NEW PRODUCTS

A pedal you’ll want to meddle with

The fear of touching the handle on a toilet tends to force you to flush with your feet. Or, maybe you’re the type that flushes with a paper towel to protect your hands from the scum that calls the toilet home. Germaphobes everywhere can finally relax. The first hands- and germ-free alternative for flushing the toilet has arrived.

Foot Flush was designed to make life easier — for everyone. Besides helping the hygienically concerned, those who suffer from back problems, arthritis and limited mobility also can enjoy relief. No more twisting or bending to reach that handle. Kids also can benefit from the convenience of Foot Flush. The device can help make potty training fun, getting your little ones to remember to flush.

Setup is simple. Foot Flush is compatible with 99 percent of toilets, and installation requires no tools at all. When it comes time to scrub the floor, simply lift up the pedal. To clean the pedal itself, simply wipe with an anti-bacterial, disinfecting cloth.

The durable plastic foot lasts for nearly 1 million flushes, which is long enough for a family of five to continue using for 10 years.

Foot Flush is available in white for both classic- and oval-shaped commodes.

Buy the Foot Flush online at www.footflush.com for $29.95.

BEDROOM

Fire Defender makes for a safe night’s rest

After the kitchen, bedrooms are the second most likely location of fire origin when a home erupts into flames. The materials inside mattresses are flammable and can ignite in seconds. Louisville Bedding Co., with its new Fire Defender Sleep System, is here to make mattress sets much more flame resistant.

The first product of its kind on the market, the patent-pending Fire Defender is a two-piece mattress pad and box spring cover set. It may look and feel like a traditional mattress pad, but it is so much more. The fiberfill is reinforced with flame-resistant threads at all critical seams.

When used properly, the system will protect mattress sets from igniting for up to 30 minutes, giving families the time they need to escape a blaze.

Fire Defender’s cover set fits perfectly over existing mattresses and is a cost-effective alternative to buying a flame-resistant mattress in its entirety.

Guaranteed to fit all mattresses up to 15 inches deep, the set is enhanced with Louisville Bedding’s patented Expand-A-Grip skirt system.

The Fire Defender Sleep System is available in all sizes at www.sears.com, www.lnt.com, www.jcpenny.com, www.dillards.com and www.target.com. Prices range from $99.99 to $229.99.

HOME DECOR

Innovative garment holder to the rescue

Hanging your favorite sweater on a traditional peg-type hook can have a negative effect. Where the sweater should fit on the back of your neck, it instead pops out — the distorted knit will never be the same.

Sweaters are not the only victims of such hooks. All clothes are susceptible to hook-caused trauma.

Take heed — the Art of Storage has an innovative solution to this issue and it’s called the Bach Garment Holder. Beautifully composed, of high-grade stainless steel, it is ideal for use indoors and out, at home or at the office.

The sleek design, which is available is several styles, features a seamless weld that makes the holder one continuous loop. Each piece has a fine-brushed metal appearance due to its electro-polish and hand-finishing.

The Bach comes with silver and black interchangeable faceplates that can be painted to match any décor. That way, you can customize the garment holder to match your interior. Each style comes in small or standard sizes, perfect for fitting into smaller closets or behind doorways.

The Bach Garment hook costs $12.99. It is available at www.theartofstorage.com.

Aquarium turns fish into living art work

With AquaVista Inc.’s new Aquavista 500, you’ll be sure to have a real conversation piece in your home. The patented Aquavista 500 is a real aquarium that hangs on your wall like a painting. This is a fish tank like no other.

The space-saving fish tank is mounted flush to your wall with a steel bracket that comes with the aquarium. With dimensions of 26 inches by 26 inches and a 4 1/2-inch depth, it can hold around 6 gallons of water. With its highly developed design and construction, the aquarium practically requires no work at all.

The user-friendly control interface with a built-in LCD display panel lets you monitor and maintain the temperature, filtration, oxygen and lighting in the aquarium without any trouble. Maintenance should take less than 15 minutes a month.

Once you add some tropical fish, you’ll be able to see them distortion-free through the shatter-resistant, polycarbonate-viewing screen.

Available accessories include 3-D backgrounds, and contemporary and wood picture frames that are easy to install.

The AquaVista 500 retails for $299.99 and is available at www.aquavista.com.

PETS

Hitch a ride in style, luxury

Bark n’ Bag’s newly introduced pet carriers offer porthole ventilation instead of mesh. Stylish totes are specifically designed to ensure the safety, comfort and convenience of your treasured hound or feline.

The Carrier One bag features a reinforced vinyl case, a generous shoulder strap and sturdy, oversized zippers for easy opening. When not in use, the bag folds up for storage. Carrier One is ideal for pets up to 15 inches in length.

Order Bark n’ Bag’s Carrier One online at www.barknbag.com for $80.

Tossable food bowl a healthy choice

Bamboo Pet Center introduces the Feed + Toss Disposable Bowl System to make feeding your pets cleaner and easier. Your pet will devour its meals when they find their food fresh and odor-free.

The durable liners snap into the base. The measurement markings on the liners assure accurate portions for wet or dry food and water. And, while the liners are disposable and recyclable, they are strong enough to reuse. Both the liners and the base can be washed in the dishwasher.

The heavyweight base features an easy-to-grab handle and a nonskid base so your dog or cat can stay in one place as they dine. The bases are available in green, blue and pink, as well as various sizes to accommodate the differences between canines and felines.

The dog and cat bowls are available at Petco. Prices start at $2.99, depending on size, style and the number of disposable liners purchased.

— Compiled by Vicki Marquette