How to Choose The Right Incontinence Pad

A guide to choosing the right pad for your needs.
Incontinence pads are similar to a period pad, but far more absorbent. They are designed for light bladder leakage. They adhere to cloth underwear with an adhesive strip, and can be used with disposable underwear. They are designed to prevent odor, and catch leaks to keep skin dry, and prevent embarrassment to the wearer.

When it comes to incontinence pads there are a lot of options to choose from. Not only are there many brands, but there are also several styles, absorbencies, and sizes. It can be confusing to know how to select the right incontinence pad. The following is a guide to choosing the right pad for your needs.

What type of incontinence do you have?

Selecting the right pad depends on the type of incontinence you have. These are the seven types of urinary incontinence:

1. Stress incontinence- This is when urine leaks when the individual puts stress or strain on the bladder. Coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercise, etc. can all lead to leaks.

2. Urge incontinence- This is when leaking happens without warning, the bladder contracts without the individual wanting it to.

3. Overflow incontinence- This is when the bladder gets so full it overflows. This is typically causes by blockage of the bladder outlet.

4. Functional incontinence- This is the most common type of incontinence among elderly with arthritis, Parkinson’s, or Alzheimer’s disease. This is when individuals are unable to control their bladder before they get to a bathroom because of limitations to movement, thinking, or communication.

5. Mixed incontinence- Some people suffer from two types of incontinence at the same time, usually stress and urge incontinence. This is most common in women.

6. Anatomic or developmental abnormalities- This is when incontinence is caused by a physical or neurological abnormality, such as a fistula or nerve damage.

7. Temporary incontinence- This is when incontinence is temporary, and caused by something like constipation, a urinary tract or vaginal infection, or are on a medication that has incontinence as a side effect.

8. Bedwetting- One out of every nine children wets the bed. It is more common in boys than girls. Most outgrow it by age 11. This can be caused by underproduction of the hormone ADH, sleeping too soundly, or heredity.

What is your body like?

The right pad is the one that fits the best, is comfortable, and provides the protect you need. Pads come in different lengths and sizes, different styles, and different absorbency. Selecting the right incontinence pad is a matter of fit. Sometimes, with the wrong fit, pads will rope or bunch, causing leakage. The best way to get the right fit is to try a few products out. Samples can be purchased in sets of 4 for just $3.49. Call 800-985-1353 M-F 9-4 CST to talk to one of our nice ladies who want to help you find the right products for your needs.


Try our Sample Service to avoid wasting money.
A couple we recommend are:
  • Poise Hourglass- Designed for larger women to help avoid the roping and bunching for improved comfort and protection. 
  • Attends Light Pads- They offer leg gathers and a contour shape for better fit and comfort. 

What absorbency do you need?

Like most incontinence products, pads come in a range of absorbencies. Do you need a pad for light leakage, or to wear with disposable underwear for even greater protection? Most pads offer light to moderate absorbency. You can determine what absorbency you need using a voiding diary. Voiding Diary:

Our printable voiding diary can help you and your doctor get a clear picture of your incontinence, and also your needed absorbency. 

Here’s what we recommend:

Poise: They come in a wide range from little liners to very large pads, and offer the Hourglass, designed specifically for women with a few extra pounds.

Prevail: This is going to be the best value. The quality is equal or better than the leading advertised brands, but at a lower price.

According to Kimberly-Clark research, the average consumer wastes over $130 the first time they buy incontinence products. Trial and error can be costly, and while it is easy to get confused about products, brands, styles, and sizes, as well as absorbency, no one wants to waste money. Once a package is opened, it can’t be returned, making mistakes costly. In order to avoid making this costly mistake, try samples before buying cases, or talk to the knowledgeable product specialists.

You can quickly and easily sort through nearly 500 incontinence product choices using our Incontinence Product Finder

Watch this video: How To Choose the Right Incontinence Product

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About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visithttp://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.

1 comments:

Unknown said...

Thanks for the recommendations, incontinence is so hard to deal with - physically and emotionally. Adult incontinence products are so expensive so I've been trying to find decently priced incontinence supplies everywhere I can, buying them in stores is just too much for me. Thanks again for sharing.

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