(BPT) - Your phone can control your thermostat, your fridge sends you grocery alerts … but your toilet? Still stuck in 1995. It's time for an upgrade - and no, it doesn't involve knocking down any walls. Bringing your bathroom into the 21st century and adding a touch of luxury to your experience doesn't take a $25,000 remodel - just one smart addition.

If it feels like bidets are suddenly everywhere, you're not imagining it. While bidets are common in Europe and Asia, and they're even legally required in most Italian homes, many Americans don't know what a bidet looks like. But that has been changing quickly in recent years. Through online reviews and social media buzz, more people are discovering that using a stream of water instead of just toilet paper isn't strange - it's smart.

Whether you're bidet-curious or still skeptical, this guide will break down the basics - what a bidet does, why it's catching on across the U.S. and how modern bidet seats like Coway's Bidetmega 400S and 500S are changing the way people think about personal hygiene.

What exactly is a bidet, and how does it work?

A bidet is a bathroom fixture or toilet attachment for cleansing. It sprays a stream of water for cleansing after you go to the bathroom, not unlike a water fountain. The name comes from an old French word that meant "pony," since users of the original bidets had to straddle the device in a way that looked a bit like riding a horse.

While traditional bidets resembled low sinks that sat next to toilets, modern bidets are much more integrated and technologically advanced. Today's electric bidet seats have come a long way from the French pony days, and they can be easily added to the toilet you already have. Now, a bidet seat attaches to your toilet and connects directly to your home's fresh water supply through a simple T-valve, which ensures that the water it sprays is separate from that of the toilet bowl.

Why is a bidet a must-have amenity?

A bidet not only elevates your bathroom design, but it also provides physical, financial and sanitary benefits. Bidets improve health and wellness because they're more hygienic than the alternative. Bidets can also help people with mobility issues due to aging or physical disabilities, or temporary challenges that occur postpartum or after surgery. Homeowners love that bidets prevent common plumbing problems caused by flushing lots of toilet paper or wipes.

Does using a bidet feel different from wiping with toilet paper alone?

Using a bidet is a gentle and refreshing experience that only takes a few seconds. You can still use a bit of toilet paper, though some bidets even have air dryers.

Modern electric bidet seats are specifically designed with your comfort in mind, with tech-driven features and adjustable settings that enable you to personalize your experience. Coway's Bidetmega 400S and Bidetmega 500S, for example, feature a three-stage wash that automatically varies the angles and water pressure to remove residue, plus customizable user profiles with memory settings that remember your preferences.

Are bidets safe and hygienic?

Bidets are very safe and incredibly hygienic. The water they spray comes from the same clean source as the water you use to brush your teeth or wash your face. Keeping a bidet clean can also be very simple. Many of the latest bidets are designed with hygienic features like a self-cleaning nozzle, antimicrobial materials and coatings, and germ-killing UV lights.

Do I need to hire a pricey plumber to install a bidet?

Bidet seats are easy to install directly onto your existing toilet. Just measure your toilet to determine if it is elongated or round, then match your bidet to that shape. You only need basic tools and about 30 minutes - no plumber necessary. Upgrading your bathroom has never been simpler!

What cutting-edge features do the most technologically advanced bidets have these days?

Today's smart bidets don't just clean you - they clean themselves, adapt to your comfort, save energy and improve safety, compared to basic or old-school models. Coway's most advanced Bidetmega models include features that provide a more hygienic, personalized, convenient and eco-friendly user experience than the average bidet.

For those who prioritize cleanliness and hygiene:

• The auto-cleaning nozzle and bacteria-eliminating UV light, plus WaterShield™ misting spray, prevent toilet bowl germs
• Integrated carbon deodorizer and auto-close lid contain air particles

For those who value personalized comfort:

• Three-stage gentle wash setting with i-wave technology allows for customized water pressure, motion and spray patterns
• Adjustable nozzle position, seat warmth, built-in dryer, water temperature and water pressure offer unparalleled comfort
• User profiles save your personalized settings

For those who seek practical convenience:

• Nightlight for easy midnight bathroom visits
• Wireless remote with docking station or wall mount for convenience
• Tankless design instantly heats only the water you need, with no waste
• Eco Mode reduces energy use when idle and decreases seat temperature to prevent overheating

Treat yourself to the modern bathroom upgrade you deserve. To learn more about bidets, discover the latest features and find out why so many Americans are finally joining the bidet bandwagon, visit https://cowaymega.com/pages/bidets.