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Ways to Save on Incontinence Supplies

Posted by Brooke Phillips on February 25, 2014 under Caregiver Corner | Read the First Comment

5 Ways To Cut Your Incontinence Supplies Cost

Adult incontinence supplies are a regular health expense for more than 25 million Americans. The frequent, recurring cost of adult diapers and pull ups, adult protective underwear, liners and pads and more can add up quickly, becoming a burden to retired adults and family caregivers. Like with many other healthcare costs, there are ways to defray the financial burden and save on some of these supplies:

Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Depending on your health insurance plan, you may be eligible to enroll in a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your employer. Both of these accounts allow you to contribute pre-tax dollars that can be used for any qualifying medical expense. HSAs are offered in conjunction with a high-deductible health insurance plan. With an HSA, the funds roll over from year to year, so you never lose your contributions (consider it an IRA for medical expenses.) An FSA is offered in conjunction with a higher-premium/lower-deductible health insurance plan. With FSAs, your annual contribution does not roll over from year to year, so it’s important to have a pretty good estimate of what your annual expenses will be when you enroll each year. Before setting up an FSA or HSA, be sure to familiarize yourself with what are FSA and HSA eligible expenses.
Tax deductions: According to the IRS, the amount you spend on diapers or diaper services may be tax-deductible if “they are needed to relieve the effects of a particular disease.” If your physician or your loved one’s physician can diagnose medical incontinence, the incontinence supplies you purchase may be tax-deductible, so long as they are not fully reimbursed by an HSA or FSA. For more information on what medical and dental expenses are tax-deductible for the 2013 tax year, read IRS Publication 502.
Buying in Bulk: While buying perishable items in bulk can be hit or miss, purchasing incontinence supplies and other non-perishable items in bulk can be a huge money-saver. Retailers and manufacturers frequently charge more per unit for smaller amounts than for larger amounts; part of this has to do with packaging, shipping and presentation costs. A package of 18 Large Prevail Adult Pull-Ups can cost $17-$20 or more – or anywhere from $0.96 to $1.11 per diaper. A case of 72 Large Prevail Adult Pull Ups, however, can cost as low as $46 – less than $0.64 per diaper. That’s approximately 40% cheaper! Over time, buying incontinence supplies wholesale can accumulate in significant savings. Be sure to do some price comparisons before settling on a retailer, however; that $46 case of Prevail diapers can cost you $64 or more at another store.
Online shopping: Shopping for incontinence supplies online has many benefits. First of all, prices are often more competitive. Online retailers know that it’s easy for a shopper to compare prices online, making it even more important that they offer low, competitive prices. In addition, many online retailers don’t have brick-and-mortar stores, which can reduce their overall costs and allow them to pass those savings onto their customers. Front door delivery and free shipping is offered by some online retailers, and this can add up to significant savings – both in time and gas money. Items purchased online may also be tax-free, if a national retailer doesn’t have a physical location in your state. Finally, online shopping allows for maximum discretion. Buying incontinence supplies can be embarrassing for many people, who don’t want to be seen standing in the incontinence aisle or buying products in front of people they know. Online shopping allows for maximum privacy regarding your medical needs.
Couponing: Many retailers offer regular coupons when you create an account on their website or sign up for their newsletters. These coupons and ongoing promotions can be significant, taking off $5 at checkout or even a percentage off your order. Coupon and promotional savings can make a difference, especially over time. Look for samples that come with a coupon, or try an online search for “Home Care Supplies” coupons or promo codes.

To browse our full line of low-cost incontinence supplies, visit the Total Home Care Supplies web store.

Click here for our latest Adult Diaper Coupon.

