Lobex Technology Seeks Paydirt In Douche Market

Yang Jong-yiao, general manager of Lobex Technology Corp., is a technology-innovation enthusiast. Over the past 20 years or so he has won 20 patents on his various bright ideas, including a one-piece F.R.P. (fiber-reinforced plastic) bathtub. Recently, he introduced a patented douche mechanism for bidets.

Unlike most other douche systems, which are noted for their elaborate computerized controllers, Yang's system features a simple but pragmatic controlling mechanism. His device pumps out water by taking advantage of the siphon-vacuum theory, which eliminates the need for any electric power for pumping. "This means fewer malfunctions and lower costs," he says.

Comparing his product with a fully computerized system, Yang says his can serve for an unlimited length of time, while electronics-laden systems perform efficiently for five years at most. A fully computerized system can cost 10 times or more that of Yang's new line of products incorporating his mechanism, which are available at retail prices of about NT$5,000 (US$151 at US$1:NT$33) a unit.

Making a product attractive for budget-conscious consumers was not Yang's only motivation to develop the douche. Healthcare was another decisive concern. The washer's spray is such that it massages the anus area, thus helping hemorrhoid sufferers, according to Yang. Three consulting medical specialists offered him this idea.

Citing statistics released by Taiwan's Bureau of National Health Insurance (BNHI), Yang notes that Taiwan's people spent NT$19.3 billion (US$585 million) on treatment for anus-related diseases in 2001 alone. "These diseases have been associated with bacteria in residue around the anus," Yang stresses. He says that in an attempt to address such diseases the Japanese government began educating its people to use shower bidets after World War II--believing such diseases could "erode a nation's foundation." Today, he says, 43% to 45% of the Japanese population has used such devices.

Only around 6% of people in Taiwan now use this type of bidet. "Beyond reasons related to personal budgets, insufficient government education and people's shyness lead to the low use of the device here," Yang observes. "Unfortunately, the Chinese are one of the world's populations that tends to have a prevalence of anus-related diseases. As the Chinese expression goes: 'Nine out of ten men are hemorrhoid suffers.'"

Nevertheless, the low penetration of shower bidets in Taiwan, to Yang, holds out big hope. "It suggests that room here for the customer base to grow is very ample," he optimistically estimates.

Yang's douche mechanism targets do-it-yourself consumers, and his firm markets the products through direct-sales channels, a strategy Yang thinks will lead to significant purchases in short order. Each system package is composed of a simple installation-tools kit, a douche device with an accompanying timer and nozzle, a flexible pipe, a plumb joint, and fasteners.

The water pumped out swirls, largely increasing the chance of cleaning up residue around anus. Injection time can be set on the timer, and the nozzle is 360-degree adjustable so that it can also clean women's urethra and vulva. The nozzle is made of erosion-resistant ABS plastic material and coated with nanometer-class TiO2, which is known for efficiency in suppressing bacteria growth on the device itself. Water-jet strength is adjusted with a precision ceramic device, ensuring consistency. "The device also reduces the chance of prostate problems because it massages the area surrounding the anus," Yang reports.

The system is designed for users in low- and middle-latitude regions because it does not send out warm water. For consumers in high-latitude regions, the company will introduce a type that spouts warm water in March this year. The warm-water type, which is powered by electricity, uses a chip to maintain the water temperature between 35 and 40 degrees Centigrade. If the temperature goes beyond the ceiling limit, the chip will cut off power.

Currently, Yang's company puts out 50,000 washers a month. He expects the domestic market to grow sharply in three to five years not only because of health care concern but also environmental protection reason. "The washer reduces the use of toilet papers, eliminating the chance of polluting the environment with waste papers and cutting trees to make the papers," Yang stresses.

Because of their simple structure, Yang's patented washers can be easily copied. However, he is not worried, saying copying is a major force to push him present new products quickly. Next year, he plans to introduce a smarter type that is installed with a voice interface, which can remind users of flushing their excretion in the bidets and uncapping or capping the bidets as well as even play music.

A much more health-enhancing type is ready for commercialization in near future after acquiring patent approvals. The latest type can detect users' physical conditions by measuring various vital values such as cholesterol, uric acid, and saccharide. "The accuracy can reach 85%," Yang reports.

Yang has been involved in the bathroom-equipment manufacturing business for nearly 30 years. Before starting Lobex, he was involved in the manufacturing of one-piece FRP (glass-fiber reinforced plastic) tub-basins designed for use in Sanyo Taiwan's washing machines, winning patents on the innovation in the 1970s. Afterward he applied the idea to bathtubs.