Managing urinary incontinence can be a significant challenge, affecting comfort, skin health, and overall quality of life. For many women, especially those with limited mobility, traditional options like absorbent pads or invasive catheters present their own set of problems. A newer technology, however, offers a different approach to continence care. The purewick for women is a system designed to manage female urinary incontinence externally, providing a simple and effective way to stay dry and comfortable.
What is the PureWick for Women?
The purewick for women system is a non invasive urine collection device that works completely outside the body. Think of it as an external catheter designed specifically for the female anatomy. It was created to offer an alternative to absorbent products, which can leave skin damp and irritated, and indwelling Foley catheters, which are inserted into the bladder and carry a higher risk of infection. The primary goal of the system is to wick urine away from the body to keep the skin dry, reduce the risk of skin breakdown, and promote more restful sleep for both the user and their caregivers.
Unlike pads that absorb urine and hold it against the skin, the purewick for women actively pulls the urine away and into a sealed collection canister. This key difference is fundamental to its benefits. It provides a more proactive way to manage incontinence, focusing on prevention of skin issues rather than just absorption. For anyone who has struggled with the constant changing of briefs or the discomfort of an internal catheter, this system can be a welcome change.
How Does the PureWick System Work?
The concept behind the purewick for women is surprisingly simple, relying on two main parts working together: a soft, disposable external catheter and a low pressure suction pump. It operates like a gentle, continuous vacuum specifically for urine. The process is straightforward and doesn’t require any internal insertion.
First, the soft, fabric like external catheter is positioned against the perineum. When the user urinates, the material in the catheter wicks the fluid away from the body. This is where the second part comes in. The external catheter is connected via tubing to the collection system, which creates a gentle, low pressure suction. This suction pulls the urine from the wick, through the tube, and into a sealed collection canister. The system runs quietly in the background, continuously managing urine output without needing constant attention.
The Components of the PureWick for Women System
To fully understand how it operates, it’s helpful to look at the individual parts that make up the complete purewick for women setup. Each component has a specific job in keeping the user dry and comfortable.
The PureWick™ Female External Catheter
This is the part that comes in direct contact with the body. It’s a single use, disposable wick made of a soft, flexible, and absorbent fabric. It is designed to be tucked gently between the labia and gluteal muscles. The material is latex free and designed for comfort. Each external catheter is meant to be used for 8 to 12 hours before being discarded and replaced with a new one. This regular replacement schedule helps maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of infection. The design of the purewick for women external catheter is key to its effectiveness.
The PureWick™ Urine Collection System
This is the durable hardware part of the system. It consists of a small pump that provides the low pressure suction and a collection canister where the urine is stored. The canister is typically 2000ml and is sealed to prevent spills and control odor. The collection system is connected to the external catheter with a long tube, allowing the main unit to be placed conveniently on a nightstand or on the floor next to the bed. It plugs into a standard electrical outlet and runs quietly, often described as a soft hum.
Who is the Ideal Candidate for Using PureWick for Women?
The purewick for women is a valuable tool for a specific group of individuals. It is not intended for all types of incontinence, but for those it helps, it can be life changing. It is most beneficial for women who are confined to a bed or chair, or who have severely limited mobility.
- Women with Urinary Incontinence: The primary users are those who cannot control their bladder.
- Individuals with Limited Mobility: It’s an excellent solution for patients who cannot safely get to the toilet on their own, whether due to age, injury, or illness.
- Post Surgery Recovery: After certain surgeries, mobility can be restricted, and getting up frequently is not possible. The purewick for women can make recovery more comfortable.
- Those at Risk for Skin Breakdown: Constant exposure to moisture from urine can lead to painful skin irritation and pressure ulcers. This system keeps skin dry, greatly reducing that risk.
- Patients Prone to Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): By avoiding an indwelling catheter, the purewick for women can help lower the risk of catheter associated UTIs (CAUTIs).
- Those Seeking Uninterrupted Sleep: For both the user and their caregiver, waking up multiple times a night for cleanup and changes is exhausting. This system allows for longer periods of undisturbed rest.
The purewick for women is about more than just managing a medical condition, it’s about preserving dignity and improving comfort. Many families find that it reduces caregiver burden and provides peace of mind.
Step by Step Guide: How to Use the PureWick for Women
Proper placement is crucial for the purewick for women system to work correctly. While it may take a little practice, the process is easy to learn. Following these steps helps make sure of a good seal and effective performance.
- Prepare the Area: Always start with clean, dry skin. Perform perineal care as you normally would, washing and thoroughly drying the area before application.
- Position the User: The user should be lying comfortably on their back. It can be helpful to have them in a “frog leg” position, with knees bent and spread slightly apart, to get clear access to the perineal area.
- Place the External Catheter: Gently separate the labia. Take the soft gauze end of the purewick for women external catheter and tuck it between the labia, against the urethral opening. The top of the wick should align with the pubic bone.
