Catheter supplies are items used in conjunction with a catheter to manage urinary function. Some of these products include drain bags, catheter holders, and lubricants. All of these medical supplies make living with a catheter easier and more manageable. Express Medical sells accessories for every type of catheter, so you're sure to find what you need.
Lubricating Jelly
Lubricating jelly is often used along with an intermittent catheter. Some intermittent catheters come pre-lubricated, while others do not. If you purchase catheters that are not pre-lubricated, adding in a separate lubricant will make insertion easier and more comfortable. Lubricating jelly makes the surface of the catheter slick and reduces friction, This means you will not have to apply as much pressure in order to insert your intermittent catheter. Reducing the amount of pressure lowers the risk of causing urethral trauma. We carry lubricating jelly in tubes as well as individual packets, which are easy to take on the go.
External Catheter Fasteners
The primary accessory used with external catheters is a condom catheter fastener. These are strips that wrap around the penis to keep your external catheter in place. Condom catheter fasteners are available in foam or fabric materials. The foam straps are disposable and use adhesive to keep the catheter secure.
Some foam catheter strips have adhesive only on one side, while others have adhesive on both sides. The one-sided adhesive straps are worn on the outer surface of the condom catheter. The two-sided adhesive strips are meant to be worn underneath the catheter against your skin. Another option is to use fabric catheter straps. These use velcro to secure the catheter. They are reusable and can be washed as needed. Because fabric straps do not have adhesive, they are the best option for people with adhesive allergies.
Foley Catheter Holders and Irrigation Kits
Many people use foley catheter holders and irrigation kits in conjunction with foley catheters. Some foley catheter holders use adhesive and others are elastic bands. Both are meant to stabilize the end of the foley catheter and prevent it from being pulled on or coming out of place. The adhesive variety consists of small pads or strips with a sticky backing and a clamp or velcro closure that the tubing sits beneath. The elastic bands do not use adhesive. They are soft, stretchy fabric straps that go around the thigh with a closure tab. These are a great alternative for people with delicate skin or adhesive allergies.
Another common item purchased with a foley catheter is a foley irrigation kit. These kits contain supplies like syringes and sterile water that allow you to flush out your foley catheter. Irrigating the catheter removes any build-up or blockages within the catheter and balloon. Foley catheter kits also include gloves and underpads, which increase sanitation during irrigation.
Collection Bags
There are several catheter products that are used with both foley catheters and external catheters. These include drainage bags, catheter tubing, and leg bag holders. The two types of drainage bags include catheter leg bags and overnight urine bags. A leg bag is meant to be worn during the day while you are up and moving. It can be worn on your thigh or calf depending on your preference.
An overnight bag is a larger-capacity urine bag that is used while you sleep. Its large size prevents you from having to empty the urine bag during the night. Catheter tubing is used along with each type of drainage bag. It connects to the end of a foley or condom catheter and allows urine flow into the drain bag or bottle. A leg bag is held in place by a catheter bag holder or adjustable leg straps. A leg bag holder is a fabric sleeve with a pocket on the side that your drainage bag slides into. Leg bag straps are placed around the top and bottom of the drainage bag. The straps can be made out of fabric or latex and fastened using velcro or buttons.
Please see our leg bag holder and strap guide to help decide which option is best for you.
Order Catheter Supplies Online
Get the right catheter accessories to manage urinary incontinence comfortably. Easily purchase supplies for your urinary catheter online now!
