See what our customers have to say!
The Benefits of Switching Catheter Brands
Numotion takes significant pride in promoting product choice and considering functional skills, lifestyle, routines, and goals in order to help you determine the optimal long-term outcome to maintain your health and independence. You have a multitude of options when it comes to various catheter manufacturers, features, and benefits. Once a successful bladder management solution and product mix has been established, you may choose to use one product long-term. However, if functional abilities change, an increase in UTIs occurs, or health status alters, an alternative solution may be necessary.
For example, catheters that are more rigid may be helpful for those with dexterity issues; however, if functional gains are made, a less rigid and more flexible catheter could be introduced for improved comfort and reduced risk of urethral trauma. If frequent UTIs occur with a gel catheter, a hydrophilic product or a closed system kit may be beneficial.
It’s important to note that catheters are made from various materials, and also have a multitude of features and benefits. If any issues arise with the current regimen, there ARE alternative solutions available to you!
Contact Numotion Medical Supply to learn more!
Improved Comfort & Fit
– Polyurethane: VERY rigid!!!
– Polyvinyl chloride/PVC: minimally rigidSilicone: moderately flexibleLatex: VERY flexible.Uncoated: gel lubricant must be applied to the catheter to promote ease with insertion and prevent urethral trauma.Pre-lubricated gel: The catheter is ready-to-use directly from the package and is lubricated with gel.Coated with sachet: The catheter has a coating that is activated once water/saline is applied. There is a sachet in the catheter packaging, which must be popped within the catheter packaging to allow the hydrophilic compounds to be activated, providing the lubricant.
– Ready-to-use hydrophillic: The catheter is ready-to-use directly from the package and has a hydrophilic (“watery”) lubricant.
– How different brands offer differing levels of flexibility and softness: Each manufacturer provides a variety of products with varying features and benefits. It is important to work with a provider who is not only knowledgeable on the products, but also understands the caveats of insurance and can recommend the best product mix to meet the need, promoting the optimal long-term outcome.
– Reduced irritation and friction: More rigid catheters may cause discomfort or irritation; however, a catheter that is not rigid enough may be difficult to manage and insert. Both of these challenges may lead to a higher likelihood of infection, false passage, or other health concern. Working with a provider who understands your specific needs and goals is crucial for success.
Enhanced Infection Prevention
Reduced risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)
Data below is based on indwelling catheters:
– Before the introduction of urinary catheters and antibiotics, neurogenic bladder was one of the main culprits for death in those patients with SCI.
– CAUTI is one of the most common health care acquired infections; 70-80% of these infections are attributable to use of an indwelling urethral catheter.
– The daily risk of bacteriuria with an indwelling catheter is 3-7%.
– Bacteria is universal once a catheter remains in place for several weeks.
Better Drainage and Reduced Blockages
It is important to work with a provider who understands products, unique caveats of insurance, and individualized personal needs. Numotion provides individuals with catheter options that will help make the most financially responsible decision. Numotion provides honest, up front guidance based off insurance guidelines and qualifying medical criteria.
Specialized Options for Unique Needs
Catheters designed for specific medical conditions:
– Urinary retention: indwelling catheter, intermittent catheters
– Urinary incontinence: condom catheter
– Continent, with physical limitations: condom catheter
Options for different lifestyles and activity levels
– The choice for bladder management option is dependent on the individual and their quality of life.
– Indwelling catheters may be preferred for individuals with urinary retention who have increased physical limitations, or significant health concerns regarding intermittent catheterization.
– Intermittent catheters are the preferred method of bladder management, as it allows for a life free of tubes, bags, etc. ISC can be completed in a multitude of environments, in various positions, utilizing various products depending on the need.
– Customizable features (e.g., different lengths, sizes)
– Select the product/product mix that best meets your functional skillset, health needs, and lifestyle.
– Someone with female anatomy may prefer a compact catheter that fits in her bag when she goes out with friends, a male anatomy length catheter when cathing in bed, and an extended male anatomy length catheter to accommodate cathing from the wheelchair.
– Working with a provider who knows products, insurance guidelines and qualifying medical criteria, and takes time to learn about the customer to provide the best recommendation is what sets Numotion apart from competitors.
Improved Quality of Life
Intermittent catheterization allows for a life free of tubes, and drainage bags
– Preferred by men and women, over indwelling catheters
– Designed to simulate typical urination, promotes continence and prevents accidents – can be performed anywhere
– Promotes autonomy
– Unimpeded sexual intimacy
Consistency with intermittent catheterization is KEY in prevention of infections and the potential for fewer complications and hospital visits.
How to Choose the Right Catheter Brand
Factors to consider when selecting a new catheter
– Individualized functional skills and abilities
– Are the features and benefits helpful, or cumbersome/in the way?
– Catheterization should not be painful; ISC technique and products should be re-evaluated if there is discomfort: If the catheter becomes sticky upon removal from the urethra, another product should be trialed as that users pH does not balance with the previously trialed catheter.
– Importance of consulting with healthcare providers: If health concerns arise (possible UTI, discomfort with ISC, increased autonomic dysreflexia, questionable false passage), consult your healthcare provider regarding evaluation and potential product or frequency adjustments.
Questions? Chat with a Numotion Representative.
Request a sample catheter here.