Collection: Indwelling Foley Catheters

Shop Indwelling Foley Catheters for Long-Term Urinary Drainage

At Best Care Supplies, we carry a trusted selection of indwelling Foley catheters for individuals who require continuous urinary drainage over an extended period. Unlike intermittent catheters that are inserted and removed with each use, a Foley catheter is designed to remain in the bladder for days or weeks at a time, held in place by a small inflatable balloon at the tip. It drains urine continuously into a connected drainage bag.

Our Foley catheter lineup includes options in latex and 100% silicone (latex-free) materials, available in a range of French sizes and balloon capacities to meet the needs of adult patients in home care and clinical settings. We source from trusted brands including Meddcare and Dignex to ensure consistent quality and patient safety.

Types of Indwelling Foley Catheters

Foley catheters are available in several configurations depending on the patient's anatomy, medical condition, and duration of use:

• 2-Way Foley Catheters — The most common type, featuring one lumen for urine drainage and one lumen for balloon inflation. Used for standard urinary drainage in most patients.
• 3-Way Foley Catheters — Feature a third lumen for continuous bladder irrigation (CBI), commonly used post-operatively after urological procedures such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to flush the bladder and prevent clot formation.
• Latex Foley Catheters — Flexible and cost-effective, latex catheters are suitable for short-term use in patients without latex allergies. Not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of latex sensitivity developing over time.
• Silicone Foley Catheters — Made from 100% medical-grade silicone, these latex-free catheters are the preferred choice for long-term indwelling use, patients with latex allergies, and those prone to encrustation or blockage. Silicone catheters are more rigid than latex but cause less tissue irritation over time.
• Silicone-Coated Latex Catheters — A latex catheter with a silicone coating on the inner and outer surfaces, offering improved biocompatibility and reduced friction compared to uncoated latex catheters.

Foley Catheter Sizing Guide

Foley catheters are sized by French (Fr) size, which refers to the outer diameter of the catheter tube. The most commonly used sizes for adults are:

• 14 Fr — Suitable for most women and men with a normal urethra
• 16 Fr — The most commonly used size for adult men
• 18 Fr — Used when a larger lumen is needed for adequate drainage or when clots or debris are present
• 20–22 Fr — Typically used for post-operative bladder irrigation or when larger drainage is required

Balloon capacity is typically 5 mL for standard retention or 30 mL for post-operative use (e.g., after prostate surgery). Always follow your healthcare provider's recommendation for the appropriate French size and balloon volume.

Who Needs an Indwelling Foley Catheter?

Foley catheters are prescribed for patients who cannot empty their bladder independently or who require continuous urine output monitoring. Common indications include:

• Urinary retention — caused by an enlarged prostate (BPH), urethral obstruction, or nerve damage
• Neurogenic bladder — from spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, or diabetic neuropathy
• Post-surgical recovery — following urological, gynecological, abdominal, or orthopedic surgery
• Palliative and end-of-life care — to maintain comfort and hygiene for patients with limited mobility
• Pressure injury prevention — to keep skin dry in immobile patients at risk of incontinence-associated dermatitis
• Accurate urine output monitoring — in critically ill or post-operative patients in clinical settings

For patients who are able to self-catheterize, intermittent catheters are generally preferred over indwelling catheters to reduce the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Explore our full range of Urological Supplies to find the right solution for your care needs.

Foley Catheter Care & Maintenance Tips

• Keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder at all times to allow gravity drainage and prevent urine backflow.
• Empty the drainage bag when it is about half full or every 8 hours, whichever comes first.
• Clean the area around the catheter entry point (urethral meatus) daily with mild soap and water.
• Secure the catheter tubing to the thigh or abdomen to prevent accidental pulling or dislodgement.
• Never clamp or kink the catheter tubing, as this can cause urine to back up into the bladder.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you notice signs of infection: fever, chills, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or pain around the catheter site.
• Foley catheters are typically changed every 4–6 weeks by a qualified healthcare professional.

Pair your Foley catheter with a leg drainage bag for daytime mobility or a bedside overnight bag for nighttime use. For complete skin and hygiene care, explore our Incontinence Wipes & Cleansing Cloths and Underpads & Bed Pads.

FSA & HSA Eligible

Indwelling Foley catheters are a qualified medical expense and are typically eligible for purchase using a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). We recommend confirming eligibility with your FSA/HSA plan administrator before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a Foley catheter stay in?
Most indwelling Foley catheters are designed to remain in place for up to 4–6 weeks before being changed by a healthcare provider. Silicone catheters may be suitable for longer intervals. Your doctor or nurse will advise on the appropriate change schedule based on your specific situation.

What is the difference between a 2-way and 3-way Foley catheter?
A 2-way catheter has two lumens: one for urine drainage and one for balloon inflation. A 3-way catheter adds a third lumen for continuous bladder irrigation, used primarily after prostate or bladder surgery to flush out blood clots.

Can I use a Foley catheter at home?
Yes. Many patients manage long-term Foley catheters at home with proper training and support from their healthcare team. Home catheter care includes daily cleaning, regular bag emptying, and scheduled catheter changes by a nurse or home health aide.

What size Foley catheter do I need?
The appropriate French size and balloon volume should be determined by your urologist or healthcare provider based on your anatomy and medical needs. Most adult men use a 16 Fr catheter; most adult women use a 14 Fr catheter.