How To Choose a Bed Pan and Our Top Choices

Stainless steel bedpan with cover placed on counter in hospital.

As people age, health problems get more severe, and the recovery process becomes longer. Walking around becomes difficult to impossible for the old with severe illness or after extensive surgery. Accidents resulting in a severe injury might lead to months of immobility and discomfort. The luxury of moving around is hindered for such adults. Therefore, something as basic as going to the bathroom is out of the question. As a result, providing a bedpan or urinal bottle is essential for their care.

Asking patients whether they need to use a bedpan or urinal bottle regularly keeps them comfortable. It prevents the soiling of linens and bed clothing. Any soiling poses an infection risk to doctors and other patients on the ward, not to mention the patient's pain as they are moved and changed. The process might be quite uncomfortable depending on the reason for their hospitalization. Stripping unclean bedding increases the risk of illness because hazardous bacteria may enter the air and trigger an infection.

What is a Bedpan?

A bedpan is a container used in a health care facility for the toileting of a bedridden patient. It is often constructed of metal, glass, ceramic, or plastic. A bedpan is used for both fecal and urine discharge. Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, arthritis, and dementia are just a few of the disorders that might limit a patient to bed and necessitate the use of bedpans. Furthermore, many people may be temporarily confined to a bed due to a temporary sickness, accident, or surgery.

Pros of a Bedpan

There are many advantages of using bedpans. Bedpans, for example, may be useful in cases of emergency urination by enabling a patient to pee close to the bed without having to run to the toilet. They are also highly cost-effective, aid in maintaining patients' health and cleanliness and make the waste disposal simple for both the patient and the caregiver.

Sanitation between bedpan usage is critical for caregivers since a dirty bedpan can transmit harmful germs and other pollutants into the patient's urinary system. A bedpan for the elderly should be simple to empty and clean. Some types can even withstand the high temperatures of an autoclave. It's also a good option to have multiple bedpans on hand for rotation. There are bedpans made to nest together for simpler storage.

Cons of Bedpan

However, there are a few drawbacks to utilizing bedpans. Many bedpans, for example, are too tiny or shallow for certain patients, and other bedpans may not function well for immobile patients owing to their height, so keep these factors in mind while looking for the best bedpan for your specific requirements and scenario.

Different Types of Bedpans

Bedpans and urinals are often classified as disposable or reusable items of equipment. These are then subdivided into different male-specific and female-specific products, each of which is meant to aid in toileting and to clean it up afterward. Following are the various types of bedpans that you can use for toileting.

Regular Bedpan

Regular bedpans are shaped to accommodate the physical structure of the patient's back. A small basin underneath the pan collects liquid and solid waste. Regular bedpans may be used by patients who have full or restricted movement. The plastic bedpans feature odor-resistant lids and may be cleaned at temperatures up to 135 degrees Celsius. After usage, the grey paper pulp bedpans are discarded. Bedpans may be used to treat both bladder and bowel incontinence. A regular bedpan has a larger capacity than a fracture bedpan. Elderly users, on the other hand, may need help in adjusting the bedpan underneath them and sitting up in a more natural posture for excretion.

Fracture Bedpan

Fracture bedpans are wedge-shaped with a bottom collecting pan. The wedge form allows it to slip under individuals who have little or no motion. Patients with hip fracture, missing limbs, paralysis, or any other disease that severely limits mobility are common candidates for fracture bedpans.

Slipper Bedpans

Slipper bedpans are perfect for individuals who often lie down since they are easily adjusted into place. Slipper pans are often equipped with handles, making them convenient and comfortable. Slipper pans with lids are also available to avoid spills. Slipper pans come in various shapes, including circular, rectangular, and others. Slipper pans are intended for persons who cannot sit up due to a bone fracture or surgery to the lower body.

It's worth noting that many bedpans now come with a lid, which reduces the possibility of spills and odors and makes them easier to handle for the user or caregiver. However, if you want to purchase this product, make sure the lid fits securely and is simple to remove. In addition, most plastic bedpans include a carry handle or, in the case of slipper pans, a long handle to help place the bedpan beneath immobile patients.

Disposable Bedpans

Disposable bedpans made of recycled (pulp) paper are also available. These pans are more suited for usage in hospitals and nursing homes than personal use at home. Disposable bedpans must be used in conjunction with a particular bedpan support holder. In addition, pulp paper bedpans need specialized handling and disposal equipment known as a macerator. As a result, they are mostly seen in hospitals and nursing homes. Disposable items are fine for short-term usage, but a reusable plastic product is superior for long-term use.

