Many people prefer to use items designed with the environment in mind. Healthcare practitioners want to recommend things beneficial for the atmosphere. More than 93 percent of catheter users are worried about the increasing waste products and environmental pollution. Therefore, it makes sense to consider sustainability when purchasing medical devices like urinary catheters.
You must ensure that your catheter supplies are comfortable, practical, and environmentally friendly. But can you recycle your catheters? Or where can you buy catheters that are recyclable and good for the environment?
Can You Reuse Your Catheters To Reduce Waste?
A bulk of evidence shows that using catheters to reduce waste isn’t a safe way. According to research, reusing catheters puts your health in danger since the risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTI) increases if catheters are cleaned and reused.
Additionally, the FDA has declared that intermittent urinary medical devices are single-use products due to their health risks. That is why your catheter packaging will typically have a symbol of two crossed out (signifying no more than one-time usage).
UTI can result in fever, a burning feeling, lethargy, and blood in the urine. Experiencing these symptoms is not something new for many catheter users.
Anyone who has had a UTI knows it’s painful and causes discomfort. Plus, if UTIS worsens into a more severe bladder or kidney infection, many patients need to visit the doctor again or possibly go to the emergency department.
Can I Recycle My Catheters?
Currently, there is no way you can recycle your catheters. We say this because urinary catheters are regarded as biomedical waste since they are put into the body and come into touch with biological fluids. Manufacturers don’t recycle catheters and other specific vinyl or plastic-made medical supplies according to a regulated procedure.
- Hollister Infyna Chic Female Catheters
The Hollister Infyna ChicTM Female Catheter comes in a slim packet, understated box to help cut down on unnecessary plastic packaging. Additionally, the outer casing (shell) of the Infyna ChicTM catheter is recyclable.
Are There Environmentally Friendly Catheters?
Yes! Although there are few options at the moment, more ecologically friendly catheters, such as those with more viable packaging or ones that benefit the environment, will likely be produced in the future.
Here are some options to make your cathing process more environmentally conscious.
- Bard Magic3 GO® Catheters
Men, women, and kids all choose the Bard Magic3 GO Catheter as it comes in a sleek, covert form that is more environmentally friendly. Reduced package size could result in less plastic being used in the production of each product.
- Cura Ultra™ Catheters
The covert, pocket-sized catheter packing for Cure Medical UltraTM Catheters contains pre-lubricated, ready-to-use catheters. This catheter can be suitable for those who care about the environment because its compact package ensures little waste disposal. It comes in male length, and chooses a straight or coudé tip.
- Hollister VaPro™ Plus Pocket Catheters
The well-known VaProTM Plus Pocket Catheter is another choice from Hollister. The most recent design decreases waste by making each box smaller. Additionally, it is much more covert to carry.
The female- and male-length Hollister VaPro Plus catheters are equally discreet. Additionally, they have a shield covering the entire length of the prepared catheter, which can lessen the chance of germs and pollutants on the hands and other outside factors.
- LoFric Hydrophilic Catheters
Every LoFric hydrophilic catheter, including the well-known LoFric PrimoTM and LoFric Origo TM catheters, uses POBE rather than PVC.
According to one study, POBE (polyolefin-based elastomer) outperforms conventional materials such as vinyl catheters and thermoplastic polyurethane in terms of environmental performance. Choosing a POBE- made catheter is a more environmentally- friendly option.
Eco-Friendly Straight Catheters
You also have many options if your insurance policy only covers uncoated straight catheters. To ensure that each catheter is smooth for insertion, you’ll also require a sterile lubricant packet that contains water-soluble jelly for lubrication.
Purchasing a straight catheter that doesn’t have a connector end is a good alternative. Referred to as a Luer End catheter or a Whistle Tip catheter, it can help you avoid some plastic waste. The manufacturing process uses less plastic when there is no funnel. Additionally, there are many different brands to pick from.
Summary
Using environmentally-friendly catheters is one way to improve your cathing process and reduce plastic waste. Thus, check out Active Life Medical Products to find a range of eco-friendly medical supplies.
How Active Life Medical Products Can Help With Catheter Supplies
You need a trusted catheter supplier when you require catheter supplies. Active Life Medical Products makes ordering the entire catheter supply process easy. Our Product Specialists can help you get your prescribed catheter covered through most insurances. Everything will be delivered directly to your front door.
Call Active Life Medical Products at (800) 319-2336 to place your order.