Cold vs Flu: Symptoms at a Glance

Posted by Brooke Phillips on February 19, 2014 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Not sure if it’s a cold or the flu? According to the CDC, over 90% of flu-related deaths occur in people over the age of 65 – which means making the wrong assumption can put our vulnerable loved ones at risk. See the list of cold and flu symptoms compared below:

SYMPTOMS	COLD	FLU
FEVER	Fever is pretty rare with a cold	Fever is usually present with the flu. A temperature of 101°F or higher for 3-4 days is associated with the flu.
ACHES	Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold	Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.
CHILLS	Chills are uncommon with a cold	Chills are fairly common in most flu cases. Chills and shivering are a normal reaction to a cold environment, but unexplained chills can also be a sign of the flu.
TIREDNESS	Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.	Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu. It’s normal to feel tired at the end of a long day or when youd on’t get adequate sleep, but unexplained tiredness can be a sign of the flu.
SUDDEN SYMPTOMS	Cold symptoms are not sudden and develop over a few days.	The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
COUGHING	A hacking, productive (mucus-producing) cough is often present with a cold.	A dry, nonproductive cough is usually present with the flu.
SNEEZING	Sneezing is common with a cold.	Sneezing is not as common, but can accompany the flu.
STUFFY OR RUNNY NOSE	A stuffy or runny nose usually accompanies a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.	Stuffy or runny nose can be present with the flu.
SORE THROAT	Sore throat is commonly present with a cold. A sore throat refers to pain and inflammation in the throat area	Sore throat is not as common, but can be present with the flu.
CHEST DISCOMFORT	Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.	Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu. Chest discomfort refers to pain or abnormal sensations that you feel anywhere along the front of your body in your upper torso.
HEADACHE	A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.	A headache is very common with the flu, present in up to 80% of flu cases.

People At High Risk For Flu-Related Complications

For most people, the flu develops into a relatively mild illness. The flu is considered mild when infected person does not need medical care or antiviral drugs, and when they recover in less than two weeks. However, some groups of people are at high risk for developing flu-related complications, that can result in hospitalization or even death. People in these high-risk groups include:

Adults 65 or older
Children younger than 5 yrs old, and especially children younger than 2 yrs old
Pregnant women
American Indians and Alaskan Natives
People with the following medical conditions: Asthma, neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions, chronic lung disease, heart disease, blood disorders, endocrine disorders, kidney disorders, liver disorders, metabolic disorders, a weakened immune system, people younger than 19 years old who are on a long-term aspirin regimen, and people who are morbidly obese

For more information about cold and flu symptoms, or if you are concerned about flu symptoms in yourself or a loved one, please contact your primary care physician.

To browse our home health care products and supplies, visit TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

Prescription Medications That Can Cause Memory Loss

Posted by Brooke Phillips on February 18, 2014 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

Could your medication be causing memory loss? For many older adults or adults with chronic medical conditions, irreversible confusion and memory loss is a constant worry. Fortunately, scientists now know that age or a degenerative illness is not always be the culprit. If you are alarmed by forgetfulness in yourself or a loved one, the reason may be stored in your bathroom cabinet.

Any of the following drugs can affect normal cognitive function, contributing to mental confusion, forgetfulness and memory loss:

1. Cholesterol-lowering drugs (Statins)

Common cholesterol-lowering drugs include: Atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), simvastatin (Zocor), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol) and fluvastatin (Lescol).

Cholesterol-lowering drugs may be prescribed as part of treatment plan for high cholesterol. Cholesterol plays an important role in the human brain, forming connections between nerve cells such as those necessary for memory and learning. Drugs that lower levels of cholesterol in the blood may also deplete levels of cholesterol in the brain, causing memory loss and mental confusion.

2. Hypertension drugs (Beta-blockers)

Common hypertension drugs include: Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace), timolol (Timoptic), atenolol (Tenormin) and carvedilol (Coreg).

Hypertension drugs may be prescribed as part of a treatment plan for high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, chest pain (angina), migraines, tremors and certain types of glaucoma. Beta blockers slow down the heart rate and lower blood pressure. They are believed to impede memory by blocking key chemical messengers in the brain, such as norepinephrine and epinephrine.

