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CAREAID BUYER’S GUIDE: INCONTINENCE PRODUCTS Millions of adult Americans face incontinence issues. . .We can help.
Incontinence Products Millions of adult Americans face incontinence issues, from those who only need light, occasional protection to those who need 24-hour incontinence care from caregivers. Additionally, people with some types of permanent or temporary disabilities, regardless of their age, may also require incontinence products. While incontinence can be a sensitive and even embarrassing issue, CareAid carries a large number of high-quality products that have been developed to make this common condition as manageable as possible, so that those facing problems with incontinence can live with comfort, convenience, and confidence.
Overview: Adult Briefs, Underwear, Underpads & Overnight Protection
When it comes to the numerous types of incontinence products for comfort and protection. CareAid offers a plethora of choices, from thin, light pads that help with small accidents to numerous styles of briefs for those who may fully lack bowel control and mobility.
The factors that you should consider when choosing adult briefs and/or pads include: Absorbancy. Comfort. Discretion. Function. Convenience.
Here are the major categories of adult incontinence protection products: Briefs. Because of the “tab” opening these products are designed to be “user friendly”and are ideal for caregivers to those who may not be able to approach their incontinence without aid. And, briefs are ideal for patients who have limited mobility, since they are easy to change and adjust, as well as patients who have bowel incontinence, since they have high capacity and absorbency. Pull-ups. Pull-ups are a better choice for those who have more mobility, those who can dress themselves, and those who are looking for a more discreet incontinence solution that still offers a great deal of protection. Many pull-up products have tear-away sides for easier removal by caregivers and many look more like traditional undergarments than briefs. Overnight protection. Overnight briefs and pull ups are designed for maximum absorbency as well as for comfort of the user. Ideal for use among those who have general incontinence issues as well as those who only have overnight incontinence issues.
Incontinence products for men. Male-specific underwear are designed with man’s body in mind, from the cut of the product to where the absorbent material is placed within. In addition, some male-specific products and brands come in traditionally male designs and colors. Incontinence products for women. Female-specific briefs, pullups and various other undergarments are especially designed and cut to be comfortable on a woman’s body and to better prevent discomfort and leaks. In addition, female-specific products concentrate absorbency where a woman needs it most. Finally, incontinence products for women may be available in traditionally female colors and patterns. Belted undergarments. This incontinence product is a bridge between traditional adult briefs and pull-ups and personal pads–the product offers more coverage and absorbency than pads, while being less bulky and visible than briefs and pull-ups. Belted undergarments also stay in place better than pads and can be adjusted to fit securely. . Reusable undergarments. Some may prefer the option of reusable undergarments either on their own or in conjunction with other incontinence products, such as pads. Made of combinations of cotton, polyester, nylon, and plastics, these products range from reusable briefs to reusable swimwear. Reusable undergarments are ideal for those seeking more comfort, more natural materials, and more discretion. Personal pads. Personal pads and liners are best suited for those with occasional incontinence and urinary incontinence. These products come in a very wide range of absorbencies and sizes and even have male- and femalespecific designs. Personal pads can be worn more subtly than briefs and pull-ups but do not provide extensive protection. Booster pads. Booster pads are designed to be used in conjunction with other incontinence products, including briefs, pull-ups, other undergarments and personal pads. Placed on top of pads, reusable briefs, or traditional undergarments, booster pads can absorb leaks and be replaced without disturbing the incontinence product below.
Questions To Ask Before Buying Is this product the right size and fit? One of the most important considerations when selecting incontinence products is proper fit. Improper fit can mean both leakage and discomfort, including chafing, pinching, and rashes. Sizing can vary by brand, so be sure to take measurements before buying.
Does this product have the right absorbency? Getting more absorbency than you need can mean bulkier and more expensive products. Getting less absorbency than you need can mean leaks and accidents. To find the right level of your absorbency needs, ask yourself about the length of time that the product will be worn as well as the level of the incontinence issue. For example overnight protection products worn by someone with significant incontinence will need maximum absorbency.
How much of this product do I need to purchase? It may take time to determine how many items you need over a day, week, or month, and how much product you need to purchase depends upon the nature of the incontinence issue. On average, however, those with incontinence require about four changes per day.
Is this the most convenient choice for the wearer? The wearer of the incontinence product may be concerned about fit and visibility/bulkiness. Or the wearer may solely be concerned with comfort and effectiveness. If possible, ask the wearer about his or her needs. If the wearer has difficulty communicating, be sure to look for other signs that he or she is comfortable and dry.
Is this the most convenient choice for the caregiver? The most important considerations for caregivers usually include easy application, easy removal, and overall effectiveness. Caregivers may not want, for example, the extra work of a pull-up when a brief is easier to take on and off of a patient/loved one.
Do you want reusable or disposable products? Some prefer reusable incontinence products because they are more comfortable, because they save money, or because they help preserve our environment. Others prefer disposable products because they are easy to use and involve less clean up. Still others use a combination of reusable and disposable products.
Other Notable Incontinence Products
In addition to briefs, pull-ups, personal pads and other undergarments, there are a number of incontinence accessories that can make using these products an easier and more comfortable experience. These products include but are not limited to: Personal wipes. Wipes are essential for anyone using incontinence products–they allow either the wearer or the caregiver to clean the area thoroughly, preserving comfort and preventing issues like rashes or skin irritation. There are a number of disposable wipes available that clean and protect the skin, including both flushable and non-flushable options. Barrier creams. Those who wear incontinence protection products may be susceptible to skin irritation and rashes. Barrier creams can help combat these issues, keeping the area clean and dry. Choose from a variety of protective ointments for both bowel or bladder incontinence, such as those that protect against bacteria or fungus. Disposable underpads. Get extra help protecting bed linens, couches, chairs, and wheelchairs with waterproof disposable underpads. These underpads can be used for someone with only occasion incontinence issues or as an added layer of protection. Reusable underpads. Reusable underpads can be cleaned and used again, either by wiping the product down or by laundering it. You may consider utilizing reusable underpads in bed, on furniture, in a wheelchair, or in the car. Waterproof mattress covers. If you or a loved one struggles with overnight incontinence, purchasing a reusable mattress pad can protect your mattress. These mattress pads can be easily washed and reused–and fit a variety of mattress sizes. Incontinence disposal systems. Incontinence disposal systems can make the entire process easier and more sanitary. These special systems can contain waste and minimize or eliminate odor, generally making changing and cleaning up a more efficient task. Many of these disposal systems can also be used for disposable pads, wipes, and liners. Odor eliminators. A wide array of sprays, cleansers, air fresheners, and lotions are available to eliminate odor and promote cleanliness. Be sure to pick the right odor eliminator based on how and where you will use it, and be sure that the fragrance of the odor eliminator is amenable to both those with incontinence issues and their caregivers.
For some seniors and for some of all ages living with disabilities, incontinence is simply a part of life. Fortunately, CareAid offers a wide range of products developed to help everyone, with any level of bowel or bladder incontinence, live more comfortably, full, and healthy lives. Browse our broad selection of incontinence items https://store.careaidmedicalsupplies.com/Catalog/9425/Incontinence.html to learn more, and feel free to contact our Customer Service Team if you have a question or need assistance. Care@CareAidMedical.com
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