Absorbent products

Storing them...

• Absorbent products are usually compressed when they are packed, some more than others. If you have very little space or are travelling, look for products with the most compressed packaging.

• You can virtually halve the size of an unopened plastic pack of absorbent products by sucking out air. Use the nozzle of your vacuum cleaner and place it over a hole in the plastic pack. (If there are more than one holes, cover all but one with tape such as sellotape (scotch tape) or duct tape. Keep another piece of tape on hand while you suck out the air. Once you suck out the air seal the hole instantly.

• Absorbent products should be stored in a dry environment as they could absorb moisture from the atmosphere, reducing their effectiveness when used.

• When possible, keep disposable pads in the packaging until you are ready to use them.

• Washable pads and pants can be stored in the same way as your usual underwear.

Disposing of them...

• Disposable pads should only be worn once and then disposed of.

• Used pads should be folded up and placed in a plastic bag for disposal. If possible use two bags, especially if there is stool in the pad.

• Even small pads should not be put in flushable toilets. The super absorbent gel in them will swell up and the toilet could become blocked.

• Regulations about the disposal of continence products vary around the world. In some places they are considered clinical waste and disposal along with household waste is not permitted. If you have a refuse collection service, you may wish to check their recommendations about pad disposal. This is particularly so if you have large quantities of pads to throw away, which may attract the attention of refuse collectors.

• Disposable pads are generally not recyclable.

Male devices, female devices and faecal devices

• Reusable devices should be washed thoroughly with soapy water, rinsed and dried after use. They should be stored so they won’t get damaged, for example in a plastic container and in a convenient place for you.

• Devices that use glue to stick them to the skin should be stored in a cool area away from radiators or other heat sources. Otherwise, the glue may melt and you will find it difficult to, for example, roll open a sheath or remove the backing from a sticky patch.

• Disposable items can be disposed of as for pads.

Catheters and drainage bags

• Catheters are usually supplied in boxes of 10, 25 or 30 items.

• Whenever possible they should be kept flat in the box until use.

• Catheters are usually supplied sterile within their packaging. Check the packaging before you use each catheter and avoid using catheters where the packaging is damaged as they may no longer be sterile.

• The above also applies to drainage bags when they are being connected to an indwelling catheter.

• Catheters should not be stored in direct sunlight; some coated catheters are packaged in opaque packaging.

• Catheters have a shelf life and should not be used beyond the specified date.

• Catheters and drainage bags should be rinsed through with soapy water and placed in a plastic bag (or two!) for disposal.

• Drainage bags that are for use with male appliances can be washed through with soapy water and stored for reuse; for example, a night drainage bag and stand could be stored in the bath.

Tips from product users

• 'I usually carry a new pad in a plastic bag and put used pad in bag when changing'

• 'Use black perfumed bags'

• 'Put small quantities of pads in the wardrobe and keep main bulk of products e.g. in loft – wrap up in plastic'

• 'Use supermarket carrier bags to store products discreetly'

• 'Small bin liners such as come in rolls can be used for transporting products and for used products prior to throwing away.'

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