10 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Catheter

Why catheter selection is not a “standard purchase”

Buying a catheter is a product decision with clinical consequences. Differences in catheter type, French gauge (Fr or CH), length, material, tip configuration, lubrication method, and drainage compatibility can change comfort, reliability, and complication risk. In Australia, supply access, discreet delivery, and funding pathways can add extra friction— making early commitment to the wrong product easy.

The 10 mistakes

1. Choosing a catheter without confirming the clinical indication

Requirements differ between intermittent catheterization, short-term catheter use, and long-term indwelling management.

Do instead: Confirm whether you need an intermittent catheter, Foley indwelling catheter, or suprapubic pathway and align with clinician guidance.

2. Guessing size instead of using clinically indicated French gauge (Fr or CH) and correct length

Incorrect Fr (or CH) sizing can increase irritation, leakage, or insertion difficulty. Length mismatches reduce control and hygiene.

Do instead: Use the recommended Fr (or CH) size and length, and trial changes systematically rather than randomly with clinical advice.

3. Treating material as a minor detail

Silicone, latex, and PVC behave differently. Material affects flexibility, biocompatibility, and tolerability.

Do instead: Match material to allergy status and wear time; consider 100% silicone for long-term indwelling & suprapubic pathway when clinically appropriate. 

Intermittent catheters are usually made of PVC, PP or TPO. These vary in flexibility, flaccidity and softness. Trial different products and select the most appropriate with clinical advice. 

4. Ignoring tip type and insertion dynamics

Straight (nelaton) tips suit many users, while coudé tips may assist in specific situations. Tiemann tips are suitable for situations where the prostate is enlarged. Forcing insertion increases trauma risk.

Do instead: If resistance or pain is recurrent, seek medical advice and consider whether a different tip design is indicated.

5. Overlooking lubrication method and surface technology

Compared to un-coated catheters, hydrophilic and pre-lubricated options can reduce friction and improve consistency for some users.

Do instead: Choose lubrication formats that suit your routine and environment, and trial options before bulk purchasing. Un-coated catheters require an additional manual step of gel application before insertion. Hydrophilic & pre-lubricated catheters are ready to use.

6. Buying the cheapest option and missing total cost of care

A low unit price can lead to higher downstream costs if it drives discomfort, leakage, repeated changes, and extra consumables.

Do instead: Compare value across comfort, reliability, delivery speed, and accessory needs—then choose the most sustainable routine.

7. Forgetting system compatibility (drainage bags, valves, connectors)

Indwelling & suprapubic catheter users buy a system: leg bags, night drainage bags, valves, connectors, and securement.

Do instead: Confirm connector compatibility and your day/night wear scenario before ordering supplies.

8. Overlooking balloon size and inflation requirements (indwelling & suprapubic)

Balloon volume affects stability and comfort. Incorrect volumes can cause irritation and poor seating at the bladder neck.

Do instead: Follow the specified balloon volume and clinician instructions—never improvise inflation.

9. Assuming infection prevention is only about the catheter

CAUTI risk is driven by technique, hygiene, securement, unobstructed drainage, and symptom monitoring.

Do instead: Treat infection prevention as a routine: hand hygiene, bag positioning, securement, and escalation steps for symptoms.

Some advanced intermittent catheters come with glycerin pre-lubrication and “no-touch” insertion mechanism. 

10. Buying in bulk before confirming supply access in Australia

Delays and substitutions can force rushed decisions. Prioritized fulfilment and discreet delivery can reduce stress during reorders.

Do instead: Start with trial quantities, then lock in a sustainable supply plan once fit and routine are confirmed.

A practical checklist before you buy

• Catheter type: intermittent vs Foley indwelling vs suprapubic
• Size: French gauge (Fr or CH) and correct length
• Material: latex-free where needed; silicone vs PVC suitability. Selection between PVC, PP and TPO when using intermittent catheters.
• Tip design: straight (nelaton) vs coudé where indicated. Tiemann tip for navigation around enlarged prostate.
• Lubrication/coating: hydrophilic vs gel vs glycerin pre-lubricated
• System fit: leg bag, night bag, connectors, securement
• Balloon spec: volume and inflation requirements (if Foley or suprapubic)
• Care plan: hygiene routine + escalation steps for symptoms. Use of glycerin pre-lubricated and “no-touch” mechanism.
• Supply plan: delivery reliability + funding pathway alignment

A lower-risk way to start: try before you buy

Even when you choose carefully, catheter selection may require small adjustments. To avoid committing blindly, consider starting with samples and structured support so you can confirm comfort and usability before bulk orders.

• Free sample pathway (“Try Before You Buy”)
• Supportive supply experience (useful when reordering is time-sensitive)
• Practical benefits that can reduce trial-and-error purchasing

Note: This document is informational and does not replace clinical advice. If you have ongoing discomfort, leakage, repeated blockages, or symptoms of UTI, seek medical support before changing products or techniques.