The Best Incontinence Products for Individuals with IDD & Functional Incontinence
If you have a family member or loved one with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), you know how challenging it can be to complete everyday tasks. IDD is classified as differences that are usually present at birth that affect a person’s physical, intellectual, and/or emotional development. Because of these differences, many adults with IDD have functional incontinence, which means they experience difficulty using the bathroom due to physical or cognitive challenges.
Although you cannot always change the circumstances as a caregiver, you can empower your loved one by selecting the right incontinence products for comfort, more independence, and dignity.
Understanding Functional Incontinence and IDD
Unlike urge incontinence, stress incontinence, and other types of incontinence that come with age and common lifestyle factors, functional incontinence has a different cause. It occurs when physical or mental impairments prevent someone from reaching the toilet in time. This may be due to difficulty with mobility or cognitive challenges that make it hard for an individual with IDD to use the bathroom normally.
They may struggle to recognize when they need to use the bathroom, have trouble understanding how to use the toilet or maintain basic hygiene, and may find it hard to ask for help when needed. This is why having the right incontinence supplies and protective underwear is important — it can help them feel more confident and keep accidents more private.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Incontinence Products for IDD
Choosing the right adult incontinence products for those with IDD is crucial for their confidence, comfort levels, and overall well-being. Keep these factors in mind when shopping for incontinence products:
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Comfort: A secure fit with soft and gentle materials not only helps the individual feel more comfortable and secure, it will also protect them from embarrassing leaks. Choose well-fitting adult diapers or absorbent underwear made from soft, breathable materials with odor control. This helps ensure comfort and boosts confidence.
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Absorbency: First, assess the level and type of incontinence, and when it happens most. Is it 24 hours a day, or just at night? Is it only urinary incontinence, or fecal incontinence, too? From here, you can start to look for products that cater to the individual’s needs, whether it’s just for nighttime use, heavy-duty daytime use, or overall lighter use. Ensure the products you choose have an absorbent core and can hold the weight you need to avoid discomfort and leakage.
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Size and Fit: Take measurements or consider the individual’s size and shape to get the right fit. If incontinence products are too big, leakage will occur, and if they’re too tight, it can create skin issues, discomfort, and even more serious issues like bacterial infections or UTIs. Ensure the products have adjustable features and that they’re easy to change to ensure comfort.
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Ease of Use: Depending on the severity of the IDD, you can assess the level of dependence the person needs. Adjustable tabs found in adult diapers are great for caregivers, while pull-ups and simple adult briefs that are easy to use are great for those who are more independent. Ensure the labels are easy to read so you can avoid any issues.
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Discretion: Look for “quiet” on the label and make sure materials are made with fabrics that aren’t loud as they move. To ensure more dignity for the individual, choose discreet products that resemble regular underwear.
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Skin Health: Skin health remains a top priority when it comes to incontinence products. Look for hypoallergenic and natural materials that are gentle on skin, and moisture-wicking technology to keep the skin barrier protected.
Top Incontinence Products for Individuals with IDD
With incontinence, there is never a one-size-fits-all approach. Get to know your loved one’s needs and their bathroom and incontinence habits.
Here, we laid out the most popular incontinence products for those with IDD.
Adult Diapers
As one of the most popular incontinence products that cover a wide range of incontinence issues, adult diapers provide ample coverage and accessibility. With varying levels of absorption and fit, we can help you find the right option for your loved one.
We recommend:
Incontinence Pads
For those with only urinary incontinence that falls on the lighter side, incontinence pads can be a great solution that fits right inside regular underwear. With stick-on pads or those with adjustable wings, it’s easy to find a great fit while catching leaks during the day.
We recommend:
Why Premium Products Are Better for IDD & Functional Incontinence
Unlike generic incontinence products, premium adult diapers provide more leakage protection and have a superior design that prioritizes comfort, fit, and hygiene for those with IDD and functional incontinence.
Dry Direct: A Top Choice for Incontinence Needs
Made in Italy, Dry Direct is a premium incontinence product brand that prioritizes comfort, gentle, soft materials, and is even environmentally friendly with its PEFC certification. It has twice as much absorbency as most brands, an anti-odor system, and it includes various technologies that promote skin health (like moisture-wicking features or soft, natural materials).
Find Premium Incontinence Products at Parentgiving
At Parentgiving, we offer premium incontinence products, from bed pads and underpads to medical supplies, adult diapers, and more. If you’re ready to feel supported as you care for your loved one with IDD, you can rely on Parentgiving and our decades of experience helping families with aging loved ones everywhere. View our full selection of products today.