Bedpans are essential healthcare equipment often used in hospitals to help bedridden patients with excretion. These are usually handled by the nursing staff and disinfected after each use to prevent infections. Bedpans come in different forms to fit the need and the condition of the patient, and they are either reusable or disposable. Proper placing is necessary to avoid any discomfort. Read on below to learn more about this piece of equipment.

What is a bedpan?
A bedpan is an equipment used to help anyone with toileting needs while recovering from an ailment or confined to bed due to a certain illness, injury, or surgery. It is used both for fecal and urinary discharge. These devices are usually made of stainless steel, glass, metal, plastic, or ceramic. Bedpans are lightweight, durable, easy, and convenient to clean, and they hold the liquid effectively.

Uses and purposes
As seen, the use of a bedpan is that it aids in the elimination of excretes of people who have mobility issues and are not able to come out of bed. The purposes of the equipment are the following:

To provide ease, convenience, and comfort for defecation
To help with bowel and bladder emptying
To provide perineal wash
To promote and facilitate continence with bowel and bladder training

Types of bedpans
The various types of bedpans are detailed below:

Conventional bedpans
The conventional or standard bedpan is the one that is used more frequently. It is usually built to withstand a weight of over and around 250 pounds. These conventional bedpans are made of stainless steel or polypropylene plastic. These are highly convenient, easy to use, and are designed to use while in a sitting position.
Fracture bedpans
The fracture bedpan is smaller than the conventional ones. These can be used while the patient is sitting or lying down. The equipment can be easily slid under without lifting the person. These offer easier and more comfortable placement and come with a flat end. These are also best for females to be used as urinals. Fracture bedpans are often used for patients with hip fractures or any lower-body injury.
Bariatric bedpans
Bariatric bedpans are made to withstand higher weights than conventional bedpans. They are good to support weights of around 1200 pounds. Also, compared to the standard bedpan, they can hold more fluid. These devices are designed and built using heavy-duty plastics. Thus, conventional bed pans and bariatric bed pans are distinguished based on their weight capacity and size.
Urinals
Urinals are another kind of bedpans but can be easily distinguished based on their structure. They come in varying forms other than wedge-shaped or oval. The most common types of urinal bedpan are the cylindrical-shaped one, often used for men. Female urinals are also there but are not as popular as their counterpart.

Bedpan alternatives
There exist several alternatives to bedpans. Some of them are mentioned below:

Catheters
Catheters are used for draining urine, they can be used overnight. The external catheters are available either with a leg bag or bedside mounted urine collector.
Commode chairs
Commode chairs are portable toilets that are used outside of the bed. These are also known as autonomy chairs.
Portable urinals
These come in a large variety and are designed separately for women and men. These are an alternative to catheters.
Adult diapers
Adult diapers are another available option that may be used for individuals who have mobility issues. The disposable adult diapers come with side fasteners and are absorbent. These are suitable for people who have trouble standing or have heavy incontinence.

The cost of the bedpans and the alternatives vary as per the material and the type of equipment. These can be bought from various online retailers and pharmacies.

What items should be kept ready before using the bedpan?
There are some essential items that the caregivers should be ready with before using the bedpan. Some of these items include toilet paper, wipes, disposable gloves, a towel, and a basin with warm water.

Conclusion
Good hygiene is very significant in bedpan use. Nowadays, one-time-use bedpan liners are in use and are made of wood pulp. These are highly efficient in reducing cross-contamination. Plastic bedpan liners are also used as an alternative to the ones made of wood pulp. One should buy a bedpan after understanding the requirements of the individual and consulting with a healthcare provider. They will guide the caregivers in buying the right according to the patient’s condition and needs. They will also suggest ways to maintain hygiene and comfort.