Incontinence pads have enhanced the safe mobility and independence of elderly people giving them the peace of mind to relax and enjoy their time whether they are at home or out with people. This useful creation offers an excellent means to stay healthy and clean all the time despite the severity of the condition.
So, why do you need to change them frequently and what should be the ideal time for it all has been discussed below from the expert’s point of view.
Reasons to Change Frequently
Many people in their negligence try to use a single pad per day which is an extremely dangerous stunt to perform. Pad Per Day (PPD) is a dangerous stunt that should never be considered at any cost. This may lead to:
- Skin infections such as Dermatitis
- Start to give out foul smells
- Risk of developing Urinary Tract Infections
- Chances of leak
Basic Guide for changing the Incontinence Pad on Time
Since the incontinence pads need to be changed after some time but what exactly is that time duration. Most pads are advised to be changed after every 3 to 4 hours. This makes up to changing 4 to 6 pads in a day.
This is a basic guide for changing the pad but majorly it depends on the comfort of the user and the absorbency of the product used. When they become wet, changing them at that time is wise or it could become uncomfortable if neglected or waited for 4 to 6 hours to complete.
There are some hygiene rules that you can follow for a comfortable experience:
Change the pad if it’s wet
The gel in the pads becomes extremely uncomfortable when wet and can cause leakage. The soggy material will make you more conscious that you are wearing something. So do not wait for them to become completely wet before changing.
Never reuse the wet Pad
Using a wet pad means you are inviting severe infections yourself. Besides, the wet pads are most prone to getting leaked and cause scenes even if you are at home.
Use Hygiene Products
When you are traveling or out for an event, foul smells are something you are most concerned about. For that, you can keep a scented spray with you along with wet wipes that offer a quick cleansing experience making you feel confident all the time.
Absorbency Level of the Product
The smaller pads have less absorbency capacity, therefore, need to be changed often whereas if you have heavy to severe incontinence then pull-up pants and larger incontinence products are advised. Choose the product based on the severity of your condition. Do not opt for bulky items if you do not need them.
Type of Incontinence
To make sure you end up with the ideal product and changing mechanism, understanding your condition is also important. The different types of incontinence are discussed below:
- Stress: This incontinence is experienced when you are under pressure, maybe while laughing or exercising. The culprit here is the weak pelvic floor muscles, which are usually seen in women during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Urge: Urge incontinence causes an urgent need to urinate again and again. Sometimes, bladder cancer is a cause of injury or damage to nerves.
- Overflow: Overflow occurs when the bladder is not able to get completely empty. The leftover urine causes the overflow even if you have gone to the washroom recently. The overflows are often caused due to a weak system, urinary stones, or swelling from infection.
Night Time Routine
Everyone needs a peaceful sleep of about 7 to 8 hours but if you have an incontinence you will need to change the diaper after 3 to 4 hours. To avoid this inconvenience you can use the adult diapers with higher absorbency.
They are designed to hold the heavy flow for prolonged time. Although they are not suitable for daytime use as they are bulky and big but for nighttime convenience, they are the perfect ones to go for.
Treating Skin Irritation
Sometimes prolonged use of a pad can cause skin irritation. To deal with it, pat dry with a towel, then wash the area to cleanse it. Again dry it with light pats and apply diaper rash cream or related products to relieve the area from pain.
Consult your doctor if the problem continues without any positive results.
Shop from AvaCare Medical
Incontinence is a battle that you could win with proper hygiene and the right products. Do not let the condition hinder your mobility and comfort and shop from the extensive variety of incontinence products and much more.
Walking aids, Bathroom safety products, Wound care accessories, Bed rails and lifts, Wheelchairs, and other accessories are just a few categories compiled under the most reliable name AvaCare Medical. Contact now at 1.877.813.7799 or shop online.
