Incontinence

Finding the Right Products to Manage Incontinence

You can manage incontinence with confidence and comfort. Since every person and body is unique, choosing the right product that offers better protection to you personally is what you are looking for. Even though there are many options to choose from, we can help you determine which products best suit your needs. You'll find a wide range of incontinence products at Every Day Low Prices when you shop at Walmart. Use these guidelines to help you find the pads, liners, briefs or underwear you may need to manage incontinence confidently.

Types of Incontinence Products

There are two main types of wearable incontinence products to choose from: those worn with regular undergarments and those that replace undergarments. A third type is not worn at all but rather protects bedding and furniture. In order to determine which type best suits a person's incontinence needs, evaluate the differences between each type of product available.

Pads, Guards and Liners

Pads, guards and liners secure to the inside of undergarments using an adhesive strip. Users wear them with their own undergarments to help increase comfort. There are slight differences between the three. Pads and liners are designed for the female anatomy. They resemble menstrual pads, but are more effective in absorbing urine. Alternatively, guards are designed for the male anatomy. They secure to undergarments just as pads and liners do, but the shape and placement of the absorbent pad is slightly different.

Belted Undergarments

Belted undergarments are nonadhesive pads, guards and liners that have a belt or strap attached for added security. These also have a low-profile design and are not as bulky as protective underwear. Users can choose to wear them with or without regular undergarments depending on their comfort preferences.

Protective Underwear

Protective underwear refers to a style of incontinence wear that pulls on rather than secures with straps. They have stretchy sides that help keep the protective underwear in place and provide a comfortable fit. Users put them on as they would regular undergarments. Many brands use materials that replicate the look and feel of regular underwear to maximize comfort while offering incontinence protection. Some also have tear away sides to make them easier to remove.

Disposable Briefs

Disposable briefs are also referred to as adult diapers. These have fasteners that apply from front to back to secure them in place. In the hierarchy of incontinence products, disposable briefs offer the most protection. They are ideal for those with heavy incontinence or who need extra protection for nighttime. Disposable briefs are the easiest for caregivers to put on and remove.

Bed Pads

Bed pads are large absorbent pads that protect sheets, mattresses and other furniture. The thin, flat pads have a waterproof underside with adhesive that holds the pad in place. These function as a secondary layer of protection. They are ideally used in conjunction with other incontinence products and serve as a backup in case of leaks.

Tips for Choosing Incontinence Products

After selecting the type of product that matches your comfort and incontinence needs, examine these three categories to determine which specific product to purchase.

Size

Size is critical because incontinence products that are too large or too small are not as effective in managing leaks as properly fitting products. As with any other garments, different brands use different sizing guidelines. Before selecting a size, it is important to measure waist, hips and thighs, then compare them with the manufacturer's sizing guide. Alternatively, some brands differentiate sizes based on weight. If the user's measurements fall between two sizes, opt for the larger size. Products such as pads and belted undergarments do not provide complete coverage; therefore, these are often available in one-size-fits-most sizes.

Absorbency

When choosing the best type of incontinence product for you, determine the level of absorbency needed. Pads and liners work best for those with minor issues, while disposable briefs are better for individuals who require assistance or are dealing with heavy incontinence. Each product also offers varying levels of absorbency so that users can choose the product that best meets their needs.

Gender

Gendered incontinence products can provide a more comfortable fit and targeted protection based on the anatomy of the wearer. Incontinence products designed for men offer greater absorbency in the front, while those for women offer greater absorbency in the bottom and the back.

Other Features to Consider in Incontinence Products

While we've covered the majority of incontinence essentials pertaining to products, there are a number of other features available from select brands and products. These features can further increase comfort, functionality and convenience.

• Increased wicking capabilities keep skin dry, which improves comfort and reduces skin irritation.
• pH neutralization and odor control helps reduce bacterial growth that can cause unpleasant odors between changes.
• Side barriers provide extra leakage protection on the sides by adding an extra wall. This is especially beneficial at night when side leaks are more common.
• Wetness indicators are helpful to caregivers because they use a visual to show when it is time to change the product.
• Velcro closures allow for easy opening, closing and adjustments as compared to adhesive closures or pull-on styles. These are also beneficial for those who require assistance with changing or putting on these products.