Involuntary loss of urine can disrupt daily life, often bringing feelings of unease and frustration. While incontinence pads can't eliminate your symptoms, they can absorb your urine leaks so you can go about your day with confidence.
From washable pads for heavy leakage to discreet disposable liners, there are plenty of different types of incontinence pads on the market. Choosing the right option can make a huge difference when it comes to comfort, hygiene, confidence, and peace of mind.
In this article, we take a look at the most common types of incontinence pads and discuss how you can select the ideal product for your particular needs.
Urinary Incontinence vs Faecal Incontinence Pads
While most incontinence pads are designed for urinary leaks, some are specially made to manage faecal incontinence.
Here's the main difference: urinary pads focus on absorbing fluid quickly and locking it away from the skin, while faecal incontinence pads are designed to contain solid waste. Additionally, some products are suitable for both urinary and faecal incontinence.
In this blog post, we'll focus on absorbent pads designed for urinary incontinence.
The Different Types of Incontinence Pads
Incontinence pads can be separated into two main groups, namely disposable pads and reusable pads. Let's have a look at both types, along with options for chair and bed protection.
Disposable pads
These are the most common and convenient incontinence pads. Designed for single use, they’re easy to carry around and discard when you need to. Disposable pads come in a wide range of absorbencies, sizes, and types, including:
Liners
Liners are slim and discreet, ideal for light leakage or mild stress incontinence symptoms. They resemble menstrual panty liners but are designed specifically for urine absorption and odour control.
General-purpose incontinence pads
These medium-absorbency pads are ideal for everyday use and are suitable for those who experience moderate bladder leakage. They typically come with adhesive strips to stay in place inside your underwear.
Shaped pads
Also known as "contour pads", these pads are anatomically shaped to provide better comfort and targeted protection. Shaped pads are usually worn with fixation pants (specialised underwear) to help keep them in place.
Booster pads
Designed to be worn alongside other incontinence products to increase absorbency levels, booster pads are ideal for those with heavy incontinence and for providing extra coverage while you sleep.
Reusable pads
Reusable pads are washable and can be used again and again, making them a sustainable and cost-effective choice. These pads are often made with multiple absorbent fabric layers and can be placed inside normal underwear.
While reusable pads are a great option for those with lighter leakage, they may not be ideal for those who experience severe incontinence symptoms.
Bed and chair protection
Also known as bed pads or underpads, these absorbent products are specially designed to protect your beds and chairs from accidental leaks. They are especially useful for those with limited mobility and are often used in care homes. You can find them in both disposable and reusable varieties.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Incontinence Pads
If you want to find the perfect incontinence pads for your leakage needs, consider the following factors:
Absorbency levels
To choose the right absorbency level, you'll need to determine the severity of your incontinence.
Mild: Characterised by small leaks, which are usually only caused by physical strain on the bladder. You can usually get away with liners or pads with low absorbency.
Moderate: Leakage occurs "randomly", during activities like walking or standing, and is typically more than a few drops. In this case, you'll need a pad with medium absorbency.
Severe: Heavy leakage and frequent "accidents", which require highly absorbent pads.
Choose a pad that matches the level of incontinence you experience. Overly absorbent pads may be unnecessarily bulky, while under-absorbent options may lead to leaks.
Size and fit
The perfect fit helps prevent leaks and improves your comfort. Pads that are too small may shift and result in leaks, while those that are too large can be bulky and uncomfortable. If you want to prioritise comfort, you may prefer using shaped pads that are designed to fit ergonomically.
Skin sensitivity
If you have sensitive skin, you should opt for pads made from natural materials that have gone through dermalogical testing. Incontinence pads filled with harsh chemicals can easily irritate your skin, resulting in rashes and general discomfort.
Odour control
Unfortunately, urine leaks can lead to an unpleasant odour, even if you are wearing absorbent pads. However, many pads include odour-lock technology or anti-bacterial materials to keep you feeling fresh throughout the day. So, keep an eye out for these features if odour control is important to you.
