Why Choose Hollister Apogee IC

The non-lubricated design gives you complete control over lubricant selection and amount—beneficial for users with specific preferences, sensitivities to hydrophilic coatings, or those who prefer traditional catheterization technique with their chosen sterile gel. The firm catheter body provides superior insertion control compared to very flexible catheters, making it easier to guide during self-catheterization without buckling or folding. Offset fire-polished eyelets eliminate rough edges and optimize drainage flow, reducing urethral microtrauma during the 4-6 daily insertions typical for clean intermittent catheterization users. The enhanced-grip funnel aids handling with wet or lubricated hands, improving control during application.

Key Features & Benefits

Straight Tip Design:

• Standard catheter configuration for normal urethral anatomy
• No prostatic enlargement or strictures requiring coude guidance
• Straightforward insertion path
• Most common tip style for typical anatomy
• Easier for users learning self-catheterization

14 French Standard Sizing:

• 4.7mm diameter—most common adult male intermittent catheter size
• Balances adequate drainage flow with insertion comfort
• Standard size recommended for most adult male CIC users
• Color-coded funnel for instant size identification
• Appropriate for typical urethral anatomy

16" Male Length:

• Full 40cm length reaches bladder effectively in male anatomy
• Standard male catheter length for self-catheterization
• Adequate length for comfortable positioning during drainage

Offset Fire-Polished Eyelets:

• Two smooth, rounded drainage openings (offset/"staggered" positioning)
• Fire-polished edges eliminate sharp burrs
• Offset placement optimizes drainage flow efficiency
• Reduces urethral microtrauma during insertion and removal
• Critical for users performing multiple daily catheterizations
• Minimizes cumulative tissue damage over time

Firm Construction:

• Medical-grade PVC provides balanced firmness
• Easier to guide during insertion without buckling
• Better directional control during self-catheterization
• Maintains shape and stiffness without being rigid
• Less "floppy" than very flexible catheters
• Particularly helpful for users with limited dexterity

Enhanced-Grip Funnel:

• Textured or contoured funnel design
• Better control with wet or lubricated hands
• Easier to hold during insertion and drainage
• Reduces slipping during catheterization procedure
• Improved handling for users with limited grip strength

Non-Lubricated Design:

• Use with your choice of sterile lubricant
• Complete control over lubricant type and amount
• More economical than pre-lubricated catheters
• No coating activation time—apply lube and insert immediately
• Allows customization for individual preferences

Latex-Free Construction:

• 100% latex-free medical-grade PVC
• Safe for latex-allergic and latex-sensitive users
• Eliminates rubber latex exposure concerns

Clinical Applications

Ideal for:

• Men with normal urethral anatomy requiring clean intermittent catheterization
• Users preferring non-lubricated catheters with external lubricant application
• Those with sensitivities to hydrophilic coatings
• Neurogenic bladder from spinal cord injury or disease
• Urinary retention from various causes
• Users performing 4-6 daily catheterizations
• Budget-conscious users seeking economical option

Self-Catheterization Settings:

• Home use (primary location)
• Settings where separate lubricant application is feasible
• Clinical facilities with lubricant readily available
• Users with established catheterization routines

14 French Standard Size

Why 14 Fr Is Standard:

The 14 French (4.7mm diameter) is the most commonly recommended size for adult male intermittent catheterization:

• Adequate drainage flow for efficient bladder emptying
• Balanced comfort appropriate for most urethral anatomy
• Reduced clogging risk compared to smaller sizes
• Standard recommendation from most clinicians
• Widely available in most catheter product lines

Compared to Other Sizes:

• 12 Fr (smaller): Gentler but slower drainage, may clog more easily
• 14 Fr (standard—this product): Best balance of comfort and flow
• 16 Fr (larger): Faster drainage but more urethral stretching

Firm Construction Advantages

Why Firmness Matters:

Catheter firmness significantly affects insertion ease:

Very Flexible Catheters:

• May buckle or fold during insertion attempts
• Harder to control direction
• Can be frustrating, especially for new users
• May require multiple attempts

Apogee IC Firm Design:

• Maintains shape during insertion
• Better directional control and guidance
• Easier for self-catheterization without assistance
• Predictable insertion path
• Still flexible enough for comfort—not rigid
• Particularly helpful for users with tremors or limited dexterity

Non-Lubricated Benefits

When Non-Lubricated Works Best:

Complete Lubricant Control:

• Choose your preferred lubricant brand and type
• Control amount applied for optimal comfort
• Use anesthetic lubricant (lidocaine gel) if prescribed
• Adjust lubrication based on individual needs

Economic Advantages:

• Lower per-catheter cost than hydrophilic catheters
• Significant savings with 4-6 daily catheterizations (1,460-2,190 per year)
• Budget-friendly for long-term CIC users

No Coating Sensitivities:

• Some users experience reactions to hydrophilic coatings
• Traditional catheterization avoids coating-related issues
• Proven technique used for decades

Immediate Use:

• No activation time required
• No waiting for coating to hydrate
• Apply lubricant and insert immediately

Offset Eyelet Technology

How Offset Eyelets Work:

Traditional catheters have eyelets positioned directly across from each other. Apogee IC features offset (staggered) eyelets:

Drainage Benefits:

• Two drainage openings positioned at different angles
• Ensures at least one eyelet remains open if the other contacts bladder wall
• Prevents complete blockage
• More consistent drainage flow
• Better emptying efficiency

Comfort Benefits:

• Fire-polishing creates perfectly smooth edges
• No sharp burrs or rough spots
• Reduces urethral epithelial cell damage
• Less irritation during insertion and removal

Usage & Application

For Self-Catheterization:

1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
2. Prepare supplies: Catheter, sterile lubricant, collection container
3. Apply lubricant: Generously coat catheter tip and first 2-3 inches with sterile lubricant
4. Position over toilet or collection container
5. Hold enhanced-grip funnel for better control
6. Insert gently using clean technique until urine flows
7. Advance slightly further to ensure catheter is fully in bladder
8. Drain completely; allow all urine to empty
9. Remove slowly with gentle, steady traction
10. Dispose of catheter after single use per local regulations

Typical Frequency: 4-6 times daily for clean intermittent catheterization

Lubricant Options:

• Sterile water-soluble lubricating jelly
• Individual lubricant packets for portability
• Lubricant tubes for home use
• Anesthetic lubricant (e.g., lidocaine gel) if prescribed by clinician

⚠ Important: Always use adequate sterile lubricant. Insufficient lubrication increases urethral trauma risk with non-lubricated catheters.

Product Specifications

• Product Type: Intermittent urinary catheter (self-catheterization)
• Tip Style: Straight tip, firm construction
• Size: 14 French (4.7mm diameter)
• Length: 16 inches (40 cm) male length
• Coating: None (non-lubricated—requires external lubricant)
• Eyelets: 2 offset (staggered) fire-polished drainage holes
• Funnel: Color-coded with enhanced grip
• Material: 100% latex-free medical-grade PVC (uncoated)
• Latex Status: Latex-free
• Sterility: Sterile, single-patient use
• HCPCS Code: A4351
• Manufacturer: Hollister
• Product Line: Apogee IC