Preferred P Valve Hose Routing: Up and over vs straight down

[MattPSI]

I'm a new P valve user. I have an unbalanced system and am using widebands. I route it up and over. I have had problems with feeling like flow is being restricted more times than not while diving, which can be quite painful and predispose a person to getting UTIs. It feels like suit squeeze puts a lot of pressure on that area, which I assume is causing some kinking. There is a lot of extra hose length that forms a loop which sits on my abdomen and is pretty uncomfortable. I have better luck with getting a good flow while not submerged. I have a fairly snug fitting dry suit. I trim the condom tips and roll them up before donning to minimize space at the tip. I am currently considering shortening my hose to just the bare minimum length required to go up and over, or cutting a hole in my expensive undergarment to accommodate a down and out route. Any ideas would be helpful!

 

[Doc Harry]

Whatever works is what is best

When it comes time for me to play with my plumbing, I add plenty of air to my dry suit to relieve any squeeze.

 

[andrewy]

Up and over is fine. Make sure hose is noprene and long enough 1.5ft or about. Also cut end of a catherer leave 1/4 in. It enough to keep safe on adapter. Otherwise it kinks. Also make sure to 'prime' it )

 

[Jack Hammer]

Like mentioned you gotta find the routing that works best for you. I tried a few before I figured out I gotta also line my junk up just right and get the hose coming just right. Otherwise I feel restricted too.

 

[MattPSI]

Thanks for all the helpful comments. I will keep trying to optimize the system. It has been surprisingly stubborn so far. Not quite what I was hoping for especially given the hassle and pain of removing the condom catheter (I do use adhesive remover). I am patient when it comes to tinkering with things and properly motivated.


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[Michael Guerrero]

I have an unbalanced p valve and route it up and over. The catheter sometimes gets pinched and causes the resistance. Like others, I make sure I have enough air in my suit, and try and smooth out any bunching before relieving myself. It's not always perfect but it is better than holding it. And I've never had a UTI from it.

 

[BFRedrocks]

I have the same problem...for me, it's the waistband of my base layer undergarment that seems to pinch the catheter tip, no matter what I try. Works fine at the surface, but no-go under water. I've tried to add air to release some of the squeeze there, but that just makes me float up. I'm thinking that having a seamstress cut (and seal) a button hole in the leg of each of my undergarments, and then route down and out, is the way for me, but I haven't been able to do that yet. So for now, I'll keep trying the up and over method.

 

[eponym]

Matt,
I typically route up though the bottom of my woolies zip (there are zippers at both top and bottom) and then down my left leg to the valve. Never a problem, although the first go does feel like working against a blockage.
I position my guy standing and that avoids any initial kink, just a gentle omega in the belly button region. I'm not sure whether or not you and the other posters are doing that. Just asking.

By the way, a bunch of us are diving Swinging Bridge on the Illinois River (out of Salem, OR) this Saturday. Care to join us?

 

[MattPSI]

Matt,
I typically route up though the bottom of my woolies zip (there are zippers at both top and bottom) and then down my left leg to the valve. Never a problem, although the first go does feel like working against a blockage.
I position my guy standing and that avoids any initial kink, just a gentle omega in the belly button region. I'm not sure whether or not you and the other posters are doing that. Just asking.

By the way, a bunch of us are diving Swinging Bridge on the Illinois River (out of Salem, OR) this Saturday. Care to join us?

I have been positioning myself pointing up. I'm definitely wondering if the extra large loop in my system could be part of my problem. So my first move will be shortening the hose a bit. If doesn't improve things substantially, then I'll explore the downward routing option.
Thanks so much for the invite to join you at the river! I definitely would except for the fact that I will be on childcare duty this Saturday and am coming down with a cold compliments of said children. I hope the weather cools down a bit if you are planning to dive dry.


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[CWC]

I tried the up and over method when I first got my suit. Sometimes it worked great, sometimes it would get kinked. I eventually worked up the nerve to cut a small slit in the leg of my undergarment, cut the hose as short as I could, and route straight down. I am MUCH happier now! I have had zero problems since making the change. Cutting the slit in the undergarment and sewing the edges wasn't a big deal at all. Just google search for "button-hole stitch", and you will find plenty of tutorials on how to sew up the edges of the hole.