Toilet roll holder

Originally intended to hold a stock of replacement rolls, the vertical pole has become the only paper holder in some households.

[1] Examples are the Camitool by the Japanese company Shikoku, which uses motion sensors to dispense the toilet paper;[2] the SCOTT by Kimberly-Clark, released in 2007, which is also motion activated, though also has a manual knob;[3] and the OriFuji, introduced in 2015, which automatically cuts the toilet paper and folds it into a neat triangle shape.

Arguments range from aesthetics, hospitality, and cleanliness to paper conservation, ease of detaching sheets, and compatibility with pets.

[6] Some writers have proposed that preference for one orientation over the other may have connections to age, sex, or political philosophy, and survey evidence has shown a correlation with socioeconomic status.

[7] Some particular advantages cited for each orientation include: hanging over reduces the risk of accidentally brushing the wall or cabinet with one's knuckles, potentially transferring grime and germs;[8] makes it easier to visually locate and to grasp the loose end;[9] gives the option to fold over the last sheet to show that the room has been cleaned;[10] and is generally the intended direction of viewing for the manufacturer's branding, so patterned toilet paper looks better this way.

[11] The under position provides a tidier appearance, in that the loose end can be more hidden from view;[12][13] reduces the risk of a toddler or a house pet such as a cat unrolling the toilet paper when batting at the roll;[14] and in a recreational vehicle may reduce unrolling during driving.

[15] Partisans have claimed that each method makes it easier to tear the toilet paper on a perforated sheet boundary.

[25] According to W. C. Privy's Original Bathroom Companion, Number 2, "By more than 4 to 1, older folks prefer to have their toilet paper dispense over the front.