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Ok ladies I need your opinion. In a couple weeks my first drysuit will arrive. I am trying to decide whether or not to install a pee valve. I've done a little research on the She Pee and I've found it to be well...um...interesting. :-) For those of you who use it, is it worth the time and effort? For the record, I will not ever use a diaper so it's either the She Pee or hold it. :-)
The She-P is wonderful, once you get past the learning curve of it. It does take some getting used to & Learning to use it effectively.
I will PM you about the specifics of getting it right. Last thing I want to do is pee in my new suit. :-)Quote:
Originally Posted by tstormdiver
Absolutely to She-P!!! You need to be hydrated and you need to pee! I have been using it for 4 years and love it. It works perfectly although it does have a learning curve. PM me if you need any extra tips.
The She-P was like a gift from God. I love mine. i will send you a pm with a few tips.
To be honest, I'm probably not the best. I usually only have about 85% success with mine (I'm still trying to get through the learning curve.). Others have much better success rates than I do. LCF here is an excellent source. The videos put out on the She-P NA website are also very good.Quote:
Originally Posted by TracyN
OK NOT A FEMALE!
Several of my female friends have had varying rates of success.
What I have gathered is that not all things work and you have to accept the learning curve as difficult as it is.
It takes a commitment to conquer it or keep trying or you miss well save the cash.
What I do know is that two of the three have found the correct products "glue" and combination of prep and application.
If you are considering decompression in a dry suit then I would go for it and commit to conquering the process.
JCG Sorry for the HiJack but I have been the cheer leader twice!
Well from the raving reviews it appears I will be ordering one for myself. Can you install the valve yourself or do you have to send it to Gamble? I'm wondering if the adhesives we use for colostomies will work to to hold the she pee on since super glue is not an option. :-) :-)
Definitely get one. I have been diving dry since 1997, and this is the most important innovation to come down the pipleline in my opinion. There is a bit of a learning curve, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help. You will have some failures, even the boys do with condom caths.
Yes, you can install a P valve yourself, it's actually quite simple. The one caveat is that having the right tool for the job is invaluable. The right tool is an appropriately sized punch, which you can find on the net. They aren't super expensive.
I was an early She-P adopter, and at first we were using a colostomy paste- less than ideal to say the least. The next adhesive iteration was the Hollister spray, which was better but leaves behind a lot of residue. Most of us are using Urobond these days. It's kind of like rubber cement, applies with a little brush and doesn't leave too much residue behind. Laura (She P NA) has a package with everything you need to get started.
another vote for the she-p and a poise or huggies back-up. i'm at about 95% total success with it & only about 3 utter & complete failures. we're here to help. the threads on scubaboard are a good resource, but of course you are reading as we learn, so take notes but don't treat them as gospel because a couple of pages later we change our minds.
Truer words have not been spoken!!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by BabyDuck
I prefer the Urobond compared to the spray Hollister. Much better application with the brush.
I had the first she-P with latex material and it has gone long ways since then. The blue silicone rocks. Much more flexible than latex. Definitely watch the videos on the website as others have said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=9lOlwk8AFb4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=pEL03wRTLwg
I also use an absorbent pad (Poise, long) with the she-p. I actually think that we are better off than the guys because even with a major leak the absorbent pad holds everything and you do not end up peeing your undies.
+1 on the Urobond4, way better than Hollister stuff.
Here is everything (and more) you ever wanted to know about the she-P
http://www.she-p.com/
Definitely get one.
Dive safe,
Celia
We need a "Guys, don't click on this thread" icon.
It's worth it, if you are doing much diving off boats, or staged decompression diving, or cave diving . . . if somebody is just doing 45 to 60 minute recreational shore diving, probably not so much. But I was extremely grateful yesterday, not to have either to chase everyone out of the cabin to use the porta-potty, or to have to drop my undergarments in mid 30's air temperatures in order to pee off the boat.
There IS a learning curve. I think the Urobond adhesive, which is designed to use in a wet environment, is the best adhesive. Multiple coats of it work better than one, and making sure the skin is free of oil is also key, at least for me. Removing it from the device is a pain, and nothing I've found works really well, so if I'm on a week-long trip, I just let it build up until I get home. You can buy Remove in 8 oz bottles, which is useful.
