Catheters are crucial pieces of medical equipment that help to make a lot of people’s lives easier. They can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, making it simpler and more convenient for patients to empty their bladders in a controlled way. One of the key components of any catheter system is the catheter bag.

But what exactly is a catheter bag? Are there different types of catheter bags? And what are some of the sizes, use cases, and benefits of different sorts of catheter bags? In this guide, we’ll answer all of these questions and more, covering all you need to know about catheter bags and their uses.

What Is a Catheter Bag?

Let’s begin with a brief description of what a catheter bag actually is. Put simply, a catheter bag, which may also be known as a urinary bag, drainage bag, or collection bag, is a form of receptacle. When attached to a catheter, the bag serves as a container or collector for the urine as it leaves the body and passes through the catheter tube.

Catheter bags therefore have a very simple purpose, but are still important parts of catheter systems. Without a bag attached to the end of the catheter drainage tube, the urine would simply flow out from the tube and have nowhere to go, or would have to be redirected into a toilet or container.

The catheter bag allows the patient to remain in bed, seated, or going about their daily business while urine drains from their body without the need to worry about where it is going or to have to manually guide the tube into a toilet or separate receptacle. These bags are therefore very important quality of life accessories for anyone with a catheter.

Why Would a Patient Need a Catheter Bag?

In general terms, urinary catheters and accompanying catheter bags are used any time a patient may find it difficult to pass urine naturally or impossible to control the flow of their urine. There are many situations in which this may occur. Here are some examples of situations in which a patient could require a catheter and catheter bag:

• Obstructions – One of the main reasons why someone might need a catheter bag is due to an obstruction in their urethra. Obstructions or blockages within the urethra (the tube passing from the bladder out of the body) can make it hard or painful to urinate normally.
• Incontinence – Catheters can also be used for patients who struggle with incontinence, or the inability to control the flow of their urine. Catheter bags allow the patient to urinate any time without fear or concern.
• Bladder Weakness – It may also be necessary to install or use a catheter and catheter bag in cases of general bladder weakness. A patient with bladder problems may find it hard to control or manage their urination.
• Childbirth – It’s often the case that women who are going through labor are given epidurals to cope with the pain. When this happens, a catheter might be fitted to the patient as they may not be able to feel when their bladder is full.
• Surgery – It’s also common practice to fit catheter bags to patients who are undergoing surgery. Operations can last for several hours and the patient may need to empty their bladder during that time. Catheters make this possible.
• Coma – Catheters are also often fitted to patients who are in comas. This is due to the fact that patients in comas are not able to control their bladders but still need to empty them on a regular basis.
• Chronic Illness – Those with chronic illnesses may also be given catheters if the illness affects their ability to control their urination. For example, an elderly patient with chronic mental difficulties might be given a catheter bag.
• Mobility Difficulties – People with mobility difficulties can find it hard to get around and use the toilet, so may be given catheters and leg bags so that they can empty their bladders more comfortably and conveniently.

What Are the Two Types of Catheter Bags?

When it comes to urinary catheter bags, there isn’t just one type. In fact, there are two main types of catheter bags for patients and medical professionals to be aware of: leg bags and night bags. As the names imply, these two types of catheter bags have their own specific uses and features. See below for more information on leg bags and night bags.

1. Leg Bags

As the name suggests, a leg bag is one that actually attaches directly to the patient’s leg. The bag attaches to the end of the catheter tube like normal and is then fixed to the patient’s leg, letting them move around freely and go about their regular daily routine without having to particularly worry about their bladder functions.

When to Use Leg Bags 

Leg bags are generally recommended for patients who are generally able-bodied and healthy, but may have difficulty controlling or managing the flow of their urine due to conditions like incontinence or urinary retention, among other health problems. They’re useful in terms of allowing patients to live mostly normal lives and continue with their usual work and routine. They’re best-suited for daytime use.

How to Use Leg Bags 

Catheter leg bags are very simple to use. The bag must be attached to the end of the catheter drainage tubing, allowing urine to flow through the tube and into the bag. The bag itself can be stuck or strapped to the patient’s leg and hidden under clothing like skirts or pants. The patient can then go about their day and allow urine to drain from their bladder into the bag, which will usually need cleaning at the end of the day and changing every few days or every week.

Sizes of Leg Bags 

There are multiple sizes of leg bags available for use. The three most common sizes are 350ml, 500ml, and 750ml. Typically, users start off with a 500ml bag, but may want to experiment with smaller or larger bags, depending on their needs and lifestyle. These bags are typically smaller than night bags and need emptying more often.

