Practical bedpans for men and women
In contrast to the urine bottle or the urine bag, the bedpan is suitable for collecting urine and feces and makes it easier to care for bedridden patients.
This means that both patients who have been prescribed absolute rest and those who are no longer able to stand up can be spared the need to go to the toilet. Modern bedpans are usually made of stainless steel and sometimes plastic. Most bedpans are equipped with a lid so that the carer can empty the bedpan more easily after use. Classic bedpans made of stainless steel can be round and equipped with a handle or have an oval shape. The smooth surfaces are hygienic as they are easy to clean and do not rust. However, there are also some disadvantages with stainless steel bedpans.
For example, the narrow and hard contact surface causes pressure points in many patients and promotes bedsores. Furthermore, many patients find the coldness of the material unpleasant, which is why urinating and defecating are often difficult.
Modern bedpans are therefore often made of modern plastic, which is also easy to disinfect and feels better on the body. For patients who already suffer from open wounds in the rump area, inflatable bedpans can also be used, which cause only minimal annoyance. Another innovation is the disposable bedpans, which are made from cellulose or waste paper and are simply disposed of after use. These bedpans are particularly recommended if it is foreseeable that the patient will only be bedridden for a short period of time. Such disposable bedpans are also recommended in cases of contagious infectious diseases, such as diarrhea, as the bedpan does not need to be sterilized after use.
Using the bedpan proves to be easy in the hospital as well as in home care. There are two options for having the patient use a bedpan and the easiest method to use should be decided on a case by case basis. The patient can either be turned slightly on their side so that the bedpan can be pushed under their body, or the patient can pull their legs up and lift their hips slightly so that the bedpan can be pushed under them. Some of the newer models are designed in the shape of a shovel and are therefore particularly easy to slide under. In some cases, the patient is even able to put on such a bedpan himself.
More information about Urine bottle.