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managing male incontinence with afex
afex q & aafex™ questions and answers
- Are âfex male incontinence products right for me?
- How does the system work?
- Will âfex keep me dry?
- Does âfex contain odor?
- Is âfex latex free?
- What do I need for an active daytime situation?
- What do I need for long term sitting?
- What should I use for night time issues?
- Is âfex discreet? Can you see it through my clothes?
- Can I take a nap with âfex?
- How much does âfex cost?
- In what size is âfex available?
- What parts are reusable?
- Can I buy replacement parts separately?
- How often should I replace the parts?
- Is âfex covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or other insurance programs?
- What’s the best way to get started?
- How do you connect the parts?
- Where is the bag located and how does it stay in place?
- How do you drain the bag?
- What’s the best way to clean the parts?
Are âfex male incontinence products right for me?
âfex is an innovative breakthrough for male incontinence management. The convenience, comfort, and cost-effectiveness give it an advantage over many alternatives. However, âfex isn't for everyone and it isn't for every situation. Use the table below to determine if it's right for you.
| Use âfex if you ... | Don't use if you ... |
|---|---|
|
Participate in activities such as: Golfing, Fishing, Hiking, Bowling, Dancing, Boating, Walking, Traveling, and Gardening Currently use an external or condom catheter |
Have a retracted penis or less than 1 inch of length Have a rigid implant Have a severe loss of dexterity and/or dementia unless care-giver assistance is available |
If you feel âfex may not be the right product for your needs, try our Provent Briefs specifically designed for men. Click here for more information.
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 “twist-and-lock” 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.
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.
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.
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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 |
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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).
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 our Provent 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 |
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.
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 $69.95. 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.
All parts of the âfex system are reusable. Some components last longer than others, but because it isn’t a disposable, you can save up to 70% per year versus disposable absorbent pads
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.
What’s 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.
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 |
What’s 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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