Frequently Asked Questions About PureWick™

Your Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions About PureWick™

Your Questions Answered
What is the PureWick™ System for Women?
The PureWick System™ is a non-invasive option to managing urinary incontinence. The system consists of the PureWick™ Urine Collection System pump and an attached female external catheter, each purchased separately or as a Starter Set. For women, you can choose the PureWick™ Flex Female External Catheter or the PureWick™ Female External Catheter. The female external catheters are designed to work outside the body to draw voided urine away, helping to keep skin dry.
Learn more about the PureWick™ Flex Female External Catheter
Learn more about the PureWick™ Female External Catheter
What is the PureWick™ System for Men?
The PureWick System™ is a non-invasive option to managing urinary incontinence. For men, the system consists of the PureWick Urine Collection System pump and the PureWick™ Male External Catheter, each purchased separately or as a Starter Set. The system works outside the body to draw urine away, helping keep skin dry.
Learn more about the PureWick Male External Catheter
Where does the urine go?
The PureWick™ Urine Collection System pump draws voided urine through the collector tubing into the collection canister.
How much urine can the collection canister hold?
The PureWick™ Urine Collection System 2000cc (mL) canister should be emptied before volume reaches 1800cc (mL), or as needed.
Can I use the PureWick™ System on my own?
Absolutely! The PureWick™ System is easy to set up from start to finish,² and the PureWick™ Female External Catheter can be placed in a few steps. To learn how to use the PureWick™ System, please visit our How to Use page.
How to Use PureWick™
I’ve never used the PureWick™ System before. What system should I order?
The PureWick™ Urine Collection Starter Set includes everything you need to get started. You can select a system with a rechargeable battery or not.
Is this the same system used in the hospital?
The PureWick™ Flex Female External Catheter, the PureWick™ Female External Catheter and PureWick™ Male External Catheters are used in hospitals today. The PureWick™ Urine Collection System pump is for home use only.
Is the PureWick™ System quiet?
Users and caregivers agree that the PureWick™ System is quiet enough to not disturb the user's sleep.
Why would I need a PureWick™ System with the battery option?
The built-in battery protection is a convenient option that keeps the system running for up to 8 hours in the event of a power outage or if an outlet is not nearby.
Can I use the PureWick™ System while it's charging?
Yes, the built-in battery recharges any time the device is plugged into an outlet and can be used during this time.
How does the battery charge?
The built-in battery recharges any time the device is plugged into an outlet. To fully charge the battery, the system must be plugged in for 12 hours.
What is the size of the system?
The PureWick™ Urine Collection System is 9″ x 6.5″ x 11″ and able to fit on most nightstands and tables.
Do I have to keep the PureWick™ Urine Collection System in a specific location?
The PureWick™ Urine Collection System should be kept on a flat surface. The PureWick™ Urine Collection System is 9” x 6.5” x 11” and able to fit on most nightstands and tables. It should be kept in close proximity to you while sleeping.
What is the difference between the PureWick™ Female External Catheter and the PureWick™ Flex Female External Catheter?
The PureWick™ Female External Catheter is the original blue wick that has been used in over 3,000 hospitals and rehabilitation facilities nationwide. The PureWick™ Flex Female External Catheter features a new design with bendable tubing that fits with various body types. It is designed to fit around the contours of the body for a comfortable fit that stays in place. The PureWick™ Flex Female External Catheter also features three-layer, soft fabric.
Does underwear fit over the PureWick™ Female External Catheter?
Yes.
Can the PureWick™ Female External Catheter or the PureWick™ Flex Female External Catheter be reused?
No, the female external catheters are single use only. The PureWick™ Female External Catheter should be replaced at least every 8 to 12 hours or sooner if soiled with feces or blood. The PureWick™ Flex Female External Catheter should be replaced up to 12 hours or sooner if soiled with feces or blood. Skin should be assessed to see if it’s been compromised, and perineal care should be performed prior to placement of a new wick.
PureWick™ Female External Catheter Instructions for Use
PureWick™ Flex Female External Catheter Instructions for Use
Can the PureWick™ Male External Catheter be reused?
No, the PureWick™ Male External catheters are single use only. The PureWick™ Male External Catheter should be replaced at least every 24 hours or sooner if soiled with semen, feces or blood.
Can I sanitize and reuse my PureWick™ External Catheter?
No. The PureWick™ Flex Female External Catheter, the PureWick™ Female External Catheter and the PureWick™ Male External Catheter are designed for single-use only. Attempting to wash, sanitize, and/or reuse may contribute to a risk of infection or illness, and may compromise the structural integrity and materials of the wick. This could contribute to device failure and user injury.
How many PureWick™ Female External Catheters do I need?
PureWick™ Female External Catheter are used one at a time and should be replaced at least every 8 to 12 hours or sooner if soiled with feces or blood. The amount you need to order will depend on individual usage. For example, if you plan to use the PureWick™ System only at night while sleeping, you will likely use one PureWick™ External Female Catheter per day.
How many PureWick™ Flex Female External Catheters do I need?
PureWick™ Flex Female External Catheter are used one at a time and should be replaced at least every 12 hours or sooner if soiled with feces or blood. The amount you need to order will depend on individual usage. For example, if you plan to use the PureWick™ System only at night while sleeping, you will likely use one PureWick™ External Female Catheter per day.
Are the PureWick™ External Catheters made with latex?
No. The PureWick™ Female External Catheter, the PureWick™ Flex Female External Catheter and the PureWick™ Male External Catheter are not made with natural rubber latex.
How long is the electrical cord on the PureWick™ Urine Collection System?
The PureWick ™ Urine Collection System has a 12-foot electrical cord.
Can the power cord be used with all systems?
The power cord can be used with the PureWick™ Urine Collection System without Battery and the PureWick™ Urine Collection System with Battery.
I need help setting up and using the PureWick™ System. Are there any helpful videos or educational materials on this?
Yes. Click on the links below to see how to set up and use your PureWick™ System.
Setting up your PureWick™ Urine Collection System
Operating and placing the PureWick™ Female External Catheter
You can also learn more about setting up and using the PureWick™ System by visiting Setting Up the PureWick™ System and How to Use the PureWick™ System.
Setting Up
How to Use
How much suction is coming from the PureWick™ Urine Collection System?
Approximately 120 mmHg to 140 mmHg.
How often do you need to replace the canister and tubing?
The PureWick™ System Accessory Kit (canister and tubing) that is included with the PureWick™ Urine Collection System pump should be replaced every 60 days, or sooner if you see signs of degradation. You can also choose to upgrade to the PureWick™ System Accessory Kit with Handle for 90-day usage, or sooner if you see signs of degradation. These items can be purchased from our Reorder & Accessories page.
Reorders & Accessories
How do I reorder my supplies?
You can reorder your supplies online or by calling 1-833-492-0353 9AM to 8PM EST Monday–Friday and from 9AM to 3PM EST on Saturday.
Can men use the PureWick™ Female External Catheter?
The PureWick™ Female External Catheter with the PureWick™ Urine Collection System is designed to be used for at home use by women exclusively.
How often should I clean the canister and tubing?
The collection canister, canister lid, collector tubing, and pump tubing should be cleaned and disinfected after each use.
How much suction is coming from the PureWick™ Urine Collection System?
Approximately 120 mmHg to 140 mmHg.
Where can I find my order number?
You can find your order number in the confirmation email sent to the email address provided and in the My Account section of our website. If you can’t find your order number, call one of our Customer Care Specialists at 1-800-816-6920 from 9 AM to 8 PM ET Monday-Friday and from 9 AM to 3 PM ET on Saturday. Please have available the item(s) you ordered as well as your shipping and billing information. Need help finding your account?
Click here.
Have questions about shipping and returns? Visit Shipping and Returns.
Shipping and Returns

