Adjusting to the use of catheters for urinary incontinence can be difficult. However, the benefits of such implements far outweigh the negatives, as diligence and proper application and care of your catheters can lead to a dramatic increase in quality of life.

Catheter Sanitation

One of the primary challenges of catheter use is practicing proper sanitation to minimize the risks of infection, rashes, and other uncomfortable or dangerous complications. The first line of defense in catheter sanitation is changing your catheter with appropriate frequency. Medicare allows for up to 200 intermittent catheters per month. With 200 catheters, you can cath at least 6 times a day and still have extra catheters at the end of the month. When you frequently change your catheter, you ensure the catheter is clean and sterile. Sterile catheters dramatically decrease urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

One of the primary sources of complications doesn't come from the catheter. Inadequate cleaning of the bands and the area around the catheter contributes to most complications. Since replacing catheters can introduce dirt and bacteria into your body, it is very important to thoroughly sterilize the area around the catheter at every possible opportunity. Frequent hand washing with mild soap and warm water is the first line of defense. Clean hands preserve the catheter's sterility and keep bacteria out of your body.

Using a New Catheter

When opening new catheters, preserve their sterility by keeping them contained in their sterile wrapping until the application, and be careful not to place new sterile catheters on any contaminated surface. Aeroflow Healthcare recommends that you use hydrophilic catheters. Hydrophilic catheters are coated with sterile saline, as opposed to the sterile water used in standard indwelling catheters. This can provide a greater degree of overall sanitation, but more importantly, a much higher level of comfort when inserting the catheter. Because saline mimics the natural membranes and lubricants our body, you experience less difficulty with catheterization.

By practicing good hygiene and sanitation habits, you will be much less likely to experience any complications arising from catheter use. If you are experiencing any adverse health conditions which require the use of indwelling or external catheters, get your free catheter sample today to see how your quality of life can be measurably improved.

Information provided on the Aeroflow Urology blog is not intended as a substitute to medical advice or care. Aeroflow recommends consulting your healthcare provider if you are experiencing medical issues relating to incontinence.

How does an indwelling catheter work, and what makes it different than other types of catheters? If you or someone you know needs to get a catheter, you may be asking yourself the same questions. Hopefully, this blog can help you find the answer to your questions.

Foley Catheters

Foley catheters are the most common type of indwelling catheters. Unlike intermittent catheters, indwelling catheters can stay inside of you for prolonged periods of time. This is especially helpful for those who are bed ridden, have a bedriddenralysis, enlarged prostates, or those who are sedated.

There are two basic types of Foley catheters that you can use: Two Channel and Three Channel.

A two channel indwelling catheter is set up with two external ports which convene into one tube that is divided into two channels. The first channel goes two ways and is used for draining urine out of the bladder and into the drainage bag.

The other channel is used to fill up a balloon with sterilized water. This balloon rests just beyond the entrance to the bladder holding the catheter in place.

Three channel catheters are very similar; however the third channel is used to fill the bladder with saline solution for cleansing.

If you are looking for a brand new indwelling catheter, Aeroflow is here for you. We can help you find the right catheter for you through your insurance. Whether you need an indwelling catheter, intermittent catheter or external catheter we can help you find it.

Our trained staff will collect your insurance information, as well as doctor’s notes to insure that you get the best possible supplies to fit your needs. You can call us toll free, at (888) 345-1780. You can also qualify for a catheter on our site through our ‘Qualify Through Insurance’ form.  We look forward to hearing from you, and are ready to help you with all of your catheter needs.

Information provided on the Aeroflow Urology blog is not intended as a substitute to medical advice or care. Aeroflow recommends consulting your healthcare provider if you are experiencing medical issues relating to incontinence.