Using a bedpan correctly comes down to choosing the right type, positioning it properly, and keeping everything clean and comfortable. Whether you’re caring for a loved one at home or learning as a new caregiver, the process is straightforward once you know the steps. The key detail most people miss: raising the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees, which mimics a natural sitting position and makes elimination much easier.
Two Types of Bedpans
There are two main styles, and picking the right one matters more than you might think.
A standard (regular) bedpan is the larger of the two. It has a deeper basin and a raised back end that supports the patient’s buttocks. This is the go-to option for most people who can lift their hips or be rolled onto it.
A fracture bedpan is thinner and has one flat end, making it much easier to slide under someone who can’t lift their hips. It’s designed for patients recovering from hip fractures, hip replacements, or lower-body injuries where movement needs to stay minimal. If the person you’re caring for has any hip or leg restriction, use a fracture pan.
Gather Your Supplies First
Having everything within arm’s reach before you start prevents interruptions and keeps the process dignified. You’ll need:
- Disposable gloves (put on a fresh pair each time)
- The bedpan
- A waterproof pad to place under the patient’s hips and protect the bedding
- Toilet paper positioned where the patient can reach it
- Disposable washcloths or moist wipes for cleanup
- A basin of warm water, soap, and a towel for hand washing afterward
- A blanket or sheet to drape over the patient for privacy
If you’re using a metal or hard plastic bedpan, run warm water over the rim before placing it. Cold contact against bare skin is uncomfortable and can make muscles tense up, which is the opposite of what you want.
How to Position the Bedpan
If the Patient Can Lift Their Hips
This is the easier scenario. Ask the person to bend their knees and plant their feet flat on the mattress. Have them push down through their heels to raise their hips. While their hips are lifted, slide the bedpan underneath so the wider, open end faces the back of their body and the curved rim sits snugly against their buttocks. Then raise the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees. This semi-upright angle supports the body’s natural posture for urination and bowel movements, making things significantly easier than lying flat.
If the Patient Cannot Lift Their Hips
For someone who can’t raise up on their own, use the roll method. Turn the person onto their side, facing away from you. Place the waterproof pad on the bed first, then position the bedpan firmly against their buttocks. Gently roll them back onto the pan, making sure it’s centered. A fracture bedpan works best here because its low, flat profile requires less movement to get into place. Once the pan is positioned, raise the head of the bed to 30 degrees if the patient can tolerate it.
During Use
Give the person privacy whenever it’s safe to do so. Step behind a curtain or leave the room, but make sure they have a call bell or a way to signal you. Rushing someone on a bedpan rarely goes well. Relaxation matters for both urination and bowel movements, and feeling watched makes that harder.
Keep a light blanket or sheet draped over their lap. Beyond privacy, this helps with warmth and reduces self-consciousness. If the person is straining or having difficulty, raising the head of the bed a bit higher (closer to 45 degrees) can help by putting gentle pressure in the right direction.
Removing the Bedpan
Put on a fresh pair of gloves. Lower the head of the bed back down slightly. If the patient can lift their hips, ask them to do so and slide the pan out carefully, keeping it level to avoid spills. If they can’t lift up, hold the bedpan flat against the mattress and gently roll them to the side, then pull the pan away.
Help with wiping if the person can’t manage it themselves. Always wipe front to back, especially for women, to prevent urinary tract infections. Use toilet paper first, then follow up with a damp disposable washcloth for thorough cleaning. Pat the skin dry afterward. Check the skin around the buttocks and tailbone for any redness or irritation, particularly if the person uses a bedpan regularly. Prolonged or frequent contact with a hard surface can contribute to pressure sores.
Cleaning and Disinfecting the Bedpan
Carry the bedpan to the toilet or a utility area, keeping it level. Empty the contents, note anything unusual (changes in color, consistency, or the presence of blood), and rinse the pan thoroughly. The CDC recommends disinfecting reusable bedpans with a washer-disinfector or boiling water rather than relying solely on chemical disinfectants. If you’re at home without specialized equipment, wash the pan with hot soapy water, rinse well, then wipe all surfaces with a disinfecting solution and let it air dry.
Disposable bedpans made from molded paper pulp are an alternative that eliminates the cleaning step entirely. They’re single-use and can be disposed of in medical waste or a lined trash bag. The tradeoff is that disposable systems still require a reusable support frame or carrier underneath, which itself needs regular disinfection. For home caregiving with a single patient, a well-cleaned reusable plastic bedpan is perfectly adequate.
Tips for Comfort and Dignity
Bedpan use is one of the most vulnerable moments in caregiving, and small details go a long way. Explain each step before you do it so there are no surprises. Use a matter-of-fact tone rather than an apologetic one, which can actually make the situation feel more awkward. If you’re lining the rim of the pan with a thin layer of toilet paper, it reduces cold contact and makes removal smoother.
For patients who use a bedpan frequently (several times a day over weeks or months), skin breakdown becomes a real concern. Apply a barrier cream to the buttocks and perineal area after each use to protect against moisture damage. Alternate between a bedpan and other options like a bedside commode whenever mobility allows, since reducing time on the pan reduces pressure on the tailbone.
Bariatric bedpans are available for larger patients, with reinforced models supporting up to 450 pounds. These are wider (roughly 15 by 13 inches) and have a smoother contour that distributes weight more evenly. If a standard pan feels too small or unstable, switching to one of these makes the process safer and more comfortable for everyone involved.