I always used to use the Weber and Judd Catheter, which is flexible and expensive but it lasts a year. I've been using it for almost 33 years now.

I am now trying the other ones, the Mentor(I bought the curved, I wished I would have gotten the straight) and the Medina(straight). I am having luck with the Medina now, I've tried it in the past but I think it was a harder plastic then. Actually I like it, so now I use them all! Depending on how my valve is acting....lol....it has a mind of it's own! When I need a stiffer catheter, the Medina works great. If the holes start to bend in odd shapes, I use 2 clothes pins to straighten the 2 holes. I've actually bent the end of the Medina and the holes got bent so I tried this technique and it worked. So this should make the Medina last longer, I've also considered putting the catheter in the freezer before use. Which I have heard mentioned on this site.

My valve sometimes is shut very tight! When it is the Medina works the best.

I always try to have a good supply of catheters on hand. The Medina now that is sold is different than 33 years ago. I like it better now, it isn't as stiff as it used to be, it had no flexibility at all before.

I wish companies who make catheters would re-inforce the ends about an inch past the last hole from the bullet end for better insertion of the catheter. This would help with insertion and the catheters would work better and last longer. Also, be careful what you wash the catheter with and use to lubricate with, as it can break down the catheter material and soften it so that it is too flimsy.

Hi Jasmine,
What are the weber and the Judd? I have been using the Medina strait and curved for 32yrs..I need something new...my valve is wobbly...it changes position and direction regularly and gets impossible to intubate so I also use different caths (I have a dozen from hospitals including urinary caths, anal, gastro etc...and tons of lube)...the medina gets stiffer with time...I keep mine for yrs until they break...if anyone can send me a few from the states I would be thrilled...pm me and I can arrange for payment because I can't them here...thanks
Sharon

A Weber and Judd, is a surgical rubber catheter with a bullet end and 3 holes, flexible. If you need a stiffer catheter this one may not work for you. It last a year and costs around $56.00 without shipping at COS (Continent Ostomy Supply), I used to pay $86.00 at the Mayo Clinic Store. I need a stiffer catheter now, so the Medena works better for me now.

I am having better results now with the Medena, since a stiffer catheter works better for me these days. I have a very tight valve and I need the stiffness of a Medena; it goes straight in. I have found the Medena, in my case, straightens the entry way to the valve so it goes right in. I empty my Kock Pouch 2 or 3 times a day. The Medena is softer than it used to be, it used to be hard stiff plastic and you couldn't work with it to empty; now you can its more pliable. Much cheaper too!!!!

Thanks Jasmine...
Do any of you out there use the argile tube? I am wondering if I can try it to see how it works...it is wider and shorter (Naso/gastric?) ...I am starting to have more problems and am looking for some short term solutions.
Sharon