Indwelling Foley Catheters – Long-Term Urinary Drainage Solutions
At MADISON Medical Supplies, we provide a trusted selection of indwelling Foley catheters for patients and caregivers who require continuous, reliable urinary drainage. Our Foley catheters are sourced from leading medical manufacturers and are designed to deliver comfort, safety, and performance for both short-term and long-term use.
What Is an Indwelling Foley Catheter?
An indwelling Foley catheter is a soft, flexible tube inserted through the urethra into the bladder to continuously drain urine. Unlike intermittent catheters, which are inserted and removed each time the bladder needs to be emptied, a Foley catheter remains in place and is held securely by a small inflated balloon at the tip. Urine drains continuously through the catheter into a collection bag, such as a leg drainage bag during the day or a larger bedside bag at night.
Foley catheters are commonly used for individuals who:
- Are unable to urinate on their own due to urinary retention or obstruction
- Are recovering from surgery involving the bladder, prostate, or urinary tract
- Have neurogenic bladder conditions that prevent normal bladder function
- Require close monitoring of urine output in a clinical or home care setting
- Have limited mobility or are bedridden and cannot manage intermittent catheterization
Types of Foley Catheters We Carry
Our collection includes a variety of Foley catheter types to accommodate different clinical needs and patient anatomies:
-
2-Way Foley Catheters – The most common type, featuring one lumen for urine drainage and one for balloon inflation; ideal for standard urinary drainage
-
3-Way Foley Catheters – Includes a third lumen for continuous bladder irrigation, commonly used post-prostate surgery or when blood clots are a concern
-
Silicone Foley Catheters – 100% silicone construction for patients with latex allergies or those requiring long-term catheterization with minimal tissue irritation
-
Latex Foley Catheters – Cost-effective option for short-term use in patients without latex sensitivity
-
Hydrogel-Coated Foley Catheters – Coated for enhanced comfort and reduced friction, ideal for extended wear
-
Coude Tip Foley Catheters – Curved tip design for patients with enlarged prostates or urethral strictures that make standard insertion difficult
-
Pediatric Foley Catheters – Smaller French sizes designed for use in children requiring indwelling catheterization
Choosing the Right Foley Catheter
Selecting the appropriate indwelling catheter is important for patient comfort and clinical outcomes. Key factors to consider include:
-
French Size (Fr): Most adults use sizes 14Fr to 18Fr — always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendation
-
Balloon Size: Standard 5cc or 10cc balloons for adults; 3cc balloons for pediatric use
-
Material: Silicone is preferred for long-term use; latex is suitable for short-term applications in non-allergic patients
-
Tip Style: Standard straight tips for most patients; coude tips for those with prostate enlargement or urethral narrowing
-
Drainage Configuration: 2-way for standard drainage; 3-way for post-surgical irrigation needs
Foley Catheter Care & Maintenance Tips
Proper care of an indwelling Foley catheter is essential to prevent infection and ensure comfort:
- Clean the catheter insertion site daily with mild soap and water
- Keep the drainage bag below bladder level at all times to prevent backflow
- Empty the drainage bag regularly — when it is two-thirds full — to avoid leaks and discomfort
- Secure the catheter tubing to the thigh to prevent pulling or accidental removal
- Stay well hydrated to help flush the urinary tract and reduce infection risk
- Replace the catheter as directed by your healthcare provider, typically every 4–6 weeks for long-term use
Who Uses Indwelling Foley Catheters?
Foley catheters are an essential urological tool for a wide range of patients, including:
- Post-surgical patients recovering from prostate, bladder, or pelvic procedures
- Individuals with spinal cord injuries or neurogenic bladder who cannot perform intermittent self-catheterization
- Elderly patients with urinary retention or severe mobility limitations
- Patients in palliative or long-term care settings requiring continuous drainage
- Individuals transitioning to or from external catheters based on clinical needs
Shop Indwelling Foley Catheters at MADISON Medical Supplies
MADISON Medical Supplies is your reliable source for high-quality Foley catheters and complete urological supplies. We also carry a full range of complementary products including intermittent catheters, closed system catheters, external catheters, and leg drainage bags — everything you need for comprehensive urological care delivered to your door.
Shop our Foley catheter collection today and experience discreet shipping, competitive pricing, and expert support from the MADISON team.