature vents that prevent the water from overflowing if you choose to add warm water to the bag continuously so that it doesn’t get cold. After sitting for 15 to 20 minutes, get up and gently pat yourself dry with a cotton towel.
- Make sure that you clean the kit thoroughly so that it is ready for the next use.
Tips Before Starting
Here are three important tips before you start using a sitz bath.
1. Choosing a Sitz Bath
The most common type of sitz bath can be found in most medical supply stores. It’s a simple plastic device that sits onto your toilet bowl and has a cutout so that any excess water can spill into the toilet.
You can also purchase a sitz bath kit, which may include a plastic bag with a tube on the other end to be used as a spray. Some more expensive models also include a long hose that can be attached to the faucet.
2. Choosing Additives
Warm water is enough to provide comfort, but it can work even better with added ingredients. Additives such as Epsom salts, sea salt, baking soda, vinegar, and witch hazel all promote healing and help prevent infection.
3. Prepare the Bathroom
For the best experience, we suggest you prepare the bathroom before using a sitz bath. Use calming elements to help yourself fully relax, such as music, aromatherapy candles, or even a mobile game. Adjust the room temperature to be as comfortable as possible, and make sure to have dry towels nearby, in case of spills. And of course, let everybody in the house know to leave you in peace until you are completely finished.
Comparison Table
Best Sitz Baths – 5 Product Reviews
1. Zafina Sitz Bath – Review Champion
- Flusher and Tube Included: No
- Foldable: Yes
- Healthy Materials: Yes, high-quality plastic and silicone
- Warranty: Not Specified
The Zafina sitz bath is made of healthy materials, such as top-quality plastic and silicone. It’s also designed for durability and high-temperature resistance, which allows for extended use.
- Affordable
- Anti-overflow hole
- Folds for storage
- Possible chance of cracking
Summary of Recent Reviews
Users are pleased with this comfortable sitz bath option. This one folds for easy storage which buyers appreciate. “I am very pleased with the functionality as a whole.”
2. Drop of Diviniti Sitz Bath – Editor’s Choice
- Flusher and Tube Included: No
- Foldable: Yes
- Healthy Materials: Not specified
- Warranty: Lifetime
The first thing that you can notice about this model is its contoured design that provides relief and safety to persons of any size. To use it, simply pour warm water, sit, and relax.
When the bath is not in use, simply collapse it and store it anywhere. When collapsed, the bath is only 3.35 inches tall. Although it’s a simple concept, this product does not come with a manual or instructions.
- Very comfortable
- Fits people of various sizes
- Works on different toilet shapes and sizes
- No instructions
Summary of Recent Reviews
Customers agree that this bath provides relief right where they need it. Based on reviews, it fits multiple toilet sizes and shapes. Buyers encourage anyone with pain and discomfort in the area, to try this. “I told my wife – it’s the best $25.00 I’ve spent in the past ten years.”
3. PerfectSitz Bath
- Flusher and Tube Included: No
- Foldable: Yes
- Healthy Materials: Yes, BPA plastic
- Warranty: No
This bath features a universal fit for all toilets and fits correctly with round, oval, or elongated bowls. This product is made from sturdy medical-grade materials. If used properly, it should last for many years without cracks or defects. The company does offer a money-back guarantee if you find you’re not satisfied with the product.
- Strong and sturdy materials
- Good value
- Easy to use
- May be too small for some
Summary of Recent Reviews
Customers are raving about the relief they experienced after using this bath. It’s more convenient than a full bath and it fits toilets perfectly. Some consumers did report that the space between the water and the user is too small, but most users mention that it is durable and comfortable.
4. Aifoaliy Sitz Bath
- Flusher and Tube Included: Yes
- Foldable: Yes
- Healthy Materials: PP+TRP environmental-friendly material
- Warranty: Not Specified
If you are looking for a model that’s affordable and efficient, this unit is your best choice. It’s made from eco-friendly materials, and its non-slip design and durable construction can support up to 300lbs.
To use it, simply put it over the toilet seat and pour warm water. This bath is comfortable, easy to clean, and portable.
- Good value and price
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable
- Low drain holes
Summary of Recent Reviews
Customers are raving over how easy this is to use. Buyers of all shapes and sizes found this seat comfortable and sturdy. The bath is deep and squeezing the pump provides additional comfort. Some users did note that they found the drain holes to be too low, so be sure to take that into consideration.
5. Fabulas Sitz Bath
- Flusher and Tube Included: Yes
- Foldable: Yes
- Healthy Materials: PP+TRP environmental-friendly material
- Warranty: Lifetime
This bath fits various shapes of toilets and is easy to install. It also has 4 pads to help secure it tightly to the bowl, for a more comfortable experience.
Note that the bath is very easy to store, and it can even fit in a drawer when folded. We were pleasantly surprised to see this product includes the bath itself, a storage bag, hanging hook, user manual, and even a towel.
- Very comfortable
- Fits most toilets
- The flexible blue part may come off
Summary of Recent Reviews
Customers love this comfortable sitz bath. This bath fits most toilets and provides almost instant relief. “This helped the excruciating pain I was in on the first try.” Several buyers used this right after surgery and were extremely pleased with the results.
Sitz Salt Reviews – Bonus
Better Bath Better Body Salt
This salt is made of the purest salts and essential oils and contains only all-natural ingredients.
Made from Geranium, Niaouli, Juniper, Lavender, and other essential oils, this salt provides a soothing and relieving experience, with no additives or harmful substances The packaging is BPA-certified and features a press-lock seal for safe storage.
Pure Body Naturals Salt
Made from natural botanicals, this salt contains ingredients that help boost the mood, and promote a balanced mind. This makes it a wonderful choice for postpartum recovery, as well as continual hemorrhoid treatment.
Bathtubs and a Sitz Bath
Another way of taking a sitz bath is in the bathtub, which doesn’t require a particular kit.
- Clean the bathtub thoroughly using two tablespoons of bleach mixed in a ½ gallon of water. Use this solution to scrub the bathtub and then rinse it thoroughly.
- Fill the bathtub with three to four inches of warm water. Make sure that the water is not too hot to cause any discomfort or burns on your skin. If the water is too hot, you can mix some cold water into it and get the desired warm temperature.
- Add medication your doctor has prescribed you.
- Get into the bathtub and soak your perineum for 15 to 20 minutes. You can bend your knees or put your legs on the edge of the bathtub to keep them out of water.
- After 15 to 20 minutes, get out of the bathtub and dry yourself gently with a clean and dry cotton towel or cloth. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing your perineum because it will cancel out the effects of the sitz bath.