3. Antidepressant drugs (Tricyclic antidepressants)

Common antidepressants include: Clomipramine (Anafranil), imipramine (Tofranil), mitriptyline (Elavil), trimipramine (Surmontil), protriptyline (Vivactil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Sinequan) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).

Antidepressants may be prescribed as part of a treatment plan for depression. They may also be prescribed as part of a treatment plan for other conditions that affect mood, including anxiety disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, chronic pain, smoking cessation and some hormone-related disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants are believed to block the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, which also suppresses memory.

4. Anti-seizure drugs (anticonvulsants)

Common anti-seizure drugs include: Gabapentin (Neurontin), pregabalin (Lyrica), topiramate (Topamax), acetazolamide (Diamox), levetiracetam (Keppra), carbamazepine (Tegretol), ezogabine (Potiga), lamotrigine (Lamictal), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), rufinamide (Banzel), valproic acid (Depakote) and zonisamide (Zonegran).

These drugs may be prescribed as part of a treatment plan for seizures, nerve pain, mood disorders, bipolar disorder and mania. Anti-seizure medications limit seizures by depressing the flow of signals through the central nervous system, which also affects memory.

5. Anti-anxiety drugs (Benzodiazepines)

Common anti-anxiety drugs include: Alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clonazepam (Klonopin), flurazepam (Dalmane), midazolam (Versed), quazepam (Doral), temazepam (Restoril) and triazolam (Halcion).

Benzodiazepines are often prescribed as part of a treatment plan for anxiety disorders, agitation, delirium, and to prevent muscle spasms or seizures. They dampen activity in certain parts of the brain, including areas that involve the transfer of memories from short-term to long-term, resulting in an amnesic effect. Benzodiazepines also have a sedative effect, and they may be prescribed to treat severe insomnia, anxiety that results from depression, and as part of an anesthesia cocktail.

Benzodiazapines drugs build up more quickly in older adults than in younger adults, and they take longer to flush out of their system. This puts older adults at higher risk for side effects such as memory loss, delirium, falls, fractures and accidents. Sudden withdrawal can trigger very serious side effects, including severe sleep disturbance, aggravated anxiety and panic attacks, hand tremor, sweating, irritability and confusion, memory problems, dry retching and nausea, weight loss, heart palpitations, headache, muscle pain and stiffness, hallucinations, seizures, psychosis and suicide. It is extremely important to consult with a health professional before reducing or stopping any benzodiazepine prescription.

6. Sleep aids (Nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics)

Common sleep aids include: zolpidem (Ambien), Eszopiclone (Lunesta) and zaleplon (Sonata).

Sleep aids may be prescribed as part of a treatment plan for insomnia, sleep-related issues and mild anxiety. Sleep aids affect the body in a similar way to benzodiazapines, with a sedative effect that also dampens activity in parts of the brain that involve the transfer of memories from short-term to long-term. They can cause amnesia, and for some they may occasionally trigger dangerous or unusual behaviors. Sleep aids can be addictive, and sudden cessation can cause serious side effects and withdrawal symptoms. It is important to consult with a health professional before reducing or stopping sleep aids.

7. Narcotic painkillers (opioid analgesics)

Common narcotic painkillers include: hydrocodone (Norco, Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), Fentanyl (Duragesic), hydromorphone (Dilaudid, Exalgo), and morphine (Astramorph, Avinza).

Narcotic painkillers are prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain, such as post-surgery pain, severe nerve pain, and pain caused by chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Opioid analgesics work in two ways: 1) by stopping the flow of pain signals in the central nervous system, and 2) by dulling the body’s emotional reaction to pain. The chemical messengers that are involved in long and short-term memory are also affected by narcotic painkillers, and memory loss may become a problem with extended use.

