Whether you have been living with an indwelling urinary catheter for a while, or have recently had one fitted, you might be wondering which fixation devices would be the best fit for you and your lifestyle.
There are many factors to consider – from your activity levels, to what you would personally find most comfortable. We’re here to support you in choosing the fixation device or devices that will work best for you.
What is a catheter fixation device?
A catheter fixation device is a medical tool used to hold a catheter in place on the body. This helps to prevents your catheter from moving or tugging, reducing the risk of discomfort and irritation, or the catheter becoming dislodged.
Catheter fixation devices typically use adhesive pads or hook & loop straps to attach to the skin. They help to keep the catheter tubing secure and in a fixed position, which can be especially important for long-term catheter use.
What types of fixation devices are out there?
There are a few different types of fixation devices you can choose from, depending on your lifestyle and preferences. Most people will use a combination of fixation devices to achieve the right level of comfort, it’s all about what’s right for you.
Catheter clip
A catheter clip sticks to the skin and has a rotating part that holds the catheter securely where it splits into two. Using a catheter clip holds it in place, limiting friction, which can cause discomfort. The Ugo Fix Gentle for example has soft, skin-friendly silicone technology, meaning that it attaches very securely, without causing any damage or irritation – even on delicate or sensitive skin.
One Ugo Fix Gentle can be used for up to seven days and can be easily removed and repositioned without losing adhesion.
Catheter strap
A catheter strap is used to secure either the leg bag tubing or the tubing of the catheter itself to the leg.
An example of the catheter strap is the Ugo Fix Catheter strap which has two silicone strips, which means that it’s able to attach securely, while not compromising on comfort.
The length of a catheter strap can be trimmed down, meaning that anyone would be able to find their perfect fit.
Leg bag holder
A leg bag holder is a sleeve that fits around the leg, snugly enough to provide effective support for your leg bag but without causing discomfort.
An example of a leg bag holder is our Ugo Fix Sleeves which have been designed to support our Ugo Leg Bags. They feature graduated lines of concentrated elastane, which allows the sleeve to expand as the leg bag fills up. The Ugo Fix Sleeve contours to your leg shape, which means that the weight of the leg bag is distributed evenly, and any noise that the bag might make when you move is reduced.
The Ugo Fix Sleeve is available in a range of sizes and the colour coded top seam assists with correct fitting and re-ordering. Each box includes a laundry bag to support you in the daily wash and wear cycle.
How should I secure my night bag?
When you first start using an indwelling catheter, it’s natural to wonder how to go about sleeping comfortably. At night you will attach your catheter to a night bag, which is big enough to last throughout the night without needing to be emptied. Unlike a day bag, which is designed to be portable and can attach to your leg, a night bag will need to be attached to a catheter bag hanger, which are usually attached to a stand or hung beside the bed.
A catheter bag hanger allows you to attach the bag to the side of your bed or another stable surface, ensuring it stays lower than your bladder. This setup promotes proper urine flow and minimises the risk of urine flowing back up the tube, which can lead to infections. It also keeps the bag in a secure position, preventing it from tipping over or getting in the way.
Our Ugo Stand with Dignity features a cover, meaning that the contents of your bag aren’t visible, besides a small observation window to monitor output. Many patients find this to be a comforting and empowering choice. Using a medical device isn’t something to feel ashamed or embarrassed about, we know that being able to cover your night bag can help you to feel more confident, particularly if you have people visiting you at home.
How will I know if a device would work for me?
If you’re unsure and looking for guidance on which fixation devices would best suit you and your lifestyle, we would always recommend that you have a chat with your Healthcare Professional. Our friendly customer care team are also at the end of the phone to answer any questions about our products.
Still not sure? You can order a sample of any of our fixation devices on our website, or by giving our customer care team a ring. That way, you can give the product a try and see what you think before committing to ordering a whole box.
We have hundreds of different fixation devices available on Vyne shop available to purchase and on prescription. Browse our full range here.
