What is a Hydrophilic Catheter?

The term hydrophilic means “water-loving.” The hydrophilic catheter is a special type of intermittent catheter covered with a unique polymer coating that can bind onto water molecules. When activated by water, the polymer coating absorbs and binds water to the catheter tube. The catheter becomes extremely slippery, making catheterization smooth and effortless. Thus, hydrophilic catheters are self-lubricating, eliminating the need for lubricating gels when performing intermittent catheterization.

HPFY offers a wide assortment of hydrophilic urinary catheters for friction-free and pain-free insertion and removal of the catheter. We have hydrophilic intermittent catheters from top brands like Lubricath, Lofric, Rusch, etc.

How do Hydrophilic Urinary Catheters work? The hydrophilic catheter is just like any other type of catheter. It is a thin, hollow, flexible tube that is inserted into the urethra to drain urine into a toilet bowl or liquid waste receptacle. The hydrophilic catheter is a pre-lubricated one with a special coating applied during the manufacturing process and thus does not require manual lubrication. When the hydrophilic coating is submerged in water, the catheter tube is uniformly lubricated and remains intact, and maintains lubrication through the length of the urethra minimizing friction and trauma to the urethra. The hydrophilic catheter comes in both straight tip and coude tip to suit the user’s unique needs and maximize individual comfort.

Benefits of Hydrophilic Catheter

Enhances patient comfort

The hydrophilic catheter is designed to offer a more comfortable solution for self-catheterization. The pre-lubricated layer of coating allows for smoother insertion and withdrawal than traditional lubrication. These catheters are ideal for those with heightened sensitivity and who find self-catheterization uncomfortable or painful. Since most people require to use 4-5 catheters per day, using hydrophilic catheters can help reduce irritation and discomfort.

Minimizes urethral injuries

Frequent intermittent self-catheterization can cause urethral injury if the tubing is not properly lubricated. Since hydrophilic catheters are covered evenly with the polymer, they are more slippery and glide along the urethra with less friction than a typical catheter with lubricant. This greatly reduces pain, inflammation, and injury over time. Research has shown that hydrophilic catheters reduce the likelihood of hematuria.

Improves quality of life

You do not need to manually lubricate the catheter, which makes the catheterization more convenient and hassle-free. All you need to do is just squeeze the sterile water pouch and let the water enter the package to soak the catheter. You do not need to carry lubrication gel wherever you go, and you can easily use a hydrophilic catheter in a public restroom.

Provides hygienic catheterization

Hydrophilic catheters are more hygienic as you do not have to touch them for lubricant application. Furthermore, some catheters come with an insertion aid that allows performing the procedure without touching the catheter. This greatly reduces the chances of bacteria, viruses, and germs transferring from your hands into the urethra.

Reduces Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Clinical study findings indicate that there is less urethral tissue trauma, which may reduce the chances of invasion by UTI-causing bacteria and may help reduce the incidence of UTIs. Furthermore, catheterization is performed under utmost sterile conditions, reducing the chances of urinary tract infection.

How do you activate a Hydrophilic Coated Catheter?

The hydrophilic catheter gets activated when it comes in contact with water. Older versions of intermittent catheters did not incorporate a sterile water pouch and required the user to have a sterile water source for catheterization. Nowadays, manufacturers include a packet of sterile water or saline solution in the package itself.

If the catheter comes with a sterile water packet, then apply pressure with the thumb and forefinger to release or burst the packet to activate the hydrophilic properties of the catheter.
Ensure that all the solution is released from the packet and that it has fully coated the catheter.
Wait for 30 seconds to let the catheter soak and fully hydrate. This step is necessary for it to become fully lubricated.
Once the lubrication on the catheter tube is activated, the catheter is ready for insertion.
It will remain moist and slippery during the entire process of catheterization.

Where can I buy a Hydrophilic Catheter online?

If you are a catheter user, you are in the right place. Health Products For You supplies superior quality catheters to your doorstep at affordable prices. Your satisfaction and comfort are our priority. If you are looking for hydrophilic catheters, we have a huge catalog of products from top-selling manufacturers like Bard, Coloplast, Teleflex, etc. Shop now!