Hydrophilic and ready-to-use catheters are designed to make intermittent catheterization smoother and more convenient by reducing or eliminating the need for separate catheter lubricant.
This guide explains what hydrophilic catheters are, what makes them unique, how they compare with other common types of intermittent catheters, and which features to consider.
What Are Hydrophilic Catheters?
A hydrophilic catheter is an intermittent urinary catheter with a coating or a kind of surface technology that becomes smooth and slippery when activated by water or saline. This hydrated surface becomes very slippery, acting as a lubricant to help reduce friction during insertion and withdrawal.
Hydrophilic catheters differ from uncoated straight catheters, which require manual application of lubricating jelly before each use. Some hydrophilic catheters require activation with an included sterile water packet, while others come pre-hydrated and ready to use.
Depending on your prescription and insurance coverage, you may be able to choose from options like hydrophilic catheters with a water-activated coating, pre-hydrated, ready-to-use catheters, or pre-lubricated catheters.
What Are The Benefits of Using a Hydrophilic Catheter?
Here are just a few of the benefits of hydrophilic catheters:
- Helps facilitate a more comfortable and hygienic catheterization
- Many features designs with no-touch guides or handles to help reduce the risk of UTIs or hand contamination
- Typically easy to activate or requires no activation at all, depending on the type and brand
- Comes in a wide variety of options from many of the leading brands, including pocket catheter options
- Helps minimize friction inside the urethra with
Take a look below at some of the many hydrophilic catheters available at 180 Medical.
How To Use Hydrophilic Catheters
Each brand or type of hydrophilic catheter may have different instructions, such as a specific time to wait for the coating to fully activate. However, here are some basic steps for using a hydrophilic catheter.
- Check the package for specific instructions. If you have a pre-hydrated or ready-to-use catheter, you can skip the next two steps.
- If your catheter includes a packet of water for activation, you must burst it to activate the hydrophilic coating while the catheter is still inside the package. Try folding the water packet in half and pressing with your thumb and forefinger, or use your palm to apply pressure.
- Depending on the brand you’re using, you may need to allow up to 30 seconds for the solution to fully coat and activate the catheter. You may need to tip the catheter from end to end to ensure the water fully coats the length of the tube.
- Remove the catheter carefully from its package, handling it by the funnel end and/or the no-touch aid included with your catheter.
- Insert the catheter tip slowly into your urethra (or stoma). If you encounter resistance or it feels difficult to insert, slow down, take a deep breath, and gently try again. If you cannot insert your catheter, do not force it. Stop and contact your healthcare professional for more instructions.
- Once you reach the bladder, urine will flow out through the funnel end of the catheter, which you’ll want to direct toward a urinal or toilet.
- When urine stops flowing, you can withdraw the catheter and throw it away.
180 Medical offers step-by-step instructions and catheterization videos for all types of catheters at HowToCath.com.
We also provide helpful tips and easy learning material for kids who need to use catheters. By joining the 180 Medical Kids Club, you and your child will receive a book and fun activities that can help normalize the catheterization process and offer tips for establishing a routine, based on your healthcare provider’s guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hydrophilic Catheters
Here are some answers to common questions about hydrophilic, ready-to-use, and pre-lubricated catheter options.
How do I activate a hydrophilic catheter?
While some hydrophilic catheters come ready to use, others require activation of their hydrophilic properties before they are ready to use.
You can activate your hydrophilic catheter with sterile water or a saline solution, which usually comes in a small foil sachet or packet. You simply use pressure (typically with the palm of your hand) to burst the packet. Then, you’ll want to make sure that water runs over and soaks the full length of the catheter to activate its lubrication coating.
Some catheters may require 15-30 seconds of waiting before the coating is fully ready. Others, such as the popular GentleCath Glide™ Hydrophilic Catheters, activate instantly.
Some hydrophilic catheters today, such as Coloplast SpeediCath® Catheters, are packaged in sterile saline or water. This means they’re ready to use as soon as you take them out of the package.
How do I handle a hydrophilic catheter after it’s activated?
This type of no-touch catheter typically includes a handling sleeve, insertion guide, or gripper that you can use to handle the catheter without directly touching the tube.
This feature may help minimize the risk of contamination or infection.
Handling sleeves are more common in longer catheters, like pediatric and male length catheters.
For female catheter users, some options come with a handle or insertion aid, while others may not. Some users prefer to handle their female length catheter by the funnel end (connector).
Are all hydrophilic catheters ready to use?
Some hydrophilic catheters are ready to use because they come pre-hydrated in sterile solution. Others include a sterile water packet that must be released before use to activate the catheter coating. Always follow the product instructions for your specific catheter.
What is the difference between hydrophilic and pre-lubricated catheters?
Hydrophilic catheters use water or saline to activate their smooth surfaces.
Pre-lubricated catheters are not hydrophilic; they already have lubrication applied and do not require a water-activated coating. Both options may reduce the need for separate lubricating jelly.
Do hydrophilic catheters need lubricant?
Hydrophilic catheters are designed to become lubricated after activation with water or saline, so separate lubricating jelly is usually not needed. Follow the instructions from your healthcare provider and the catheter manufacturer.
Can I get free catheter samples?
Yes. 180 Medical may be able to help you request catheter samples when available, depending on your prescription, insurance coverage, product availability, and individual 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.
