Underpads are a soft, thin, and absorbent material commonly used in hospitals and nursing homes to tend incontinence issues. Aside from giving comfort to the user, they also protect the furniture from which the patient sits or lies. Incontinence has been a problem ever since. Because there is no cure for incontinence, health care professionals learned how to deal with them and lessen their undesirable effects. Even before our modern underpads came into the market, healthcare workers had their smart way to collect bodily fluids like urine, blood, or feces. Thanks to our healthcare workers’ intelligent and reliable brains from before, we now have access to various types of underpads available today.
Why are underpads called Chux?
During the early 50s and late 60s, nursing homes faced scarcity on supply of incontinence products. With this, they encourage women groups to work together and make such fabric that would absorb bodily fluids without causing harm to the environment. Women use many paper cutouts and put them in a thin and wide pouch that is sewn together to form a rag-like absorbent material called Chux. Chux is a brand name of disposable underpads sold in the market several years ago. They are called Chux or Chucks because you can chuck them or dispose of them immediately when they get soiled up. Sometimes, old pillowcases were used as a protective covering of the stripped papers because they are durable and comfortable. It eventually solved incontinence but somehow has some unfavorable drawbacks. Some paper cutouts have ink on them, and when they get wet, they form a mess on the user’s skin or the bedsheets.
During the 70s, caregivers used white tissue and blue plastic coverings to protect the beddings against any form of body leakage. And in the 80s, poly-top sheets replaced them, resulting in a huge leap in the line of underpads. Over the years, professionals’ continuous research and discovery have led to the invention of poly absorbent pads like diapers in the late 80s and the large-scale manufacturing of super-absorbent incontinence products in the 90s. Today, most incontinence products like underpads have a poly-core material for better absorption and comfort. The underpads we have now have characteristics promoting dryness and skin protection. Different types, sizes, and styles1 also have emerged due to the changing preference of users.
What is Chux made of?
The chux used before are made from strips of newspapers and any other type of paper cut and stripped into small pieces placed in a fabric covering and sewn on the sides for protection. The Chux or Chucks used today are made from absorbent materials such as wood pulp, poly materials, and viscose rayon, making them thin, absorbent, and comfortable.
Guide in choosing the best Chux for the elderly
Check refers to the type of incontinence pads that help protect the things the patient is lying on. These surfaces could be a chair, bed, sofa, wheelchair, or other flat surfaces. When chux are used and placed properly and other incontinence products like adult diapers, they could be the perfect partner and leave little to no leak, odor, or skin problems. But, how do you choose the best Chux for your loved one?
- What is your loved one’s level of incontinence?
Once we come of age, incontinence is unavoidable. Incontinence may be due to stress, urge, or reflex, which loses our body’s function to control our bladder. With that in mind, incontinence products like Chux will become our ally in our daily lives. When choosing a chux, know what level of incontinence your loved one has.
Some patients experience mild incontinence due to pregnancy, menopause, surgical trauma, or pelvic radiation. Few urines can be discharged by coughing, sneezing, and laughing. Some experience a large volume of discharge due to worse neurologic diseases and pelvic trauma cases.
There is also an extreme level of incontinence commonly associated with cognitive impairments like Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and immobility. These cases need deep protection since the patient is unable to move or
- What size suits them the most?
Chux comes in different sizes due to their different uses. Chair size underpads are usually between 17″ x 24″. These sizes can work perfectly to protect regular chairs, wheelchairs, automobile seats, and sofas. This size is perfect for petite individuals that need light protection. Chair size chux is perfect for daytime use since it is small and has limited absorbency.
There are mid-size chux with sizes between 23″ x 24″ to 30″ x 30″. These are perfect for larger chairs and sofas, automobile backseats, and beds. This size is perfect for individuals looking for moderate protection against leakage. Mid-size chux are perfect for naptime or when traveling.
Bed size chux ranges from 23″ x 36″, 30″ x 36″, and 36″ x 36″. They are perfect for overnight protection and travels since they are large and absorbent. Bed-size chux are also ideal for bariatric patients and frisky sleepers. It is important to know what size your patient will get comfortable with.
- Disposable or Washable?
Chux or underpads are made to lessen the pack of laundry when dealing with incontinence. Thus, if you want convenience at its maximum level, disposable chux are perfect for you. It has better dryness and odor protection since you will dispose of them right after use.
Meanwhile, a washable chux is perfect for you if the extra laundry does not bother you, if you want to reduce waste, and if you want to save spare money. Washable chux features an adhesive bottom, which makes the bed pad reliably. Whichever you choose, both have the same level of absorbency and function.
Final Thoughts
Chux, bed pads, liners, underpads, bed guards, whatever term we use, all define an exceptional product that has been helping caregivers deal with incontinence. Over the years, chux has evolved and transformed into something convenient for both the user and the caregiver. Different sizes have been manufactured, different materials have been added, and different designs have been developed to supply the demands of the users.
There is no specific brand of Chux that is considered best for our loved ones. Choosing the best one will always be tailored to the situation, comfort, and user’s preference. If you can’t decide what type or size of chux to buy for you or your loved one, don’t hesitate to call Avacare Medical at 1-877-813-7799 or email [email protected].