- Secure the Placement: Gently press the rest of the catheter down between the gluteal muscles. The user’s body will help hold it in place. No tape or adhesive is needed.
- Connect the System: Attach the tubing from the collection system to the other end of the external catheter. Listen for a soft click to confirm it’s connected.
- Turn the System On: Turn on the PureWick Urine Collection System. You should hear a quiet hum, indicating that the low pressure suction is active.
Proper application of the purewick for women is the most important factor for success. If you notice any leakage, the first step is to check and adjust the placement of the external catheter.
Key Benefits of Using the PureWick for Women
When compared to more traditional methods of incontinence management, the benefits of the purewick for women become very clear. It addresses many of the common complaints associated with adult briefs and internal catheters.
| Feature | PureWick for Women | Adult Briefs / Pads | Indwelling Catheters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Health | Excellent. Actively pulls moisture away, keeping skin dry and reducing risk of breakdown. | Fair. Traps moisture against the skin, increasing risk of irritation and sores if not changed immediately. | Good for external skin, but internal irritation is possible. |
| Comfort | High. Soft, non invasive fabric sits externally. | Variable. Can be bulky, cause chafing, and feel damp. | Low to Moderate. Internal device can cause discomfort and restrict movement. |
| UTI Risk | Low. Non invasive design significantly reduces the risk of UTIs. | Moderate. Bacteria can grow in damp pads, potentially leading to infection. | High. The leading cause of healthcare associated UTIs (CAUTIs). |
| Sleep Quality | High. Allows for uninterrupted sleep for both user and caregiver. | Low. Requires waking up for changes, leading to sleep disruption. | High. Collects urine continuously, allowing for uninterrupted sleep. |
| Caregiver Burden | Low. Requires changing every 8 12 hours and emptying the canister. Less laundry. | High. Requires frequent checks, changes, and extensive cleanup and laundry. | Moderate. Requires skilled care for insertion, removal, and monitoring for infection. |
Cost and Insurance Coverage: What to Expect
Understanding the potential cost is a major consideration for any medical device. The cost of the purewick for women system is broken into two parts: the one time purchase of the collection system and the recurring cost of the disposable external catheters.
How Much Does PureWick for Women Cost?
As of September 2025, pricing can vary depending on the medical supply retailer. It’s a good idea to shop around. Here is a general breakdown:
- PureWick™ Urine Collection System: The main pump and canister unit typically costs between $350 and $450. This is usually a one time purchase.
- PureWick™ Female External Catheters: These are the ongoing expense. A box of 30 catheters generally costs between $120 and $160. Since they are changed every 8 12 hours, a user may need 2 3 per day.
Some suppliers offer a starter kit that bundles the collection system with a small supply of external catheters.
Is PureWick Covered by Insurance?
This is a common and important question. For many users in the United States, the purewick for women system may be covered by insurance. Medicare Part B covers “External Urinary Collection Devices” if they are considered medically necessary. This typically requires a prescription from a doctor and a diagnosis of permanent urinary incontinence.
To get coverage, you will need to work with your doctor and a durable medical equipment (DME) supplier that accepts Medicare. Private insurance plans often have similar policies, but coverage varies widely. The best course of action is to contact your insurance provider directly to ask about their specific coverage for the purewick for women system (HCPCS codes can be helpful: S9999 for the starter kit, K1006 for the catheters).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the purewick for women.
How often should the PureWick external catheter be changed?
The manufacturer recommends changing the external catheter at least every 8 to 12 hours, or immediately if it becomes soiled with blood or feces.
Can you use PureWick for women if you have a bowel movement?
No. The system is designed for urine only. The external catheter must be removed before a bowel movement. The area should then be cleaned thoroughly, and a new catheter can be applied afterward.
Can the user lie on their side?
Yes, the user can lie on their side. To prevent leakage, it can be helpful to place a pillow between the knees to keep the legs from pressing together too tightly, which could dislodge the purewick for women catheter.
Is the PureWick system loud?
The collection system produces a quiet, low level humming sound. Most users find that it quickly becomes background noise and does not interfere with sleep.
Where can I buy the PureWick for women?
The system is available through numerous durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers and online medical retailers. Some well known suppliers include Liberator Medical, Personally Delivered, and Express Medical Supply. The purewick for women system is also available for home use through the official PureWick at Home program.
Conclusion
The purewick for women represents a significant step forward in managing female urinary incontinence. By offering a non invasive, external solution, it effectively addresses the major drawbacks of both absorbent pads and indwelling catheters. Its ability to keep skin dry is critical for preventing painful irritation and breakdown, while the continuous collection allows both users and their caregivers to achieve much needed, uninterrupted rest. For women with limited mobility who need a reliable and dignified way to manage incontinence, the purewick for women system provides a powerful, comfortable, and hygienic alternative. It has truly changed the standard of care for many individuals, improving their health and daily quality of life.
