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Understanding incontinence supplies
If you care for someone who is experiencing incontinence issues, you are likely overwhelmed each time you walk down the aisle of incontinence supplies. Not only are there a myriad of brands, but each brand has a wide variety of types of products. The following is a breakdown of each type of product and how they work best:
Types of products
Pull up briefs
Description:
Full fitted briefs that take the place of regular undergarments with increased absorbency.
Best for:
People who are able to manage their own incontinence.
People who are ambulatory or able to at least bear weight.
Both bowel and bladder incontinence.
Not so good for:
Changing in bed
Pad inserts
Description:
Pads designed to fit inside regular underwear to absorb accidental leakage. May have adhesive strip to adhere to undergarment.
Best for:
Added absorbency inside regular undergarments or inside pull up briefs. Limit embarrassment when accidents occur -non-bulky
Not so good for:
Complete bladder incontinence.
Bowel incontinence
Belted briefs
Description:
Sized between a pad insert and a full brief, these are designed to replace regular undergarments. An elastic band with buttons or other type of attachment device connects to button holes in the brief.
Best for:
Occasional accidents
Changing in bed
Frequent changes without having to remove all clothing.
Not so good for:
Bowel incontinence
Quick changes
Taped Pads:escription:
Looks much like a diaper. Taped tabs adhere to each side to secure the garment.
Best for: Use instead of regular undergarments
Bowel incontinence
Changing in bed
Not so good for: Changing when standing
Overnight pads
Description:
These may be in the form of fitted brief or taped brief, but have added absorbency to reduce changes and leakage through the night. Most are also designed to wick moisture away from the skin to prevent skin breakdown.
Best for: Overnight use when getting up or changing is not possible.
Use instead of regular undergarments for someone difficult to change
For someone who is bedridden
Not so good for: Someone who may get frustrated and pull the garment off and/or apart.
(there are little absorbency balls in the garment that spread if the cloth is ripped)
Fabric Chair pads:
Description:
Washable pads with a water repellent fabric on one side and absorption layers on the other side.
Best for: Placing on seats and furniture to protect against leakage
Placing underneath a person in bed to protect mattress against leakage
Use as a draw sheet to move someone in bed
Not so good for: Use when leakage occurs frequently unless extras are readily available
Use when laundry is not able to be done frequently
Disposable Chair pads:
Description:
Often referred to as Chux pads - these are designed with a plastic backing on one side, and absorbency layers on the other side.
Best for: Placing on car seats and furniture to protect against leakage.
Placing underneath a person in bed to protect mattress against leaking
Not so good for: The environment
Using as a draw sheet to move someone in bed
Read Anne's blog on Managing incontinence at home
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