For low-profile daytime protection against unexpected urinary leaks, absorbent panty liners can give women with mild to moderate incontinence the peace of mind they’re looking for. These bladder control pads are designed for maximum absorption with minimum visibility and are thin enough to be virtually invisible. In general, these products use some type of material that draws liquid into the center of the pad and away from the body; not only does this make the pads more comfortable, but it also eliminates the worry that other people will notice any bladder leakage. For example, Poise pads have a Blue Absorb-Loc Core designed to hold moisture and neutralize odors.
Bladder control pads range in absorbency protection from very light to ultimate absorption. Pads are generally available in different lengths and thicknesses, and some offer various types of side protection. For example, the ultimate absorbency Poise pad measures 15.6 inches in length, draws moisture away from the body, eliminates odor, has leak-block sides, and offers a thicker level of protection where you need it most. For those who need the ultimate in absorbency or extra coverage, Tena pads offer additional choices for night and super protection. These types of low-profile bladder control pads are perfect if you're looking for protection that can be worn with your own underwear.
With so many undergarment protection products claiming to be absorbent and discreet, it’s hard to know which one is best for you. You may think that a simple sanitary napkin or pantyliner will do. After all, they conform to your body, absorb fluid quickly, and adhere to your underwear. And you won’t have to go through the embarrassment of purchasing a bladder control product, right? Wrong.
Sanitary napkins are meant to absorb menstrual flow. The permeable top layer typically pulls moisture into the underlying absorbent layer, away from your skin. While this effectively keeps your skin dry, it's not made to handle the chemical composition of urine.
Urine and fecal matter are waste products that can be damaging to the skin. Some bladder control pads have special gels that not only draw urine away from the top layer, but also change it to a more solid substance, neutralizing its potentially harmful chemical composition. Others have polymer fabrics with wicking capabilities that also draw moisture from the top layer, eliminating urine odor and changing its pH level to be more consistent with that of the skin; this limits the possibility of skin breakdown.
Incontinence varies in severity, from mild trickles triggered by coughing, sneezing, or laughing, to full urination when the bathroom can't be reached in time. No matter the severity, it's a serious problem. Fortunately, it's a problem with solutions.
For complete protection any time of day, protective undergarments offer both security and peace of mind. Disposable underwear, for example, is ideal for individuals who are ambulatory, can toilet independently, and want protection that feels like normal underwear. They are similar to women's high-waisted panties and have several features designed to keep the wearer dry. For example, Attends underwear has a Rapid Lock system that quickly draws fluid away from the body and prevents it from resurfacing, which helps maintain comfort and protects the skin. They also feature breathable side panels for added skin health and a variety of sizes for the perfect fit, regardless of your size and shape. Similar products like Depend Underwear and products made by Tena and Prevail provide comfort and protection and make the user feel as if she has regular underwear on, with the added protection built right in.
If you’re one of the estimated 25 million people in North America living with incontinence, these protective underwear products can keep you healthy and comfortable as you work with your healthcare provider to improve your condition.
Incontinence affects more people than you might expect (around 25 million Americans), the majority of whom are women. For those suffering from heavy or full-time incontinence, it's imperative to find adequate protection to make days more bearable and nights more comfortable.
If you need high absorbency, or if you have limited mobility and require help getting to the bathroom, you may need the protection of a fitted brief. They're designed to provide maximum protection for heavy incontinence while still being comfortable, discreet, and easy to change. Products such as Depend Fitted Briefs, for example, come in several styles designed just for women, offering protection that fits the female body and that's effective for both daytime and nighttime use. Choose between adjustable briefs that conform to the body and maximum protection briefs. Both styles of Depend briefs are available in two different sizes, and to add to their convenience, each style can be put on either while sitting, standing, or lying down. EasyGrip Tabs also make them easy to remove. Prevail Adult Briefs, which have 4 wick-away moisture zones, and Tena Briefs, which feature a wetness indicator, are also effective solutions for women with heavy incontinence. No matter which brand or style of fitted brief you choose, all of them add to your independence, which is the biggest benefit of all.
Choosing between brands of incontinence products can be tough enough, and deciding whether to use a brand name or generic product adds an additional complication. Usually, it comes down to personal choice in terms of comfort, fit, and cost; however, effectiveness is the most important consideration.
A 2005 study published in the International Urogynecology Journal attempted to determine the performance differences between various commercially available incontinence products in an effort to help women choose wisely. The study, by Elisabeth A. Erekson et al, compared ten products using a test in which the wetness of the underside or back of each product was measured with varying degrees of liquid. What they found was that the generic products didn’t perform very well at all; they demonstrated significantly more wetness and leakage than brand-name products when tested with both small and larger volumes of liquid.
While saving money is certainly appealing, keep in mind that a lower price could indicate a lower performance. When it comes to incontinence protection, you don't want to skimp on performance.
Many people who experience incontinence feel uncomfortable purchasing the protective products they need in stores. With online ordering, you can have the products you need sent to you quickly and discreetly, maintaining the dignity and anonymity you want so you can manage your situation in private.
Since 2000, National Incontinence has offered a comprehensive selection of products, helped millions of families find information and solutions, and maintained high standards at low prices. Most packages sent to you are only marked with the return address “NI” (some orders may have the product name on the outside of the shipping box — contact customer service to make sure before ordering). Your purchase on NationalIncontinence.com is also protected by the Secure Socket Layer, a secure means for handling online orders. In addition to a vast selection of products, National Incontinence offers access to a specialist or Nurse Practitioner who can help you select the product that's right for you.