Living an active lifestyle on Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) means finding the right balance of safety, comfort, and freedom. For over 25 years, the Frank Stubbs PD-Belt™ has been a trusted companion for thousands of patients, designed to stabilize your catheter exit site and safely secure your transfer unit.
Made in the USA from custom-knitted, hypoallergenic, latex-free elastic, this belt features a plush, soft interior to prevent skin irritation. Below, we’ve laid out everything you need to know to get the most out of your PD-Belt™, from initial sizing to performing daily exchanges and keeping your belt fresh.
Choosing the Right Fit
A proper fit is crucial for minimizing movement at the exit site. To find your size, measure your abdomen a few inches above your catheter exit site (rather than your standard pants waistline):
X-Small (16"-24"), Small (23"-36"), Medium (30"-44"), Large (36"-48"), X-Large (46"-58")
Tip: Keep in mind that your body naturally expands and contracts throughout the day due to dialysate fluid levels and meals. The custom elastic is designed to stretch with these natural shifts, but you can easily adjust the Velcro closure for a looser or tighter fit as needed.
Step-by-Step: How to Secure Your Catheter
To prevent pulling on the exit site, follow this sequence to securely position your catheter and transfer unit.
1. Position the belt
Wrap the belt around your waist above your exit site. Position it so that the outer Velcro Tab A sits directly above the exit site.
Note: For a left-sided exit, the tab will open downward. For a right-sided exit, it opens upward.
2. Form a soft loop
Create a short, gentle loop with the catheter tube upward toward the belt. Run it parallel to the belt, placing it across Velcro fastener A and under Tab B.
3. Secure the first tabs
Lock the tube by folding Tab B up over the tube, then fold Tab A over Tab B and the catheter, pressing firmly with your thumb and index finger. The Velcro should fit snugly around the tube to keep it from sliding.
4.Pocket the connector: Storing the transfer unit.
Route the rest of the tube toward the elastic pocket (D). Insert the connector end of your catheter securely inside the pocket. Finish by closing Velcro Tab C over the remaining tubing.
Crucial Point: The belt itself should NEVER come in direct contact with your exit site. The exit site must always be kept clean and dressed according to your healthcare provider’s exact instructions.
Pro-Tip: Applying the Self-Adhesive Band
For extra stabilization, your PD-Belt™ comes with a small, self-adhesive Velcro band.
- Once you are happy with the fit of your catheter loop, release the outer Velcro Tab A.
- Peel and stick the tacky backing of the small Velcro strip directly onto the clean, dry catheter tube right where it intersects Tab A.
- Let it "cure" for several hours before getting wet (like in the shower) so the adhesive bonds permanently.
Performing a Fluid Exchange
Your PD-Belt™ is designed to make CAPD or CCPD exchanges as seamless as possible without exposing your catheter to unnecessary tension.
- Prepare: Loosen your clothing and confirm that your tubing is held firmly at Tab A.
- Access: Unfasten Tab C and slide the connector out of pocket D. Your catheter is now free to connect to your dialysis bags while remaining safely anchored at the exit site.
- Hang Carefully: Always use both hands to hang your fluid bags on the I/V pole. While the PD-Belt™ provides excellent stability, it cannot protect your exit site from the sudden pull of a dropped bag!
- Re-secure: Once the exchange is complete, slide the connector back into pocket D, close Tab C, and readjust your clothing.
Showering & Transitioning to a Dry Belt
You can wear your PD-Belt™ in the shower. However, sitting in a wet, cold belt afterward is uncomfortable and bad for your skin. Here is how to transition smoothly:
- After showering, dry off your body.
- Fasten a fresh, dry belt about 1 inch above your wet one.
- Unfasten Tab C on the wet belt, remove the connector, and slide it directly into pocket D of the dry belt. Fasten Tab C on the dry belt.
- Unfasten Tab A on the wet belt to let the catheter swing gently away.
- Unfasten the wet belt and slide it out. Secure the catheter to Tab A of your dry belt, adjust the height, and you’re good to go!
Cleaning & Belt Longevity
To protect the custom-knitted elastic and Velcro strength, do not machine wash or dry your PD-Belt™. High heat and machine agitation will rapidly degrade the materials.
- The Wash Routine: Hand wash your belts in cold water using a mild liquid detergent. Rinse thoroughly and air dry only.
- Dealing with Stains: For heavily soiled belts, add a splash of hydrogen peroxide to your wash water. It acts as a safe, natural bleaching agent without harming the fabric.
- The 40-Day Rule: We recommend replacing your belt every 40 days to ensure the elastic holds its tension and the Velcro stays secure.
- The 3-Pack Advantage: Buying a three-belt package gives you a continuous supply for about 4 months. It ensures you always have a clean, dry backup on hand while laundering your other belts.
Helpful Daily Adjustments
- Fluctuating Girth: If you bloat or shrink during the day due to meals or dialysate cycles, you don't need to take the belt off. The elastic naturally gives. For larger shifts, simply release the contact closure and reposition it slightly.
- Medicating Your Exit Site: You can easily apply ointments or creams while wearing your belt. Apply your prescribed medication, place a folded 2" x 2" gauze strip under the tube for cushioning, lay another over the top, and secure with paper tape applied vertically. The vertical tape will hold beautifully under the belt without curling.
- Clothing Tips: Try to wear low-cut underwear and relatively loose clothing to prevent fabric from rubbing or catching on the catheter exit site.
Is your local clinic or dialysis center not stocking the Frank Stubbs PD-Belt™? Ask your clinic coordinator or nurse if they can order them for you, or visit our store to secure your single or 3-pack bundle today!