P-valves are easy to install. I've used the Halcyon and LM ones -- both are pretty low resistance. I think I'm slowly learning to prefer the Halcyon, both due to the way urine routes through the valve (easier to see quickly if it's coming out -- and you don't want to find out it isn't by realizing you have a growing patch of warmth in your suit . . . ) and because the duckbill arrangement for the balancing seems much more robust. (Yes, I used that word on purpose :) ) I know other people who have just given up on the balance arrangement and plugged the hole -- if you do that, you have to prime the system before submerging, or it's painful.
I'm pretty sure there is a very long and detailed thread about the She-P in the women's section on ScubaBoard, which has a lot of good information in it.
Bottom line: It beats diapers all hollow.
:smt118Quote:
Originally Posted by Slüdge
Tracy, you can use a beard trimmer if you have too many issues with a razor. What ever you do, DON'T go against the grain! You'll be sorry!! If you use the trimmer, you may need to use it daily.
Thank you, Jax...
Once a pee valve is installed, it's easily "plugged" by a short piece of blocked hose if you decided later that you don't want to use it, installing a pee valve doesn't ruin a suit, the appropriately sized punch may be a empty .45 cal empty cartridge if you have one laying around. I installed my valve a little to the front of the center as I didn't want that valve chafing right between my legs
none of this is gender specific
You're welcome!Quote:
Originally Posted by Slüdge
The beard trimmer works for manscaping, too. :smile:
Yes, but a Gillette Fusion works better.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jax
If your goals are full cave dives, decompression dives, drysuit dives in hot/humid climates, or multiple shorter dives in an environment where it's inconvenient to remove suit between dives (time-constraints, rainy, cold and/or boat), then I would definitely go with She-p.
For me it is not perfect, but the amount of times I've completely urinated on myself have been very few. I use it on most of my dives longer than 60 mins.
Key things that work for me:
Urobond glue (Keep bottle cool and upright)
Poise pad backup (light to very light variety)
Site prep
Quick disconnects (using flow through female on p-valve side, and shut off valve male on she-p side)
Make sure to clean out p-valve tubing
Apply she-p at least 10 minutes BEFORE going out into a hot/sweaty environment
I also prefer the previous generation clear silicone ones that were a little less-soft than the current version.
Go forth!
As far as doing it yourself or Gamble....
My last drysuit the Aqua-Seal cost 12 bucks to do it myself OR Gamble charged $20 bucks to install the pee-valve. For $8 difference, I'll let the professional be responsible for the hole in my drysuit.
Thanks for the advice and PM's ladies. :-) I'm pretty sure I will invest in one and try to have fun with the learning curve, lol!
LoL Jax!!! I have no issues with a razor here. The Noxema Spa 4 blade razors work great and leave no irritation. :-DQuote:
Originally Posted by Jax
Yeah, that "Need Female Opinions" in the title didn't give a clue at all!Quote:
Originally Posted by Slüdge
Waxing is the BEST!Quote:
Originally Posted by JamesK
Tracy...practice in the shower, be patient with yourself, and don't hesitate to ask questions! There's a great Facebook page for us, as well as an excellent thread on Scubaboard, both with excellent tips and advice.
She-P ROCKS!
Laser, much better than waxing!Quote:
Originally Posted by sskasser
Quote:
Originally Posted by harmstrong
Yep, Heather is right (no surprise there :) ). I am saving up for laser.
Placing it toward the front of the leg is more comfortable, just be sure to keep it slightly to the inside so it is not the low spot on your thigh when swimming.Quote:
Originally Posted by a64pilot
-----
Having had the mother of all kidney infections from a pee valve, I am now a big believer in leaving them removable so they can be boiled/disinfected more thoroughly than is the case on the suit.
On my own installations I permanently bond rubber gaskets on the inside and outside of the suit material to provide a secure seal without resorting to gluing the valve in place to provide a seal. I cut the gasket so that it extends about a 1/4" past the valve flange. It's the same principle as the seals on the inlet and exhaust valves. On customer suits, if they don't opt for the rubber gasket approach, I glue the valve in place but do it with clear silicone adhesive so that it can be peeled back off the suit. I avoid Aquaseal as it is pretty much forever.
Different valves require different sized holes so be sure to measure before you cut or punch. A punch is great (just be sure to use a backing material inside the leg so you don't end up with an extra hole in the back of the leg). However I've also used an Exacto knife with a #11 blade and cut the hole with the help of a drafting stencil. Again, use a piece of wood or similar flat hard object as a backing surface.
