Caregiving

The Best Incontinence Products for Bedridden Individuals


The Best Incontinence Products & Features for Bedridden Individuals

Having a loved one who is bedridden (whether temporarily or long-term), is hard not only on the individual but on the family as well. Due to illness, disabilities, or injury, many people live bedridden, and it can become hard to perform normal tasks, like going to the bathroom. Because of this, caregivers are typically required. When that individual has incontinence as well, hygiene, skin care, comfort, and quality of life all become important so the individual experiences a life of tranquility. Below are our top tips on dealing with urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence while bedridden.

Product Features You Need for Low Mobility Individuals

With bedridden patients, it’s important to find products with specific features to ensure high absorbency, skin care needs, and breathable materials. Here’s what you need to look for:

Absorbency 

To reduce wetness, make sure the adult diaper or brief has a super-absorbent core that wicks moisture away. Most options also include a wetness indicator to let you know when it’s time for a change. Guard leaks are also great to ensure no leakage will seep into the skin, which can cause irritation.

Non-irritating inner linings

Choose materials with soft, cloth-like inner linings that are gentle against the skin. Avoid any materials with allergens or irritants, such as latex, dyes, or fragrances. 

Breathability 

Look for diapers with a breathable outer shell, which allows air to circulate and helps prevent moisture buildup. This keeps the skin cool and dry, reducing the risk of irritation or infection.

Hypoallergenic materials  

Look for materials that have been dermatologist-tested and are hypoallergenic. This ensures that common allergens or irritants will not be involved in the adult diaper and that the product is made with safer ingredients for the skin, creating less of a likelihood that any allergic reactions will occur.

Consider skin health

Skin health and hygiene are important factors to consider while shopping for adult incontinence products. Look for breathable materials, such as cotton, to prevent skin irritation. Make sure your loved one bathes regularly and uses any necessary moisturizers, creams, or ointments to prevent rashes or irritants.

Best Incontinence Products for Bedridden Individuals

There is a wide selection of helpful incontinence products out there — below are our top picks.

Adult Diapers and Briefs

For those who are bedridden and have limited mobility, adult diapers and tab-top adult briefs are great options, as they are easier for caregivers to change. The right adult diapers and briefs offer comfort and maximum absorbency. While they are both great options, adult pull-ups, on the other hand, are not the right choice for those with limited accessibility.

Adult Diapers We Recommend

Adult Briefs We Recommend

Disposable Bed Pads

Underpads come in disposable and reusable versions. Both serve as a final protective barrier that can not only protect mattresses but also furniture, car seats, and more. Look for pads that have high absorbency to capture leakage and are the right size for whatever you are looking to protect.

Bed Pads We Recommend

Booster Pads

Unlike incontinence pads, which are worn with regular underwear, booster pads are absorbent pads used with other incontinence products like adult diapers or protective underwear to enhance absorbency. They feature a flow-through design that increases the urine capacity, offering additional protection and comfort. The extra absorbency makes booster pads great for bedridden individuals.

Booster Pads We Recommend

Skin Care Products

When an adult is bedridden and has incontinence, there’s a greater chance for skin irritation, diaper rashes, and even infections or sores to creep up. This is especially true for those with sensitive skin. That’s why it’s extremely important to regularly change adult diapers and make sure there’s no wetness. It’s also crucial to thoroughly clean the area during changes, ensuring dryness before putting on another diaper. Having gentle hygienic incontinence supplies, like non-irritating wipes and creams, ointments, and powders, will create a skin barrier to reduce irritation and keep skin healthy.

Skin Care Products We Recommend

Bathing & Hygiene Products

Personal hygiene can be challenging for those with limited mobility, especially given the fall risks associated with traditional bathrooms. Hard, slippery surfaces make bathing and showering potentially hazardous. To address this, a variety of innovative products have emerged, including cleansing wipes and no-rinse shampoos. These alternatives, while not a perfect substitute for regular bathing, offer a practical solution for maintaining hygiene during gaps in care. For example, individuals receiving professional bathing and grooming assistance three times a week through services like Visiting Angels can use these products to stay fresh and clean on off days. This approach balances safety concerns with the need for consistent personal care.

Bathing & Hygiene Products We Recommend

Additional Tips On Caring for Bedridden Individuals

  • Use loose, comfortable clothing: This ensures comfort and creates more ease when changing adult diapers.
  • Ensure frequent cleaning: Adult diapers not being changed regularly is the most common way bedridden individuals contract skin issues. Make sure to educate yourself, as a caregiver, on how to properly change an adult diaper and clean the area thoroughly.
  • Moisturize and inspect the skin: Apply a zinc-oxide barrier cream to protect the skin from irritation and friction. Regularly inspect the skin for any bumps, redness, or irritation.
  • Ensure the patient stays hydrated: Unless restricted by a healthcare professional, water helps dilute urine and helps avoid constipation, which can make incontinence worse.
  • Ensure a good fit with diapers: An ill-fitting adult diaper can cause leaks, skin irritation, and discomfort. Ensure it’s not too tight or too loose and try several pairs to get the right fit and brand.
  • Prioritize the well-being of the patient: Personal care is of utmost importance when it comes to caretaking a bedridden loved one. Make sure they feel comfortable and that you treat them with love and respect during this vulnerable time.

Get Started with Parentgiving

The right products, care strategies, and proper hygiene practices are key when it comes to managing incontinence for bedridden patients. To help, we offer a wide selection of premium incontinence products that can help bedridden individuals and caregivers feel more confident and secure. Shop our full selection of incontinence products today.

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