Objective Compare the effect of various epidural catheter designs and delivery rates on injective pressure. Methods The pressure (peak pressure and mean pressure) was measured at five delivery rates (120, 240, 360, 480, 600 ml/h) through twelve epidural catheters. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to assess the delivery rate and pressure relationship, and the difference of the mean injective pressure between two catheters under various delivery rates was also compared. Results The peak pressure range between 1.81‒14.84 psi. 60 combinations of different epidural catheters and delivery rates were generated, and 180 pressure tests were performed. The pressures were correlated with delivery rates (r>0.8, P<0.05, 12 catheters). The mean pressure in a close‑ended catheter was significantly higher than the pressure in an open‑ended catheter (P<0.05, all delivery rates), while the mean pressure in a 20 G catheter was substantially higher than the pressure in a 19 G catheter (P<0.05, all delivery rates). The mean pressure in wire‑reinforced catheters was significantly higher than the pressure in non‑reinforced catheters (P<0.05, all delivery rates). Conclusions High delivery rate generated high pressure. Small gauged, wire‑reinforced, close‑ended catheter design may increase pressure generated during the programmed intermittent epidural bolus. Higher gauged catheters may trigger occlusion alarm at high delivery rates>360 ml/h.