Portable Toilets For Women

With portability being key in my review of female urinals, I am going to focus on the two modern types of portable toilets for women: REUSABLE and DISPOSABLE. They both function in very similar ways. Which one you choose will be based on your personal preferences.

Other types of portable urinals for women, the more traditional bedpans and urinals, are a great solution for the elderly/bedridden but are not being reviewed here for numerous reasons. First, they are bulkier and need to be poured out which makes them less desirable where portability is concerned. Second, the less expensive jug styles do not get good reviews (they don't conform to a woman's body as well). Third, to find a high quality traditional urinal that works well, you will have to pay a lot more. Finally, bedpans, of course, are just not very convenient. Keep in mind that the funnel style spout on many of these urinals, as you will see, can be placed inside a jug if you do need flexibility and a way to contain the urine, like when you are in a vehicle.

So it is time to move on to finding the right urinal for you - so you won't have to desperately search for this sign when on the road!

Outhouse Perches on a Hillside
Buy This At Allposters.com

The reusable style urinal is very popular for many reasons. Let's review the pros and cons to be sure it is the right choice for you:

PROS

Cost
It is a one time purchase that can be used over and over.
Design
High quality and excellent craftsmanship conforms to a woman's body, reducing the chance of leaks.
Spout Lengths
These funnel style urinals come with various spout lengths (depending on brand), offering a choice in what feels most comfortable for you to use.
Free Style or Containment Option
These reusable urinals can be used standing in the outdoors, over a public toilet or the spout can be directed into a gallon milk jug, to be disposed of later.

CONS

Cleaning
Though most of these urinals come with a carrying pouch (or you can use a ziplock bag), you will want to rinse them out when you get home. Many people suggest bringing disinfectant wipes to clean out the funnel between uses, until you can clean it properly.
Bulkier
Though certainly not huge, they take up more space than their disposable urinal competition.
Best Used Standing Up
Gravity is the key to excellent performance. The longer the spout, the more you will rely on good old gravity to help you avoid a mess. Many women report that it is very important to practice at home prior to use, so that you are familiar and comfortable with how it works.

A Loo with a ViewDuval, Richard
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Disposable urinals are the ultimate answer to portability. Though reusable or disposable urinals can be used in any environment (camping or any time you are away from home), the disposable style has a lot of popularity when it comes to quick convenience and public restroom avoidance. A January, 2010 article on Medical News Today stated that Toilet Seat Dermititis Is Making A Comeback. There is no better way to avoid having to sit on a public toilet than with these items.

Let's review the pros and cons of the disposable urinals for ladies:

PROS

Very Compact
A disposable women's urinal tends to be very compact - small enough to fit in a purse or glove box.
Convenience of Disposability
These girl urinals are extremely disposable. Some turn urine into a gel inside a disposable pouch. Others can be easily thrown away or flushed down a toilet. Out of sight and out of mind!
Useful In The Outdoors
Though containment styles exist, as in the gel example above, often these disposable styles work in the same way as the reusable models discussed earlier. Though the spout is not long, they provide a funnel to allow a no-mess experience in the great outdoors or over a public toilet.

CONS

Cost
Though more affordable in the short term, they can only be used once so you will need to continue purchasing the urinals.
Not As Durable
Though the brands I have listed below receive wonderful reviews, disposable products are generally not as durable as a reusable style. They are a different feel than a reusable urinal. If you plan on limited use, however, they are an excellent choice economically.
Available For Children
Some companies make smaller models for children, which is perfect for traveling. I have listed one of the best reviewed portable urinals for children below by TravelJohn.