Bariatric Bedpans

A bariatric bedpan is an option if caretakers are concerned about the senior user's body weight. A bariatric bedpan is often composed of metals like stainless steel. It has a significantly larger weight capacity than normal plastic bedpans. On the other hand, stainless steel bedpans may be exceedingly cold on the skin of a senior user, and they can be very costly.

Commode Pans

Commode pans are low-cost, simple-to-use gadgets that give a sanitary, single-use solution to incontinence. They are non-hazardous to the environment and may be disposed of in a macerator. Certain designs of commodes, such as the cutaway commode, can be used under various commode chairs. However, this should be confirmed with the bedpan and commode chair manufacturers. Because each item is only used once, the danger of infection is reduced, and each item is clean and safe.

Urinals

A bed urinal is a tool that allows you to pass urine in bed, and it is held in a bottle so that it may be securely disposed of. Urinals are available for both men and women, with unique forms tailored to suit a female or male physique. Urinals make it much easier to pass urine in bed and can give you confidence that you will not need to go to the bathroom frequently during the night. Urinals are shaped like bottles and can hold up to 1 liter of urine, or about one and a half pints. Before using a urinal, check the manufacturer's instructions to see what the urinal can hold.

Male Urinal Bottle

The urinal bottle is often the superior choice to a bedpan for males while peeing, regardless of whether the user is upright or lying down. Most male portable urinal bottles are relatively similar in size and form, with a restricted aperture at the bottle's 'neck.

Female Urinal Bottle

Female users may find it more difficult to utilize these devices than males. However, design advances have considerably decreased spills and leaks. Flow may be better regulated on bottles with a bigger aperture at the neck, which allows the bottle to be slanted suitably once placed firmly against the skin.

Females in a sitting position are more likely to utilize slippers or petal pans as an alternative to a normal urinal container.

Patient's Privacy While Using a Bedpan

Adult children becoming caregivers for their elderly parents should be aware of some of the nursing etiquette concerning personal toileting. A compromise must be struck between patient surveillance and patient privacy. Transitioning to a bedpan is difficult for older people, and caregivers must complete certain unpleasant duties to guarantee the patient's safety. These are not always easy talks, but they must be done to avoid future difficulties.

Bedpan Care

Every patient has the right to get clean products based on ethical and sanitary norms. Because they are affordable, open plastic (synthetic) bedpans are used throughout the globe. However, they pose a danger of infecting hands and the environment. It is recommended to use stainless steel bedpans with a lid and a firm grip handle; they fit easily in one hand, and the cover avoids contamination of the hands and surroundings. Hand hygiene must be administered immediately after taking sanitary care of the patient, and alcohol hand rub must be at arm's reach. In the patient's room, disposable gloves used during interaction with the patient must be removed.

Emptying The Bedpan

Bedpans and bottles are used 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which is a common practice for which the danger is not commonly recognized. Physical emptying and flushing are high-risk practices for microorganism dissemination and transmission. Personal protective equipment such as gloves and aprons must be used to prevent contact with bodily fluids.

Emptying urine and feces into a toilet or slop hopper exposes one's hands and the surroundings to contamination. Biofilms, which look like a slimy substance with an unpleasant odor, are important microorganism reservoirs in slop hoppers. Manufacturers have devised equipment that may be installed in a sluice room or a room linked to the patient's room to prevent contamination. Washer disinfectors are developed for use with reusable bedpans. When the machine's door is closed, the contents, including toilet paper, are evacuated. The washer-disinfector is directly connected to the sewage system, and the contaminated fluid is flushed away.

MedPro Fracture Easy Clean Portable Bedpan

MedPro bedpans are suitable for immobile patients since they are robust and simple to clean. Fracture bedpans are perfect for bedridden individuals since they are intended to slip underneath. This plastic adult fracture bedpan has a broad plastic shield to prevent spills and a tapered end for easy positioning, guaranteeing that the bedpan may be used comfortably without fear of spillage.

It's easy to slide beneath your body with a smaller tapered front end. There will be no need for hefty lifting or bedside toilets. Excellent for the elderly or convalescents who have a restricted range of motion. The MedPro Plastic Fracture Bedpan has built-in handles for easy insertion and removal. Due to this, cross-contamination is avoided and made of tough, thick plastic that can withstand everyday usage from morning to night. It is 12.7 by 9.5 by 1.0 inches in size and weighs 0.3 pounds. When compared to comparable items, this bedpan is less expensive and lighter. It has a 350-pound capacity.

