Coloplast Speedicath Flex Coude Review

Men's health
1

As way of background, I've tried just about every catheter on the market but settled on the Coloplast Speedicath FR12 Coude. It combines a very slippery hydrophillic coating (pre-mixed, no packet to break) with enough rigidity that you can basically do a "no touch" cath by holding the catheter in one hand by the plastic funnel and literally dropping it into the meatus of the stretched out penis being held open by the other hand. About the only thing I didn't like about it was that it didn't bend well, meaning you couldn't keep one in your pocket. At least not with the coude model where it's important that the bent tip stays in line.

So along comes the Flex Coude which comes in a little pouch, just meant to put in your pocket. Decided to give it a try.

The samples arrived today but since I don't cath much these days I figured it might be weeks or months until I tried these new catheters out. However, once I opened up the package, I was like a kid in a candy store and just could not wait. Of course the rationale was I was being "proactive" and better preparing for the future.

Since I haven't had to cath for months I am no longer colonized, and while there's nothing wrong with that, everything being equal I'd rather not be. So step one was downing 100mg of Macrobid prophalactively and washing it down with a couple of fried eggs so I would not end up with any stomach issues. 

Next, I hunted around for my supplies, now dusty and hidden behind stuff in the closet. Pulled out some hand sanitizer, Povidone-Iodine Swabsticks, (3 packs), Spray bottle of Vetaracyin and paper towels. I was all set.

Did a small natural void to clear the pipes, sprayed on a littlle Vetaracyn, swabbed on the Providone-Iodine and then sprayed it off with the Vetracyn as Providone Iodine tends to sting sometimes. 

I had ordered FR12's and FR14's and decided to start with the 12's. My hunch was the 12's would be too flexible, so if that was the case, I would then just go right to the 14.

So I opened the pouch and immediately my hand touched the catheter, as I was not used to this packaging. Not good. Threw it away!  

Opened the second FR12 and more carefully removed it, then realizing that I didn't really touch the catheter the first time, what I touched with a plastic sheath that ran the whole length of the catheter. Very un Speedicath like. 

So I stared at this new contraption for a minute and then tried to unwind the catheter which is sort of joined head to toe with a plastic screw on thing. Not as easy as it should be with my now slippery hands, but hey, I'm new with this thing.

So I stared some more thinking I probably should have gone to You Tube or read the instructions first, but to make a long story short I stuck coude end in and began feeding in the rest of the catheter while at the same time trying to keep my penis stretched out. By this time I would have been finished with the Speedicath, thrown it away and downed a beer, but again I'm new with this catheter. 

It finally passed the prostate and I must say it went aound very easy. In fact, this was the first coude catheter -- other than the Speedicath -- that didn't stick into my prostate. That probably had something to do with the fact that this isn't really a coude (bent tip) as we know them. It's more of a flexible little ball, so nothing to stick, no tip to orient. Just push it in any which way!

Past the prostate I'm thinking OK my well is going to blow any second now and probably all over the bathroom because unlike the Speedicath, I'm having a little trouble aiming the other end toward the toilet while still feeding it in. But it went into the bladder, and I did hit the toilet, so a success. Pulled it out in the usual way and went through the disposal process which is screwing the ends back together and stuffing it back in the little packet....

(to be continued)

2

Thinking now whether that will be the test, or whether I'll try a FR14 later since I still will have the Macrobid in my system tonight. But if the 12 worked, maybe no need to test again. I will admit I was initially excited with this new toy, but frankly the newness has worn off very quickly and it's not like it's a new car or something.

So overall, I'd say the Speedicath Flex was an interesting experience. And I do recommend anyone who is self cathing to order some samples and give it a try. You will probably want to order the samples both in your regular size as well as one size bigger because they are very flexible. However, in my case, the size I usually use -- the 12's -- did work fine. 

As for myself, I am not about to throw away the Speedicath's yet. I may use the flex from time to time in a travel situation where portability is important, although hiding an unbendable Speedicath under my pants or in a back pack isn't that big a deal. That said, with practice, I have a feeling that I might like them more, but since I don't cath all that much now, there will not be much practice.

