Choosing between the TUSHY Ottoman and the Squatty Potty is one of the most common toilet stool decisions you’ll face when upgrading your bathroom routine.
Both promise better bowel health through a squatting position, but they take very different approaches to design, comfort, and practicality — and this guide breaks it all down so you can make the right call for your body and your bathroom.
| Feature | TUSHY Ottoman (Original 9″) | Squatty Potty Original (7″) |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
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| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 16.5″ x 9″ x 9″ | 21″ x 13.25″ x 7″ |
| Height | 9″ (also available in 7.5″ Relaxed) | 7″ (also available in 9″) |
| Material | Bamboo legs + plastic platform | Polyurethane plastic |
| Weight Capacity | Not specified | 350 lbs |
| Rectal Canal Angle | 100° to 120° | 90° to 35° squat position |
| Anti-Slip Surface | Yes | Yes |
| Design Style | Premium, furniture-grade aesthetic | Functional, compact, curved base |
| Buy Now |  |
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1. TUSHY Ottoman Toilet Stool (Original 9″)
The TUSHY Ottoman is designed to be more than just a toilet stool — it wants to be a piece of bathroom furniture you’re not ashamed of.
With bamboo legs and a sleek, curved platform, it sits in front of your toilet looking like it belongs there, rather than something you’re trying to hide.
The Original version stands 9″ tall, opening your rectal canal from 100° to 120° to allow a more complete and less strained bowel movement — a meaningful improvement over just sitting upright on a modern toilet.
Features
- 9″ height for the optimal squatting position (7.5″ Relaxed version also available)
- Bamboo and plastic construction with a furniture-grade aesthetic
- Opens the rectal canal from 100° to 120° for better elimination
- Ergonomic curvature keeps feet comfortable during use
- Anti-slip surface to keep feet stable
- Fits discreetly in front of most standard toilets
- Available in white with either bamboo or white detachable legs
Pros
- Stylish design that blends into a modern bathroom without looking out of place
- Effective at relieving constipation and reducing toilet strain
- Detachable legs make cleaning straightforward
- Pairs naturally with the TUSHY bidet lineup for a complete hygiene upgrade
- Comfortable foot curvature during longer bathroom sessions
Cons
- Weight capacity is not clearly listed, which may concern heavier users
- More expensive than the Squatty Potty
- Slightly smaller footprint means it may feel less stable to some users
- Bamboo legs may require more careful cleaning than solid plastic
The TUSHY Ottoman is the right choice if you care as much about how your bathroom looks as how it functions — it’s a premium product that delivers real digestive benefits without the eyesore factor.
Check its current price on Amazon
2. Squatty Potty The Original Toilet Stool (7″)
The Squatty Potty is the stool that started the mainstream toilet stool movement — it was featured on Shark Tank, went viral with a now-legendary ad, and has since sold millions of units worldwide.
Made from durable polyurethane plastic in a simple curved shape designed to wrap around the base of your toilet, it’s the no-nonsense option built purely around function.
The 7″ height works for most standard-height toilets, repositioning your body from 90° to a 35° squat angle to loosen the puborectalis muscle and allow more complete elimination.
Features
- 7″ height designed for standard toilets (14″–16″ from floor to bowl top)
- Durable polyurethane plastic construction, Made in U.S.A.
- Curved base wraps around the toilet for a snug, tidy fit
- Anti-slip surface on top keeps feet secure during use
- Repositions posture from 90° to 35° for natural elimination
- 350 lb weight capacity
- Doctor-recommended design, endorsed by GI specialists
Pros
- Proven, time-tested design with millions of satisfied users
- Very affordable — one of the best-value bathroom upgrades you can make
- Wider platform (21″) provides a stable, secure footing
- Easy to clean with soap and water
- Tucks neatly under most standard toilet bowls when not in use
- Great for households where multiple people share the toilet — men, women, and older kids can all benefit
Cons
- Basic plastic appearance won’t impress in a styled bathroom
- Single fixed height — no adjustment options in the original model
- Larger footprint (21″ wide) can look bulky in compact bathrooms
- Doesn’t pair as elegantly with premium bathroom accessories
The Squatty Potty is the proven, practical, and budget-friendly choice — if you want real results without spending much or worrying about aesthetics, this is exactly what you need.
Check its current price on Amazon
Design and Aesthetics
This is where the two products diverge most sharply.
The TUSHY Ottoman looks like it was designed by someone who cares deeply about interior décor.
The bamboo legs, curved edges, and monochromatic white finish make it the kind of thing you’d actually show guests rather than kick behind the toilet in embarrassment.
The Squatty Potty, on the other hand, is unmistakably functional plastic.
It curves around your toilet base and tucks away neatly, but there’s no pretense about what it is.
If your bathroom has a minimalist, spa-like, or modern aesthetic — and you’ve already invested in products like a heated bidet seat or stylish fixtures — the TUSHY Ottoman is going to feel like it belongs.
If you just want something that works and sits in a shared family bathroom without anyone caring about its look, the Squatty Potty wins on practicality and price.
Winner: TUSHY Ottoman for aesthetics; Squatty Potty for pure practicality.
Comfort and Foot Support
The TUSHY Ottoman’s ergonomic curvature is specifically designed to keep your feet comfortable during use, with a gentle slope that cradles the foot rather than just providing a flat ledge.
At 9″ tall, it provides a more pronounced squat position that many users find more effective for complete bowel emptying.
The Squatty Potty’s anti-slip textured surface is effective, and the 7″ height is comfortable for most average-height adults on standard toilets.
