5 Essential Tips for Buying and Using Incontinence Products

These 5 tips from the Parentgiving Team on buying and using incontinence products are a great way to help you or your loved one get started.

When you begin to experience incontinence issues (whether it’s urinary incontinence or bowel incontinence), it’s important to set yourself up for success. Incontinence is a very common condition that affects millions of adults, so rather than worrying or feeling embarrassed or ashamed about it, you can feel confident and empowered. Below, we’ve provided our five most essential tips to consider when buying and using incontinence products, whether it’s for you or a loved one. 

1. Get Super-Absorbent Products for Nighttime Use

Maximum absorbency overnight adult diapers can absorb a lot of urine. Most of these products have a super-absorbent core that pulls voids away from the skin — so the user feels dry and can sleep comfortably without a nighttime change. Sleep for the user and caregivers is paramount, and this phenomenon has been born out of necessity for those aging in place — even assisted living facilities and institutional settings are looking at this phenomenon and re-thinking their "check and change every 3 hours" process. 

Best Products to Use 

Dry Direct Super Overnight Underwear: Dry Direct Super Overnight Underwear is our highest recommended underwear style product — appropriate for daytime and nighttime use. This is our flagship underwear product. It’s leakproof and exceptionally soft and comfortable, making it perfect for extended use.

Tranquility Premium OverNight Absorbent Underwear: A great choice for incontinence sufferers who want a good night's sleep free of interruption, these Tranquility adult diapers are designed for all-night comfort and protection thanks to their super-absorbent design.

2. A ReUsable Underpad Should Be Used as a Backup 

Leaks do occasionally happen, so a washable underpad as a barrier or last resort means much less laundering of sheets for those bedridden. Underpads with flaps are a preferred choice, as they can be tucked and will stay in place better. Many customers use underpads on recliners, sofas, and even cars — just in case. Being able to wash the underpad ultimately saves money and they are relatively cheap. 

Best Products to Use

Reliamed Waterproof Mattress UnderPad - Reusable: These high-quality, reusable bedding pads are machine washable for multiple uses. The waterproof mattress pad is triple layered and quilted with a cotton and polyester surface.

Beck’s Classic Plaidbex Reusable Underpad Heavy Absorbency: This plaid design complements room decor where stains and moisture disappear into the coloration, minimizing tell-tale appearances.

Birdseye Heavy Absorbency Reusable Underpad: This 100% cotton comfortable quilted product protects sensitive skin from moisture and has a heavy absorbency capacity.

3. Recurring Leaks Are Not Normal

Despite popular belief, overnight leaks aren’t necessarily normal. However, we find the fit to be the most important factor when you do need incontinence briefs/underwear. First, ensure the product fits the user's largest measurement of hip or waist — the manufacturers all have different sizing for medium, large, XL, and XXL — so take a measurement, and try various brands. Some work better than others, and some cost more than others.  We’ll help you find that optimal balance of performance and value. 

When you sign up for the Parentgiving sample program, each sample costs $2.99 and typically includes two diapers per sample. This program was designed to help you find the right incontinence products for you or your loved one. Read more about the sample program and sign up here.  

4. Booster Pads Are Becoming an Increasingly Popular Choice

Booster pads are essentially an extra layer of super-absorbent polymer or fluff. They allow liquid to flow through and are used in conjunction with a diaper/brief/underwear. These soft flow-through doubler pads are placed inside a diaper to absorb fluids until they reach capacity, at which point, flow then passes to the primary garment. The result is long-lasting care that is easy to change when needed. 

Best Products to Use

Dry Direct Ultimate Booster Pad: Dry Direct Ultimate Booster Pad leverages Parentgiving insights with Italian manufacturing to create our finest and most absorbent booster pads. With an exceptionally soft topsheet, our booster pad is noticeably softer than anything else on the market. High performance polymers add up to 4 cups of additional absorbency when paired inside adult underwear (or briefs).

Tranquility Topliner Booster Pads: Topliner Booster Pads are designed as flow-through pads that fill to capacity before passing additional fluid to the primary undergarment, extending the use of any disposable undergarment.

5. Consider Incontinence Pads for Stress & Overflow Incontinence 

While male guards are designed for male anatomy, incontinence pads are designed for women. Essentially, an incontinence pad is an absorbent pad with an impermeable backsheet that is used inside of underwear. Incontinence pads can be easily changed out as needed, and because they use less material,  they are extremely cost effective. 

Best Products to Use

Dry Direct Overnight Bladder Control Pads: Dry Direct Overnight Bladder Control Pads are our highest-rated pads for overnight use. Providing ample coverage within its contoured shape, this pad is a logical step up from similar pads found at retail big box chains, as it offers up to twice the absorbency.

Poise Pads Ultimate Coverage: Poise® Pads Ultimate Coverage offers reassurance without sacrificing discretion and comfort. These pads are specifically designed with a unique Blue Absorb-Loc® core that locks away wetness and are one inch longer than the standard Ultimate Pad for additional protection.

Prevail Overnight Absorbency Bladder Control Pad: Prevail Overnight Absorbency Bladder Control Pads offer a superior level of protection as well as a higher level of absorbency, making them the perfect item for those who require a product to manage heavy incontinence.

Parentgiving Has the Top Premium Incontinence Products

When searching for the most reliable and thoroughly tested incontinence products, look no further than Parentgiving. Our mission is to provide the best adult care products and incontinence diapers for the elderly. Explore all of our premium products today.