What are the Different Options of Bedpans and Urinals?

Bedpans and urinals are useful assets for incontinence, hugely improving an individual’s quality of life.

What are Bedpans and Urinals Used For?

Bedpans and urinals are useful for a number of reasons. When an individual is bedridden or lacks mobility, they can often struggle to reach the toilet in time. This is known as functional incontinence. A bed pan or urinal can therefore be useful in assisting them with toileting. They can also be used for people who are incontinent and have low mobility, as a convenient solution. Bed pans provide a dignified way to help people manage going to the toilet. The popularity of disposable bedpans and urinals has risen due to their convenience for nursing staff, patients and hospital overheads

 “Bedpans and urinals are great for use at home…and for lengthy road trips. Simple solution for managing Parkinson’s-related leaks”

 – Sylvia, Shropshire

Bedpans and Urinals: What is the Difference??

Bedpans often have larger liquid capacities than urinal bottles, meaning a bedpan is ideal if a high capacity is needed. A bedpan is often used when you are sitting or lying down, whilst a urinal can be used sitting or standing. Both designs are also used differently by men and women. Men often like to use a bedpan for bowel movements and a urinal bottle when urinating. Women, on the other hand, prefer using an anatomically shaped female urinal bottle. Some people prefer urinal bottles to bed pans, due to their graduated scale which is ideal for measuring and monitoring urine.

Choosing a Bedpan or Urinal

It is useful to ask yourself the following questions when choosing a bedpan or urinal:

• Will the product be for short-term or long-term use?
• How often will you be using it?
• Where will it need to be used?
• Will you be using the product unassisted?
• Will you be using the product independently?
• How often will you be moving it around?
• What is your size and weight?

The material of urinal bottles and pans can vary. The products are made mainly from either plastic, stainless steel or pulp-paper. Pulp paper is disposable, whereas plastic stainless-steel devices are re-usable.

Some stainless-steel urinals can often be cold to touch and use, heavy to handle and sometimes noisy. If you are passionate about caring for the environment, you can even find pulp bed pans that are designed from recyclable materials and are disposable through macerators.

The Different Options of Bedpans and Urinals

Urinal Bottles

Bed Pans                                               

Bedpans can be used in a range of positions while you are in bed or laid on the sofa. Many people use these when they are recovering from an extreme operation. The design of bed pans means they are easy to use, safely and hygienically collecting liquid and faeces. Bed pans are suitable for both bladder and bowel incontinence. They are designed to allow users to go about their toileting in bed when it is convenient. The grey paper pulp bed pans are disposable after use. Plastic bed pans, on the other hand, feature lids to protect against odours. They can often be washed up 135 degrees. The contents of the bedpan should be emptied in the toilet after use.

Types of Bed Pans

Are you shopping for someone else?

If you are shopping for another person, it is always important to consult them first about their preference, if you are able to do so. Dignity is important, so it is vital to ensure someone is comfortable about the design of a urinal or bedpan. Consider whether they will be able to use the product independently, or whether they will need assistance. A continence specialist can help you choose a product if you having doubts.