A urinary catheter is a small tube that is inserted into the bladder to remove urine. This insertion can happen through the urethra or through a surgical procedure like the Mitrofanoff procedure.

Catheters are sized using a French gauge system, often abbreviated as FR. The most common sizes are 10-16FR. The larger the FR size, the larger the diameter of the catheter.

You can determine the diameter of the catheter in millimeters (mm) by dividing the front number by 3. For example a 12FR catheter is 4mm in diameter.

There are several types of urinary catheters:

1. Indwelling catheters - catheters that are left in the bladder. Indwelling catheters are connected to a drainage bag, which has a valve to control urine flow.

2. External catheters - a sheath covers the penis head and a tube connects the device to a drainage bag. The tube does not enter the urethra.

3. Intermittent self-catheters - catheters that drain the bladder by inserting a tube into the urethra. Intermittent catheters are disposable and for one-time use only.

CompactCath is a compact intermittent urinary catheter that is discreet, pre-lubricated, hygenic, and fits right in your pocket.

CompactCath was designed at Stanford University by a team of physicians and engineers along with a group of urologists, nurses and catheter users. It is a unique, first of its kind compact intermittent urinary catheter. It is designed to provide maximum privacy in social settings, for both male and female.

Key features of CompactCath:

• Fits discreetly in your pocket or the palm of your hand. 

• Pre-lubricated hygiene sheath.

• Non-touch insertion for additional sterility.

• Flow control funnel allows drainage from the bladder only when you’re ready.

Watch demo video for Male

Watch demo video for Female

Our instructions distinctly displays a step by step process (with images) on how to properly hold the device, catheterize, and quickly coil the tube back in it’s container. Visit the page by clicking here.

1. Peel open the pouch and remove the catheter.

2. Hold the catheter by the rim. Reveal the tip of the catheter by holding onto the sheath and gently pull the catheter out of its case.

3. Advance the catheter by pressing down on the handle while sliding the sheath until the catheter reaches the bladder.

4. When the catheter is securely placed in the bladder, aim the catheter in the desired location and unplug the funnel by pushing it outwards.

5. Once drained, slowly remove the catheter from the urethra.

6. Coil it back into the case, dispose of it discreetly and hygienically.

Yes! CompactCath is pre-lubricated with silicone oil, which allows smooth insertion into the urethra.

Silicone oil is not as thick or slippery as traditional KY Jelly (or hydrophilic coatings), but works the same way. With this type of lubrication, it reduces mess, as no residual remains on the body or clothes.

Most find the current lubrication levels sufficient and convenient.  For those who require more, you may use additional lubrication as you see fit.

Yes.  CompactCath is latex free.

Before inserting the catheter, make sure that the funnel located in the center of the case is plugged. This will prevent urine from flowing until you’re ready to drain.

When you’re ready to drain, unplug the funnel by pushing it outwards towards the location you wish to drain. Be sure to aim carefully as urine will start flowing immediately after releasing the funnel.

At this time, CompactCath does not have an attachable receptacle nor does it support extensions or drainage bag connections. This feature is in our product pipeline and we will update you as soon as this option is available.

We find that draining directly into a plastic jug works well for a temporary fix. Most of our users drain directly into the toilet!

If you’d like receive email updates about extensions or connections, please email us at support@compactcath.com

CompactCath’s catheter length is 16 inches (40cm).

CompactCath is unisex. You can pull out as much (or little) of the catheter as needed.

No. The FDA deems all intermittent urinary catheters as disposable. CompactCath should only be used for one time use.. Reusing catheters can cause UTIs and other serious infections.

Sign up for complimentary samples on our website.

We’ll send you 5 free samples. If you’d like more, you can either receive them distributors, or purchase them on our official online store.

No, we’ll send you CompactCath samples at no cost; we cover the shipping cost as well!

Yes. CompactCath (and urinary catheters in general) is classified as a medical device, we suggest that everyone who tries CompactCath to have a valid prescription.

Your samples will be shipped after we’ve verified your address, either via email or text.After receiving confirmation, we’ll ship your samples within 1 business days, and from then you’ll receive them in 4-5 days. Once shipped, we’ll send you your tracking number via email so can view detailed updates on  USPS.com

We send a package of 5 samples. The package also contains instructions for use and additional information about CompactCath.

Due to strict FDA regulations, we currently  do not ship or provide CompactCath outside of the United States

Because we use a special silicone oil, it’s not gummy or cloudy. The catheter tube is pre-lubricated, and additional silicone oil is contained within the sheath, lubricating the catheter as it is pulled out, ensuring smooth insertion.

To minimize spillage, we’ve integrated a flow control funnel into CompactCath..

When you’re ready to drain, unplug the funnel by pushing it outwards towards the location you wish to drain. Urine will start flowing immediately after releasing the funnel, so be sure to aim carefully before unplugging.

When you’re ready to drain, simply pop out the funnel over your preferred receptacle or directly into the toilet.

The handle is at the top of the CompactCath near the where the tube is pulled out from. The handle is designed to give you more control when inserting the catheter into your urethra.

You can purchase CompactCath directly from our official online store.

Shipping is FREE.

Yes. To catheterize and receive a monthly shipment via insurance does require a valid prescription.

A distributor, or supplier, is an agency that works with different insurance companies to provide medical supplies, like CompactCath, to patients. They work to find the best reimbursement based on  your insurance policy.

When getting CompactCath reimbursed through insurance, we only need a few pieces of information. First, we’ll need the insurance information-- company, member ID, and date of birth (DOB). Next, (although not necessary) we do ask for the physician or urologist’s name and number so that the distributor can confirm your prescription with them.

The cost through insurance will vary depending on your specific insurance policy.  We do recommend asking your doctor to include the CompactCath reference number on the prescription. You can obtain this by giving us a call or sending us a text at 650-468-2661

The catheter case is composed of two rotating discs, so holding or pinching the body of the case stops the discs from rotating and prevents the catheter from being released. 
Instead of holding the catheter by its body, users should hold the catheter by the rim.

Kinks are usually caused when unrolling the catheter from its case by turning the wheel. Instead, the catheter should be released by holding and pulling on the hygiene sheath.