What to Know About Incontinence Pads
Incontinence pads, also called bladder pads, are ideal for those that:
- Find that a laugh, sneeze, or cough now results in a small amount of urinary leakage due to weak pelvic floor muscles.
- Experience loss of bladder control due to a recent surgery or as a side effect to certain medications.
- Need a sense of security and peace of mind about the possibility of urinary or bowel “accidents.”
- Live with a neurological condition which affects urinary and bowel control.
The use of incontinence pads is an ideal defense against incontinence and can make you feel more at ease so that you can go about your regular activities without worrying about losing bladder or bowel control. Worn inside underwear or a mesh pant, incontinence pads absorb urinary or fecal leakage and protect the clothing from becoming soiled.
We offer a variety of types and brands of incontinence pads to accommodate your loved one’s needs and keep them comfortable:
- Bladder pads - Worn inside underwear to absorb urine leakage; bladder pads are narrower at the waist compared to diapers or briefs; they may have an adhesive strip to help hold them in place.
- Male guards - Male guards are ideal for men looking for light to moderate incontinence protection that traps and locks in odor and features discreet, cup-shaped protection right where they need it most.
- Pant liners - These are large bladder pads designed with a slim silhouette that is undetectable under regular clothing - think of them like a protective underwear without the side panels.
- Bowel pads - Specifically designed with an innovative core to contain bowel incontinence, these are ideal for those suffering from bowel, but not urinary, incontinence.
- Knit underwear - These are compatible with most incontinence pads and liners, are reusable and washable for many uses, and have a knit weave that’s soft against the skin.
- Belted pads - These are large bladder pads that offer a belt around the waist to prevent the pad from bunching up or becoming dislodged.
FAQ's:
What is the most popular incontinence product?
Absorbent pads (worn inside underwear) and pull up diapers are the most frequently utilized incontinence products.
How do incontinence pads work?
Incontinence pads work by drawing moisture away from your skin. They’re the most popular choice to absorb urine leaks, and are ideal for those with light to moderate urinary incontinence. Make sure that the pad is placed in the correct position in order to prevent leakage.
Can I put a bladder pad inside a pull-up or brief?
No, it is not safe to wear a standard bladder pad inside of a pull-up or brief. That said, booster pads are specially designed to be worn inside of briefs and offer an added layer of absorbency.
We do not recommend inserting a bladder pad or anything else with a plastic or waterproof backing inside a brief or pull-up - the waterproof backing traps liquid against the skin, leading to skin breakdown and leaks out the sides and waist band.
What are the most absorbent pads?
Overnight incontinence pads provide the highest level of absorbency.
- Customers looking for the absorbency of a pull-up but the style of a pad should consider a pant liner.
- Customers with heavy incontinence (multiple full voids in a day or overnight), should try a pull-up style product rather than a bladder pad. Pull-ups provide additional absorbency and coverage, but have the style of regular underwear.
Which level of bladder pad do I need?
When deciding which bladder pad is best, consider absorbency and length.
- Light to moderate liner if experiencing occasional, very light leaks (“dribbling” or “sprinkling” when you laugh).
- Moderate or maximum level for anything heavier.
- Overnight absorbency if you’ll be using pads overnight.
- Shorter (thinner) bladder pad if you’re prioritizing discretion.
How often do pads need to be changed?
The advice on this will depend on the frequency and severity of your incontinence. Most pads are efficient for 3-4 hours, so the general guideline is to change them 4-6 times a day. This may seem like a lot to go through in one day, but it’s vital to stay dry for maximum comfort. Always err on the side of caution and make sure to change before a pad becomes too wet.
Related Articles:
What is a Topliner Booster Pad?
How to Choose the Best Incontinence Pads
How to Deal with Elderly Incontinence: A Practical 5-Step Guide
Carewell's Essential Checklist for Bowel Incontinence Care
8 Diet Tips to Help Manage an Overactive Bladder
Checklist for Traveling with Urinary Incontinence
Parkinson’s Disease and Incontinence: Why It Happens and How to Cope
7 Inside Tips to Save Money on Incontinence Products
