Why are toilet seats at home round, but sets at restaraunts and other public places shaped like a horseshoe?

Question

They have that funny gap in the front. Why is that?

They are like that in the women's bathroom too, so I don't think it is a guy thing....

Answer 1

it is probably just a standard toilet seat that they use in both womens and mens toilets, but as per another answer, the gap is for mens dribble - they would just buy the same seats for all - I clean toilets and there is no difference in cleaning from one seat to the other - none is any easier. Using the same toilet seats throughout makes it easier if one breaks and needs replacing :)

Answer 2

I read that it was because "although you probably can't catch anything from a toilet seat, you definitely can't catch anything from a hole in a toilet seat." I think this is more to calm those paranoid folks who won't even sit on the toilet than for actual health reasons.

Answer 3

the expect men to pee standing up at the toilet without picking up the seat and they hope that the open gap will keep the dribble from getting on the seat. at home, when the man has to clean his own mess he will lift the seat.

Answer 4

I think it makes it easier for people in wheelchairs to use the toilet. I know they put these types of toilets/seats in regular stalls too. I think they do it to be uniform.

Answer 5

Not all home toilet seats are round,mine are not,but you are right about them having that odd gap.Does it have something to do with cleaning?

Answer 6

The public restrooms must be large enough to accomodate really fat people, or maybe the larger size helps the disabled sit down easier.

Answer 7

For ease of quick use of toilet papers and tampons

Answer 8

i think it's to keep your pee-pee from touching the seat and leaving germs or crud