Urinals for Men and Women: Bedside Use

Who benefits

• People who find it hard to walk to the toilet, particularly at night.
• Those with urgency who cannot get to the toilet in time.
• Bedridden or chair-bound people, and people recovering from surgery or a fracture.
• People with dizziness or low blood pressure on standing, where getting up quickly is dangerous; see dizziness when standing: postural hypotension in older adults.
• People with Parkinson's disease, stroke weakness or severe arthritis; see Parkinson's disease at home: a practical guide.
• Those who need to measure urine output, as the doctor advises.
• Travellers who need a portable option; see going out with incontinence: a practical bag list.
• People who fear falling at night; see night-time toilet trips and falls.

A urinal is for passing urine only. For bowel movements, use a commode or bed pan; see bed pans: types and how to use them and commode chair guide.

Types of urinals

Male urinals. A bottle with a wide, angled neck that the penis fits into, usually with a cap or lid and a handle. Shapes vary: some are flat-sided to rest in bed, with a sloping neck. Material is usually plastic (polypropylene), sometimes with measurement marks. Capacity is about 800 to 1,000 ml, with higher for night. Lidded models reduce spills. Some have a non-spill valve that closes when tilted.

Female urinals. Shaped to fit between the thighs, with a wide, flat, scoop-like opening and a handle or a long spout, often slanting upward, so that urine runs into the container without leaking. Some designs allow use while sitting or lying. Others are funnel-like attachments, or disposable funnels, that direct urine into a bottle, enabling use while sitting on a chair or standing (a female urination device, useful for outings).

Unisex or universal urinals. Wide-mouthed bottles with a flat base or a pan shape that suits both sexes in bed.

Disposable urinals. Biodegradable cardboard or pulp bottles for one use, helpful for travel, infection control or short-term use.

Collapsible or travel urinals. Small, foldable bags with a screw cap, for outings.

Urinal bags with absorbent gel. Pouches that gel the urine, reducing spills and smell, convenient for car journeys. Check disposal rules.

Condom (external) catheters for men, which connect to a leg bag, are different and used on medical advice; see catheter care basics for families.

Choosing a urinal

• Fit and comfort: try a few if possible. A poor fit leaks. A nurse or occupational therapist may help.
• Easy grip: a large handle or a handle for arthritic hands.
• Lid and spill resistance: a hinged lid or non-spill design.
• Capacity: a bigger one for night use.
• Material: firm, easy to clean, free of odours. Glass is breakable and cold, and not recommended.
• Markings: clear measurement lines if the doctor wants output recorded.
• Stability: a flat base or stand, so that it does not tip.
• Cleaning ease: wide opening and smooth interior.
• Number needed: at least two, so one is clean while the other is in use.
• Quality and price: costs vary; avoid cracked or brittle plastics.

How a man uses a urinal

In bed 1. Position on the back, or on the side, with knees slightly bent, and the head of the bed raised if easier. Lying flat is difficult for some; a semi-sitting position is better. 2. Hold the urinal by its handle in one hand, and place the penis into the neck, tilting the bottle slightly downwards so urine flows into the body of the bottle. 3. Rest the bottle on the mattress or a stable surface, so that it does not tip, with the neck slightly lower than the base, or follow the design. 4. When finished, shake off drops, remove the urinal carefully, and put on the lid or cap before moving it, to avoid spills. 5. Wipe and dry the penis, replace foreskin if applicable, and wash hands. 6. Empty and rinse the urinal promptly.

Sitting or standing - Use the urinal while sitting on the edge of the bed or a chair, or standing holding a rail, if balance allows. Do not stand if unsteady.

For restless men or those with dementia, a carer may hold the urinal, with warm hands and a calm manner, explaining each step.

How a woman uses a urinal

Women find urinals harder, but with practice and the right design, they work well.