Ready to Order?

You can purchase the PureWick™ System without a prescription. The PureWick medical equipment and supplies sold through this website are not covered by Medicare, Medicaid or Commercial Insurance and are cash sales only.** Follow the link below to get the System delivered directly to you.

Ready to Order?

You can purchase the PureWick™ System without a prescription. The PureWick medical equipment and supplies sold through this website are not covered by Medicare, Medicaid or Commercial Insurance and are cash sales only.** Follow the link below to get the System delivered directly to you.

1. PureWick™ User & Caregiver Survey (August 2020), Based on a survey of 324 respondents, (n=112 users, n=196 caregivers, n=16 answered “Not Sure”, Margin of Error=5.2%) 76% of caregivers and 71% of users agree the PureWick™ System is quiet enough to not disturb the user’s sleep. Respondents used the PureWick™ Urine Collection System with the PureWick™ Female External Catheter and re-ordered the PureWick™ Female External Catheter at least once. The survey did not include users of the PureWick™ Flex Female External Catheter due to it not being available in market at the time of the survey.
2. PureWick™ User Experience Survey, Based on a survey of 145 respondents, 109 (n=46 users, n=54 caregivers, n=7 identified as both a user and caregiver, n=2 blank) agreed that after using PureWick™ for a few weeks, they became confident placing a wick. Respondents used the DryDoc™ Vacuum Station with the PureWick™ Female External Catheter (previous name of 1st generation PureWick™ Urine Collection System) and re-ordered the PureWick™ Female External Catheter at least once. The survey did not include users of the PureWick™ Flex Female External Catheter due to it not being available in market at the time of the survey.
** Purewickathome.com, operated by C. R. Bard, Inc., is neither a Medicare or Medicaid enrolled or participating supplier, nor participating with any commercial insurance plans and will not submit claims or collect reimbursement for orders placed on this website. Items sold are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid and are cash sales only. Even if you are Medicare or Medicaid beneficiary, or have commercial insurance, you will be personally and fully responsible for payment for any items purchased.