Incontinence can occur in men and women of all ages and can range from very light leakage to complete loss of control of urine and feces. Depending on the type of leakage you are trying to manage, incontinence product absorbency is the number one feature to look for. Other requirements should include comfort, discretion, odor control, and security.
When it comes to incontinence products, there are always two sides; one that allows liquids to pass through to an absorbent core and another side that does not let liquids out. To manage incontinence effectively, you need to know how specific incontinence products are intended to work for your incontinence absorbency needs.
Light Absorbency Incontinence Bladder Control Pads
Light bladder leakage is the involuntary passing of small amounts of urine and calls for light absorbency incontinence products. Light bladder leakage occurs when pressure is applied to a full bladder and the pelvic muscle is not strong enough. These pelvic muscles support the pelvic organs, which control the flow of urine, bowel movements, and gas. Sneezing, laughing, coughing, and intense exercise can put pressure on the bladder, resulting in light urinary leakage.
Managing light incontinence can be effective with bladder control pads. Bladder control pads offer extra protection with unique absorbency polymers that quickly absorb fluids and odors. The small packaging of these light absorbency pads allows you to carry them on the go and change them easily in public restrooms. Bladder control pads, as well as male guards, are a discreet option for managing light incontinence.
Key Features of Light Absorbency Bladder Control Pads
- Suitable for light leaks from coughing, laughing, or heavy lifting
- Discreet and small packaging allows for easy storage and transportation in purses and other bags
- An adhesive strip attaches the bladder control pad or male guard to the primary undergarment
- Sizing is determined by absorbency and length
Moderate Absorbency Incontinence Protective Underwear
Protective underwear or pull-ons resemble regular underwear with their cloth-like material. Incontinence protective underwear is an excellent option for those with moderate incontinence. Their pull-up style makes them simple to put on, and their tear-away side panels make them easy to take off, making protective underwear an excellent choice for independent and fully mobile individuals.
As described below, moderate absorbency incontinence protective underwear is most suitable for those with overactive bladder (OAB), urge incontinence, or mixed incontinence.
Overactive Bladder (OAB): When an individual experiences a sudden and unstoppable need to urinate, it is called OAB. This abrupt need to urinate can cause involuntary loss of urine, known as incontinence. Aging, diabetes, and an enlarged prostate can contribute to OAB. Protective underwear for men and women is an incontinence product that can provide the absorbency needed to manage leaks from OAB.
Urge Incontinence: Urge incontinence happens when there is a strong and sudden urge to urinate frequently and often disrupts a full night’s rest. The bladder spasms and squeezes, causing the involuntary leakage of urine. Urge incontinence can range from slight urine leaks to the bladder’s complete loss of control to hold urine. Incontinence protective underwear is available in various absorbencies to help manage urge incontinence.
Mixed Incontinence: Individuals that have a combination of urge and stress incontinence have what is referred to as mixed incontinence. The sudden urge to urinate, along with the stress put on the bladder from coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting something heavy, leads to involuntary urine leaks. Having a weak pelvic floor from childbirth or damage to nerves of the bladder are a couple of causes of mixed incontinence. Protective underwear for men and women can help manage urinary leakage from mixed incontinence.
Key Features of Moderate Absorbency Incontinence Protective Underwear
- The cloth-like fabric resembles regular underwear
- Elastic waistband and leg gathers provide a comfortable and secure fit
- Available in a variety of absorbency levels for specific needs
- Most commonly used for overactive bladder, mixed incontinence, and urge incontinence
- No fasteners or tabs
Heavy Absorbency Incontinence Briefs
For individuals with heavy incontinence or fecal incontinence, disposable briefs are an optimal choice. These adult briefs are also referred to as adult diapers and offer maximum absorbency for heavy urine and bowel leakage. Incontinence briefs and diapers provide a much larger area of protection and feature tab closures on the sides. These tabs allow for easy adjustments and changing without the need to remove clothing. Adult briefs are an excellent option for adults with limited mobility or caregivers.
Key Features of Heavy Absorbency Incontinence Briefs
- Offer maximum absorbency over all other incontinence product options
- Available in all ranges of absorbency from moderate to overnight protection
- Feature tab closures for easy adjustments and a perfect fit
- Available in cloth or plastic backing styles, with the latter being more absorbent
- Removal of clothing is not necessary for changing out
- Suitable for those with heavy leakage due to overflow incontinence, functional incontinence, or fecal incontinence
The Role of the Booster Pad
In addition to bladder pads, protective underwear, and adult briefs, there is the booster pad. Booster pads are added to a primary incontinence product to boost absorbency. Booster pads are not meant to be used by themselves as they are not waterproof and allow fluids to pass through.
If a booster pad is being regularly used, it is likely that the primary incontinence product is not absorbent enough. Addressing the underlying need for the booster pad can help effectively manage one’s incontinence absorbency needs as well as their pocketbook.
Key Features of Booster Pads
- Designed to use in combination with a primary incontinence product such as protective underwear or adult briefs
- Unique flow-through design
- Not to be used as a stand-alone incontinence product
- It can help extend the life of a primary incontinence product
- Typically cost less than other incontinence products, leading to money savings
- The larger the size of the booster pad, the length and width increase
Absorbency level needs can change throughout the day, so it is essential to remember that the incontinence products worn during the day may not suit your absorbency needs at night. And, since leakage varies from person to person, making sure you have the right incontinence product for your absorbency needs is critical. Keeping track of how frequently you change your incontinence products is a good way to know whether your incontinence products provide enough protection. With all of the incontinence product options in the market today and available on our site, there are plenty of selections for different absorbency needs.
If you have any questions about what is best suitable for your needs or someone you care for, one of our caring and knowledgeable Product Experts is just a phone call away and ready to help. Our job is to assist you in getting the right products for your unique needs and help make life a little easier.
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