But again, try them. They are very soft and feel quite gentle. The upside of this is less trauma to the urethra, the downside is that it may not be rigid enough to pass around the postate, although I had no problem at all. 

If I was on a regular cath schedule, and had a few boxes of the new flex caths lying around, I'd probably use them for the next couple of weeks and maybe would like them even more. But that's not going to happen so this will probably be it on my end. Unless I try the FR14 tonight.

But I am interested in anyone else's experience with these new flexible coudes. Especially interested in what Hank, the coude cynic, has to say. Because if Hank likes a Coude then it's gotta be a great Coude smile

Jim

 

3

Hi, Jim,

My samples of the Flex coude came a couple of days ago from Coloplast. They sent me size FR14. I tried them 3 times and failed to get past my prostate each time. When I'd get to my tight spots, the catheter would sitck and pinch--felt like I had a box cutter in there. I cancelled my order for FR16 samples from my medical supply company.

When I cath I use either a LoFric Origo FR14 or a Speedicath FR12. Both are much more stiff than the Flex, and the stiffness gives me more control and allows me to finesse my way past my problem areas. I couldn't seem to finesse at all with the Flex. My architecture seems to differ quite a bit from what you and Dennis have, so I doubt I will ever be able to match your speed and ease with CIC. Sigh.

Absolutely do not like the plastic sheath around the tube of the Flex, and there doesn't seem to be a way to remove it. I like to see what I'm doing when I CIC, and the sheath interferes with that. The LoFric Origos I use come with a plastic guide, but I remove that and use your dive bomb technique.

Like you I wondered if I would be able to hit the toilet once the Flex entered my bladder. The Flex tube curved downward in a way that made it look like I'd be shooting urine back between my legs and onto the floor. But I didn't get far enough to find out.

The sample kit they sent me had an instructional dvd, which I watched before using. They also provide a marketing survey to fill out and return. The only thing I could say I like about the product is the packaging.

It will be interesting to see if they still come out with Speedicath Compact in a coude tip. That might work for me, and the Compact's packaging makes it even better for travel, etc. I think offering a Speedicath with an olive tip would also work better for me.

Stebrunner

 

4

Jim,  Have only just started Cathing at night and Urology Nurse Practitioner gave me these and some rigid  ones to try. Can't get on with rigid ones they make my penis sore. These Flexi ones are dead easy and with having sliding cover over I don't touch the catheter and risk contaminating it as happened when the rigid ones stuck half way in.

David

5

Review Part 3...

So this morning I tried the FR14. Already familiar with what is inside, the procedure went much smoother. That said, my usual time of 5 seconds from entering the meatus until urine starts to flow was stretched to around a minute, forty seconds. This is understandable because unlike the Speedicath which can be "dive bombed" in, the Flex Coude requires more of a feeding motion as you more slowly move the catheter along its journey. Hitting the toilet this time seemed less of risk as my coordination had improved even though this was just the second time I used the cath.

I actually found the FR12, my usual size, went through the urethra a little easier than the 14. I had expected the opposite. 

The one thing I do like about the Flex is that it's almost a closed system in that very little of the catheter is ever exposed to the air except the tip, and that is when you just open it. Once inserted, the rubberized tip fits snugly against the penis head forming a kind of seal. Because of my schedule -- both my schedule and my kidneys -- I cath at home almost all the time. However, if I had to cath in a public bathroom, for instance, I could see using the Flex instead of the Speedicath, because of what appears to be a design that is more protective of contamination.

The only other observation is that there is a little less feel with the flex once you enter the bladder. With the Speedicath, I could move it in and out a little to try and drain out more completely. I don't think I have that same feel with the Flex, but then again I've only used it twice.

The Speedicath will still be my go-to Catheter because of ease of use and speed, however I am going to order a few boxes of the Flex, probably mostly FR12's. Again, I like the closed system aspect to them, especially when having to cath in less than hygenic perfect places. 

