Noninvasive, At-Home Option May Improve Sleep for Women With Bladder Leakage

Urinary incontinence (UI), or the loss of bladder control, is extremely common among women, affecting more than half of adults in the United States at some point in their lives. Despite how common it is, many women don’t seek help due to embarrassment or stigma. However, UI can significantly impact quality of life, including sleep disruption, discomfort and even an increased risk of falls, especially in older adults.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine examined a new, noninvasive option for managing nighttime (nocturnal) UI at home: the PureWick System. A team of investigators compared it with an existing product, the Hollister Female Urinary Pouch, in 165 women with an average age of 71.

“The findings from this study demonstrate that the PureWick Flex Female External Catheter can be integrated safely and comfortably into the home setting, giving many women a greater sense of independence and dignity,” said Michael J. Kennelly, M.D., professor of urology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. “Any innovation that helps reduce the daily burden of incontinence and supports quality of life represents an important step forward for our patients.”

Participants used one of the devices nightly for four weeks. The team evaluated how well each device collected urine, whether it caused skin irritation, and how comfortable and easy it was to use. They also asked participants about sleep quality and overall quality of life.

The results showed that the PureWick System worked just as well as the comparison device in safely collecting urine and protecting the skin. In fact, it performed similarly in terms of effectiveness (capturing around 90% of urine on average) and had very low rates of skin irritation. Importantly, many women reported that PureWick was more comfortable and easier to use.

Both devices helped improve sleep and quality of life — key concerns for women dealing with nighttime incontinence. About 70% of participants said they would continue using the PureWick System after the study, suggesting strong satisfaction.

“These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the shift in health care delivery into patients’ homes,” wrote investigators. “While the device itself has been previously evaluated, the present study contributes unique evidence on usability and patient experience in the home setting.”

The team also noted some limitations to keep in mind. The study was conducted at home, which can introduce variability in how devices are used. Some participants did not follow study procedures exactly, and factors like sleeping position or movement may have affected results. Because participants knew which device they were using, personal opinions about comfort may also have influenced the findings.

Despite these limitations, the study suggests that the PureWick System is a safe, effective and user-friendly option for managing nighttime UI at home. It may offer women a more comfortable and less invasive way to improve sleep and maintain independence.

“As health care systems increasingly prioritize patient autonomy, cost-effectiveness, and decentralized care models — noninvasive, easy-to-use solutions like the PureWick System may play a critical role in enabling individuals to manage chronic conditions independently,” investigators concluded. “Future research should explore the integration of such technologies into broader home care strategies, particularly for aging populations and those with limited access to institutional care.”