Important points to consider

There are a number of important factors to consider that can affect product choice:

• Whether you can stand with or without help as certain products are easier to put on in a standing position; for example, pull-up pants (men and women) or body-worn urinals for men.

• Whether you can turn in a standing position; for example, this will allow you to move from a chair to commode.

• Whether you can move to the front of a chair or edge of the bed, as hand held urinals work better in these positions.

• Whether you are able to easily change lower clothing. Some pads, for example disposable pants, require you to remove lower clothing to put them on.

• For some people mobility changes from day to day or month to month. In this case, you may need to think about use of different products to suit your changing needs..

Product suggestions

The sections below give information about product choice and mobility. Click on the links to be taken to the relevant product sections for more detail.

Absorbent products

• Women with good mobility tend to prefer smaller pads which they change more frequently. Men and women who are less mobile and need help changing pads may prefer the security of larger pads even if they are only leaking small amounts of urine as larger pads require changing less frequently.¹

• Some pads are easier to use than others if you have difficulty standing without help.

• Pads and all-in-one pads can be fitted in a sitting position if you are able to lift your buttocks one at a time and pull up stretch pants. They can be fitted when lying down by rolling the body from side to side.

• Belted pads have a belt which is attached around the waist first. The pad part is then pulled between the legs and attached to the belt with reusable tabs. They do not require stretch pants to hold them in place. Although they are designed to be easy to put on when standing up, they have been found to take longer than other designs to put on.²

• Pull-on style products can be more difficult to manage as you have to remove and replace clothing to put these products on.

You can read more information about all types of pads in the sections on Absorbent products for women and Absorbent products for men.

Catheters

• Intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) is possible if you have limited mobility. The key to success with this technique is being able to access the urethral opening in order to insert the catheter. Women who have difficulty opening their legs can try a device called a leg abductor which hold the legs apart to allow catheterisation.

• Some ISC catheters are connected to a urine collection bag which contains the urine until it is convenient to empty it.

• If you are very immobile and cannot manage intermittent catheterisation (and don’t have a helper to do the catheterisation), an indwelling catheter may be necessary. An indwelling catheter can help you manage your bladder leakage without the need for help.

• However, there are some serious risks associated with indwelling catheter use which you need to be aware of. The most important of these are infection and blockage. For this reason indwelling catheters should only be used as a last resort when no other products are suitable.

• The need for an indwelling catheter should be reviewed regularly with your healthcare professional. You should always have a detailed healthcare plan written for your needs.

You can find more information about catheters here.

Male devices

• Male devices are easiest to apply if you can sit on the edge of a chair or bed, or stand up. These positions maximise the penile length allowing the devices to be fitted securely onto or over the penis.

• All male devices can move out of position if you are sitting or moving around. Securing them properly is important to avoid leaks.

• Body-worn urinals are less successful when used in a sitting or lying position. Even if a body-worn urinal has been fitted correctly there is the possibility of the penis slipping out of the cone. This is most likely if you experience penile retraction.

• It is always wise to experiment with these products when at home, before venturing outside.

You can find more information about male devices here.

Female devices

• Internal vaginal devices can be difficult to insert if you are unable to sit over the toilet or stand with your legs apart.

You can find more information about female devices here.

Faecal devices

• Some faecal devices (for example, anal plugs or inserts) may be difficult to insert if you are unable to sit on the toilet, stand or turn over in bed.

You can find more information about products for bowel leakage here.

Toileting aids

• Many toileting aids are designed specifically to help when you have reduced mobility.

• If you are have trouble getting to the toilet you could use a commode.

• If you are unable to transfer onto a commode you might consider using a hand-held urinal. These work best if you can sit on the edge of the bed or chair. They are less successful when sitting back in a chair or lying down. This is especially true for women.

• You may also find a bidet or a bottom wiper useful if you have difficulty reaching down, twisting around or standing to wipe yourself.

Follow these links to find more information about [toileting aids for women and toileting aids for men.

Tips from product users

• Keep different sized pads to suit your activity.

• Always carry spares with you, including plastic bags.

• Constantly 'test' new/different appliances until you are happy with them.

• It may help to have a high bed (if you are using a hand-held urinal or doing Intermittent Self-catheterisation.

• Often it is inconvenient to put down a used urinal whilst adjusting your clothes. Always make sure you have an appropriate surface nearby to place it on so that you can just 'forget' about the full item and not knock it over!

• Have a plastic bag or disposal container handy for used pads and wet wipes. Also one for wet/soiled clothing. Similarly, have dry, replacement linen/nightwear in an easily accessible drawer.

Sharing tips is an important aspect of this website. Please click on Contact to leave your 'user tips'.