I will also add that for those new to cathing, the Flex is very gentle and may be a good choice to start with. Also, no Coude tip to line up. It's also a good choice for those who haven't mastered the no touch "dive bomb" technique. You still get a no touch experience, you just feed it in. Some other catheters have a short sleeve to accomplish this, but I think this design is better.

Jim

6

Hi Steb,

If you're feeling experimental again, you might want to try the 12. With most catheters going up a size makes it easier, but I found with this design, the 12 went in smoother than the 14. 

After you inserted the catheter tip into your meatus, did you butt the rubber joiner thing right up against your penis head? That's what I did this time, and it made it easier to keep feeding the catheter in. Almost acted like another hand. With this cath, and no tip orientation to be concerned with, you just butt up against the penis head, feed the cath in and have faith it will find it's way! No need to be as tentative as with a stiffer cath with a real Coude tip. So if you do try again, forget the Speedicath "control and finesse" and just go for it, feeding it in with firmness and confidence.

As to travel, the samples we got are the larger pack, where the catheter is folded once. They are coming out with a smaller pack where the catheter will be folded twice inside of it. The catheters will be identical.

I do agree it would have been nice if they came out with a Compact Coude. In fact, that is what I am expecting. My guess is that part of it is financial, as the Compacts cost more to produce. Not sure if this particular tip design would be as efffective with a stiffer cath, if that is what you mean, but maybe.

Jim

7

Hi Supertractorman,

Which rigid ones did the nurse give you and what size? What size Flexes are you using? 

I think the Flex Coude is a great starter catheter, and a even a good choice long term. That said, if you will be cathing for some time, you might want to experiment with other catheters to see what works best for you. 

For me, and others here, our go-to cath is the Speedicath Coude. I like the FR12, but FR14 is an easier size to start with. And with the "dive bomb" technique -- see the cath threads -- you never have to touch the catheter.

But for now, and maybe the future, sounds like the flex coude is a good choice for you. Very gentle, very little risk of contamination, and a discreet and easy package you can fit in your pocket.

Jim

8

Hi Jim,  First trial was with IQ3204 .14 Manfred Sauer, a disaster as too rigid and would not pass prostate and left my penis raw. Next was Liquick Base PZN630014  CH 14 / 40cm, seemed very flexible but harder to enter with, without touching catheter, but worked fine and not sore.  Now using Speedi Cath Flex CH/FR 12/4.0mm easy to enter no soreness, easy to dispose of and hands stay dry, and best product for me to date.  i must admit my biggest fear is that the infection on my penis gets transferred to my bladder or prostate, but can't get Drs to understand this. Currently on 28 days IV   A/B Ertapenem but not seeing much progress on day 18.

David

9

Super,

Sounds like the new Coloplast Speedicath Flex Coude, 12F,  is the right one for you, at least now.  I tried the exact same cath yesterday and like you said it's very soft and gentle on the urethra plus easy to carry and dispose of. Also less chance of infection because of the sheath design. True, it takes a little longer than the regular Speedicath, but a minute longer is not that big a deal with the other benefits you're getting. Do you butt that rubber thing right up against your penis head when you feed the catheter in. I did that the second time and it made the process easier. The main thing is to only touch the sheath and not the rubber thing or the catheter itself. Fortunately, the Flex model makes that very easy.

What type of infection do you have on your penis? Is that the reason you're on IV antibiotics? Are the IV antibiotics administered at home or at the doctors and  how frequently?

Jim

10

Jim, does the Coloplast Speedicast you talked about above is the Coloplast Speedicast Standard # 28494. And the Compact Speedicath w/speed bag is # 28702. A bit confused about what who is which.

I use the Speedicast Standard (28494) home or when CIC on cleaner environment and the Compact Speedicath (28702) when I need to expedite matters.

Not sure what a "dive bomber" technique is but I hold either one by the green rubber tip and push it in in one move until the green tip is next to my penis. Let me know if I am close. Thanks.

