Ok the hygiene never struck me. Like how it was or is unhygienic. But you have different issues in the UK compared to Pakland. here the water temp is just right, always cos I don’t use heating and when the water isn’t ok, I use a bucket with pre filled water at the right temperature.
we don’t have the capsule issue here cos again, temperature differences of climate between your place and mine.
you can choose to prop the foam up against the sink wall slightly, which is what I do, so he never is fully reclined. and when they start sitting it isn’t an issue anyway.
My kid is a total water baby and as long as I let him play with a running faucet, he will be as still as I want him to be under threat of being taken out!! hehehehe