Brand
These days, you have dozens of brands to choose from when it comes to incontinence products. However, not all brands are created equal, so it's always a good idea to read online reviews and do a bit of research before deciding which brand of pads to buy.
The Benefits of Wearing the Right Incontinence Pad for Your Needs
When you choose the right incontinence pads for your needs, you can expect to enjoy the following benefits:
Confidence: The right incontinence pad allows you to go about your day completely worry-free. Knowing you're protected from leaks gives you the confidence to be active and social.
Skin health: Many people with urinary incontinence develop skin issues because of prolonged exposure to urine. By choosing hypoallergenic options, you reduce your risk of developing rashes or irritation.
Comfort: A well-fitted, breathable pad ensures physical comfort, whether you're sitting, standing, or even working out.
Convenience: While wearing incontinence pads can be annoying at times, the ideal pad will offer you a convenient way to manage your urine leakage symptoms.
Other Incontinence Products to Consider
In addition to absorbent pads, some other popular incontinence products include:
Leak-proof underwear
Also referred to as "incontinence pants", leak-proof underwear comes in an array of different shapes and sizes. Designed to look and feel just like normal underwear, these products are made with multiple layers of fabric to absorb urine away from the skin.
Since these products are washable and reusable, they are a great option for those who care about their environmental impact. Additionally, they are designed to handle light to moderate incontinence symptoms.
Adult diapers
For those with heavy or total incontinence, adult diapers offer maximum absorbency and full coverage. They often come in a "pull-up pants" style, which is a great option if you have a full range of mobility. Adult diapers with adjustable tabs are ideal for carers who need to put on and remove these products frequently.
Specially adapted clothing and swimwear
If your urinary incontinence is a long-term condition, you may consider investing in specially adapted clothing and swimwear. These products typically have added layers of fabric for protection and allow you to go about your life with confidence, no matter which activities you want to participate in.
FAQs
Is urine leakage normal?
No. While the occasional urine leak may not be cause for concern, if you leak urine frequently (even small amounts), you should make an appointment with your general practitioner. The sooner you receive a diagnosis, the sooner you can find effective management techniques and treatment options for your conditions.
How can I minimise my urine leaks?
You can minimise your urine leaks by:
Performing Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles (this is helpful for those with stress incontinence)
Retraining your bladder by creating a toilet schedule with a healthcare professional’s support (this is helpful for urge incontinence)
Eating a wholesome diet filled with vegetables, berries, and whole grains
Addressing any underlying health conditions, such as constipation
Staying hydrated by drinking enough water
What are the risks of using the wrong incontinence product?
If you wear the wrong incontinence product, you could end up with an allergic reaction, skin irritation, discomfort, and an increased risk of leaks. This is why it's so important to choose your incontinence products carefully. Beware that it may take you some time to find the perfect product for your particular needs.
Can I use tampons to manage urinary incontinence?
Some people suggest using vaginal tampons to help close the urethra and manage stress incontinence symptoms. However, this is not an effective long-term solution as wearing tampons outside your menstrual period can lead to discomfort and complications. It's far better to wear incontinence pads than other products that are not specifically designed for this condition.
How common is urinary incontinence in women?
Around half of adult women will experience urine leakage at some point in their lives. Prevalence of this condition increases with age, and risk factors include pregnancy, childbirth, obesity, constipation, lack of exercise, and poor diet.
Final Thoughts
Urinary incontinence can be incredibly frustrating and embarrassing at times, but absorbent pads can help you manage leaks and go about your day with confidence. By understanding the different types of incontinence pads, you can determine which product may be best suited to your specific needs.
Here at Jude, we are passionate about smashing the stigmas surrounding bladder and bowel problems. We believe these issues should be spoken about openly, which is why we've dedicated our online blog to discussing these topics in depth.
