Can You Lay Down With A Leg Bag Catheter
You need to use some common sence.
Can you lay down with a leg bag catheter. So switching bags can also add to the UTI picture. If you will be lying down for most of the day ask a member of your health care team about using a large night drainage bag instead of a leg bag. Dont fasten the straps on the leg bag too tightly to your leg as that may interfere with your circulation.
The general answer would be NO you should not sleep with catheter leg bag. It is best not to open the tap to empty the bag more often as this can promote infections. The leg bag needs to be worn lower than your bladder in order for your urine to drain into the leg bag.
Leg bags are intended to be used while you are going about your day. To hang your night bag while you sleep place a clean. So even though you can secure the catheter to your leg downward pressure such as is exerted by a leg bag can easily pull the catheter down through the hole in the securement device especially as the bag fills up and gets heavier.
The second picture shows a wad of tape providing the catch. Then you pull it down then you open the lid put it over the valve in your leg bag open the valve all the urine drains into that. Your nurse will help you adjust the tubing to fit.
Because the bag is hidden under your clothes it may also make you feel more comfortable about the catheter. How to Care for Your Indwelling Catheter. On the other hand any time you disconnect and reconnect a catheter it creates a chance for contamination.
Empty the drainage bag when it is ½ to ⅔ full at least every 4 to 8 hours or when switching from one type of drainage bag to another. You will need to clean the area around the catheter once a day. Dont let the bag become completely full.
