Sheaths for urinary incontinence: a randomized crossover trial

Objective To evaluate the full range of self‐adhesive continence sheaths for men available in the UK and thus provide clinicians and consumers with a basis for product selection. Subjects and methods Fifty‐eight volunteers (aged 30–89 years) tested each of six different self‐adhesive sheaths available in the UK in September 1998 for 1 week each. Thirty subjects applied the sheaths themselves and 28 subjects relied on a carer to do so. During each week subjects completed a diary recording sheath changes and the result of skin inspection, to note any unscheduled sheath changes (because of sheath detachment) and any skin problems. At the end of each week an 11‐item questionnaire was completed using a three‐point rating scale (‘good’, ‘acceptable’, ‘unacceptable’) to assess the key aspects of product performance. Results A significantly higher proportion of subjects scored the ‘Aquadry Clear Advantage’ sheath as ‘good’ than four of the other sheaths (P