Hunting for a public restroom? There's an app for that

To sit or to squat? If you've ever used a public restroom, you've likely faced the dilemma of how to protect your patootie from a toilet that looks like it hasn't seen a scrubbing brush since the creation of indoor plumbing.

The question is compelling for many Americans; google the words "public restroom survey" and you'll get nearly a million returns, including some less-than-scientific results. "Public restroom opinions" yields a whopping 793 million results. Clearly, Americans have a lot to say about where they do their business when they're out and about.

So finding a clean bathroom is no small issue, especially if you'll be among the millions of Americans taking a vacation this summer. Whether traveling with small children or alone on business, no one wants to get caught with no place to "go" when nature calls. But what do you do when you just can't find a public restroom? Or worse, can't find one that's clean enough for human use?

Technology to the rescue! The cheekily named app SitOrSquat by Charmin solves the problem by helping users find a restroom on their mobile device when they're out and about.

The free app allows legions of clean-conscious users to share information on the availability, quality and cleanliness of public restrooms in cities across the country. The recently updated app now includes better functionality, features and information, including locations, ratings, photos and helpful hints for more than 125,000 public johns.

Heading out on a summer road trip with the family? SitOrSquat - named one of the best apps for moms in the December/January issue of Parenting Magazine - can help you plan your stops around facilities that offer changing stations for the diaper set. Visiting an unfamiliar city on business? The app can take the guesswork out of finding a clean public restroom by displaying all the nearest "sit" locations - which indicates a clean restroom - and "squat" locations that are the pit stops of last resort.

Users access the app's database through their iPhone, iPod Touch or Android, and can add new locations, then rate their experiences. It's available in English and Spanish and even allows you to log in through your Facebook account, although it's not required.

With technology making it possible for users to share reviews and information about bathroom experiences, it's now easier than ever to find a bathroom when you're on the road. Visit www.sitorsquat.com to download the free app.