Best Leg Bags and Drainage Bags for Comfortable Catheter Use (2025)

1. Leg Bags

Leg bags are intended for those with a more active lifestyle and need a discreet and mobile solution for urine collection. They are usually attached to the calf or thigh with straps or a holder, allowing the bag to be concealed under clothing for discretion and secure wear.

2. Beside Drainage Bags

Bedside drainage bags have a higher capacity for overnight urine collection, preventing the need for frequent emptying. They are ideal for bedridden users who require urine collection overnight. These bags are often hung on a stand or a bedrail with an extended drainage tube, allowing users to move freely while sleeping.

The EasyTap leg bag is a high-quality vinyl bag designed for comfort and discretion. The bag comes with adjustable fabric leg straps so users can find the most comfortable and secure fit. The EasyTap trademarked twist valve is easy to open and close with just one hand for convenient emptying.

Key Features

• Anti-Reflux Valve Helps Stop Urine Backflow
• Leakproof Seams Provides Peace of Mind
• EasyTap Twist Valve Enables One-Handed Operation

Customer Review

"Bags are perfect size for daily wear. Fits perfectly. Holds well. Drains easily. Will order more when needed."

Conveen Security+ leg straps are soft, elastic straps with convenient hook and loop closures. Silicone beading prevents slipping, helping the straps and drainage bag stay securely in place.

Key Features

• Soft Fabric Material for All-Day Comfort
• Hook and Loop Closure for Easy On and Off
• Flexible Elastic Securely Holds Drainage Bag

Customer Review

"These fabric leg straps are the best. They are soft, adjustable, washable, and durable. They can be used for holding other medical products. I ordered four sets."

The Bard bedside bag has a unique teardrop shape, enabling easier, more efficient draining. It is also made of bacteriostatic material that can help reduce the risk of UTIs. The anti-reflux chamber blocks urine from backflowing into the drainage tube.

Key Features

• Efficient Teardrop Shape for Easy Draining and Cleaning
• Antimicrobial Vinyl Material Helps Prevent the Risk of UTIs
• Safety-Flow Outlet Reduces the Incidence of Spills and Leaks

Customer Review

"This Bard drainage bag is great. It is a closed system so it doesn't leak. It works great and has a good release mechanism. Tubing is flexible enough to position fairly easily."

The McKesson Urinary Drainage Bag is an all-in-one system that includes 48-inch drainage tubing, a vented anti-reflux chamber, a sample port, a clamp, a handle/hanger, and a cap. Its shape enables even filling and draining.

Key Features

• Durable Vinyl Prevents Leaks and Contains Odor
• Anti-Reflux Chamber Stops Urine Backflow
• Visible Graduation Markings for Visual Inspection

Customer Review

"It is easy to empty and clean. I like the piston-type closure. Clip type closures are for my clumsy hands very awkward. The quality is good, the bag strong."

The Bard Dispoz-A-Bag features an easy-to-use valve that opens and closes with a simple flip. The bag comes with elastic straps for secure attachment that remains in place throughout the day. The heavy-duty yet lightweight vinyl supports extended wear and contains odors.

Key Features

• Odorproof, Heavy-Duty Vinyl Supports All-Day Wear
• Reusable Bag Drains Easily Through Flip-Flow Valve
• Anti-Reflux Valve Stops Backflow for UTI Prevention

Customer Review

"I think this bag is one of the best. I love the flip valve, the bags strength, and its flexibility. For me the straps are a waste. I use wider straps at the top and bottom which give me a more secure feel when I am active (running). I ware the bag on my calf. The wider strap at the bottom works better for me because I fold the valve up behind the bag to keeps it from showing below my pant leg when I squat down to work."

Your drainage bag should be emptied at least two to three times a day (if it is a leg bag, it should be emptied more frequently - when it is one-third to one-half full). It should not be full as this can put pressure on the catheter, tugging it unnecessarily and causing irritation.

Removing and Attaching Bags

1. Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
2. Disconnect the catheter from the drainage bag tubing. Avoid touching the end of the catheter or tubes as you disconnect them
3. Open the valve; do not touch the tip as you drain urine from the bag into the toilet (or a clean container).
4. Clean the ends of the bag tubing and the catheter with rubbing alcohol using a clean gauze pad or a cotton ball.
5. Close the valve securely and reconnect the drainage tubing to the bag.
6. Wash your hands thoroughly again.

Cleaning and Replacing Bags

Drainage bags should be replaced every month or more frequently if there are unpleasant odors, cloudiness, or discoloration. They should be cleaned daily to prevent the risk of infection.

How to clean drainage bags

• After emptying urine from the drainage bag, fill the bag with clean water and shake to rinse well. Drain the bag again.
• Make a cleaning solution. You can use a diluted bleach or diluted vinegar solution.
• Diluted bleach: Use standard, household unscented bleach. Mix 1 part bleach with 9 parts water. (e.g., ¼ cup bleach to 2 ¼ cups water).
• Diluted vinegar: Use distilled white vinegar. Mix 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water (e.g., ¼ cup to ¾ cup).
• With a water or squirt bottle, pour the cleaning solution through the tubing to fill the drainage bag. Once full, shake the bag for 30 to 60 seconds, then allow the solution to drain out into the toilet or a clean container. Rinse the bag by filling it with clean water, shake the bag, and empty it again. Once done, hang it to air dry thoroughly before the next use.
• Wash your hands thoroughly.