I’ve been using external catheters almost full time, for fun. If not an external catheter I wear a Foley catheter. For a long time I used a vinyl one called a Uro-Sheath, but they don’t make it any more. My problem is anatomy. I’m a ‘grower’ than it when not erect it shrinks and retracts. I found I needed a model with external compression to keep the glans from pulling back like a turtle and having it fall off. Currently I’m using a Cook Silicone External Catheter, that costs about $40, if one shops carefully. I can wear it all day and night, removing it once a day to wash and check the skin for any problems. I’ve just started on my first one. I hope it lasts for a couple months. This stiff sheath needs to be sized carefully to fit. It comes in 23, 28, 33, 39 mm. If one is between, get the next size up. If it’s too small, it won’t fit.
If you’re a ‘shower’ and the penis is 3-4” try any of the rubber or silicone self adhesive types. Again, sizing is important. Thin silicone stretches a little, so if one is between sized, the smaller size down might be better than a looser fit. If it’s too tight, at the lower, open end, it may cut into the skin, causing damage. I tried several silicone ones—I’m allergic to rubber—and I like the Rochester wide band, which has adhesive almost to the tip, keeping the device on longer. To measure the penis one may use downloadable cards—print the file on stiff paper—a half circle of various sizes from 23-45 mm. Sizing is critical to comfort, leakage prevention, and prevention of falling off.
A shorty is the Rochester Pop On. Does the same job, just shorter for one’s anatomy.
The leg bag; I’ve tried lots of them. I wear a leg bag all day, every day, and I only use the Conveen Security plus, 500 ml. The advantages are: The Velcro straps are asymmetric, that is the upper strap is very wide, where support is needed; the tubing is attached, and comes with the bag—many bags come as kits with tubing priced extra; the corrugated tubing can’t kink, and may be cut to length. Other brands have narrow straps that cut into the skin, rubber straps that don’t last and cause allergies, or wide expensive straps that are attached to the bag with insecure systems that fall off. Many bags don’t come with tubing: they are designed for use with a Foley catheter.
One can go to your local medical supply store for advice and easy selection, or the internet. The most recommended site if Allegro Medical. I buy catheters, insertion kits, and the leg bag there with no problem. I needed a smaller Cook external catheter and went local.
If any reader has specific problem, send me a PM.