Pocket catheters are one of the most popular types of intermittent urinary catheters these days! Many people love the convenience, size, and simple discretion of pocket catheters. Plus, many of these travel-ready intermittent catheter options are easy to handle and carry.
Learn all about pocket catheters and other travel-ready intermittent catheter options!
What Are Pocket Catheters?
A pocket catheter is a blanket term given to any intermittent catheter that’s compact enough or foldable to fit in your pocket. Pocket catheters come in a few different types, sizes, and lengths to suit men, women, children, and adolescents.
The most important feature of a pocket catheter is that the packaging is small and discreet. Many people prefer an easy-to-conceal catheter, which they want to carry in their pocket, purse, briefcase, backpack, or makeup bag. Depending on the brand, you can even hide certain pocket catheters in the palm of your hand.
Pocket Catheter Lengths
Intermittent catheters typically come in a straight, long package and vary in length depending upon the user’s needs. The unisex (male length) catheter is typically around 16 inches long. On the other hand, female length catheters average around 6 inches long, 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.
What Pocket Catheter Types Are Available?
Many pocket catheters have all the familiar, high-quality features of the catheters you may already know and use. 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.
As a leading provider that specializes in intermittent catheters, 180 Medical carries one of the widest varieties of catheters on the market today, including pocket catheters. We want everyone to have the freedom of choice to sample from all brands to find the catheter that works best for their individual needs and preferences.
Also, 180 Medical regularly updates catheter product news on the blog when new products become available.
In the meantime, here are a few different pocket catheter options to consider.
Foldable Pocket Catheters in Curved Packaging
Many male length pocket catheters don’t sacrifice length from the tube. Instead, the catheter is gently folded inside the catheter package, which halves the package length to make it more discreet.
Here are just a few curved pocket catheters available at 180 Medical:
Ready to try a free curved pocket catheter sample?
For example, Cure Medical offers curved pocket catheters with the Cure U Pocket Catheter, which is available with a standard straight tip or a coudé tip. Cure also offers some travel-ready options, such as a pocket catheter with lubricant included for your convenience. Plus, for people who regularly use extension tube connectors, Cure has an extra-long pocket catheter (25 inches long), the Cure Medical® Pocket XL.
Compact Catheters
Compact catheters are often shorter than standard catheters, although they’re still long enough to reach and drain the bladder.
Do you want to try out free compact catheter samples?
Request Free Compact Catheter Samples
The Cure Ultra is a pre-lubricated compact 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 simple to dispose of with minimal waste. The Ultra is available in a straight insertion tip for both men and women. There is also an option with a curved or coudé tip for those who have difficulty passing a straight tip, the Cure Ultra Coudé Male Catheter.
Another great choice for women who want a discreet 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 by looking like a cosmetic product or a marker. 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 all-in-one collection system. Often, they feature an introducer tip to bypass the highest concentrations of bacteria in the first few millimeters of the urethra, which may reduce the risk of infection.
Closed system catheters have attached collection bags, giving you the freedom to self-cath wherever you have privacy, making it an ideal choice for those in wheelchairs, children, and those who are frequent travelers.
Many closed system kits include insertion supplies to aid in providing you with a more sterile catheterization. Common catheter insertion supplies often include:
- Gauze
- Antiseptic wipes
- Gloves
- Underpad
- Disposal bag
Ready to try a free pocket closed system catheter sample?
Request Free Closed System Samples
How Can I Find the Right Pocket Catheter for Me?
Do you know if your pocket catheters are covered by insurance? 180 Medical gladly verifies your insurance plan for you. 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: Please note this post’s intent is to provide a general understanding of discreet catheter product options. Please do not use this information in place of the recommendations of your professional healthcare provider.
