Managing male incontinence with âfex
afex is an innovative breakthrough for male incontinence management. Designed by those who have incontinence and tested by urologists, afex provides comfort, convenience, and confidence, while being very cost effective.
AFEX Starter Kit (a best buy)
Contains a pre-assembled system (1 brief with high-style receptacle and collection bag) plus a 30-day supply of cleanser tablets, a cleaning container, and an instructional video. $69.85
All afex items are also available separately.
Order refills & replacements
Adhesive Free & Pressure Free
The receptacle is latex-free and ergonomically shaped for a loose fit and ventilation. It has a soft double-walled liner with drain holes to reduce skin exposure to residual urine and prevent backflow onto the body.
Convenient & Reliable
The afex collection bag doesn't require tubes or leg straps. The "turn-n-click" design makes attaching simple and quick, plus two convenient stability tabs allow you to secure the bag as needed. The bag is double-sealed to contain odor and can handle up to 16 ounces. Our "one-touch" horizontal port makes draining the contents easy and efficient.
Comfortable & Discreet
The 96% cotton briefs discreetly and comfortably support the receptacle and collection bag. It also prevents the bag from rubbing against the leg. For night use, we recommend our "snap-in" pad. This patent-pending design absorbs 12 ounces, and is easily washed and reusable over 60 times.
Cost-Effective & Money-Wise
afex is reusable and can save hundreds of dollars per year compared to disposable pads and external catheters. Estimates on savings range from 25 to 50 percent based on individual needs.
The inability to control urine is one of the most unpleasant and distressing problems from which a person can suffer, often causing isolation, depression and physiological problems. Men's anatomy poses particular problems for control systems. Until afexô was developed there were few truly effective methods that men found satisfactory. The systems required too much maintenance and required it too frequently to allow men any real degree of confidence or freedom. Many were unable to undertake long distance travel or engage in physical activities, which added to their feelings of incapacity.
ARCUS MEDICAL began its research over two years ago when John Miskie, a prostate cancer survivor who was frustrated by existing methods of incontinence control, turned to his son, Mark Miskie, to design a better male incontinence device. Using necessity as a motivator, they developed what we know today as afex - an adhesive-free external collection system that works without maintenance for up to twelve hours and is convenient, liberating and cost effective. afexô has been extensively field tested before coming to market and has received enthusiastic accolades from all of its users.
Patients who have used the product report very high levels of satisfaction.
âfex q and a
How does the system work?
There are three main components to the âfex system: a receptacle,
briefs, and a collection bag.
The receptacle is a loose-fitting adhesive-free and latex-free ergonomically
shaped device made of two plastics: an outer shell to retain the shape and to
provide for a loose fit, and a soft inner liner that does three things:
1) provides comfort, 2) forms a double wall so the skin is suspended away from
any residual urine, and 3) prevents backflow onto the body.
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| Main Components |
Receptacle |
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| Double Wall |
Backflow Prevention |
The receptacle is inserted into a front pocket in the briefs and a collection bag is attached through a buttonhole in the briefs. The bag connects directly to the receptacle with an easy ìtwist-and-lockî design.
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| Front Pocket |
Buttonhole |
Twist and Lock |
The collection bag holds 16 ounces (500 ml). Urine drains from your body, through the receptacle and is collected in the bag. The bag features a one-way flapper valve which prevents backflow if the bag is compressed or elevated. When properly used for the correct application, âfex is a comfortable, discreet, convenient, cost-effective alternative to disposable pads and catheters.
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Will âfex keep me dry?
Yes, the double-wall design of the receptacle keeps skin elevated and away from residual urine. In addition, urine is collected in a bag which also keeps it away from the skin so you feel dry even right after a full void.
Does âfex contain odor?
Yes. Due to the one-way flapper valve and the perimeter seals on the collection bag, odor is contained. In addition, odor will not penetrate into the skin due like disposable pads when they become saturated.
Is âfex latex free?
All products produced by Arcus Medical are latex-free.
What do I need for an active daytime situation?
The best product configuration for active daytime use, especially with stress incontinence, is our standard product set of a high-style receptacle, brief, and a 16-ounce bag.
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| Briefs |
High Style Receptacle |
Standard Bag |
What do I need for long term sitting?
If there is adequate penile length, the low-style receptacle is specifically designed for those who do a lot of sitting. The type of brief and collection bag depend on the amount of care required to dress and to empty the bag. In addition, the void volume also will depend on the type of collection bag recommended. For those who need care-giver assistance, the open-sided brief or standard brief can be used.
In order to make emptying the collection bag easier for care-givers with non-mobile patients, use our leg bag, leg wrap, and tube assembly accessories. The bag holds 32 ounces and is worn in the calve area of the leg and supported by a low-pressure wrap. The receptacle is connected to the bag by a tube assembly which features a quick-disconnect coupler which acts as an automatic shutoff valve which prevents dripping when not in use. To empty the bag, simply unhook the connector, remove the bag and use our built-in finger holes and easy-open clamp to drain the bag quickly and conveniently.
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| Low Style Receptacle |
Leg Bag and Wrap |
Tube Assembly |
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| Disconnect |
Open Valve |
Drain |
For those who can empty the bag themselves but need more volume, use our extra-capacity high-volume bag which connects just like the standard 16-ounce bag, but with double the capacity (32 ounces).
