Bedpan

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A bedpan is a small container used to collect urine and/or stool from someone who is confined to a bed and can’t use a toilet. There are reusable and disposable bedpans, and several different types.

Reusable bedpans are used under the person’s buttocks and must be emptied, cleaned, and sanitized after each use. Disposable bedpans are used once and thrown away; sometimes a disposable bedpan liner is placed inside a reusable bedpan to protect it and make disposal easier.

Regular bedpans are large and look like a combination of a toilet seat and bowl. Fracture or slipper bedpans are smaller and have a flat end; they’re designed for people with pelvic injuries or those who can’t lift their hips high enough to use a regular bedpan.

Bedpans have weight limits, and special bariatric bedpans are available for heavier users. They are different from chamber pots, which are larger and usually have handles and a lid. Bedpans are placed in the bed and used under the person; they may have lids, but most are used and emptied right away.

Historically, bedpans have evolved from simple metal or ceramic vessels to modern materials. Today, many are made of stainless steel, plastic, or disposable materials. Reusable bedpans can be cleaned with high-temperature wash/disinfection machines, while disposable bedpans avoid cleaning but create waste. In some places, pulp-based disposable bedpans are common because they are cheaper to dispose of than autoclaving and cleaning.

Bedpans help people who are immobile due to illness, surgery, a hip or leg injury, or severe weakness. They are used in hospitals, nursing homes, and at home. Using a bedpan can carry risks such as skin pressure or infection, so proper technique, padding, and hygiene are important. Ergonomic designs improve comfort and reduce pressure, and some models cover the genital area for privacy.

Hygiene is important. Bedpans are considered non-critical medical devices, so they are cleaned and disinfected between uses. For shared bedpans, caregivers wear gloves and follow local disinfection guidelines. Some facilities use washer-disinfector machines to clean reusable bedpans at high temperatures.

People may also use other options for waste elimination, such as urinary catheters for urine or portable urinals. For those with incontinence, absorbent products like pads and protective underwear come in various levels of absorbency and are chosen based on need and comfort.