In bed 1. Lie on the back with knees bent and apart, lifting the hips slightly or on a small pillow if helpful, or roll slightly to one side, as the design suggests. 2. Place the wide opening of the urinal between the thighs, flat against the body, with the wide end towards the front (over the urethra) and the spout or handle towards the back and slightly downwards, as in the instructions. The opening must cover the genitals and form a seal with the skin. 3. Keep the bottle slightly tilted so urine flows towards the container, and avoid pressing too hard. 4. When done, hold the urinal firmly in place, remove it by lowering it flat, then upright, and cap it. 5. Wipe from front to back with a wipe or soft tissue, and dry; see wipes and perineal hygiene done gently. 6. Empty and rinse.

Sitting up - A seated position on the bed edge or a chair, with the urinal placed under the body, can be easier for some women. Funnel-style devices let women urinate while standing or semi-squatting.

Tips: practise when dry and calm, in private; relax; a small amount of warm water poured can help the flow if tense; angle matters.

Preventing spills

• Keep a waterproof underpad under the person; see underpads: disposable and washable options.
• Hold the urinal until done.
• Choose lids and non-spill models.
• Do not overfill; empty at half to two-thirds full.
• Keep the urinal on a stable, low surface where the person can reach it, or on a bedside shelf, not on an edge where it could be knocked.
• Place a small tray under it.
• Keep a towel at hand.
• Avoid the urinal on a soft mattress edge.
• Do not leave it full overnight.

Night routines

• Place the urinal where the person can find it in the dark, with a night light; see motion night lights for seniors.
• Keep wipes, a towel, and a bag or lidded bucket nearby.
• Consider a bedside commode for bowel needs; see bedside commode and urinal routines.
• Offer a visit before sleep, and at the first waking.
• Do not wake the person unnecessarily for checks, unless advised; use soft lighting.
• Keep fluids spread through the day, with less in the late evening if the doctor agrees, but do not restrict fluids without advice; see managing incontinence at night.
• Use a lidded model to limit odour.

Hygiene and cleaning

• Empty promptly into the toilet, pouring gently to avoid splashes.
• Rinse with cold water, then wash with warm water and a little detergent, using a bottle brush.
• Disinfect daily or as the nurse advises, with a diluted household disinfectant used as directed, then rinse well. Some people use diluted vinegar for odour. Do not mix chemicals.
• Dry upside down in a clean, ventilated place, away from food areas.
• Do not use in the kitchen sink.
• Wear gloves and wash hands afterwards.
• Replace when scratched, cracked, stained or smelly.
• Keep one for each person; do not share.
• See commode chair cleaning and hygiene and infection control for home caregivers.

Looking at the urine

A urinal gives a chance to notice changes. Mention to the doctor:

• Very dark, cloudy, foul-smelling or bloody urine.
• Very little urine or very frequent small amounts.
• Pain or difficulty passing urine.
• Sudden changes in volume or colour along with confusion or fever; see urinary tract infections in older adults: atypical signs.

Some doctors ask for a record of fluid input and urine volumes; use marked containers and a chart.

When a urinal is not enough

• If the person cannot pass urine despite effort and discomfort, this is an emergency.
• If leakage persists despite using a urinal, see a doctor; see incontinence in older adults: causes and types.
• If the person cannot use a urinal because of weakness, pain or confusion, use pads or a commode with help, or a catheter on medical advice.
• If urgency occurs often, review with the doctor.

Dignity and independence

Offer the urinal as a tool, not a punishment. Let the person choose where and how, give privacy, and avoid commenting. Encourage independence, and thank them. See dignity in intimate care: words, privacy and consent.

When to ask a professional

Ask a nurse or occupational therapist to help choose and fit a urinal, particularly for women. Ask the doctor about frequent urination, night-time trips, burning, blood in urine, weak stream or leakage. Seek urgent help if the person cannot pass urine, has severe lower abdominal pain, fever with confusion or sudden back pain with fever; call 112 for emergencies.