You know, there really are a lot of old pervo's, like me, around cave diving, and this could be taken so many ways...........Quote:
Originally Posted by sskasser
You know, there really are a lot of old pervo's, like me, around cave diving, and this brings up images of Buck Rogers and his ray gun.....Quote:
Originally Posted by harmstrong
http://trekweb.com/images/stories/50196b22ef1a5-1.jpg
Hello Tracy,Quote:
Originally Posted by TracyN
Here's the deal, first f all you are 100% correct...diapers are disgusting and people that use them should be very young or very old, if you're using a diaper and you don't fit into one of the two categories mentioned ..... get help.
BUT
The she pee devise is a little troublesome as well, you see that part of a woman's body needs to be revered by men and after having seen a VERY graphic demonstration of how a she pee works as well as proper installation techniques......I'm not sure I'll look at that part of a woman's body the same way again.
Therein lies the problem........ of course the upside is that grooming becomes required and in cave country I've noticed that female grooming habits aren't as consistent as they are in lets say NEW YORK, Los Angeles or Miami.
Make an informed decision......
:smt040 Exactly! Why do you think I took up cave diving? :smt040Quote:
Originally Posted by OFG-1
Go for it! As others have said, there is a learning curve. Put it on a bit wrong once and ended up with a "squeeze" and it was quite uncomfortable! Barring that episode, I highly recommend it. Made long days of diving or long individual dives totally wonderful. I think it enhances my confidence in hydrating appropriately since as I have gotten older my bladder seems to have shrunk in size. I always have a "back up" in place, but have never had a catastrophe. Lots of resource folks out there to help.
I sent you a pm about adhesives. Use the one in the bottle. The stoma adhesive sucks. The spray gets messy. Urobond rocks.Quote:
Originally Posted by TracyN
You can install your own valve I would go with Gamble. At least u know its done right.
Because 5 out of 6 Shirleys are pervos. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by sskasser
Oh, and I can't bring myself to place hot wax there.
It's not THAT hot . . . . :smile:Quote:
Originally Posted by JamesK
However, when you yank curly hairs out, they have a habit of trying to curl before they grow out . . . leading to painful ingrown hairs . . . That is also why you don't shave against the grain.
Okay, that's ageist.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jont
I would never use the world love and she pee together lol i have it but don't love it. Do I think you should get one...yes. Its still quite gross to me, trying to put it on in a small bathroom on a moving boat is always fun experience! I still use a diaper as a backup just in case of failure. Pinching SUCKS!!!!! The alternative holding it sucks worse and it's better to stay hydrated! I'm sure you'll get lots of great advise from women using it here! Enjoy your new suit!
Hi, Tracy,
Lots of great advice from the other She-P users. There are a few threads on SB and a group named Devine Secrets of the She-P on FB, filled with great stories from brave pioneers. Read it all cause it will greatly reduced your learning curve.
YES, the She-P is worth the time. Been diving it for 1.5 yrs and the She-P ranks up there as one of my best investment to my diving comfort, drysuit being the other best. I can properly hydrate without fear of when I will see a bathroom next. The world is my toilet when I have my She-P on. Hahaha!
So far, I have had two leakages but they were my fault for not applying enough glue or not allowing it to dry properly during application process.
My first two attempts resulted in more glue on sink counter, hands, and bum than on the She-P. In the video, instructions are to brush glue on you....DON'T do it. That was how I glued myself together. Just apply two coats of glue to the She-P, allowing time for each coat to dry, then apply device to you.
One of the best tips I received was from Lynne. I smear glue on middle finger and apply the glue to the taint instead of painting the glue on my body with the brush. My one and only blowouts was the time I did not apply glue to the taint.
Given my low failure rate, I could lose the Poise pad but it's extra protection should I have leakage.
Feel free to PM with questions or post here. Good luck with your new drysuit and your She-P. Keep us posted.
Am I the only one that is curious about this statement? http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ima...iles/w-t-f.gifQuote:
Originally Posted by Jont
Haha! I like it! The world is your toilet! :-) My suit still hasn't arrived yet but when it does I think I'm going to dive it a few times just to see how bad the urge is to pee. Right now I'm working so hard trying not to pee in my wetsuits. I am diving in Marianna right now and this 68 degree water makes things very difficult to control, lol!Quote:
Originally Posted by Samantha
i'm trying to ignore that whole misogynist rant, jax.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jax