


Today, most bedpans are made of stainless steel, plastic, or disposable materials.

The initial bedpan patent US2243791A was created in the United States in the 1940s. In the 20th century, bedpans were made of ceramic, enamel, or stainless steel, and after the 1960s, bedpan materials expanded to include plastics and disposable substances. As a result, Nightingale proposed several methods to improve the sanitary conditions in both military and civilian hospitals, including the addition of bedpans in order to reduce infection exposure from urine or feces. Florence Nightingale, who worked as a nurse in the United Kingdom from the mid to late 1800s, diagramed death rates and causes for soldiers in military hospitals during the Crimean War and then correlated them to corresponding sanitization procedures. Bedpans were not a commonplace item in hospitals until the late 1800s. At that time, bedpans were made from materials including pewter, brass, pottery, glass, and porcelain. It is a green, glazed earthenware bedpan that has been dated to the 16 th or 17 th century. The word bedpan was first seen in the literature of John Higgins in 1572, and one of the oldest known bedpans is on display in the Science Museum of London. History Green glazed earthenware bedpan from the 16th or 17th century Bedpans have a long single handle that can double as a spout, either for urine entry or for emptying after use. Bedpans can have lids, but most do not, as they are immediately emptied or disposed of after use. A bedpan is smaller, since it is placed in the bed and positioned under the person for use. Chamber pots are larger and usually have handles and a lid. For people who are over those weight limits, a bariatric bedpan can be used, which includes tapered edges for durability.īedpans differ from chamber pots in both size and function. Bedpans have a weight limit, which is different depending on the material and style of the bedpan. This type of bedpan may be used for those who cannot raise their hips high enough or roll over onto a regular-size bedpan. These bedpans are designed specifically for people who have had a hip fracture or are recovering from a hip replacement. Fracture or slipper bedpans are smaller than standard-size bedpans and have one flat end. Regular bedpans look similar to a toilet seat and toilet bowl combined, and have the largest capacity. Disposable bedpans or liners rest inside a reusable bedpan, which is needed to support the user's weight during use. Disposable bedpans are made of recycled and/or biodegradable materials, and are disposed of after a single use. Reusable bedpans must be emptied, cleaned, and sanitized after each use and allow for urination or defecation while either sitting or lying in bed, as they are placed beneath the buttocks for use. Different Types of BedpansĪ bedpan or bed pan is a device used as a receptacle for the urine and/or feces of a person who is confined to a bed and therefore not able to use a toilet or chamber pot.īedpans can be either reusable or disposable, and include several different types. For the Bedford to London St Pancras railway line known colloquially as the "Bedpan service", see Thameslink. This article is about an item of medical equipment.
