Incontinence is one of the leading impediments to an active and fulfilling lifestyle, particularly among the senior population.
Conservative estimates indicate that over 25 million U.S. adults suffer from acute or chronic incontinence. That’s slightly under 10% of the country’s population, underscoring the condition’s prevalence.
Urinary incontinence, medically defined as the inadvertent emptying of the bladder, is the most common type of incontinence. The condition may exist alone or alongside bowel incontinence, which denotes the uncontrolled passage of fecal matter.
While incontinence is gender-defying, more women than men are affected. Fortunately, certain lifestyle adjustments can help you manage the disorder and lead an active lifestyle. One such intervention is investing in incontinence products.
Below are the best options for managing women’s incontinence.
Managing Women’s Incontinence With Adult Diapers
Adult diapers, also known as incontinence briefs, provide the easiest and most comfortable way to address incontinence.
Most incontinence briefs are unisex. However, you can find options that suit your gender and personality.
Adult diapers for women are distinguishable by the position of their core absorbency layer. Unlike male briefs, which have their absorbency section towards the front side, female diapers have their absorbency placed on the diaper’s undersides. This improves the products’ efficacy by letting them coincide with the respective genitalia.
However, the location of an adult diaper’s core absorbency layer ultimately depends on the type of incontinence it addresses. Women’s briefs made for urinary and bowel incontinence typically have their core absorbency material extending from the underside to the butt.
There are also fitting differences between male and female adult diapers.
Incontinence briefs are generally fitted by the waist sizes. However, manufacturers may take into consideration the thigh and belly measurements of female diapers as well.
Pull-Up or Tab-Style Adult Diapers?
Most women’s adult diapers are either tabbed or pull-ups.
Tabbed diapers (as the name implies) come with refastenable tabs that you adjust to achieve the perfect fit. They can be worn from a standing or lying position, making them suitable for senior women with diminished lower body mobility.
Meanwhile, pull-up briefs resemble regular female underwear, which makes them remarkably discreet. These diapers come with tearaway seams for easy removal. However, the fact that pull-ups must be worn like traditional underwear can present challenges for users with mobility problems.
Comfort and Convenience – How Do I Pick the Right Women’s Diapers?
One critical rule for staying comfortable and confident in women’s diapers is to pick the right size.
Adult diaper sizes can vary from small to extra-large. However, you want a brief that fits snugly (not tightly) around your waist.
Overly tight diapers can cause great discomfort, especially with movement. Besides, such briefs may chafe your skin and interfere with its natural pH, predisposing you to infections.
On the other hand, oversized women’s incontinence briefs can promote leakage. Such diapers are also less discreet due to their tendency to stick above the waistline.
Absorbency is another critical factor when choosing women’s incontinence briefs.
Insist on diapers made from a thick superabsorbent polymer (SAP) core. SAPs are cross-linked polymers of sodium atoms, which absorb water via osmosis.
Briefs with thicker absorbency cores retain more fluids. However, note that very thick diapers can impact your comfort levels.
Other key aspects to look for in women’s incontinence briefs include high brand reputation, hypoallergenic ingredients, and the availability of a wetness indicator.
Other Female Incontinence Products
While adult diapers stand out for their comfort and versatility, they’re not the only incontinence products. Others include;
1. Booster Pads
Booster pads are designed to extend the absorption capacity of regular adult diapers.
These pads are typically worn underneath incontinence briefs. They feature a permeable fabric, allowing fluids to flow through to the outer diaper once saturated.
Most booster pads can add up to 20 ounces more to an adult diaper’s absorption capacity.
2. Tampons
Tampons have also proven reliable for women with incontinence.
Placing a tampon inside the vagina can exert pressure on the neck of your bladder walls, preventing leakage.
However, only used tampons occasionally or as an emergency measure against incontinence. Excessive usage can interfere with your vaginal ecosystem.
3. Bed Pads
Not all incontinence products are wearables. To manage bathroom accidents at night, you’ll need bed pads.
Bed pads help soak fluid discharge overnight, keeping you clean and dry.
Simply slip the pad between the top sheet and the mattress to protect all bedding underneath it.
4. Catheters
Catheters are thin, flexible tubes inserted into the bladder through the urethra, allowing urine to drain. They’re the only incontinence product on this list that requires active professional monitoring.
Your healthcare provider may recommend a catheter to address urinary retention as part of your recovery from a surgical procedure or severe medical condition.
Catheters can be indwelling (left in the bladder for a while) or intermittent (inserted when required).
Final Word
Incontinence is a highly personal topic due to the shame and embarrassment associated with it. However, if not properly managed, the inability to control bladder and/or bowel movements can lead to a life of isolation.
The good news is that incontinence is perfectly manageable. You only need to invest in premium incontinence products and make the necessary lifestyle adjustments.
Remember to pick incontinence products that suit your lifestyle and budget. If you opt for wearables like adult diapers and booster pads, insist on those that guarantee maximum comfort.
