When it comes to managing incontinence, no one solution fits all. From bed pads to adult diapers and everything in between, various products exist. Which you choose comes down to your personal preference and lifestyle.
In this guide, we delve into the many options on offer, giving you insight into what to consider when choosing the right incontinence solutions. Read on to discover more.
1. Consider Your Level Of Incontinence
Over 25 million people across America suffer from temporary or chronic urinary incontinence. It can be caused by age-related issues, cognitive problems, hormone changes, a weak bladder, and stress. Some may require protection only when partaking in strenuous activities, such as workout sessions. Others may require protection daily, when traveling, or overnight.
Before considering a product, consider your level of incontinence. This will help you to choose a product best suited to your needs. For example, if bed-bound or struggling to get to the bathroom at nighttime, incontinence pads for beds are an ideal solution. If you need to safeguard yourself against unwanted leakage throughout the day, adult pull-ups may be more suitable.
2. Consider Your Lifestyle
If you’re always on the go or work long hours without access to bathroom facilities, highly absorbent diapers that last up to eight hours are a prevalent option. If you enjoy working out and embrace daily yoga or pilates sessions, incontinence solutions blasting breathable fabric that allows ease of movement are your best bet.
When choosing products, consider bathroom access, how long you will need to wear them, and what activities you enjoy.
3. Consider Your Skin Type
If you suffer from sensitive skin, constant incontinence product use can cause skin irritation. Thankfully, many contemporary brands have considered this and have created products from cotton-like materials that are kind to your skin. In addition, numerous lotions and ointments exist.
You can also invest in skin-soothing anti-bacterial wipes. All compliment incontinence products and help lessen skin rashes and redness. For best results, apply to the skin between changes and after bathing.
4. Consider Size
There is no one-size-fits-all in the world of incontinence products. Bed pads, like mattress covers, come in single, double, king, and queen sizes. Adult diapers and pull-ups are available in sizes spanning from extra small to triple XL. Some even boast adjustable tabs for added comfort.
Anything too tight will cause discomfort, too loose, and you won’t be protected against leakage.
5. Think About Quality
Quality is crucial when considering incontinence products. High-level products in various sizes and absorbency levels, provide the utmost comfort. Why? They are crafted from soft materials, they ensure your skin stays dry, and they safeguard you against leaks.
In addition, they will promise breathability and prevent unwanted odors.
6. Consider Your Sex
Although incontinence products are available in unisex options, choose brands boasting male and female options for the best fit. Men and women are built very differently.
Brands consider this when designing the likes of pull-ups and adult diapers.
7. Consider Absorbency Levels
Both bed pads and diaper products feature different layers. It is these layers that absorb liquid, wicking it away from your skin. Meaning you remain dry and comfortable. When considering which product to choose, consider how heavy your leakage is.
If you suffer from a weak bladder or stress incontinence and require protection when exercising or due to accidents when sneezing or laughing, a product offering a light absorbency capacity will suffice. If you need to wear incontinence products for long periods or are bed-bound due to mobility issues or surgery, products with high absorbency rates should be your go-to. Most products will come in packaging that indicates this via imagery, with one drop indicating light absorbency and five drops, heavy absorbency.
8. Consider Disposable and Reusable Options
Incontinence products are available in two styles; disposable and reusable. Disposable options offer convenience. Once used they can be removed and discarded. Reusable options have a lifespan of up to an average of 50 uses and can laundered after each wear.
Always have spares to hand to avoid being caught short on laundry day.
9. Identify A Care Plan
Whether for your use or caring for a friend, family member, or patient suffering from incontinence, creating a care plan will help you to identify the correct toileting program and the most suitable products to suit specific changing routines.
The Bottom Line
There are many factors to consider when pursuing solutions to incontinence. Provided you research options and consider your lifestyle, you’ll be able to pinpoint the solutions best suited to your needs.
From sizing to fabric, to fit, absorbency levels, and function, you should ask yourself a series of questions when deliberating which options to choose. This will help you pick products that safeguard against leakage, offer odor relief, heighten skin health and comfort, and improve personal dignity.
The bottom line? Incontinence is something that affects millions, both male and female, young and old. Investing in the correct products will help you to manage this issue without it affecting your lifestyle. Meaning you can continue to embrace all the things you love in life.
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