Incontinence and Menstrual Pads: Not One in the Same
Around 50 percent of women experience urinary incontinence, either occasionally or chronically. When it comes to choosing the right incontinence products, purchasing the right pad can have a major impact.
One common mistake some women make is using a menstrual pad for incontinence protection. Unfortunately, doing this will not give you the protection you need. Period pads and incontinence products are two very different things, and they cater to very specific needs. Below, we’ll explain why they cannot be used interchangeably.
The Differences Between Incontinence Pads and Menstrual Pads
The features, function, and style of bladder control pads vs. pads for menstrual blood are very different. Let’s break down their main differences:
About Incontinence Pads
These types of pads are designed to manage involuntary urine flow. They’re built with a stronger absorbent core to capture the thinner and more rapid flow of urine. Because the urine flows faster, they come with full-length leak guards, high absorbency materials, and often odor-neutralizing features. Unlike menstrual pads, incontinence pads have a thicker design made to capture urine leaks. Super absorbent polymers (SAP) are a key material that allows the pad to hold up more liquid.
About Menstrual Pads
Unlike incontinence pads, menstrual pads are pads for women who menstruate. Menstrual blood flows at a much slower rate than urine, and is also much thicker in consistency, so leak protection isn’t as much of a priority — though some menstrual pads do come with wings on the side to prevent leaks. Instead, period pads focus on comfort and breathability. Cotton and other breathable materials are used to prevent irritation, and there are many types of menstrual pads for personal preference.
Can Incontinence and Menstrual Pads Be Used Interchangeably?
Menstruation and urinary incontinence are not the same, and therefore, the pads should not be used interchangeably. Here’s why:
- Both have very different absorbency levels. Incontinence pads are much more absorbent than maxi pads and other menstrual pads.
- Urinary incontinence pads offer absorbent materials with bladder leakage protection and full-length leak guards, whereas menstrual pads only offer wings on the sides for specific pads.
- Odor control is typically only reserved for urinary incontinence products to mask the smell of urine. Menstrual pads do not need to prioritize this and focus on comfort and breathability instead.
- The material of sanitary pads for menstrual flow vs. pads for urine leakage are different. Incontinence pads are made of super absorbent polymers (SAP) to hold larger amounts of liquid, and menstrual pads are typically made of cotton.
Those with urinary incontinence may experience odor issues and far less protection if they use menstrual pads — a much less absorbent product. For those who want to remain discreet, opting for urinary incontinence pads is the best move.
Health and Hygiene Considerations
Choosing the right pad for incontinence vs. menstruation not only has to do with comfort and absorbency, it also has to do with skin health and proper hygiene.
Irritation and Infection Prevention
Urinary incontinence pads and liners have high absorbency and moisture-wicking materials to help the individual stay dry. Menstrual pads typically have other materials such as cotton, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria, causing skin irritation and yeast infections. Getting the right product for your needs will help prevent this.
Leak Prevention
Urinary incontinence pads are designed to keep the skin dry with moisture-wicking features, a highly absorbent core, and leak guards. This helps prevent rashes and skin irritation that can happen from too much moisture on the skin, which can irritate the skin barrier. Because menstrual blood flows slower and thicker than urine, leakage protection isn’t as needed.
Those who opt for menstrual pads who actually need incontinence products may experience discomfort, irritation, feeling wet, or will have more leaks. And, because menstrual products do not have odor-fighting features, it can be less discreet wearing them.
Finding Incontinence Pads at Parentgiving
Parentgiving offers a wide selection of the highest-rated incontinence pads and liners, as well as protective underwear with ample coverage and a contoured fit to target your specific needs. Find all the incontinence products you need at Parentgiving today.