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Why use a Silicone Catheter
Urinary catheters are used in acute and community settings for those with urinary retention. The two main materials used to make catheters are latex and silicone; but what should you choose? Here we look at the reasons why you could benefit from using a 100% silicone catheter.
Silicone Catheters are Hypoallegenic
Whilst latex allergies are rare (around 1-6% of the general population are thought to be allegic to latex), there are complications that can occur from a reaction to latex, including diarrhea, stomach pains, dizziness, breathlessness and even anaphylaxis, which can be life threatening. Silicone, on the other hand is inert; meaning it is very unlikely to evoke an allergic reaction.
You Will Experience Fewer Catheter Blockages
The European Network for Safer Health report shows that silicone material results in less encrustation and also possesses a wider lumen. The combined result is that a silicone catheter will be less susceptible to blockages and should be recommended to those who experience blockages frequently.
A Silicone Catheter may Cause Fewer Infections
Whilst further studies are needed, initial evidence suggests that latex catheters are more susceptible to infection and that bacterial colonization rates with a silicone catheters were significantly less. This points towards silicone catheters being advantageous in the management of catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).
Great Bear’s urinary catheter, the GB All Silicone Foley Catheter is, as the name suggests, made with 100% silicone and you can find out more about the product here. The GB All Silicone Catheter also comes as part of a catheter kit which brings with it even further benefits.
All of Great Bear’s product range remains latex-free.