Collecting Bag
Other systems use collecting bags with plastic connecting tubes and either leg straps or a waist pouch. These are both uncomfortable and unreliable. The connections are prone to disconnect at the most inopportune times, wetting and embarrassing the wearer. The collecting system now described, minimizes connections, is discreet, and permits free movement and activity.

The vinyl collecting bag shown in Figure 1, is the Bard Dispoz-a-Bag^TM. Larger and smaller capacity sizes are available. These bags have an internal flap valve which prevents any retrograde flow of urine. The large, plastic handled, outlet valve, at the other end, is easy to use and convenient for emptying the system.

The plastic nub of the sheath condom is attached directly to the collecting bag as shown in Figure 4.

It is easier to don the shorts before attaching the sheath to the collecting bag, which is folded in two, matching the four strap eyelets and secured with the ties that are sewn on to the edge of the shorts. [Figure 5]

Collecting Bag Use and Care
From time to time, when it is necessary to empty the bladder, the collecting bag is untied from the boxer shorts and disconnected from the condom sheath's plastic hub. The bladder is then emptied, and any urine that has accumulated in the collecting bag, drained. The closed bag is then reconnected to the sheath hub, folded in half, and retied to the boxer shorts. The patient may, if he wishes, simply urinate through the collecting bag, without disconnecting it, but it must still be untied and stretched out fully before the drain valve is opened.

The Boxer Short Ties
Soft 3/8 inch, ribbon-like material is sewn to the bottom edge of the patient's boxer shorts, several inches from the crotch, where it will be comfortable, while allowing active movement and secure attachment to the hub of the collecting bag. [Figure 5] While the illustration shows non-woven surgical mask ties (cut off from used masks), other ribbon-like materials or even short shoe laces should work well.