It’s inconvenient, emotionally draining and uncomfortable. It’s the embarrassing problem called incontinence, the loss of bladder control, which can greatly affect your quality of life. It’s a common problem found by seniors and elderly adults, however it’s not unheard of in younger individuals; incontinence is a much more common condition than people would think. Incontinence can often be contributed to obesity, smoking, pregnancy and more. Besides for the emotional problems that this condition brings on, it can also cause many physical interferences as well as difficulties with daily living activities. If you are suffering from fecal or urinary incontinence, you should not hesitate to see a medical professional as sometimes with just a little help, your quality of life can be greatly improved.
There are many different products that can help with incontinence such as diapers or briefs, pullups, underwear, liners, underpads and more. These products are made by many different manufactures and come in a wide range of styles, sizes, shapes and colors. That is why finding the correct items is so important, but with the right help and guidance, managing incontinence can be made so much easier. The first thing anyone has to do is realize there’s a problem and that help is possible. Let’s go through a few of the different products and which ones are better for different conditions.
Pullups vs. Diapers
The main consideration when considering adult diapers versus pull-up underwear is the situation of the patient. Briefs, or adult diapers, are more commonly used for bedridden patients who have a caregiver for changing times. Diapers come with tabs which makes it easier to get on and off of a patient who has limited mobility. Pull-up underwear, on the other hand, are usually used by individuals who are mobile and can put the pullups on themselves.
Absorbency Level
This is very important! There are many different absorbency levels and in order to choose the correct protective product, you have to choose which one that matches the patient’s absorbency needs. The more absorbent incontinence products tend to be more expensive. However keep in mind that going cheap might not always save money, since the need to change more often due to an insufficient absorbency level will be more costly in the long run.
If you are using the most absorbent diapers or pullups and you are still leaking, the first thing you should do is make sure that the size is correct. If it is, use additional incontinence management products such as pads and liners. It’s not very smart to try doubling up the diaper, rather use the right item so you get both comfort and sufficient protection from the products you use.
Underpads/Chux
Underpads can be a real blessing if used correctly. They are used to protect surfaces like bedding, sofas, chairs and furniture. It can be used when the patient is sitting or lying down as added protection. There are two main choices, disposable and reusable. The reusable underpads are obviously more economical as you buy them once and they last for a few months. The downside of using these bed pads is dealing with the soiled ones and cleaning them. Disposable underpads, commonly referred to as chucks, are easier as you just trash them when you are done. However, depending on the level of incontinence, you might have to go through quite a few of them. Keep in mind that more absorbent chux such as those made out of polymer and added fluff will give you added protection.
Keeping your self-dignity
Keeping one’s self-esteem is so important, especially when an individual is suffering with a potentially embarrassing condition such as incontinence. Wearing incontinence items does not have to be shameful or uncomfortable. There are many adult diapers and briefs that are designed to be less bulky and more discreet, which makes it less noticeable that you are wearing them.
Disclaimer: No information presented on this website or in this guide is medical advice or intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician. All information on this website concerning medical conditions is from publicly available sources.
Are you or a loved one dealing with incontinence? We want to hear from you, so let’s get in touch!