What are Pocket Catheters?
As the name suggests, the pocket catheter is compact enough to fit in your pocket. Pocket catheters usually refer to intermittent catheters, and they serve the same purpose as any regular catheter does. Changing a catheter in public or carrying one everywhere seems difficult and even embarrassing for some. Pocket catheters are the perfect fix for them. They are packed in small packages making them compact and discreet. Intermittent pocket catheters can be carried around in a pocket, a purse, briefcase, backpack, or makeup bag. Interestingly, some pocket catheters are ultra-compact that you can hide them in the palm of your hand.
HPFY offers a huge collection of pocket catheters in varied sizes and types for men, women, and children from top brands like Speedicath, Lofric, etc. Shop now and live with enhanced privacy and comfort!
Types of Pocket Catheters
- Curved Packaging Pocket Catheters – Though pocket catheters are compact, you need not have to comprise the length of the tube. Foldable pocket catheters in curved packaging are flexible catheters that are curved and packed inside a discreet package. These are made from tough material so that there is no kinking and bending of the tube. Cure Extra Long Male Pocket Catheter is ideal for people who use wheelchairs and prefer to avoid the inconvenience of transfers.
- Compact Pocket Catheters - Available for both men and women, these pocket catheters are packed in a compact case like lipstick or mascara. These are shorter than standard pocket catheters but still long enough to reach the bladder and drain urine. They come in coude tip and curved tip options as well. Coloplast SpeediCath Compact Female Intermittent Catheter is about the same size as lipstick and convenient and discreet for women who self-catheterize.
- Pocket Closed System Catheters - These pocket catheters are a set of intermittent catheters with an all-in-one collection system. These pocket catheter systems include an intermittent catheter with an introducer tip that reduce the risk of infections.
Benefits of Portable Catheters
- Enhance privacy and comfort: Pockets catheters are compact and discreet and offer users a greater sense of privacy. Carrying a visible standard catheter can make the user feel uncomfortable and embarrassing.
- Reduce infections: The catheters come packed in sterile saline solution reducing the chances of infections. The protective sleeve around the catheter allows the user to grip the catheter without the risk of contaminating the catheter or the tip.
- Encourage self-catheterization: Pocket catheters are simple and ready-to-use sets and can be inserted without causing any trauma. The patient can independently handle the catheterization both in and out of the home without worrying about the risk of urethral damage. Before self-catheterization, one must follow the instructions of a trained healthcare professional.
- Increase freedom and self-esteem: People who use compact catheters often feel greater freedom and control over their lives as they can empty their bladder anytime and anywhere. The hassle-free catheterization allows them to concentrate on other things and help them achieve what they want to in their life.
- Allow to lead an active lifestyle: People who like to travel, participate in different activities, or stay active in general, may find pocket catheters convenient to carry around and live actively with the least hindrance.
How to choose the right Pocket Catheter?
Length
The most important feature to consider is the length of the tube. Typically, standard intermittent catheters come in various lengths depending upon the user’s needs. The male (unisex) catheter generally is around 16 inches long, female catheters are about 6 inches long, and pediatric catheters for children are around 10 inches. Pocket catheters either come in standard length or shorter than the standard size. Before buying a pocket catheter, consult your healthcare provider to help you get the one that meets your specific needs.
Lubrication
A catheter with a hydrophilic coating does not require the application of lubricating jelly, which eliminates the need to touch the catheter tube, reducing the possibility of germs contaminating the urethra. If you experience pain or difficulty during insertion, it is good to try a hydrophilic catheter.
The compact catheters come with a straight tip or Coude tip. Coude tip catheter has a slight bend or angle to the tip that allows the catheter to easily glide past blockages, tight spots, or enlarged prostates to empty the bladder. If you cannot use a straight tip catheter or experience pain, you may try a coude tip catheter.
How to use an Intermittent Female Catheter?
- Gather the supplies and prepare the area.
- Wash hands thoroughly with mild soap and water.
- Position yourself for the process.
- Open the package and remove the catheter from it.
- Spread the labia apart and cleanse around the opening of the urethra with a non-alcoholic wet wipe and use each wipe once.
- Wipe or wash from front to back to prevent the transfer of any bacteria and cause an infection.
- Ensure the catheter does not touch anything before insertion into the urethra.
- Hold it in one hand, and with the other hand, advance the catheter forward until the tip of the catheter fills the protective tip, taking care that the catheter does not protrude from the tip.
- Slowly and gently insert the protective tip until the base comes in contact with the urethral opening.
- Release the labia. Keep the protective tip in place and insert the catheter until it reaches the bladder and the urine starts to flow.
- Once the urine flow stops, slowly withdraw the catheter to ensure the bladder is empty. Then remove the catheter using gentle movements.
- Empty the collection bag and dispose of the catheter in a waste bin.
- Wash your hands with mild soap and water.
Where to buy Portable Catheters online?
Health Products For You is your one-stop-shop for all your urological supplies. We stocked up our inventory with a huge collection of compact catheters from leading manufacturers like Coloplast, Cure Medical, Astra Tech, etc. Shop now for hassle-free catheterization and peace of mind. Place your order today!
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