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What Are Pocket Catheters? Compact Catheters for Travel

Pocket Catheters 101 - Cure Twist in Pocket

Pocket catheters are among the most popular types of intermittent urinary catheters today! Many people love the convenience, size, and simple discretion of pocket catheter supplies. Plus, they’re so easy to handle and carry.

If you’re ready to talk to one of 180 Medical’s friendly specialists about your travel catheter options, reach out and request free pocket catheter samples now!

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What Are Pocket Catheters?

A pocket catheter is a blanket term for any intermittent catheter that’s compact or foldable enough to fit in your pocket. Intermittent catheters come in several types, sizes, and lengths to suit men, women, children, and adolescents. Plus, 180 Medical carries all major brands, so you have a wide variety to choose from.

The most important feature is that the catheter packaging is small and discreet. Many people prefer a portable catheter to carry in their pocket, purse, briefcase, backpack, or makeup bag.

speedicath compact catheters

Portable Catheter Lengths

Intermittent catheters typically come in a straight, long package and vary in length depending on the user’s needs. The unisex or male length catheter is typically around 16 inches long. On the other hand, female catheters average around 6 inches long to accommodate the female urethra’s shorter length, while pediatric length catheters for children are around 10 inches.

Pocket catheter lengths and their packages are sometimes shorter than standard-size catheter lengths. Other pocket catheters may be full standard length but offer unique, shorter, curved packaging. Some are also easily foldable without damaging the tube.

travel catheter length comparisons

What Types of Pocket Catheters Are Available?

Many pocket catheters are available in the same intermittent catheter types as standard, including uncoated straight catheters, hydrophilic catheters, pre-lubricated catheters, and closed system catheter kits.

Here are a few different pocket catheter options to consider.

Portable Catheter Options in Curved Packaging

Male pocket catheters don’t have to sacrifice length. In curved package portable catheters, the catheter is gently folded inside the package, halving its length and making it more discreet.

Here are just a few curved male pocket catheters available at 180 Medical:

Ready to try a free curved pocket catheter sample?

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For example, the Cure U Pocket Catheter is available with a standard straight tip or a coudé tip. Cure also offers travel-ready options, including a pocket catheter with lubricant included for your convenience.

Plus, for people who use wheelchairs, Cure offers an extra-long pocket catheter (25 inches long), so you don’t have to transfer each time you need to cath.

Compact Catheters

Compact catheters are often shorter than standard catheters, although they’re still long enough to reach and drain the bladder.

The Cure Ultra is a pre-lubricated travel catheter option that ensures an even, smooth distribution of the lubrication as you remove the catheter from its small, easy-to-open package. The design is environmentally friendly and easy to dispose of, and it’s available in coudé tip and female length as well.

Another great choice for women who want a discreet portable catheter is the Cure Twist. The Cure Twist Female Catheter has a package design similar to a mascara tube or lipstick. It has an easy-open twist top, and it comes pre-lubricated and ready to use. As soon as you’re ready, you can self-cath with no worries about mess or dripping.

One of the most popular compact catheter options today comes from Coloplast, a brand that has been around since 1957. Available for both men and women, the Coloplast SpeediCath Compact Catheter blends in discreetly into your everyday life. The SpeediCath for Men is truly unique with a telescoping tube that works for men who need a French size of 12 to 18.

Pocket Closed System Catheters

Closed system catheters are a type of intermittent catheter with an integrated collection system. Often, they feature an introducer tip to help make catheterization more hygienic.

Closed system catheters have attached collection bags, giving you the freedom to self-cath wherever you have privacy, making them an ideal choice for those in wheelchairs, children, and frequent travelers.

Many closed system kits include insertion supplies to help provide a more sterile catheterization. Common catheter insertion supplies often include:

  • Gauze
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Gloves
  • Underpad
  • Disposal bag

Ready to try a free sample of a pocket-closed system catheter?

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How Can I Find the Right Travel Catheter for Me?

Do you know if your pocket catheters or travel catheters are covered by insurance? 180 Medical gladly verifies your insurance plan. Then our friendly Catheter Specialists will fully explain your catheter coverage.

Contact us today to speak with one of our catheter experts. Together, we’ll find the right pocket catheter for your needs!

 
 
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Information provided on 180medical.com should not be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your condition, treatment, or medical supply needs.

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About the Author
What Are Pocket Catheters? Compact Catheters for Travel
Jessica is the Senior Marketing Specialist at 180 Medical, and she has been with the company for 17 years. She loves getting to be creative in her role and hearing from customers about the positive impact we've made on their lives.

Outside of work, you can find her hanging out with her husband and their dogs or browsing garden centers (where she will almost certainly buy another houseplant she doesn't really need).