It is less expensive and smaller than comparable products. While it is comfortable, some people may find it small. It is not advised for fat elderly people.

Elderly Females Heavy Duty Bed Pans
$17.99

by ONEDONE 

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02/18/2024 05:38 pm GMT

ONEDONE Bedpan for Elderly Females

This is the second-best choice product for elders. The ONEDONE Bedpan is a hospital-quality bedpan designed for use at home. It is reusable and has a nonstick surface, making it simple. This bedpan is made of commercial-grade and heavy-duty materials, making it long-lasting. This bedpan has an odor, spill, and pressure-resistant surface. It is suitable for bedridden persons who have restricted movement or are recuperating from surgery. You may clean it using common home cleansers.

Additionally, this bedpan features a contoured form suitable for those with limited movement. It assures that individuals do not feel uncomfortable while using it. This bedpan may be autoclaved. It allows you to clean or disinfect the bedpan by using lukewarm water.

Features to Look For

Bedpans are often made of stainless steel, simple to clean and long-lasting but may be cold, harsh, and painful to use. Furthermore, the supporting surface of certain goods is quite tiny, and extended usage might result in pressure ulcers. Ergonomic bedpans with a wider surface of less-conductive material have been created to address these issues. In addition, some designs entirely hide the genitalia while in use, providing further protection and privacy.

Single-use bedpan liners made of recycled wood pulp (molded pulp) are becoming increasingly popular in UK hospitals because they reduce the possibility of cross-contamination. A plastic bedpan liner is another option. Some liners are biodegradable and include absorbent powder to prevent splashing and accidents. Liners are used to prevent infection in hospitals and utilize in-home health care.

Following are some other important features you should consider before buying a bedpan.

Helper Handles

Properly positioning a fracture bedpan may be difficult for both the caregiver and the elderly patient. Several fracture bedpan types have assistance handles in their construction, allowing caregivers to make final adjustments or remove the bedpan without unwanted touches. These handles may also be used to modify the fit or remove the pan on their own. Unfortunately, helper handles are not often included on standard or bariatric bedpans.

Personal Hygiene Aids

After using any kind of bedpan, elderly individuals often need help with personal hygiene. Incontinence bed pads may be used to protect the mattress and linens. Between toileting sessions, bladder control pads or undergarments may be worn. For applying toilet paper or cleaning sponges, extension handles are available.

Weight Capacity

Because a bedpan is put underneath a person, it must be rated to sustain that person's whole weight. Therefore, before buying a bedpan, be sure it has a suitable weight capacity.

Spill-Proof

A bigger seat that overhangs the basin may aid in spill prevention. If you can't quickly clean the bedpan, choose one with a lid to keep smells in and avoid spillage.

To Do's While Using a Bedpan

Begin by acquiring materials. A bedpan, gloves, and toilet paper or wet wipes are required. Make sure you have a place to put the bedpan while you assist with cleaning or dressing. Put on gloves after thoroughly washing and drying your hands. Allow the individual you are caring for to remove their trousers and underwear and assist if necessary. For privacy, cover them with a sheet or blanket.

To help with sliding, sprinkle a minimal amount of body powder on the bottom of the bedpan. To avoid spills, place a bed mat under the bedpan. Next, allow the individual to sit up or elevate their hips slightly and move the bedpan beneath them. Alternatively, if you have an assistant, help clients lift the patient's hips. At the same time, your helper slips the bedpan beneath the person's buttocks. You should help the patient wipe if needed. In the end, rinse and wash the bedpan with a mild disinfectant. Utilizing a little sprayer that links to the toilet's water source may be useful. Finally, dry the bedpan or allow it to air dry. Take away your gloves immediately and discard them.

Final Thought

A bedpan is a device that collects feces or urine from male or female patients who are confined to bed. At the same time, a urinal is a device that collects urine from male patients. Using a bedpan or urinal is a private and intimate operation. Thus the atmosphere should be as private as possible. It is also critical that caregivers supply the bedpan or urinal regularly since patients risk accidentally soiling their bedclothes, which may be unpleasant.

Because bedpans are still often utilized in acute care hospitals, advances in bedpan models are required to solve the issues. However, nurses have various options to consider when caring for patients who rely on a bedpan.

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