A bedpan is a container used for the purpose of collecting urine and faecal matter of either male or female patients who are unable to get up and use the bathroom or those who are completely bedridden. The use of bedpans is completely a private concern and the environment for this particular thing is also very personal.
There are many diseases or disorders due to which a patient can get confined to the bed and would require the use of the bedpan. There are some patients who may be bedridden for temporary illness, injury or surgery and may use the bedpan facility.
There are three types of bedpans available in the market; regular, bariatric, and fracture. The bedpans are either reusable or disposable.
Benefits of a Bed Pan
1. Portable.
2. Take up very less space.
3. Washable.
4. Ideal for bedridden and chronically ill patients.
5. Reduced risk of infections.
6. The eliminated waste is disposed of hygienically.
Uses of Bed Pan
1. Temporary illness.
2. Post-surgery.
3. Injury.
4. Parkinson’s disease.
5. Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Stroke.
7. Dementia.
8. Fractures of the lower extremities.
9. Bladder and bowel incontinence.
Make of a Bed Pan
Bedpans are available in different types of designs and sizes. The different designs are as follows:
1.Slipper bedpans: Made either of stainless steel or plastic. These can be easily positioned into the place. There are available in round and rectangular shapes. These bedpans have handles fitted onto it for extra comfort and easy use. They also have a lid to cover and prevent spillages and odour. People recuperating from fractures and surgery of the lower body and are not able to sit up can use these bedpans. These are reusable bedpans.
2. Disposable pulp bedpans: These bedpans are made of grey paper pulp (recycled paper pulp) and are disposable. They are a preferred choice for hospitals and care homes. While using these bedpans they should be used along with a bedpan support holder. These bedpans are for short-term use only. These bedpans require a macerator for their disposal.
3. Commode bedpans: These are also for single use and should be disposed of in a macerator. There are some designs in these as well. The cutaway style commode bedpan can be used under a commode chair. This type of being a single-use reduces the risk of infections and helps in maintaining hygiene.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a fracture bedpan?
A fracture bedpan is a shallow vessel used by patients confined to bed and in which the urine or the fecal matter is collected. This type of bedpan is smaller in size than the regular bedpan and has a flat end for ease of use. The fracture bedpan is used by patients who have suffered a hip injury or recovering from hip replacement surgery.
2. How should a bedpan be emptied?
The contents that are collected in the bedpan should be emptied in the toilet. Sometimes, it gets difficult to empty the bedpans as they are heavy and become heavier when full. Nowadays some bedpans have a snout and make it easier to empty in the toilet.
3. How should the bedpan be washed?
Generally, bedpans can be washed and reused. They should be cleaned thoroughly in order to maintain hygiene and reduce odour.
When bedpans are used in hospitals then they need to be sterilized in an autoclave or should be washed in a washer to avoid cross infection with other patients.
If the bedpan is being used at home then it should be washed thoroughly with hot soapy water and later an anti-bacterial spray should be sprayed on it for it to be free from any microbes.
4. How should one dispose of cardboard bedpans?
The cardboard bedpans are for single-use only and generally used in hospitals or nursing cares where they are disposed of in a macerator. If anyone uses them at home then they should be emptied and wrapped in a paper and then disposed of either along with the household waste or in clinical waste.
5. Are there any disadvantages of bedpans?
Yes, there are some disadvantages while using bedpans:
1. It is difficult to remove and empty the bedpan without spillage.
2. An odour is another concern for both the user and the disposer.
3. If not positioned properly then there may be leakages.
4. Privacy is one factor which is utmost important while using a bedpan, if that’s not the case then it gets difficult for the patient to empty the bladder or bowels.
5. Using a bedpan is considered undignified and most embarrassing way to empty the bladder or the bowels.
Where to buy it?
Bedpans are available in Hyderabad at:
TrueCare Surgicals (Store 1)
Address: H.No 1-100, G2, Hitech City main road, Opposite Indian Oil Petrol Pump, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081.
TrueCare Surgicals (Store 2)
Address: Nizampet X road, Near Sri Holistic Hospital, Behind Vasireddy Swagruha Foods, Kukatpally, Hyderabad, Telangana 500072
TrueCare Surgicals (Store 3)
Address: Near Nallagandla Bata Showroom, Beside Prestige Showroom, Opp side of Ratnadeep Supermarket, Nallagandla, Seri lingampally, Hyderabad.
Phone: 83090 78115
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