Home > Blogs > Urology > Comfort First: 5 Proven Ways to Make a Catheter More Comfortable

Comfort First: 5 Proven Ways to Make a Catheter More Comfortable

Urology Despina Moshopoulos
Comfort First: 5 Proven Ways to Make a Catheter More Comfortable

Why Catheter Comfort Matters: Reducing Pain, Friction & Stress

In Australia, approximately 5-8% of residents in aged care facilities and a further 7% of people in the community use catheters everyday. Catheters are one of the most commonly used healthcare products with 100 million sold globally each year. As they are such an important device in aged care homes, hospitals and community care, inserting catheters is a procedure that is sometimes performed poorly and incorrectly, leading to extreme discomfort and pain. 

When a catheter causes pain, irritation, or stress, it can affect so much more than just the body — it impacts confidence, independence, and peace of mind. The good news? With the right care techniques and equipment choices, comfort can be improved in meaningful ways.

By combining thoughtful care with the right equipment, it’s possible to reduce pain, minimise friction, and ease the stress that often comes with catheter use. Small changes can have a big impact on everyday comfort and overall wellbeing.

1. Choose the Right Catheter Type and Size

Catheters can come in many different sizes and finding the right one that suits your care recipient's needs can make a big difference in their comfort. A catheter that’s too large can cause friction and irritate the sensitive skin around the area, while one that is too small will impact the effectiveness of drainage.  

When choosing the right catheter type and size, start by consulting a healthcare professional who will advise whether an intermittent or indwelling catheter is necessary. The healthcare professional will also base this on anatomy and material, e.g. latex or silicone. Once that is decided, the size of the catheter becomes important. Catheter sizing is based on the French (Fr) size, which measures the external circumference of the catheter, using the french unit (Fr). When choosing a catheter size, you want to select the smallest one you possibly can. This is because it ensures adequate drainage, preventing trauma or infection. 

Ensuring catheter comfort is essential for carers, as it directly supports patient safety and overall well-being. Proper comfort helps prevent complications such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), blockages, and urethral injuries, issues that can cause significant pain and reduce quality of life. When comfort is maintained, patients experience improved rest, greater mobility, and better psychological health. At the same time, carers benefit from reduced stress and a lighter emotional burden, as effective management makes the caregiving process smoother and more sustainable. 

 2. Use Proper Insertion Techniques and High-Quality Lubrication

Ensuring catheter comfort starts with correct insertion technique and effective lubrication, two key practices that carers can adopt to protect patient well-being.

Improper insertion can lead to urethral trauma, long-term sensitivity, or infection. Gentle, informed technique not only prevents these issues but also helps make the entire caregiving experience smoother.

Australian best-practice guidelines say:

  • Always use aseptic technique. Insertion should only be performed when clinically necessary, and with full sterile precautions to reduce the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).

  • Only qualified, trained clinicians or carers should perform insertion. Queensland Health emphasises that catheter insertion must be within one's scope of practice and follow documented protocols.

  • Use sterile, water-soluble lubricant. The Royal Children’s Hospital specifies using sterile single-use lubricant for catheter insertion to minimise friction and reduce infection risk.

  • Local anaesthetic gels can reduce discomfort. The ANZUNS (Australia and New Zealand Urological Nurses Society) guidelines suggest that using a small amount of anaesthetic gel can help ease insertion and improve patient comfort.

  • Consider coated catheters for added comfort. As per Canberra Health Services, some coated catheters include activated lubrication and are generally better tolerated, though more costly and single-use only.

3. Maintain Hygiene - Clean, Dry & Properly Secure Catheter

Maintaining good hygiene around the catheter is one of the simplest and most effective ways carers can protect the person in their care. Keeping the area clean and dry helps to prevent irritation, reduce the risk of infection, and promote comfort. At the same time, ensuring the catheter is properly secured reduces tugging and tension, which can cause pain, discomfort, or even long-term injury.

Australian clinical guidelines emphasise the importance of routine hygiene. The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, recommends cleaning the urethral area daily with mild soap and water, keeping it dry, and avoiding powders or creams unless prescribed. Queensland Health highlights that catheters should always be secured with a fixation strap or adhesive device to prevent unnecessary movement, accidental removal, or urethral trauma.

