Reducing trauma during catheter insertion is essential if you are diagnosed with urine retention and told to use intermittent catheters. Pre-slipping the catheter contributes to a more comfortable encounter.
To prepare and lubricate the catheter for smoother insertion and lower risk of problems, you can use hydrophilic or uncoated catheters.
Hydromer is one of the leading companies that can offer hydrophilic catheter coatings and many other such technical support and services for medical devices.
Uncoated catheters
Intermittent catheters without coatings are the most widely utilized and accepted type. You have control over how much lube you use because you can apply your own. For this use, treatment specialists frequently advise using a sterile lubricant like Surgi-lube.
Benefits of uncoated catheters
For people with dexterity problems, uncoated catheters may be easier to use since they are not slippery until they are lubricated.
However, using lubricant raises the possibility of contamination. Pre-lubricated uncoated catheters may be a good substitute for those who prefer uncoated catheters but still wish to lower this risk.
Make sure there is enough lubrication while using an uncoated catheter and applying it yourself to safeguard the urethral tissues. Speak with your urologist about your technique if you feel pain or blood during insertion.
Hydrophilic Catheters
Hydrophilic catheters, while still in their packaging, self-lubricate due to a unique coating that reacts with water. Throughout the catheterization procedure, they remain lubricated.
Catheters that are hydrophilic come in two varieties:
- Packet breaking: Fold the packaging to break the sterile solution packet, covering the catheter and triggering the lubrication of a hydrophilic catheter. To ensure that the lubricant properly activates, wait 30 seconds.
- No packet breaking: The solution is pre-contained within the packaging, so the catheter’s lubrication is already activated. There is no need to break a packet or wait, the catheter is ready to use immediately.
Benefits of hydrophilic catheters
The advantage of hydrophilic catheters is that no extra lubrication is needed while using them, hence users feel it is more convenient to use.
Many research journals also published about its advantages after reviewing the results of using this type of catheter. They have also taken feedback from the actual users and noted their experiences too.
The researchers have discussed with patients who used this type of catheters and also those who did not use them and seek their opinion. Those who used this type of catheter felt more comfortable while using them.
What should be the right choice for you?
Ultimately, it is the choice of the users. Patients will always prefer the one that is more convenient for them.
There are users of both types of catheters. There is also an option to get free samples of both varieties from any reputed medical suppliers.
Speak with your urologist about insertion methods and get advice on the possible best catheter for you.
Experience the quality that sets Hydromer apart. Request for free samples today and begin your journey with hydrophilic coatings offered by Hydromer. You can also get in touch with Hydromer® on Linkedin and request your needs.
