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!
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 of a pocket catheter is its small, discreet size. Many people prefer a portable catheter to carry in their pocket, purse, briefcase, backpack, or makeup bag.
The term “pocket catheter” refers to a catheter’s portable design rather than to a specific catheter type. Pocket-sized travel catheter options may be uncoated, pre-lubricated, hydrophilic, or even closed system 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 to accommodate the shorter female urethra, while pediatric catheters 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 Are the Different Types of Pocket and Travel Catheters?
Pocket and travel catheters are available in options for women, men, and children. The right option for you may depend on the catheter length and the insertion tip style (straight or coudé) recommended by your healthcare provider.
While the type of pocket catheter you may be eligible to receive depends on your prescription and insurance coverage, there are many options with different kinds of lubrication, insertion kits, integrated collection bags, or no-touch features like guide sleeves. These are designed to help reduce the risk of contamination from the hands during catheterization.
Here are a few different options of pocket catheters to consider.
Uncoated Male Pocket Catheters 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.
For example, the Cure Pocket® Catheter is a travel-ready option that’s available with a standard straight tip or a coudé tip. Cure also offers an extra-long (25 inches) version and an option with a lubricant packet already included inside the package, reducing the number of items you have to remember to carry with you.
Compact Female Catheters for Travel
Compact catheters are often shorter than standard catheters, although they’re still long enough to reach and drain the bladder.
Female catheters for travel often come in shorter, discreet packaging that can easily fit into a pocket, purse, makeup bag, or travel kit. Some compact female catheters resemble everyday personal products, such as a tube of lipstick or mascara, for added discretion when away from home.
Depending on the product, compact catheters for women may be pre-lubricated or hydrophilic. Some include features such as easy-open packaging, touch-free handles, or resealable, recyclable containers.
Discreet Hydrophilic & Ready-to-Use Pocket Catheters
Some pocket catheters combine compact packaging with advanced hydrophilic lubrication properties and features designed to help reduce direct hand contact with the catheter tube. These products offer more than enhanced privacy.
For example, CompactCath has a revolutionary palm-sized design with the pre-lubricated catheter coiled in a single package that’s easy to carry, fit in a pocket, or pack for travel.
Other products, like the Hollister VaPro Plus Pocket™ Catheter, feature a protective sleeve and tip.
Some closed system catheters with integrated collection bags and insertion supplies also come in compact, portable packaging to keep your catheter needs discreet.
Find a Pocket Catheter That Fits Your Routine
The best travel catheter isn’t necessarily the one with the smallest package. Think about where you typically need to cath during the day, how easily you can open or handle the product, and whether you prefer something that’s ready-to-use or requires a separate lubricant.
Your prescribed catheter length and tip matter, too.
With so many pocket and portable catheter options available, you don’t have to choose based on product descriptions alone. 180 Medical’s Catheter Specialists can help you compare available features, verify your insurance coverage, and request free samples so you can find an option that works well for you.
Contact us today to speak with one of our catheter experts. Together, we’ll find the right pocket catheter for your needs!
