What is a urine bag called?
Urine bags are also called night drainage bags, bedside drainage bags, and catheter drainage bags. All of these terms refer to a large capacity bag that collects urine overnight or while laying down.
How often should urine bags be changed?
A urine bag should be changed or replaced when the bag becomes discolored or shows any signs of wear. The typical lifespan of a urine bag is about a month. You will get the most out of your urine bag by cleaning it daily.
Where should a catheter drainage bag be placed?
Any time you use a catheter drainage bag, it needs to be below the level of your bladder in order for urine to drain properly. Some people like to hang them from the side of the bed. You can also hang the bag inside a water-tight bin on the floor next to the bed. This will help contain any mess in case of a leak.
Additional Information
Urine bags are large capacity drainage bags that collect urine from an external catheter or a foley catheter. This type of urine pouch holds between 2000-4000 ml of fluid, which is 2-3 times more than a typical catheter leg bag. The large size makes a urine bag ideal to use overnight and prevents you from having to get up to empty the bag throughout the night. Urine collection bags typically have a plastic hook or a fabric loop at the top that allows you to hang it from a stand or the side of your bed. A urine drainage bag comes with long tubing so that you can move around in your sleep without tugging on the catheter. The extension tubing is between 40 and 60 inches long.
Urine bags are often made from translucent vinyl. This is a durable material that allows you to monitor the condition of your urine. The bags also have measurements printed on the outside that indicate how much fluid has drained into the bag. Many urine bags also have features like anti-reflux valves, anti-kink tubing, and sample ports. Anti-reflux valves prevent urine from flowing back up the tubing, which can cause discomfort and complications. Anti-kink tubing ensures that the tubing will not crimp, allowing urine to flow freely down to the bag. Sample ports are small plastic pieces near the end of the tubing with openings for collecting a urine ssample. Some ports do not require the use of needles to obtain urine specimens. There are different styles of drain valves available as well, such as twist valves, slide-tap valves, and flip flow valves. Urine bags have many features available so that you can choose the bag that works best for you.
A night drainage bottle serves the same purpose as a urine bag, but it is a hard plastic container rather than a vinyl pouch. Night bottles are sturdy and and have a wide base that prevents them from tipping over while sleeping. The wide opening at the top also makes night drainage bottles simple to clean. Some have handles which makes it easy to transfer or lift the container. Keep in mind that urine bottles require a specific type of extension tubing that has a compatible connector on the end of it. Standard extension tubing will not properly attach to a night drainage bottle.
Drain valve clamps and plugs are used to restrict the flow of urine. Tubing clamps and catheter plugs are used when collecting urine samples or emptying the urine bag. Clamps are typically used with catheter tubing, while plugs are placed on the end of a foley catheter. Some clamps are built into the bottom of the urine bag and others are located along the length of the tubing. You can also purchase tubing clamps separately. Catheter plugs are small plastic stoppers that you connect to the end of the foley catheter. The plugs come with caps to protect against contamination.
An overnight urine bag or bottle is not meant to be used when you are up and moving, nor is it practical for that. Instead, you will need to use a catheter leg bag. Catheter bags are available in different shapes and sizes, but they typically hold between 600-900 ml of fluid. These drainage bags can be worn on the thigh or calf, depending on your preference. If you wear the leg bag on your calf, you might be able to connect it straight to the catheter or just use a short piece of tubing. If you wear it on your thigh, you will need to use longer extension tubing. The catheter bag secures to the leg using leg bag straps. Some catheter bags come with leg straps, while others require you to buy them separately. You also have the option of using a cloth sleeve to hold your leg bag in place.
No matter which kind of bag or bottle you choose to use, it is important that you clean it regularly with a urinary appliance cleanser. This is a liquid solution designed to eliminate odors and remove any residue from the bag or bottle. Some people experience urinary crystals, which can stick to the inside of the receptacle and lead to clogs. Regularly cleaning your urological supplies with appropriate cleansers can help prevent clogging and buildup. Using a urinary appliance cleanser will keep the products working at their best and can extend their lifespan. We also sell cleaning brushes that can help reach all areas of the bag or bottle and remove stubborn residue or crystals.