11

Hi Stinger,

No it isn't. I am using the names from the Coloplast site. #28494 is the Coloplast Speedicath Coude tip size FR14. It comes in a green foil wrapper and has been around for years. I assume #28702 is the newer Compact that does not come with a Coude tip.It's been around for at least a year.  They pack a bag with it for insurance reasons but that's another story. The catheter I'm reviewing is brand new. Just came out a week or so ago. It's called  the "Speedicath Flex Coude". It's called a coude but the tip is different from your 28494. The tip is more like a little round ball than a bent tip. So their is no orientation to be concerned with. If you go to their site you should find it. 

In short, the "dive bomber technique" is when you hold the catheter only by the plastic funnel with your dominant hand. You then open the meatus with the fingers of your non dominant hand. Then you "dive bomb" the catheter into the penis with is now being pulled straight upward by the non dominant hand. So you never touch the catheter and in theory would not have to wash your hands although probably a good idea to do so. 

You are currently using two very good catheters, but probably owe it to yourself to get some free samples of the Speedicath Flex Coude which I have reviewed. If you are used to FR14, then I would order it in FR14 but you also might want to try an FR12 as well. While the sizes correspond to all catheters, one size in one catheter may not work like the same size in another.

Jim

12

Hi Jim,  I butt it tight to the head and works a treat, time means nothing to me if it is not sore.  The urine infection is I think from the Prostate and Bladder, but my Dr has been treating me for Thrush for months using washes and steroid creams but it won't go away.

I have to travel every day to hospital for 45 mins to receive IV Antibiotics plus get bloods taken regularly at the Infectious Diseases Dept but they don't want to know about the infection below my foreskin. Never even met one of their Drs before prescribing these A/B's so I don't think I am on the right ones as 18 days out of 28 and still in pain and urine smelling so can't be right, would have expected something by now, only thing improved is I have stopped soaking the bed with sweat at night.  Begin to think Drs know little about Prostatitis.

David

13

If you don't have confidence in the docs, or just need reassurance, a second opinion is always a good idea. Glad the new Speedicath Flex Coude is working out, and I agree that comfort trumps time anytime. Plus we're talking less than a minute diffference anyway.

Jim

14

Excellent response Jim - knew I could count on you for the correct answer. I'll do as you suggest for free samples and keep what I got for now. Appreciate your experienced remarks. Cheers

15

Glad I could help a little but the  best catheter is the one you like best. 

Jim

 

16

Hi Jim, Have you tryed the speedy cath compact #28692?

Do they make a compact with inner Fr12,and not outer Fr18?

i am going to check on the speedy cath flex? I hope they have a Fr12,and not same outer Fr 18>

Thanks  Jim,

frank,

17

Frank,

I tried the Compact but it didn't work for me because it doesn't come with a Coude tip. It's also a little short.

I think you might lke the Flex. It will be FR12 the entire length. I think FR12 will be the right size for you but as long as you're getting samples, also get a couple of FR14 to compare.

Try and watch the video before you use. They work a little different from the ones you are used to. 

Jim

18

Jim, I noticed the differencein catheter? I have been using magic 3,[sure grip}

today i did the coloplast speed cath Fr 12,and got 450 ml output,however last night using magic 3 ,PV was 550 ml. Do you think the catheter determins the amount of output?

Thanks jim

frank

 

19

Probably not. The reason you got different PV's is probably because they were taken at different times.

Jim

20

Jim

Mike here.  I am scheduled for my FLA/BPH next Thrusday.  I know that somewhere I got some information from you about caterters.  I will be a 1st timer, not the expert that you have been.  If I go into big box drug store like Rite Aid or CVS, what would I find and what brand and type might they carry?  I am thinking that once I get home from the procedure and I still have the Foley cath in from Dr K, I will have to take it out and might have to replace it with whatever I might find.  

what are your suggestions now?

By the way, I talked to John tonight and he is in Florida at TPC Sawgrass playing golf.  Good for him, he is doing great.  Another thing I wanted to ask you, that diet that he has been on for over 3 years?  I forgot to ask him.  I think you had a conversation about it with him.  I think that officially, you are now the expert on almost every procedure on the forum, Ha!  thats not a bad thing.    

Hope things are going good.  

Mike