However, the flat platform is less contoured, so it can feel less luxurious underfoot during extended sessions.
The TUSHY Ottoman also comes in a 7.5″ Relaxed version for taller users or those with less hip flexibility — a thoughtful sizing option the standard Squatty Potty Original doesn’t match (though the Adjustable 2.0 version does).
Winner: TUSHY Ottoman for ergonomic comfort and sizing options.
Health Benefits and Effectiveness
Both stools deliver the core benefit: repositioning your body to simulate a squat, which research and gastroenterologists broadly agree is the most natural and efficient elimination posture.
This matters especially if you experience constipation, bloating, hemorrhoids, or incomplete bowel movements — conditions that can also be eased by pairing your stool with a quality bidet for a full hygiene upgrade.
The TUSHY Ottoman targets a 100°–120° rectal canal opening, while the Squatty Potty describes a 90°–35° body repositioning — both are valid ways of describing improved squat posture.
In practice, most users of both products report faster and more complete bowel movements, reduced straining, and less time spent on the toilet.
The Squatty Potty’s slightly wider platform may feel more stable and confidence-inspiring for first-time users.
Winner: Tie — both products effectively deliver the health benefits of a squatting posture.
Stability and Safety
The Squatty Potty’s 21″ wide platform and 350 lb rated weight capacity give it a clear edge here.
The wider footprint means both feet have plenty of space, and the rubber grips on the stool’s feet prevent sliding on tile or hardwood floors.
The TUSHY Ottoman’s smaller 9″D × 16.5″W platform is sufficient for most users, but the absence of a published weight capacity may be a concern for heavier individuals.
If you have mobility challenges or want a stool that feels rock-solid, the Squatty Potty’s wider base and clearly rated capacity offer more reassurance — and it pairs well with bidets designed for seniors or users with limited mobility.
Winner: Squatty Potty for stability and documented weight capacity.
Value and Price
The Squatty Potty Original is one of the most affordable toilet upgrades you can make — it delivers proven health benefits at a price that makes it a near-no-brainer purchase.
The TUSHY Ottoman costs noticeably more, and what you’re paying for is primarily design and aesthetic quality.
If you’re building out a premium bathroom setup — perhaps pairing it with a bidet for your existing toilet or a high-end bidet seat — the TUSHY Ottoman’s premium look is worth the extra spend.
If you just want the health benefit without the price premium, the Squatty Potty is the smarter buy.
Winner: Squatty Potty for value.
Verdict — Which One Should You Buy?
Both the TUSHY Ottoman and the Squatty Potty will meaningfully improve your bathroom health by putting your body in the natural squatting position every time you use the toilet.
The decision really comes down to how much you care about aesthetics versus price and stability.
Buy the TUSHY Ottoman if… you’ve invested in a modern, stylish bathroom and want your toilet stool to look like it belongs there; you prefer a premium ergonomic design with a contoured foot surface; or you’re pairing it with a TUSHY bidet and want a cohesive look. It’s the choice for buyers who see the bathroom as an extension of their personal style.
Buy the Squatty Potty if… you want the most proven, affordable, and widely trusted toilet stool on the market; stability and a clearly rated weight capacity matter to you; or you simply want the best bang for your buck on a product that’s been doctor-recommended for years. It’s the classic, no-frills pick that does exactly what it promises.
If you’re also thinking about upgrading your hygiene beyond just positioning, pairing either stool with one of the best bidets for home use makes a genuinely transformative combination.
FAQ
Is the TUSHY Ottoman or Squatty Potty better for constipation?
Both products effectively address constipation by repositioning your body into a squat, which relaxes the puborectalis muscle and allows the colon to open for easier elimination.
The TUSHY Ottoman’s 9″ height produces a slightly more pronounced squat, which some users find more effective — but the Squatty Potty at 7″ is sufficient for the majority of people and has years of real-world user data behind it.
Can I use these stools with a bidet?
Absolutely — in fact, combining a toilet stool with a bidet seat or handheld sprayer is one of the best bathroom upgrades you can make for your long-term hygiene and digestive health.
The stool helps you eliminate more completely, and the bidet ensures you stay thoroughly clean afterward.
Which stool fits better under the toilet when not in use?
The Squatty Potty’s curved base is specifically designed to wrap around and tuck under the base of a standard toilet, making it essentially invisible between uses.
The TUSHY Ottoman’s smaller depth means it can also sit fairly discreetly in front of your toilet, though its design actually encourages leaving it on display rather than hiding it away.
Are these stools suitable for children?
Yes — both are family-friendly.
The Squatty Potty also comes in an Adjustable 2.0 version that converts between 7″ and 9″ heights, which can accommodate different users in a shared household from children to adults.
The TUSHY Ottoman comes in two separate heights (Original and Relaxed) rather than an adjustable model, so you’d need to pick the height that works best for most of your household.
Conclusion
The TUSHY Ottoman and the Squatty Potty are both excellent products that deliver real, measurable improvements to your bowel health — the kind of upgrade your body will thank you for every single day.
If you want premium aesthetics and a stylish bathroom addition, go with the TUSHY Ottoman.
If you want the proven, affordable, time-tested option with a wider and more stable platform, the Squatty Potty Original is the right call.
Either way, you’re making a smart investment in your health — and if you want to take things a step further, check out our guide to the bidet vs toilet paper debate and see why so many people are pairing their toilet stool with a bidet for the ultimate bathroom upgrade.
