How To Use A Bedpan: An Easy, Step-by-Step Guide
08/10/25
Key Takeaways: How to Use a Bedpan Correctly
Always explain the process calmly to preserve dignity and reduce anxiety.
Position the bedpan securely, ensuring the individual is comfortable and supported.
Allow privacy where appropriate, while staying nearby for safety.
Clean the individual and the bedpan thoroughly after use to prevent infection.
Use appropriate PPE and follow your care facility’s hygiene procedures.
Opt for Bedpans that Preserve People’s Dignity
When caring for individuals with limited mobility, ensuring their comfort and dignity is essential. One vital aspect of this is helping them use a bedpan safely and hygienically.
Whether you’re new to care work or simply need a refresher, this guide explains how to use a bedpan correctly, step-by-step, alongside helpful links to our leading bedpan and incontinence equipment, to make the processes of helping residents use bedpans and selecting and purchasing this type of care equipment as smooth as possible.
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Discuss Bedpan Products with Our Sales Team
The dedicated sales team at Spearhead Healthcare are happy to discuss all the bedpan options that we have available for purchase.
Reach out today to get a quote on any of our stock.
Understanding the Basics: What Is a Bedpan?
A bedpan is a portable receptacle used by individuals who are unable to get out of bed to use the toilet. They are commonly used in hospitals, care homes, and home care settings to support people with reduced mobility, illness, or injury.
There are different types available, including:
Standard bedpans
Slipper-style bedpans (easier to slide under patients)
Disposable paper mache bedpans (a cost-effective short-term solution)
You can explore our full range in our Urinals and Bedpans collection.
Preparation: What You’ll Need Before Using a Bedpan
Before you begin, preparation is key for a safe and comfortable experience.
You will need:
A clean bedpan.
Toilet tissue or wipes.
Soap and water or cleansing wipes for hygiene afterwards.
A bed protector or absorbent pad.
Ideally, access to a Bedpan and Urinal Bottle Holder for safe storage, hygienic drying after cleaning, and easy transportation.
How to Use a Bedpan: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps on how to use a bedpan to ensure safety, comfort, and dignity for the care home resident throughout the process.
Step 1: Explain the Process
Speak to the individual calmly and reassuringly.
Let them know what you are about to do and that you will maintain their privacy and dignity.
Step 2: Prepare the Area
Put on disposable gloves and an apron.
Lay a waterproof bed protector underneath the person to catch any spills.
Ensure the bed is flat or only slightly raised to make positioning easier.
Step 3: Position the Bedpan
Help the individual roll gently onto their side.
Place the bedpan against their buttocks, then gently roll them back so they are sitting squarely on it.
For slipper-style bedpans, like the Female Slipper Shaped Urinal UF2, this process is simpler as they are easier to slide into position.
Step 4: Provide Privacy
If safe, step back or draw the curtains to allow them privacy.
Stay close by in case they need help, especially if they are frail or unsteady.
Step 5: Remove the Bedpan Safely
Once they are finished, help them roll gently off the bedpan.
To prevent spills, cover the bedpan with a lid if it has one (we offer bedpans that have lids fitted to them, such as the Vector Sanitary Bedpan With Lid).
Step 6: Clean the Individual and the Bedpan
Gently clean and dry the individual’s skin.
Empty the bedpan contents into a toilet or disposal unit.
Rinse and disinfect the bedpan thoroughly, then place it back into aBedpan and Urinal Bottle Holder for hygienic storage.
Complementary Equipment
Sometimes, a bedpan may not be the best option. We provide several complimentary products that can make the process of learning how to use a bedpan easier:Fe
These urinals can be more comfortable for some users and are particularly useful at night or when mobility is very limited.
A Cost-Effective Temporary Option: Paper Mache Bedpans
For short-term use when no plastic bedpans are available, or in high-turnover environments, paper mache bedpans can be an economical and hygienic choice.
They are single-use, reducing infection risk and eliminating the need for cleaning. You can dispose of the product once it has been used.
Browse our Paper Mache Bedpans range to see these options.
Supporting Comfort and Dignity: Incontinence Care Equipment
Bedpans are often used as part of wider continence management.
Spearhead offers a full range of Incontinence Care Equipment to support residents’ comfort, hygiene, and dignity, including pads, waterproof bedding, and skin care products.
Explore Spearhead’s Full Range of Urinals & Bedpans
At Spearhead, we stock a comprehensive selection of Urinals and Bedpans designed for the real-world needs of care environments.
Our products are chosen for their reliability, durability, and ease of cleaning - helping you deliver safe, dignified care every day.
Speak to Us About the Bedpans in the Range
Why Trust In Spearhead?
For over 30 years, Spearhead Healthcare has supported care providers across the UK with dependable equipment and expert guidance.
We don’t just supply care equipment, we provide complete care solutions to make daily tasks easier for your team and more comfortable for those you care for.
Find out more about our commitment to care providers.
Visit Our Showroom
Want to explore bedpans and care equipment in person before buying?
Our dedicated Spearhead Showroom allows you to see and handle products first-hand, with our experts on hand to provide tailored advice and recommendations. Arrange a visit to the showroom today.
We Help You Select the Right Bedpan Equipment
Learning how to use a bedpan properly ensures safety, comfort, and dignity for residents while also protecting staff from strain and risk.
With the right equipment, knowledge, and support, this essential task can be carried out smoothly and respectfully.
If you’d like further advice or need help choosing the best bedpans or urinals for your setting, our friendly team is here to help.
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