size does matter ~ sizing p-valve caths

[Uncle Pug]

Halcyon's p-valve ships with one size 28mm (medium) external cath. This may or may not be the correct size for you.

You can manage to get a smaller sized cath on, but it isn't necessarily a wise or healthy course of action. Not only that, a cath too small is more likely to come off at an inopportune moment. If anything it would be better to err on the side of slightly larger cath.

Here is a simple solution to the sizing issue:

Using a compass set to 25mm 29mm 31mm 36mm 41mm (Rochester sizes) draw circles on card stock (you can do this with a couple of 3x5 index cards.)

Cut the card stock with scissors so that you cut the circles you have drawn in half and then cut out the interior of the resultant semi-circles to form the *sizing gauges*.

Now size yourself. If you are somewhere between sizes order the larger size.

Tip: best prices are here.

 

[detroit diver]

If only this were another board......<G>

 

[Mo2vation]

I see. Sort of like one of those spaghetti serving measuring thingies they sell at Williams Sonoma. The device with the different size holes in it.

But only sort of...


---
Ken

 

[Steve Egner]

Using a compass set to 25mm 29mm 31mm 36mm 41mm (Rochester sizes) draw circles on card stock (you can do this with a couple of 3x5 index cards.)

I saw one of those available on a catheter-condom retailer's site... I printed it for a few chuckles with my wife. I'll look around to see if I can find it.

Looks quickly from side to side standing at the pharmacy cash register, and in a hoarse whisper asks "Double extra smalls, please?"

Steve

 

[miketsp]

How do you take into account the temperature effect on a long dive with gradual heat loss?

 

[Uncle Pug]

How do you take into account the temperature effect on a long dive with gradual heat loss?

That really shouldn't be a problem if you size right to begin with... but if you are concerned you can use a cold wash cloth first.

 

[jjwdiver]

When sizing, go with the first measurement. Some may tend to get different results if sizing more than once.

Seriously, I and several of my buddies use the Rochester Medical Wide Band style. You dont need extra adhesive and they come off in a couple of days.

 

[Rick Inman]

I take that the card should end up looking something like THIS (except for the different mm sizes).

 

[Uncle Pug]

Thanks for posting that link Rick... yes.

 

[aquaoren]

That's too cool as it comes just right.
I've put a P-valve in my suit yesterday.
BTW, for those unsure, Rochester sends out samples.
http://www.rocm.com/06x00f.html