She was right; this ‘dash-to-boot’ routine was becoming a common occurrence. My father, a prostate cancer survivor had often joked about being caught out on several occasions. Though he had always been good-humoured about these emergency episodes I could tell that the whole scenario was in fact very distressing for him. I would never have pegged my own dad for one who suffers from embarrassment but a man I respect as being able to manage any difficult situation, but taming the sudden call of nature for any man can be a very difficult task. However a son never sees or accepts his own father as getting old and that for the majority of men nestled in the mature age group, needing to go means needing to go right now.
I couldn’t help see him suffer any longer and like a dutiful son I went in search of a solution, a discreet, hygienic and portable one. In my quest to save the day, and indeed the upholstery, I hit the net. Google was quickly kind enough to offer me a range of very unique devices - devices which are actually universal in their appeal to any age group, or in any situation – especially being stuck in traffic, devices that use either NASA technology or a simple concertina funnel method.
First up is Roadbag, now granted not the type of name that has you reaching out for it like sweets at a checkout but roadbag’s secret weapon is its interior lining. Roadbag contains super-absorbers (polymer crystals) that can absorb up to 1,000 millilitres of your urine (the average volume of urine released is just 300 to 500 ml!), the urine then solidifies into a firm gel - that means no dripping, no spills, no unpleasant odours and no skin contact. A hand wipe is also included with each Roadbag. After use you seal the Roadbag using the adhesive strip and dispose of it - it's that simple. A Roadbag trial pack containing 3 bags can be purchased for €5.99 at http://www.kets-shop.com/
Pocketoilet utilises advanced technology originally developed to relieve the problems of astronauts in space. The material will absorb urine up to 30 times its own weight. Again, the rapid performing absorbent lining converts the fluid into a secure gel for safe disposal; helps contain odours and prevent germs from spreading. A single pouch can lock away 400ml of urine, with no danger of leakage, making it suitable for all men. Available from Halfords for €5.99.
Last of the gel packs is the revolutionary TravelJohn, a disposable urinal with a key ingredient called Liqsorb. The Liqsorb inside the urinal bag instantly gels after absorption of liquid, making it leak proof, so no closure is needed! The liquid waste turns it into an odourless, spill-proof gel bag that is non toxic and waste disposable safe. Each pack contains 3 x TravelJohn re-sealable bags - each capable of holding 800ml volume of liquid. Each TravelJohn Disposable Urinal has a built-in volume indicator so it can be reused until it is full. 3 individual antiseptic wipes are also supplied. Available from http://www.traveljohn.co.uk/ priced €6.99 + p&p.
Finally I discovered Uriwell right here on Irish soil, hailed as a convenient ‘tool’ for travellers, useful in cars (fits neatly in glove compartments), planes, camper vans or even boats - whenever a loo is not ‘immediately’ convenient.
The unique design uses an accordion like construction made from a flexible polypropylene which means Uriwell can be collapsed to about the size of a soft drink can – when expanded it has a capacity of 750 ml. Once used it is easily sealed and can be reused. It bends easily in any direction so that it can be used in any position – standing, lying or sitting – with no spilling, which means users of the device can stay in their chair, bed or car when nature calls. And yes men, one size does fit all!
Uriwell also comes in a kid-friendly form in the shape of HappyPee. With HappyPee your child is in control and little accidents can be avoided and because of its unique bright concertina design it folds down for easy storage. It also means your child can stay in the car when they have to go and thus their privacy is protected.
Uriwell is also recommended for hospital patients who may be confined to a bed or wheelchair. Recent WHO reports indicate that urinary cross infection is responsible for 25% of hospital infections. The makers of Uriwell are committed that every patient admitted to hospital in Ireland is given their own personal, hygienic toilet solution that only they will use, thus eliminating the risk of urinary cross infection. Uriwell & HappyPee are €14.99 each + p&p and are available from http://www.uriwell.ie/
So whether you’re out and about shopping or on business and bursting to go, at a concert, festival or sports event (with questionable looking cubicles I may add), camping, touring or on holiday somewhere remote, these devices are an invaluable aid for any man. It is also worth taking note that unlike mobile phones none of the aforementioned devices come with a hands free function so please do not use whilst driving!
