In principle, we shouldn’t be embarrassed by the sounds our bodies make when we go to the toilet. But in reality, most of us are and we’d prefer others not to hear them. Especially in small houses, this can be a constant source of distress and here’s where Japanese designers, who know all about both small houses and how not to be a nuisance to others, enter the stage and offer ingenious toilet sound mufflers like the Toilet Sound-Masking Eco Melody II!
This device is a perfect example of Japanese design philosophy, which often focuses on solving subtle social dilemmas with high-tech grace. In Japan, these gadgets are affectionately known as ‘Sound Princesses.’ They cater to the cultural desire for privacy and the avoidance of ‘meiwaku’—the act of being a nuisance to others. By mimicking the sound of running water, the Eco Melody II provides a polite auditory barrier, turning a potentially stressful moment into one of peace and discretion.
What makes the Toilet Sound-Masking Eco Melody II one of the best choices among such devices is its versatility: you can just place it on a shelf in your restroom, hang it from a string, or fix it on the wall using the wooden screws or double-sided tape it comes with. The device itself is 75 x 87 x 31 mm (2.9 x 3.4 x 1.2″) big, weighs a mere 64 g (2.3 oz) and needs just two AA batteries to work. When activated, it fills the air with up to 80 dB worth of running water sound, enough to drown out those annoying bodily sounds!
The Eco Melody II is packed with thoughtful features. It is sensor-operated, so there is no need to touch the unit, ensuring a hygienic experience. Users can adjust the volume with high and low control buttons to suit the size of their restroom. Crafted from durable ABS plastic, it is designed for efficiency, offering approximately 4,000 uses on a single set of batteries. While the manual is in Japanese, its intuitive operation means you will have your new privacy shield up and running in no time.