8. Parkinson’s drugs (Dopamine agonists)

Common Parkinson’s drugs include: Ropinirole (Requip), pramipexole (Mirapex) and apomorphine (Apokyn).

These drugs are prescribed as part of a treatment plan for Parkinson’s disease, restless legs syndrome (RLS) and some pituitary tumors. Parkinson’s drugs affect the neurotransmitter dopamine, a chemical messenger that plays a role in learning and memory, motivation, pleasure and fine motor control. Major side effects can include memory loss, confusion, hallucinations, drowsiness and compulsive behaviors.

9. Antihistamines

Common antihistamines include: diphenhydramine (Benadryl), clemastine (Tavist), Brompheniramine (Dimetane), hydroxyzine (Vistaril), carbinoxamine (Clistin) and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton). *Loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are also common antihistamines, however they do not have the same impact on memory and cognitive function.

Antihistamines are used as part of a treatment plan to help relieve and/or prevent cold or allergy symptoms. Antihistamines may also be prescribed to treat or prevent motion sickness, nausea, dizziness, vomiting and insomnia. Both prescription and over-the-counter antihistamines inhibit the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that helps to control a wide range of bodily functions. Antihistamines can suppress activity in the memory and learning areas of the brain, leading to forgetfulness and memory loss.

10. Incontinence drugs (Anticholinergics)

Common incontinence drugs include: Oxybutynin (Ditropan XL, Gelnique, Oxytrol), tolterodine (Detrol), Darifenacin (Enablex), solifenacin (Vesicare) and trospium (Sanctura).

Incontinence drugs may be prescribed as part of a treatment plan for overactive bladder or urge incontinence. Anticholergenics help reduce episodes of urge incontinence: a sudden, intense urge to urinate quickly followed by the involuntary loss of urine. These drugs block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in either inhibiting or exciting various bodily functions – such as activating muscles or lowering heart rate. Anticholinergics help prevent involuntary contractions of the bladder muscles that control urine flow. They also suppress activity in the memory and learning areas of the brain, resulting in memory loss over time.

In addition to incontinence drugs, a variety of over-the-counter incontinence products can play an important role in the treatment plan. Adult protective underwear or diapers, pads or panty liners can help individuals to manage their symptoms with dignity. These products can be worn comfortably and discreetly under normal clothing, providing security and peace of mind by eliminating the risk of embarrassing accidents.

For more information about products to help manage incontinence, visit TotalHomeCareSupplies.com, or try the Total Home Care Supplies Bladder Matters blog.

Fun Fact of the Day

Posted by Chris Moynihan on February 13, 2014 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Fun fact of the day.

Do you know that you can order diapers from the safety of your bed? Did you know you can even order order adult diapers from the safety of your bed with the power out?

True fun fact. Well, the ‘fun’ part of that fact is not ideal, but the rest of the statement is 100% accurate and true.

TotalHomeCareSupplies.com offers a wide range of incontinence supplies with fast free discreet shipping. With weather like a nor’easter, don’t worry about going to a chain pharmacy store that is already going to have inflated prices. But with rain coming at you sideways, do you really want to take a case of diapers from the store to your car to your house? Let the guy in the UPS uniform do that for you.

UPS Delivers on Time Despite Mother Nature

It’s true, UPS does deliver in all weather. Don’t believe me, read this. In fact, UPS has 5 full time weather forecasters on staff. I am sure at least one them is a meteorologist. I wouldn’t know, I am just a guy who sells adult diapers on the internet, but I take their word for it.

At Total Home Care Supplies, our website is open 24/7 for your needs. We ship our products from various distribution centers across the country. 95% of our orders ship the same business day. So whatever you do, don’t go out into the cold for some adult diapers. Instead, click on the shop link at the top of this page and stay warm and cozy.

