A soft close toilet seat uses a slow-closing mechanism to prevent the seat from slamming shut. The mechanism typically consists of a damping system that slows the movement of the seat as it’s being lowered.
There are two types of soft close mechanism:
- Hydraulic or gas-charged dampers: These use a small piston or cylinder filled with compressed gas or oil to slow the descent of the seat. As the seat is lowered, the piston or cylinder is compressed, absorbing some of the energy and slowing the motion.
- Mechanical dampers: These use a spring-loaded mechanism to slow the descent of the seat. As the seat is lowered, the spring is compressed, absorbing some of the energy and slowing the motion.
Both types of soft close mechanism are built into the hinges of the toilet seat and work by slowing the descent of the seat as it is being lowered. This allows the seat to close gently and quietly, rather than slamming shut.
Pros and cons of soft close toilet seats
Pros of a soft close toilet seat include:
- Reduced noise: The soft close mechanism allows the seat to close slowly and quietly, which can be especially beneficial in homes with multiple bathrooms or in bedrooms located near bathrooms.
- Safety: The slow closing motion can reduce the risk of injury from the seat slamming shut, particularly for children or elderly individuals.
- Longevity: The soft close mechanism can prolong the life of the seat by reducing wear and tear on the hinges. Especially true if you have kids who tend to slam toilet seats.
Cons of a soft close toilet seat include:
- Cost: Soft close toilet seats tend to be more expensive than standard seats.
- Difficulty of installation: The installation process for a soft close seat may be more complex than for a standard seat and may involve a bit more work than a standard one.
- Potential for failure: The soft close mechanism can malfunction over time, requiring replacement or repair. If it cracks or breaks, the soft close functionality will stop working and the seat will fall normally like a standard one.
Summary
Soft close toilet seats are a great addition to any bathroom as they reduce noise, improve safety, increase longevity, and provide an aesthetic appeal. Some people prefer the look of the soft close toilet seat as it gives a more polished and sophisticated look to the bathroom.
It’s worth considering if you want a more comfortable and polished bathroom.