Important points to consider

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

• Some people have problems with only one hand and this may present less of a problem than if both hands are affected. Some products can be managed single-handedly, while others may require two hands but can be managed if one hand has reduced function.

• Different products require different hand control skills. For example, some products require good control of fine movements – such as opening the packaging and putting on a sheath. In contrast, handheld urinals do not require fine movements, but require some strength of grip and arm in order to lift and move them when full.

• Hand control may change from day to day or month to month and you may need to use different products at different times.

Product suggestions

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

Absorbent products

• Pull-on style products that are similar to pants tend to be easier to manage. However, you do have to remove lower clothing in order to get them on. If you find changing lower clothing difficult then pull-up style pants may not be suitable for you.

• The methods for securing some pads need reasonably good hand control. For example, the mesh stretch pants used to secure some larger pads can roll up like tights and be difficult to pull into place.

• To secure larger pads, try using lycra-based pants which may be available as part of a normal underwear range.

• The adhesive tabs used in all-in-one pads or safety pins used to secure some more traditional washable products require good finger control.

• Pad manufacturers often provide guidance and tips on how to apply pads in different positions.

• Belted pads are designed to be easy to put on. The belt can be secured in place while sitting and this will hold the pad in place as you stand and fit the pad. However, they have been found to take longer than other designs to put on.¹

• Marsupial or pouch pants can be useful. You or a helper can ‘pre-load’ the pants with the pad and they are relatively easy to pull on.

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

Catheters

Intermittent catheterisation is easiest if you have reasonably good use of your hands because the catheters are fairly small and thin and must be inserted carefully into the urethra.²³ Intermittent catheterisation can also be performed by a helper.

However, special intermittent catheters are available that come with a handle already attached, and specially designed pincer grips are available that make holding a standard catheter easier.

Indwelling catheters are only considered suitable if there are no alternative products to suit you and you are unable to use the toilet safely.

Some aspects of indwelling catheter management can be difficult if hand control is limited:

• The connections between the indwelling catheter and the urine collection bag is designed to be hard to disconnect to prevent infection and leakage, but this means connection and disconnection requires some fine hand control and strength.

• Straps used to support urine collection bags can be difficult to attach to the bag and to fix in position. A leg bag support garment or holster might be easier.

• Opening and closing the drainage tap on the urine collection bag can be difficult for some people, but there are a range of types available so it is worth trying a few to work out which you find easiest to use.

You can find more information about catheters and accessories here.

Female devices

Internal vaginal devices can be difficult to manage if your hand control is poor. They are quite small and a steady hand is required to insert them into the vagina and to ensure precise positioning without increasing the risk of damage to the skin or the introduction of infection.

You can find more information about female devices here.

Male devices

Male devices vary in the level of hand control required to use them. Some male devices require fine hand control.

Unwrapping packaging and putting on a sheath that has to be rolled over the penis, managing the straps of a body-worn urinal, and connecting devices to a urine collection bag can require fine hand control.

The closure mechanism of penile compression devices often requires good grip for use.

Men might find body-worn urinals that are secured in place with a garment (similar to a jock strap or a pant) easier to use than one with straps. A helper could be asked to set up straps on a body-worn urinal so you can pull it up over your legs and body into place.

You can find more information about male devices here.

Faecal devices

Some faecal devices, for example anal plugs and inserts, are small and require careful placement to avoid discomfort and damage to the skin.

Anal plugs are removed by gently pulling on a string. This might be difficult if your finger strength is poor.

You can find more information about faecal devices here.

Toileting aids

• Toileting aids such as hand-held urinals vary widely in the ease with which they can be used. Some have relatively large handles specifically designed for people with limited hand control. Urinals made from soft plastic may be easier to grip.⁴

• Urinals can be hard to manage when full as they are heavy. Some urinals can be connected to a urine collection bag so urine empties directly from the urinal during use.

• If your hands are shaky and spillage is a concern, look for urinals with non-return valves. Some men prefer to use a wide-necked female urinal as it requires less precision to put it in place. Try using super absorbent powder which solidifies the urine thereby reducing the risk of spillage.

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

Tips from products users

• Mesh pants catch very easily on nails, rings, watches and bracelets - try removing these if possible.

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