Care More. Spend Less at TotalHomeCareSupplies.com

“Joy Sessions” Photographers Capture Treasured Moments With Terminally Ill Pets

Posted by Brooke Phillips on February 11, 2014 under Caregiver Corner | Be the First to Comment

There is little question that professionally-trained service animals, such as therapy dogs or guide dogs, offer invaluable assistance and therapeutic benefits to the elderly and disabled. But the therapeutic and health benefits that pets provide aren’t just limited to service animals. The American Heart Association recently announced that pet ownership may help lower your risk of heart disease. Pets also provide psychological benefits, including easing loneliness, increasing physical and social activity, and boosting mood. The presence of pets in nursing homes has been shown to reduce the need for medication, improve vital signs and nutritional intake, and help people cope with depression and stress-related disorders, even among older adults with dementia.

A recent Fox News article discussed how to cope with the loss of a pet. More than 164 million U.S. households enjoy the benefits of pet ownership, so it’s no surprise that when a cherished family pet is approaching end-of-life, many families mourn the loss of a strong emotional bond.

One Minnesotan photographer found a way to help people cope with the impending loss of a terminally ill pet by celebrating life through photography. Sarah Beth Ernhart began offering “Joy Sessions”, or reduced-rate photography sessions for elderly or terminally ill dogs and cats, after capturing a joyful relationship between a woman in hospice care and her service dog named Joy. Since her first “Joy Session” in 2009, Sarah Ernhart has performed more than a hundred reduced-rate photo sessions with elderly or terminally ill pets. Her website also lists photographers across the country and worldwide who perform similar sessions. For more about Joy Sessions, visit www.joysession.com, or stop by the Joy Sessions Facebook page.

Just like people, many elderly or terminally ill pets struggle with loss of bladder or bowel control. For products to help keep your pet’s bed dry, visit TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

Prevail Bladder Control Pads on Sale at TotalHomeCareSupplies

Posted by Brooke Phillips on February 7, 2014 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

Discreet and comfortable, First Quality Prevail Bladder Control Pads provide moderate to maximum incontinence protection. These bladder control pads are contoured to discreetly fit the body shape of the wearer, with a cloth-like outer fabric for maximum comfort. Each individually-wrapped pad features a Target Acquisition Zone and Blue Stay-Dry Strip, which quickly wicks liquid away from the skin for maximum dryness and leakage protection. Prevail bladder control pads are designed with Odor Guard™ technology that neutralizes odor, even for extended periods of time. New softer, cushioned side shields and a long pad length provide extended coverage and protection. Each bladder control pad comes with a full-length adhesive strip, so it can be worn discreetly and comfortably inside preferred underwear.

Prevail Bladder Control Pad Features:

Quick Wick Layer
Advanced Zoning System
Cloth-Like Outer Fabric
Full-length Adhesive strip
Cushioned Side Shields
Extended Odor control

TotalHomeCareSupplies offers Prevail Bladder Control Pads in four different lengths & absorbency levels:

FQ BC012 Moderate Absorbency 3×9.25in 180/case $44.37
FQ BC013 Moderate Absorbency (Long) 3x11in 144/case $45.18
FQ PV9161 Maximum Absorbency 3x11in 192/case $62.50
FQ PV9231 Ultimate Absorbency 3x16in 132/case $62.50

All orders come packaged in discreet, unmarked boxes for customer privacy, and shipping is completely free on all orders over $40. For more Prevail incontinence products and discount incontinence supplies, visit TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

First time shopping with us? Our website has been recognized for exceptional customer service with the 2013 Bizrate® Circle of Excellence Award. Read our latest customer reviews here: Total Home Care Supplies Customer Reviews

Why Is Everyone Turning Their Facebook Profile Purple?

Posted by Brooke Phillips on February 4, 2014 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Today is World Cancer Day! This February 4th around the globe, communities are coming together to celebrate hope with cancer fighters and survivors everywhere.