Comfort of Leg Bags

Most patients report that leg bags are relatively comfortable to work with. It can be a little awkward and uncomfortable at first for patients to get used to the idea of having a bag strapped to their body at all times, and it’s crucial for the bag to be kept below waist level, which can make it hard for the patient to relax or engage in certain activities, but they shouldn’t impact most aspects of the person’s life.

2. Night Bags

The other main kind of catheter bag is a night bag. As the name implies, this kind of bag is aimed at overnight usage. Such bags tend to be bigger than leg bags, as they’re used for draining and collecting urine all through the night, and they tend to be single-use, but may be reusable.

When to Use Night Bags

Night bags are used during the nighttime. They’re ideal for patients who have various conditions like chronic illnesses, urethra obstructions, incontinence, or other problems that make it hard to control their urine. They allow the patient to sleep peacefully without having to worry about accidents in their bed or other problems associated with urine and their bladders. They may also be used during the day if the patient is restricted in terms of movement and spends most or all of their time in bed.

How to Use Night Bags 

A night bag should be attached to the catheter tubing before the patient goes to bed. The bag needs to be situated lower than the patient’s body to allow urine to flow correctly into the bag without any backflow. It can be left in position all night long, and the bag can then be emptied, cleaned, and reused or disposed of the next morning.

Sizes of Night Bags 

Night bags can come in a range of different sizes. They tend to be larger than leg bags and are capable of storing 1 liter, 2 liter, or even 3 liters of urine at a time. Patients are often given 2L night bags to begin with, but may change to different sizes to suit their needs.

Comfort of Night Bags

Night bags are generally comfortable to use and don’t affect patients’ sleep or comfort levels in any major way. They simply remain beside the bed to collect urine as it leaves the body. They’re designed with hygiene and safety in mind to minimize the risks of any infection or other problems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Catheter Bags

How Much Do Catheter Bags Cost?

This depends on the type, size, and brand of catheter bag you buy. Catheter bag costs can vary quite a lot from one brand to the next, and reusable bags will cost more than single-use bags. It’s best to shop around and find the best prices for the catheter bags you need.

Where to Buy Catheter Bags?

The easiest way to buy catheter bags is to shop online. CIA Medical is a trusted provider of high quality catheter bags, and we have one of the biggest catheter collections in the world, including bags, tubes, accessories, and more from various brands. 

Are Catheter Bags Reusable? 

Some catheter bags are reusable, but others are single-use only. Leg bags tend to be reusable, while night bags are usually single-use. It’s important to make sure you buy and use the right type and ensure that you know whether or not the bag you’re using is reusable before cleaning and using it again.

How Long Do Catheter Bags Last? 

A typical reusable catheter bag should be used for a period of up to seven days before discarding. It’s important to not keep reusing the same catheter bag for longer than a week, as the risk of infection increases over time.

Do Catheter Bags Need to Be Cleaned?

Yes, a reusable leg bag or catheter bag will need to be cleaned daily. The user can clean the bag by rinsing it with warm water, soap, and vinegar solutions to get rid of bacteria, dirt, and odors.

How Often Do Catheter Bags Need to Be Changed?

If you’re using a single-use bag, you’ll need to change it after every usage. Reusable catheter bags, meanwhile, should be changed every seven days, at most. You may want to change the bag earlier if it gets dirty, smells bad, or has other issues.

Can Catheter Bags Leak?

It is possible for catheter bags to leak. This may occur for various reasons, like a kink in the tubing, an issue around the area where the bag connects to the drainage tubing, or even a small hole or tear in the bag itself.

Do Catheter Bags Smell?

Unwanted odors can occur with catheter bags. There are cleaning solutions that people can use to help get rid of these odors.

What Can Be Done for Catheter Odor Control?

The best way to minimize or deal with catheter odor is to clean the catheter and catheter bag. Soapy water and vinegar solution can be used to get rid of bad smells.

What Causes Catheter Bags to Turn Blue, Green, or Purple?

Catheter bags can change color and turn purple, blue, or green as certain elements within the patient’s urine react with the materials that make up the catheter bag. For example, a catheter bag may turn people as bacteria from the urine produce red and blue pigments that adhere to the lining of the bag and create a purple color.

Can You Shower with a Catheter Bag?

Yes, it is possible to shower with a night bag. The night bag can be placed outside the shower while the patient cleans themselves. It’s not recommended to shower with leg bags.

Can You Swim with a Catheter Bag?

It may be possible for a patient to temporarily remove their catheter bag and plug their indwelling catheter or close a valve to prevent urine from leaking out while they swim, but this is something that needs to be discussed with a doctor first. 

Where to Dispose of Catheter Bags?

Used catheter bags need to be disposed of with care. They should be placed within plastic bags and tied shut. A secondary plastic bag may also be placed around them for an extra layer of protection, and depending on where the patient lives, these bags may be classed as household waste or clinical waste.