Another important aspect of hygiene is correct drainage bag positioning. Canberra Health Services advises that drainage bags should always be kept below the level of the bladder to prevent urine from flowing backwards, as this can increase the risk of urinary tract infections. Carers are also encouraged to inspect the skin around the insertion site each day. According to NSW Health, early signs of problems include redness, swelling, discharge or leakage, which should be reported promptly.

By incorporating these practices into daily care, carers can significantly improve the comfort and safety of those with a catheter. Regular cleaning, keeping the area dry, securing the catheter properly, and checking the site for changes all contribute to better outcomes. These simple steps not only reduce the risk of complications such as infections or skin irritation, but also make catheter care more manageable and less stressful for both the patient and the carer.

 4. Prevent and Manage Catheter-Related Complications

Even with careful insertion and daily care, complications can still develop with catheter use. These may include urinary tract infections (UTIs), blockages, leakage, bladder spasms, or trauma to the urethra. For carers, preventing these issues, and recognising them early when they do arise, is vital to maintaining comfort, dignity and safety.

In Australia, health authorities stress the importance of infection prevention. NSW Health identifies catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) as one of the most common healthcare-associated infections, but also one of the most preventable. Carers can reduce risk by always practising hand hygiene, keeping the drainage system closed and sterile and ensuring the drainage bag stays below bladder level to prevent backflow. 

Blockages are another frequent problem. Carers should check regularly for kinks or twists in the tubing and ensure urine is draining freely. If flow stops, or if your care recipient reports pain, carers should not attempt to flush the catheter unless trained to do so. Instead, they should seek medical advice promptly.

Other issues such as leakage, bladder spasms or persistent discomfort may indicate displacement, infection, or that the catheter size or type needs review. 

By paying attention to these warning signs and acting quickly, carers can prevent small problems from becoming serious complications. This not only improves patient comfort and safety but also reduces the stress and uncertainty carers may feel when managing catheter care at home. Here is a simple list you can follow to spot the early warning signs:

  • Cloudy, foul-smelling, or blood-stained urine

  • Fever, chills, or signs of infection

  • Pain, swelling, or redness around the catheter site

  • Leakage of urine around the catheter

  • Reduced or no urine flow into the drainage bag

  • Bladder spasms or sudden lower abdominal pain

  • The catheter appearing dislodged or pulled out of position

5. Explore Comfort-First Products & Alternatives

Comfort should never be an afterthought when it comes to catheter care. Fortunately, a range of catheter products now prioritises comfort alongside hygiene and discretion, designed to improve the daily experience for both the person in care and their carer.

What to look for in comfort‑first products

  • Hydrophilic or water-activated catheters — these provide exceptional slipperiness without sticky residues or the need to add lubrication, reducing friction and discomfort.

  • No-touch insertion sleeves help avoid contamination and make the process cleaner and easier.

  • Compact, discreet options that feel less clinical and more manageable — important for maintaining dignity and convenience during self-care.

Available options from Atlas McNeil Healthcare Community (AMHC)

AMHC offers a comprehensive range of urology products designed for comfort and reliability. You’ll find everything from intermittent and indwelling catheters to leg bags and drainage accessories, all tailored for smooth handling and patient well-being.

Choosing products with superior comfort features makes a tangible difference. It can reduce insertion pain, lower the risk of urethral irritation, and make the process cleaner and more dignified. This not only benefits the person using the catheter but also reduces the emotional and practical burden on carers, making care routines smoother and more respectful.

Coloplast’s SpeediCath Compact Catheters for men and women are discreet without compromising performance, safety or hygiene. They are pre-lubricated and designed to be inserted without having to physically touch the catheter, upholding safety and hygiene. 

Premier’s Leg Bags are sterile and can be worn above or below the knee with a velcro strip for easy securement. These bags feature a flip tap outlet, providing the ultimate form of convenience and comfort. 

Conclusion

Catheters play an important role in supporting health and independence for many people across Australia, yet they can also be a source of discomfort if not managed properly. From choosing the right size and type, to ensuring proper lubrication and hygiene, to watching closely for early warning signs of complications, every step contributes to greater comfort and peace of mind.

Ultimately, catheter comfort is not just about the physical device, it’s about protecting wellbeing, supporting mobility and rest, and reducing the emotional burden on everyone involved. By prioritising comfort, carers can make a real difference in quality of life, ensuring that those in their care feel safe, respected, and supported every day.

Sources
Tags: Urology