Choose a urinal bottle for bedside or chair use
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- Drive Medical RTLPC23201-M male urinal. Best for: A man who needs a single bedside bottle. See options on Amazon
- Drive Medical RTLPC23201-F female urinal. Best for: A woman who needs a bottle shaped for female use. See options on Amazon
- Carex male urinal with snap-on lid (FGP70700). Best for: A man who wants a lid that stays attached. See options on Amazon
Pick the right shape first
A urinal bottle collects urine when getting to the toilet is hard, for example after surgery, during an illness or at night. Male and female bottles are shaped differently. A male urinal has a narrow neck. A female urinal has a wider, contoured opening that is held against the body.
All three picks here are single bottles, not bulk cases. Drive lists the RTLPC23201-M and RTLPC23201-F at 32 oz each with graduation marks. Carex, a brand sold by Drive, describes its male urinal with an attached snap-on lid. Check the listing quantity before you order, because some urinals are sold in cartons for care facilities.
Compare the three picks
| Model | Who it fits | What the maker lists |
|---|---|---|
| Drive RTLPC23201-M | Men | 32 oz; handle; cap; graduation marks; usable in several positions |
| Drive RTLPC23201-F | Women | 32 oz; designed to prevent spills; sturdy grip; graduation marks; retail packaged |
| Carex male urinal FGP70700 | Men who want a lid that stays attached | Attached snap-on lid for spills and odor; graduation marks; sturdy grip; usable in several positions |
These details come from Drive's product pages and its personal-care chart. We have not tested these bottles.
Check grip, position and lid
Think about where the person will be when they use the bottle: lying in bed, sitting on the edge of the bed, or in a chair. Drive says each of these bottles can be used in several positions, but hand strength and movement still matter. Someone with weak hands may do better with a bottle that has a large handle and a lid that does not need to be found in the dark.
A lid helps with odor and small spills while the bottle waits to be emptied. Drive calls the Carex lid attached, so it stays with the bottle, and says the Drive male bottle has a cap. Neither maker says the bottles are leakproof for carrying in a bag, so empty them before moving them.
If a caregiver will help, make sure they can hold and empty the bottle too.
Emptying and cleaning
Empty the bottle into the toilet after each use. Drive describes these bottles as easy to clean; follow the care instructions that come in the package, because they are the maker's guidance for that plastic.
Decide where the bottle will sit between uses. Keep it within reach of the bed or chair. If a nurse or doctor has asked you to track how much urine is passed, the graduation marks give a rough reading. Ask them how they want it recorded.
Other options if a bottle is not right
A bottle only works if the person can position it. If sitting up or holding a bottle is too hard, a bedpan or a bedside commode may suit better. For leaks between toilet trips, see our guides to incontinence pads and adult diapers, which do a different job.
When to call a doctor instead
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) says that being unable to urinate, or having severe pain in the lower belly, needs medical care right away. A bottle does not fix that. NIDDK also lists trouble starting urine flow, frequent small amounts, a feeling that the bladder has not emptied, and leaking as symptoms to discuss with a health professional.
What to look for when you buy
Drive Medical RTLPC23201-M male urinal
Best for: A man who needs a single bedside bottle
Drive lists 32 oz capacity, a handle, a cap and graduation marks, and says it can be used in several positions.
Watch out: The cap is a separate piece; if it is easily lost, consider the Carex bottle with an attached lid.
See options on AmazonDrive Medical RTLPC23201-F female urinal
Best for: A woman who needs a bottle shaped for female use
Drive lists a 32 oz female urinal designed to prevent spills, with a sturdy grip, graduation marks and retail packaging.
Watch out: Female urinals need careful positioning; try it once in a safe position before relying on it at night.
See options on AmazonCarex male urinal with snap-on lid (FGP70700)
Best for: A man who wants a lid that stays attached
Drive describes the Carex male urinal with an attached snap-on lid to help prevent spills and control odor, plus graduation marks and a sturdy grip.
Watch out: Drive's catalog lists this item in cartons of six; check whether the Amazon listing is one bottle or a pack.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Is there a urinal bottle for women?
- Yes. Female urinals have a wider, contoured opening. Drive's RTLPC23201-F is one example, listed at 32 oz with graduation marks.
- Can I carry a full urinal bottle in a bag?
- No maker here says its bottle is leakproof for travel. Empty it before moving it.
- How big should a urinal bottle be?
- Both Drive bottles hold 32 oz. Empty the bottle after each use rather than letting it fill.
- Do the marks measure urine accurately?
- They give a rough reading. If your care team needs exact output, ask what they want you to use.
- Should I use a bottle if I cannot pass urine?
- No. NIDDK says inability to urinate or severe belly pain needs medical care right away.
Sources
- Male Urinal RTLPC23201-M product details (shop.drivemedical.com), Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare
- Personal Care comparison chart, RTLPC23201-M specifications and warranty (drivemedical.com), Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare
- Female Urinal RTLPC23201-F product details (shop.drivemedical.com), Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare
- Carex Male Urinal FGP70700 product details (shop.drivemedical.com), Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare
- Symptoms and Causes of Urinary Retention (niddk.nih.gov), NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases