If you are caring for someone with incontinence, it is very easy to become confused and unsure which products to purchae. Much like a lot of products these days,  manufacturers have segmented their offerings, which can be good for the consumer, but it can also lead to confusion. Below We have broken down the basic categories of products and who they are best suited for:

Pull-Ons/Pull Up Briefs/Pull On Underwear

Look much like regular underwear, with cloth-like panels. User can pull on or off  to remove. Does not have “plasticy” sound when moving. 

Good Choice For:  Everyday use for people who are able to change their own undergarments. Provides good absorption protection. Can be used for both bladder and bowel incontinence.

Not a Good Choice For: Bed bound persons who need a more absorbent product such as Adult nappies.

Pad inserts/Pant Liners

These products are designed for people with light bladder incontinence. People who have small accidental leakage due to stress incontinence would use these. They fit inside regular underwear or speciality underwear with an adhesive backing to adhere to the underwear. 

Good Choice For: People who have intermittent small leakage. Pads can also be used inside Pull-Ons for added absorbency.

Not  a Good Choice For: People with large leakage incontinence as these products are not designed to absorb large amounts of liquid. also not designed for bowel incontinence.                         

Belted briefs/Belted Undergarments

Similar to Pull-Ons, but they offer a more discreet and comfortable fit for the active wearer. Designed to replace regular underwear, this undergarment offers a waistband with no buttons or tapes. The wearer can also remove the product by tearing along strips on the hips for removal without removing pants. These products are slotted between Pull-Ons and Pads for absorbency.

Good Choice For: People who have occasional leakage which is low to moderate. Easier to change in bed. Easy to change when standing without removing clothes.

Not A Good Choice For: Bowel Incontinence

Adult Nappies/Disposable Briefs:

Adult Nappies come in fitted varieties, and those that tape at the hips. They are the most absorbent and are well suited for nighttime use. Naies can also be purchased in cloth versions.

Good Choice For: Heavy bladder incontinence and bowel incontinence, those that are bedbound as changing in bed is not as difficult as other products. 

Not A Good Choice For: Changing while standing as it requires you to remove clothing.

Recommended Reading:

• The Convenience And Comfort Of Adult Bedwetting Supplies – Adult nappies, which are also called adult diapers or incontinence pads are a great way for people who have little control over their bladder to go about their daily lives and not suffer the embarrassment that comes with leaks and …