Coloplast Self-Cath Plus Male Straight Tip Intermittent Catheter

SKUs: 4408 | 4410 | 4412 | 4414 | 4416 | 4418  |  16" Male Length  |  Hydrophilic Coating  |  Water-Activated  |  Uncoated Grip Zone  |  Side-Repositioned Eyelets  |  Prescription Required  |  FSA Eligible  |  Latex Free

The Self-Cath Plus Male is the water-activated hydrophilic version of the Coloplast Self-Cath male line. The hydrophilic polymer coating activates on contact with sterile water, creating a fully lubricated insertion surface that reduces urethral friction and the micro-trauma associated with repeated uncoated catheter use. An uncoated grip zone on the catheter body allows secure handling without slipping, even once the coating is activated. Side-repositioned fire-polished eyelets for comfortable, reliable drainage. Six French sizes, 8Fr to 18Fr. 30/pack. Prescription required.

Order by Part Number

French size is prescribed. Color codes match the standard Self-Cath male line (408–418) — confirm by SKU when ordering. Questions? 1-866-218-0902

Key Features

• Hydrophilic coating — water-activated polymer that creates a fully lubricated, low-friction insertion surface on contact with sterile water
• Uncoated grip zone — a section of the catheter body left without coating; provides secure, non-slip grip during insertion and withdrawal even when the rest of the catheter is wet and slippery
• Side-repositioned fire-polished eyelets — drainage eyes positioned on the side of the catheter rather than the tip end; smooth, polished edges for gentle urethral contact
• Flexible medical-grade PVC
• Straight tip — for uncomplicated urethral anatomy
• 16" (40cm) male length
• Color-coded funnel: Blue (8Fr), Black (10Fr), White (12Fr), Green (14Fr), Orange (16Fr), Red (18Fr)
• Funnel end for drainage into toilet or collection container
• Single-use — do not reuse
• Prescription required | FSA eligible | Latex free

How to Activate the Hydrophilic Coating

1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
2. Open the pouch and add sterile water as directed (or as instructed by your clinician)
3. Leave the catheter in contact with the water for approximately 5 seconds to activate the coating — leaving it longer does not harm the catheter
4. Cleanse the urethral opening
5. Gently insert the activated catheter until urine flows
6. When drainage is complete, slowly withdraw and dispose of the single-use catheter

Clinical FAQs

How does hydrophilic coating work and why does it reduce urethral friction?

The hydrophilic coating on the Self-Cath Plus is a polymer layer bonded to the catheter surface. When dry, the polymer is relatively inert. When exposed to water, the polymer chains absorb water molecules and swell into a gel-like, slippery surface — the same basic principle as a contact lens becoming slippery when wet. This water-bonded coating dramatically reduces the coefficient of friction between the catheter and urethral tissue during insertion and withdrawal. Uncoated siliconized catheters slide against the urethral epithelium with noticeably more friction than a fully hydrated hydrophilic surface. Over years of daily catheterization — typically 4 to 6 sessions per day — the cumulative reduction in urethral micro-trauma from consistent hydrophilic use may contribute to better long-term urethral health and comfort, and reduced irritation-related UTI risk.

What is the uncoated grip zone and why does it matter?

Once activated, the hydrophilic coating creates a very slippery surface — by design. However, a fully slippery catheter can be difficult to grip and control during insertion, particularly for patients with reduced hand strength or fine motor control (common in spinal cord injury populations). The uncoated grip zone is a segment of the catheter body intentionally left without hydrophilic coating. This section remains dry and provides a textured, non-slip area where the user places their fingers during insertion. The result is secure directional control without sacrificing the low-friction coating on the insertion portion. On catheters without a grip zone, users sometimes struggle to maintain control as the catheter advances — the grip zone solves this without compromising the coating where it matters most.

How does this compare to the standard Coloplast Self-Cath Male (SKUs 408–418)?

The Self-Cath Plus (4408–4418) and standard Self-Cath (408–418) have identical dimensions — same 16" male length, same French size range (8Fr–18Fr), same color coding, same PVC construction. The single difference is the coating: the standard Self-Cath is siliconized (uncoated, requires separate lubricant if desired); the Self-Cath Plus has a water-activated hydrophilic coating that requires no separate lubricant and produces a significantly more lubricated insertion surface. The Self-Cath Plus costs more per catheter. Patients who catheterize comfortably with a siliconized catheter and have no history of urethral irritation do not necessarily need to upgrade. Patients with recurrent urethral discomfort, friction-associated UTIs, or long-term catheterization history are the most common candidates for switching to hydrophilic coating on clinician recommendation.

How does water-activated hydrophilic (Self-Cath Plus) differ from pre-hydrated hydrophilic (SpeediCath Compact)?

Both are hydrophilic-coated catheters, but they differ in how the coating is prepared for use. The Self-Cath Plus requires the user to add sterile water to the packaging pouch and wait approximately 5 seconds for the coating to activate before inserting. The SpeediCath Compact Set arrives pre-hydrated — the coating is already fully activated inside the sealed package; no water is added, and the catheter is inserted immediately upon opening. For home use where a water source is consistently available, the water-activation step of the Self-Cath Plus is a minor routine task. For catheterization on the go — traveling, in a vehicle, in environments without easy water access — the pre-hydrated SpeediCath Compact's instant-ready format is a meaningful practical advantage. The Self-Cath Plus is also an open (non-closed-system) catheter draining to a toilet; the SpeediCath Compact is a closed system with an integrated 750mL collection bag.

Does hydrophilic coating actually reduce UTI rates?

Clinical evidence consistently shows that hydrophilic-coated catheters reduce urethral micro-trauma compared to uncoated catheters, and urethral trauma is a recognized contributor to catheter-associated UTI risk. Multiple studies have associated hydrophilic catheter use with reduced UTI frequency, though the magnitude of benefit varies across patient populations and individual catheterization technique. The benefit is most consistently demonstrated in patients who catheterize frequently over long periods — the cumulative reduction in repeated micro-trauma appears to compound over time. Hydrophilic coating is not a substitute for proper hand hygiene, sterile technique, and adequate hydration, all of which independently affect UTI risk. Patients with persistent recurrent UTIs should discuss both catheter type and technique with their clinician rather than assuming any single change will fully resolve the problem.

Where does this fit within the full Coloplast Self-Cath male family?

The Self-Cath male family on MDS includes: this Self-Cath Plus (4408–4418, water-activated hydrophilic, 8Fr–18Fr); the standard Self-Cath Male (408–418, siliconized, 8Fr–18Fr, straight packaging); the Self-Cath Male in curved packaging (450/460, siliconized, 12Fr/14Fr only); the Self-Cath Soft Male (110–116, softer PVC formulation, DEHP disclosure, 10Fr–16Fr); the Self-Cath Plus Coudé (4608–4614, water-activated hydrophilic, coudé tip); and the Self-Cath Coudé Olive Tip (806–818, siliconized, coudé olive tip). For a patient with standard anatomy and no strong preference for coating, the uncoated 408-series is the most cost-effective starting point. For patients prioritizing lubrication and comfort, this Self-Cath Plus is the appropriate hydrophilic option in the standard Coloplast male line.

Questions about hydrophilic coating, Self-Cath Plus vs. standard Self-Cath, or monthly supply orders? Call our product specialists: 1-866-218-0902