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“My Sheath Keeps Falling Off” – Product Spotlight on Wide Band Sheaths
For those who have trouble keeping standard style sheaths in place, our wide band Libra Sheath could be a great solution. In this article we are going to look in more detail at our wide band Libra Sheath, and how it may solve some common issues that men have when managing their incontinence.
For those who have trouble keeping standard style sheaths in place, our wide band Libra Sheath could be a great solution. In this article we are going to look in more detail at our wide band Libra Sheath, and how it may solve some common issues that men have when managing their incontinence.
So, what is a urinary sheath?
A urinary sheath, sometimes called a condom catheter or external catheter, is a device used to help men manage their incontinence. The urinary sheath fits around the outside of the penis and can be an alternative to fitting an indwelling catheter or reliance on incontinence pads .
The Libra Sheath is self-adhesive and comes in six different sizes and three different styles; including wide band.
Why might a sheath fall off?
Whilst many people will find that a standard sheath works fine for them, there are cases where extra adhesive is required. Here are some examples of where a wide band sheath may be more appropriate:
For those with a more active lifestyle – many patients who have an active lifestyle, through either work or exercise, benefit from the longer adhesive band with the additional security and peace of mind it provides.
Patients who move a lot in their sleep – patients who move a lot at night may find their sheath slips off or comes loose while they are sleeping. This can cause wet patches on the bed or skin irritation as a result of urine leakage. The longer band of adhesive, starting closer to the tip of the sheath should considerably reduce, or even eliminate this.
Patients who have had previous problems with other sheaths – many patients who have issues with sheaths not sticking properly have to use additional items such as foam strips and additional skincare or adhesive products. Wide band sheaths save on having to use these, reducing the length of time it takes to apply a sheath, and reducing the prescription cost by not having to order additional items. If you find your sheath (condom catheter) keeps falling off, a wide band sheath may be the best option for you.
Anxious or hesitant patients or carers – some patients, especially those who have had problems before, or those who are anxious about leaks, may be a little hesitant to use sheaths. The extra security and peace of mind is great for nervous patients and carers.
How Our Wide Band Libra Sheath Works
The wide band Libra Sheath is the same length as our standard but has a larger adhesive area to maximise security.
Like the rest of our range, the wide band Libra Sheath is available in six sizes from 24mm to 40mm. It is made of high-quality latex-free materials, with a kink-free nozzle and breathable, malleable silicone.
The diagram below shows the difference in the adhesive placement between our standard and wide band Libra Sheaths.
Standard Sheath
Wide Band Sheath
The larger adhesive on a wide band sheath, provides a more secure fit and helps to prevent urine from migrating up the shaft of the penis, which can cause it to come loose. The wide band of adhesive begins closer to the tip of the sheath to provide more adhesive security.
Sheath Usage Tips
- Preparing the skin – before applying a sheath, make sure the skin is clean and dry, and the pubic hair trimmed or held back with a hair protector. Additional products such as barrier wipes may be useful to maximise the effectiveness of the adhesive. Adhesive remover sprays or wipes can be used to ensure sheath removal is easier, and there is no adhesive residue left on the skin
- Make sure sheaths are stored properly – each Libra Sheath is individually wrapped and should be kept in its packaging until you are ready to use it. The sheaths should be stored in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight
How to fit a sheath?
Firstly, make sure you have the correct size – every box of Libra Sheaths comes with a sheath measuring guide. Sheath size can fluctuate over time and especially between seasons, so it’s important to make sure you are measuring the penis regularly to ensure there have been no changes in size. If you would like a specialist continence nurse to assess you for a sheath, visit https://www.nightingaledelivery.co.uk/nursing-service/assessments/ to book an assessment.
Alternatively, to fit a sheath yourself, take a look at our handy video which shows the full process.
How to Remove a Sheath
1) To remove the sheath, release the base of the sheath all the way around.
2) Use warm soapy water and wash-cloth or use an Adhesive Remover Spray to help ease the Sheath off.
3) Dispose of your Sheath and wash your hands.
4) if there is any adhesive residue left behind, this can be removed with adhesive remover wipes.
5) The Libra Sheath should be changed every 24 hours for hygienic purposes but this may vary between users – advice can be sought from your Healthcare Professional.
Please note: if your skin becomes irritated whilst using this product, do not use it until you have spoken to your Healthcare Professional.
Don’t Just Take Our Word For It
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“How Does a Sheath Stay On?” – Common Sheath Problems and their Solutions