Coloplast Compact Male Review

For the past few years I've been using the Coloplast Speedicath with coude tip. In both 12F and 14F sizes. I arrived at this catheter after trying numerous others from red rubber, to vinyl, to other hydrophillics. Have nothing but good things to say about it. 

That said, out of curiosity and on the recommendation of other members here, I just tried the Coloplast Compact Male. 

The good: 1. Extremely convenient and discreet for out of home use; 2. Although I have been prescribed a coude tip, this catheter (non coude) went it very easily, no pain, no resistance. YMMV. 3. They also come with an attached bag (the kit) and with an unattached bag. The attached bag could come in convenient for outdoor activities like camping, etc. If don't order the "kit' version, you still get the bag but it is packed separarately so it's not in the way. 

Not so good: 1. Currently only available in "straight", so this may be an issue for those needing "coude". That said, I was prescribed a coude and didn't have any issues; 2. Insurance -- In order for Medicare to cover the compact, you need documentation of two symptomatic UTI's within the prior 12 months. May not be an issue with private insurers. Of course you can purchase these out of pocket but they are not cheap 3. The catheter is about  2" shorter than the Speedicath. For me, this meant I had to insert it right up to the plastic funnel to get the bladder to start draining. Not a big deal but something to note. 4. Incomplete emptying? Since the catheter was shorter, I questioned if my bladder had been completely emptied. So, right after using it, I catherized again with the Speedicath and drained out 50cc. It is possible that this amount was produced by my kidneys inbetween cath's, or that my diverticulum was emptying into the bladder inbetween caths. However, it's  also possible that because of the shorter length it was not getting all the way in and I therefore was not getting as complete an emptyting as with the Speedicath. I checked with one rep, who said this issue has been noted, and for that reason some people are advised to use their regular (longer) catheter at least once a day to empty completely. 

Conclusions: If they are covered by insurance, or if you can afford them, a great addition to your catheter arsenal, especially when out of the house.

The only issue would be if only a coude would work for you. Also, if you have incomplete emptying like I initially did, probably best at least once a day to use your regular catheter to empty completely.

According to Coloplast, a coude version may be on it's way. If that is the case, the insurance issue may not be an issue as coude's have a different billing code. 

I've got a couple of more samples to try, and will post if anything changes.

Jim

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