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What should I use for night time issues?
If volume is less than 12 ounces, you can use our Overnight Pad which snaps into the front of the briefs. For more capacity, use our high-style receptacle with our extra-capacity high-volume bag. With either method, we suggest a Wunderpad Bed Pad for added protection.
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| Overnight Pad |
High Style Receptacle |
Extra Capacity Bag |
Is âfex discreet? Can you see it through my clothes?
When wearing clothes that are not tight, âfex is very discreet. Compare the two pictures below.
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| Standard System Only |
Standard System with Clothing |
Can I take a nap with âfex?
Yes, as long as you have the system pointed downward so urine can freely flow into the bag and the void volume during your nap will not exceed the capacity of the collection bag. Keep in mind that the collection bag volume is reduced when not in a standing position.
How much does âfex cost?
Our Starter Kit for Daytime Active Use contains everything you will need to begin managing your incontinence right away. The kit includes: 1 pre-assembled brief with a high-style receptacle and colelction bag, plus cleanser tablets, a cleaning container, and an instructional video. It is specially discounted (versus single components) and has a price of $69.85. Depending on usage, and extra parts required, most men can manage a heavy incontinence problem using âfex for less than $250 per year.
In what size is âfex available?
The âfex system is sized according to your waist for the brief. Briefs come in 5 standard sizes ranging from 28 inches to 46 inches. We can also take special orders up to a 60 inch waist. The receptacle is one size since it is designed for a loose fit.
What parts are reusable?
All parts of the âfex system are reusable. Some components last longer than others, but because it isnít a disposable, you can save up to 70% per year versus disposable absorbent pads
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Can I buy replacement parts separately?
Yes, all parts can also be purchased separately.
How often should I replace the parts?
Standard collection bags should last about 4 to 6 weeks. Leg Bags should last 6 to 8 weeks. Receptacles can last 90 to 180 days. Briefs should be purchased based on personal preference and frequency of laundering. Briefs as well as our overnight pads last at least 200 washings.
Is âfex covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or other insurance programs?
The manufacturer is working on insurance reimbursement, but as of now, the device is not covered.
Whatís the best way to get started?
We suggest you take the following steps to get started ...
1) Watch the enclosed instructional video and make sure you have the correct parts and configuration for your needs.
2) Read the instructions carefully.
3) Verify waist size of the briefs.
4) Try the system at home first and get accustomed to it.
5) Call the HelpLine at 1-877-272-8763 if you need further assistance or additional information.
How do you connect the parts?
Insert the receptacle into the front pocket of the briefs and place the end of the receptacle through the blue buttonhole. To connect collection bag or tube assembly, line up the orange line of the receptacle to the orange line of the bag or tube housing. Push them together. (Note - if connection is too difficult to push together, apply Vaseline or other similar lubricant to black o-rings on receptacle). Once the connection is complete, interlock the parts by turning the housing such that the blue line matches up to the orange line on the receptacle.
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| Place Receptacle through Buttonhole |
Push Together on Orange |
Turn to Blue Notch and Interlock |
Where is the bag located and how does it stay in place?
The collection bag (for daytime active use) is positioned on the inner thigh of the left leg and should hang loosely during normal activity (sitting, walking, etc.). The legs of pants will keep this fairly stable. However, during very high activity levels (e.g. running) use the stability straps and tighten the bag to the loops on the briefs.
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| Normal Activity |
High Activity |
How do you drain the bag? To drain collection bags, follow instructions below.
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| To Open, Flip Up |
Two Hands May Be Required to Open |
Drain Bag |
Push Closed Until Completely Shut |
Whatís the best way to clean the parts?
All âfex parts should be cleaned daily. We recommend the use of our specially designed container and cleanser tablets for the receptacle. For bags, the receptacle can be used as a funnel. See detailed instructions included in your shipment for more information.
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| Cleaning Container |
Cleanser Tablets |
Receptacle as Funnel |
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âfex testimonials
These are testimonials from real afex customers.
Read what they say about afex:
"I wore a clamp and sometimes two pads and the pads would get dirty and leak through. I had to relieve myself several times a day with the clamp. Now I don't have to do that at all."
"Well, it certainly is unique and it has all the things one needs to be able go all day long, or almost all day long, without having to relieve yourself as opposed to having to do it 4, 5, 6 times a day - and that means a lot."
"A contrast - I used to play golf and I had to wear 2 pads because it would sometimes leak through no matter how many times I went because it just didn't seem to work, but now I can play golf and not have to go at all for 18 holes."
"It releases me to go on some extensive travel which I didn't feel comfortable doing the other way. It's been a great revelation for me."
"Believe me, it was such a comfort to use the device. I can drive my car and drive and not worry about getting wet. I can be sitting down and not have to worry about my pants getting wet.
I obviously learned how to wear dark clothing to try to keep anybody from knowing that I have a problem."
"This device is excellent because I don't have to worry about that now.
I don't have to worry about the odor and I don't have to worry about the stains and I don't have to worry about the embarrassment."
"There's no comparison. The dryness and the comfort is a lot better."
"I like it because you didn't have the wetness, you have more comfort, you have more freedom."
"I think any man should try it at least one time."