Using a bedpan correctly comes down to choosing the right type, positioning it properly, and keeping the person comfortable throughout the process. Whether you’re caring for someone at home after surgery or helping a loved one who can’t get out of bed, the steps are straightforward once you know them.
Choosing the Right Bedpan
There are two types of bedpans, and picking the right one matters. A standard (regular) bedpan is larger and deeper, shaped like a wide bowl with a handle end. It works well for someone who can lift their hips or sit up slightly. A fracture bedpan is smaller and has one flat end, making it much easier to slide under someone who can’t move much. Despite its name, a fracture pan isn’t only for people with fractures. It’s the better choice for anyone recovering from hip replacement, dealing with lower body injuries, or simply too weak to lift up.
If you’re buying one for home use and aren’t sure which to get, a fracture pan is generally easier for both the caregiver and the person in bed. It requires less movement to position and sits lower against the mattress.
Preparing Before You Start
A little preparation prevents mess and protects the person’s dignity. Gather everything you’ll need before you begin: the bedpan, disposable gloves, toilet paper or wipes, an incontinence pad (also called a disposable underpad or “chux”), and a small amount of powder or a layer of tissue paper to line the rim of the pan.
Place the incontinence pad on the bed sheet underneath the person’s hips, buttocks, and upper thighs. This acts as a barrier in case of spills and saves you from changing the entire bed. Lining the rim of the bedpan with tissue paper or lightly dusting it with talc-free powder keeps the skin from sticking to the plastic, which can cause friction and irritation. Skip the powder if the person has open wounds, skin sensitivities, or allergies.
Privacy matters more than you might think. Close the door, pull curtains, and ask any visitors to step out. Let the person know what you’re about to do before you do it. A brief explanation reduces anxiety and helps them cooperate with positioning. Wash your hands thoroughly and put on gloves.
Placing the Bedpan: Two Methods
How you position the bedpan depends on whether the person can help lift their hips or not.
If They Can Lift Their Hips
Raise the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees. This angle mimics a more natural sitting position and makes elimination easier. Ask the person to bend their knees and press their feet flat into the mattress, then push their hips upward. While they hold that position, slide the bedpan underneath them with the wide, open end pointing toward their head and the narrow or handle end pointing toward their feet. Lower their hips onto the pan, making sure their buttocks are seated firmly against it and pressed down into the mattress. The pan should feel stable, not like it’s going to tip.
If They Cannot Lift Their Hips
This is the roll method, and it’s the most common approach for people with limited mobility. Gently roll the person onto their side so their back is facing you. Position the bedpan against their buttocks with the wide end toward the head. Then, holding the bedpan steady with one hand and guiding the person’s hip with the other, roll them back onto the pan. Again, make sure the buttocks are pressed firmly against the pan and that it’s sitting flat on the mattress. If you’re using a fracture pan, slide the flat end under the person’s buttocks first, which requires less rolling.
Once the bedpan is in place, raise the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees if you haven’t already. This upright angle helps with both urination and bowel movements. Lying completely flat makes it much harder for the body to eliminate naturally.
While the Bedpan Is in Use
Give the person as much privacy as possible. If they’re stable on the pan, step out of the immediate area or at least turn away. Place toilet paper and a call bell or small bell within reach so they can signal when they’re finished. Keep a light blanket or sheet over their lower body.
Don’t leave the person sitting on the bedpan longer than necessary. The hard rim of a bedpan puts concentrated pressure on the skin over the tailbone and buttocks. Even 15 to 20 minutes on a bedpan can start to cause redness, and for someone with thin or fragile skin, pressure sores can develop surprisingly fast. Check in periodically, and remove the pan as soon as they’re done.
Removing the Bedpan Safely
Put on a fresh pair of gloves if needed. Lower the head of the bed slightly to make removal easier. If the person can lift their hips, ask them to do so while you slide the pan out. If they can’t, hold the pan steady and gently roll them to the side, then pull the pan away. Move slowly and keep the pan level to avoid spilling.
Help the person clean up with toilet paper or pre-moistened wipes, wiping from front to back (especially important for women to prevent urinary tract infections). Check the skin around the buttocks and tailbone for any redness or irritation while you have access. Pat the skin dry rather than rubbing. Remove the incontinence pad if it’s soiled and replace it with a clean one, then reposition the person comfortably in bed.
Cleaning and Storing the Bedpan
Empty the contents into the toilet. If a healthcare provider has asked you to measure urine output, pour it into a measuring container first. Rinse the bedpan immediately with cold water. Cold water is important here because hot water causes proteins in body waste to coagulate and stick to the surface, making the pan harder to clean. After the cold rinse, wash the pan thoroughly with soap and warm water. Let it dry, then store it covered or in a clean, designated spot.
If you’re caring for someone with an infection, ask their healthcare team whether you need to use a disinfectant solution (such as diluted bleach) between uses. For routine home care, soap and water with a cold pre-rinse is sufficient.
Tips for Making It Easier
- Warm the pan first. Running warm water over a cold plastic or metal bedpan before use makes the experience less jarring. Dry it off before placing it.
- Use a fracture pan for nighttime. If the person needs the bedpan frequently overnight, a fracture pan is faster to position and less disruptive to sleep.
- Protect your own back. If you’re the caregiver, raise the bed to a comfortable working height before helping with positioning. Bending over a low bed repeatedly is a common cause of back injury for home caregivers.
- Keep supplies in one place. A small bin or basket beside the bed with gloves, wipes, extra pads, and powder means you’re never scrambling to find what you need.
- Talk through it. Needing a bedpan can feel embarrassing or vulnerable. A calm, matter-of-fact tone helps normalize the process. Let the person do as much as they can on their own, even if it’s just holding the toilet paper, to preserve a sense of independence.