Have you noticed friends turning their Facebook profile pictures purple? Purple is the color of hope in the fight against cancer – and companies, organizations and individuals across social media are tinting their profile pictures purple to show their support. Chevrolet will generously donate up to $1,000,000 to the American Cancer Society today: $1 for every individual who turns their profile purple through their “Purple Roads” app. (like with many Facebook apps, permissions are required – so be sure to read the requirements first.) Click here for Chevrolet’s 2014 Super Bowl commercial supporting World Cancer Day.

This year’s focus on World Cancer Day is debunking the myths that surround cancer:

Myth: “We don’t need to talk about cancer.” Fact: Talking about cancer can be difficult, but it is extremely important. Openly discussing cancer increases understanding and support for those battling the disease. It also drives funding and research that ultimately improves cancer outcomes.
Myth: “There are no signs or symptoms of cancer.” Fact: Signs and symptoms are present for many different cancers, which makes symptom awareness extremely important. Screenings and early detection have a profound impact on the cancer survival rate.
Myth: “There’s nothing I can do about cancer.” Fact: With healthy lifestyle choices and appropriate cancer screening, one third of the most common cancers can be prevented! Quitting smoking, making healthy food choices, maintaining a healthy body weight and getting enough exercise can significantly reduce the risk of many cancers
Myth: “I don’t have the right to cancer care.” Fact: Absolutely everyone has the right to quality cancer treatment and care, no matter our age or income level. The American Cancer Society is dedicated to fighting cancer worldwide.

Cancer touches all of us. Many of TotalHomeCareSupplies’ customers, staff and family members are cancer fighters and survivors, and we are proud to celebrate hope together today. For resources and support, visit the American Cancer Society and the Total Home Care Supplies blog. For low cost, high quality products that support your medical supply needs, visit TotalHomeCareSupplies.com.

Senior Texting Code

Posted by Brooke Phillips on January 17, 2014 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

With more and more seniors texting and tweeting, a STC (Senior Texting Code) has started to develop! Don’t miss the new lingo…

Have we missed any? Let us know!

Home Health Care Products & Supplies

Posted by Brooke Phillips on January 14, 2014 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

Name Brand Home Health Care Products & Supplies at Discount Prices

Rest assured, you’ve come to the right place for your medical supply needs. Total Home Care Supplies is a trusted retailer of high quality, low cost home health care supplies. We offer thousands of top-selling incontinence supplies, ostomy products, urological supplies, wound care supplies and home health care accessories at discount prices. Best selling brands include Prevail, Hollister, Coloplast, ConvaTec, Bard, Urocare, Kendall, 3M, Depend, Poise and many more. Our best-selling products include adult diapers and briefs, 1 piece and 2 piece drainable and closed end ostomy bags, foley and intermittent catheters, foam dressings and bandages, skin care products and much more.

How do we keep our prices low? We purchase directly from the manufacturers in bulk and pass the savings on to you. With Total Home Care Supplies, you can count on fast, free, discreet shipping, everyday low prices and superior customer service. All home health care supplies are shipped in discreet, unmarked packages right to your doorstep. Most products ship the same business day that you place your order, and shipping is completely free on all orders over $40.

Who We Are:

Total Home Care Supplies is an independently owned company backed by more than 50 years of experience in the disposable medical supplies business. This means you can expect reliability and expertise from knowledgeable people who care. Our goal is to provide you with low, competitive prices, superior customer service, and discreet door-to-door shipping – so that you can count on finding all the home health care products & supplies you need for the best value.

First time shopping with us? Our website has been recognized for exceptional customer service with the 2013 Bizrate® Circle of Excellence Award. Bizrate’s customer feedback and ratings platform helps shoppers identify which online companies they can trust. Read our latest verified customer reviews here.

How To Apply A Male External Catheter

Posted by Brooke Phillips on January 13, 2014 under Resources | Be the First to Comment

A male external catheter – also known as a condom catheter or texas catheter – is a simple, widely used product for managing incontinence. Unlike the internal catheters often used during hospital stays, external catheters for male incontinence do not enter the urethra. These carefully-designed latex and latex-free devices are applied over the penis like a condom, and urine drains through tubing into a collecting bag. They can be worn discreetly under clothing, and may be used throughout the day or only at night, if preferred.

