Catheter Types
Choosing the right catheter can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to using catheter supplies. There are several different types of catheters, including closed system catheters, hydrophilic catheters, pre-lubricated catheters, and uncoated intermittent catheters.
At 180 Medical, we carry a wide selection of intermittent urinary catheters for men, women, and children from leading brands. Our trained specialists are here to help you explore your product options based on your prescription, insurance, and individual needs. Learn more below or get started by requesting free samples.
Different Types of Intermittent Catheters
There are several common types of intermittent urinary catheters. Most catheters are available in lengths for men, women, and children.
Availability of certain catheter types may vary by brand, material, specific features, sizes, and insertion tip type (straight or coudé). This may also depend on an individual’s specific needs, preferences, catheter French size, prescription, and what their insurance plan may cover.
Some catheter brands or product lines may also have unique features that set them apart among types of catheters, such as a specific branded technology or a handling sleeve.
Uncoated Straight Catheters
Uncoated straight catheters are a type of intermittent catheter that requires the application of a separate sterile lubricant before use. They are usually made from catheter materials like vinyl, silicone, or red rubber latex, depending on the brand and product.
Intermittent straight catheters typically have a rounded insertion tip on one end, which can be a straight or coudé tip, and a color-coded funnel end on the other. However, there are catheter options without a funnel end, sometimes called a luer end catheter.
Here are just a few of the many uncoated straight catheters available.
Hydrophilic Catheters
Hydrophilic catheters feature a coating or technology that becomes smooth and slippery when wet.
This is designed to act as a lubricant, which may help with easier or more comfortable insertion and withdrawal for some users.
Some hydrophilic catheters require activation of the coating by bursting an included packet of water or saline. Other options are pre-hydrated or pre-activated, so they’re ready to use when you open the package with no extra steps.
Pre-Lubricated Catheters
Another type of intermittent catheter is a pre-lubricated catheter. These products come with lubricant already applied or coated to the catheter, so you don’t have to apply additional lubricant
Because this catheter type comes ready to use, it may be a helpful option for some people who want an easier way to catheterize with fewer steps, whether they’re at home, going to work, or traveling.
Explore Pre-Lubricated Catheters
Closed System Catheters
Closed system catheters are typically either pre-lubricated or hydrophilic catheters that are self-contained in their own collection bag.
Many closed system catheter kits include insertion supplies, such as a pair of gloves, antiseptic wipes, drapes, and/or disposal bags. Another unique feature of closed systems is the pre-lubricated introducer tip, designed to help the catheter bypass the outermost area of the urethra.
For example, Cure Catheter® Closed Systems feature the unique ProteX™ introducer tip. This unique feature is a prelubricated introducer tip with small X-shaped slits, which are designed to help create a closer barrier around the catheter. This may help reduce bacterial transfer* and supports no-touch catheterization.
Different Lengths of Intermittent Catheters
Each catheter type is usually available in three standard lengths to suit specific anatomies, although there may be some variation depending on style and brand. These may include pediatric length catheters, female catheters, and male catheters.
Pediatric Catheters
Pediatric catheters are usually around 10 inches to better suit the shorter urethras of infants, adolescents, and children. They are also available in smaller French sizes than adult female and male sizes.
Male Catheters
Male length catheters are usually at least 16 inches long to be able to reach the bladder in the male anatomy.
These are available in most catheter types with either a straight insertion tip or a curved coudé insertion tip.
Female Catheters
Female catheters are available in a shorter 6-inch length on average, though options range from 3 to 8 inches to suit women’s anatomies and preferences.
Discreet female length catheters are available in all types, including straight (uncoated) female catheters, hydrophilic and pre-lubricated female catheters, compact catheters, and some closed system catheters.
What Type of Urinary Catheter Is Right For You?
What’s right for you will depend on your unique needs, preferences, prescription, and insurance coverage for the catheters you need.
Your healthcare provider will assess your anatomy, needs, and medical history to determine what may be right for you, including a catheter type, length, and size. They will also let you know how often to catheterize.
180 Medical offers a wide variety of catheter types from leading, trusted brands, available based on insurance, prescription, and individual needs.
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Looking for a Reliable Catheter Supply Company?
When you’re ready to get your catheters from a supplier you can depend on, that’s where 180 Medical is ready to step in.
Not sure what type of catheter or how many catheters your insurance plan might cover? We can securely verify your insurance to determine how your insurance covers intermittent catheters.
Plus, we’ll help you explore your product options and help you request free samples, based on your insurance and prescription.
Our Catheter Specialists can provide personalized product support, and we offer lots of helpful resources and educational content for you to learn how to use your catheters.
Get started by contacting 180 Medical.
Reference: * Meredith, K., Pollard, D., Mason, V. & Ali, A., 2024. The bacterial displacement test: an in vitro microbiological test for the evaluation of intermittent catheters and urinary tract infection. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 135(8).