Can I go to Sleep With a Catheter Valve?

A catheter valve is a great alternative to a drainage bag for some people. Catheter valves help maintain bladder tone and function as well as being more than discreet than a drainage bag. Going to the toilet at frequent intervals to drain the bladder during the day is fine for many, but what about at night? Some patients find issues with nocturnal frequency and having to get up in the night to empty their bladder isn’t conducive to a good nights sleep.

How Can I Get a Good Night’s Sleep With a Catheter Valve?

The best solution is to use a drainage bag at night, as part of an overnight link system. Using a 2 litre or 3 litre drainage bag in conjunction with the catheter valve will allow you to reap the benefits of the valve during the day without the worry of having to get up in the night to empty your bladder.

How do I use a Drainage Bag With a Catheter Valve?

Catheter Night Bag

When you go to bed, do not disconnect your catheter valve from the catheter or sheath. Insert the connector of the drainage bag into the sleeve at the bottom of your catheter valve (where the urine comes out). Once connected, open the tap of your catheter valve, as you would to drain it. Leave it open overnight and the urine will drain freely into the drainage bag. It is important to remember to place the drainage bag on a night stand at a level that is below your bed and bladder; urine cannot flow upwards so you need to ensure that there are no restrictions or issues with drainage.

What Should I do in the Morning?

After a good nights’ sleep, without the need to go to the toilet, you should find that your drainage bag contains any urine passed overnight. Before you disconnect the drainage bag, ensure you close the tap of your catheter valve. Empty the drainage bag and dispose of it with your household waste. The next night, connect a new drainage bag, do not reconnect a used drainage bag.

For more hints and tips on using a catheter valve, download our user guide.