Not all male external catheters are the same, and you may need to try several different types before deciding which style best meets your needs. They come in different materials and sizes, and with different features – such as with and without adhesive.

Male External Catheter Application

For the best experience, it is important to have the right size and fit. It’s also very important to prepare the skin and apply the condom catheter correctly. The following information will help you wear the device more comfortably and help you get the most wear time from each catheter.

Here are the five steps for male external catheter application:

Prepare Skin. Wash your penis and blot dry. Skin must be clean and dry before application, free from oils and moisturizers. A skin protectant spray or skin protectant wipe is optional, and may be used for added protection and comfort. If a skin protectant is used, allow it to fully dry until it is slick and smooth. If necessary, trim any pubic hair that might get caught as the condom catheter is rolled to the base of the penis.
Select a Size. Make sure you are using the correct size by measuring both circumference and length. All manufacturers of male external catheters have a measuring guide to help you select the appropriate size. With Hollister’s condom catheter sizing guide, place the notch area just behind the glans and select the size that most closely fits. If you measure between two sizes, choose the larger of the two. For best results, ask your primary care physician to recommend a nurse specialist with experience in sizing and teaching men to use condom catheters.
Leave a Gap. Use your non-dominant hand to grasp the penis at a 90-degree angle along the shaft, and with your dominant hand place the rolled condom sheath over the tip of the penis. Be sure to leave a small gap (at least 1/2 inch) at the end of the condom catheter to allow for free flow of urine. The end of the condom catheter should not touch the tip of the penis.
Apply the Catheter. Unroll the sheath slowly and smoothly, pressing the condom against your skin as you roll. When the condom is completely unrolled, gently squeeze the catheter around the penis shaft for ten to fifteen seconds to eliminate air bubbles and ensure adhesion. If there are many wrinkles in the sheath, the condom catheter may be too large. In some instances, the condom catheter may not fully unroll, leaving a roll of the condom at the base of the penis. To prevent pressure sores and to keep the catheter on securely, you should carefully snip the unused roll in several places, or remove it completely.
Connect the Bag. Connect the catheter to the urine collection system, such as a leg bag. Insert the plastic connector of the drainage tubing into the full length of the catheter tip. Make sure the condom catheter is not twisted while connecting the tubing. There should be a small pocket of air in the urine bag to prevent a vacuum from forming, which can cause backflow and leakage. When used during the day, empty the leg bag on a regular basis, when it is approximately two-thirds full. Smaller bags may be used during the day, for comfort and mobility, while a large capacity bag may be preferred overnight.

Male External Catheter Removal:

Condom catheters should be changed daily, and should not be worn for more than 24 hours. After each removal, inspect skin thoroughly to ensure skin integrity. To reduce the risk of skin irritation, allow skin to breathe for short periods between condom catheter changes.

To remove, detach the catheter from the urine collection system and carefully roll the catheter off. If needed, use warm water or adhesive remover to aid in the removal process. Wash skin thoroughly with warm water and soap. Dry skin thoroughly, inspect skin for irritation, then re-apply a new catheter when ready.

Find low cost male external catheters, tubing, leg bags and more urological supplies at TotalHomeCareSupplies.com. We provide fast, discreet shipping, everyday low prices and superior customer service. All orders come packaged in discreet, unmarked boxes for customer privacy, and shipping is completely free on all orders over $40.

5 Ways To Cut Your Incontinence Supplies Cost

SYMPTOMS

COLD

FLU

FEVER

ACHES

CHILLS

TIREDNESS

COUGHING

SNEEZING

STUFFY OR RUNNY NOSE

SORE THROAT

CHEST DISCOMFORT

HEADACHE