Incontinence Protection Products

Light Incontinence Coverage

Products designed for light urinary incontinence coverage are good options for those who have stress incontinence or prostate conditions where there is a small amount of urinary leakage. Some options for light coverage to protect against urine loss are as follows:

• Incontinence Pads and Liners: These products adhere into your own undergarments, similar to a maxi pad for women. They come in a variety of widths and lengths for better control of your symptoms. They are disposable, so they can be changed out frequently throughout the day. Most products also protect against odor. This is usually your best option for light incontinence control that is discreet, diposable and easy to use.
• Reusable Liners and Briefs/Panties: These products are machine washable, and can be used as your undergarment. Usually the resuable liners are designed to be worn with a brief or panty especially made for this type of liner. They button, snap or adhere to the reusable undergarment. The waistbands are constructed of elastic or snap closure depending on the brand. Most elastic waistbands also have elastic fitting at the leg to prevent leakage out of the undergarment. Some of the snap waistbands DO NOT have elastic leg fitting which can be a problem with more moderate to severe bouts of incontinence. Materials range from cotton and polyester on the inside or wetness protection portion of the garment. The rest of the garment is frequently made of a vinyl material to prevent wetness from seeping onto your clothes.

Moderate Incontinence Coverage

Coverage for moderate urine loss include pads, disposable undergarments, reusable undergarments and belted undergarments.

• Incontinence Pads and Liners: These products adhere into your own undergarments, similar to a maxi pad for women. They come in a variety of widths and lengths for better control of your symptoms. They are disposable, so they can be changed out frequently throughout the day. Most products also protect against odor.
• Reusable Liners and Briefs/Panties: These products are machine washable, and can be used as your undergarment. Usually the resuable liners are designed to be worn with a brief or panty especially made for this type of liner. They button, snap or adhere to the reusable undergarment. The waistbands are constructed of elastic or snap closure depending on the brand. Most elastic waistbands also have elastic fitting at the leg to prevent leakage out of the undergarment. Some of the snap waistbands DO NOT have elastic leg fitting which can be a problem with more moderate to severe bouts of incontinence. Materials range from cotton and polyester on the inside or wetness protection portion of the garment. The rest of the garment is frequently made of a vinyl material to prevent wetness from seeping onto your clothes.
• Disposable Undergarments: Although many people consider this type of product an adult diaper, products now come in a more discreet, convenient and easy to use styles. Make sure to look for a product that is fitted with elastic borders around the legs. If a product does not have elastic leg bands, urine can easily pass through to your clothing. It is also important to get the correct size product to properly fit your body. Undergarments that are too tight can constrict blood flow and cause medical concerns especially in diabetics or those with vascular disease. Garments should be snug, but not leave a mark indented in your skin after wearing them for several hours. Some styles are slimmer and look and feel more like heavy briefs or panties. Other products are geared for more heavy bouts of incontinence and look similar to diapers. Tab closures or elastic waistbands usually make up the upper part of the garment.
• Belted Undergarments: Belted undergarments offer the protection of a brief or panty, without the bulk from the sides of a full garment. The designs between different brands are similar in look and feel. Reusable belts secure via buttons, snaps, or velcro that support a wider pad with elastic edges near the legs. This is a good product for medium loss of urine, or frequent small bouts of incontinence. Belted undergarments are good for incontinence protection in both men and women.

Heavy Incontinence Coverage

There are many product options for people who have severe urinary incontinence. It is sometimes wise to try an assortment of products to determine which brand works best for your incontinence. Also, if you have physical limitations and require someone to assist you with your incontinence, styles that are easier to put on and take off are important considerations in choosing the right product for you.

• Booster Pads: This product is a maxi pad style of protection that is added on top of any existing undergarment. It is a stackable pad worn for extra protection inside of another garment. It usually does not have a waterproof backing, which slows down the absorption of urine into the lining of the other undergarment. This allows maximum protection and can be stacked as needed during different times of the day or night when your incontinence occurs most.
• Disposable Undergarments: Although many people consider this type of product an adult diaper, products now come in a more discreet, convenient and easy to use styles. Make sure to look for a product that is fitted with elastic borders around the legs. If a product does not have elastic leg bands, urine can easily pass through to your clothing. It is also important to get the correct size product to properly fit your body. Undergarments that are too tight can constrict blood flow and cause medical concerns especially in diabetics or those with vascular disease. Garments should be snug, but not leave a mark indented in your skin after wearing them for several hours. Some styles are slimmer and look and feel more like heavy briefs or panties. Other products are geared for more heavy bouts of incontinence and look similar to diapers. Tab closures or elastic waistbands usually make up the upper part of the garment.
• Reusable Briefs and Panties: These products are machine washable and offer moderate to maximum urinary incontinence coverage. Most garments are bulky, but offer the best night time or severe incontinence coverage. Products are made of absorbent quilting on the inside, and vinyl coating on the outside. Garments can be taken on and off by snap or velcro enclosures. Make sure that the garment has elastic leg bands to prevent leakage through your clothing.

Other Incontinence Products

It is important to care for your skin and your environment when you have urinary incontinence. Constant wetness of the perineal area can cause infections, skin breakdown or irritation. Some other products to consider to make caring for your incontinence easier are the following:

• Bed Liners - These are disposable pads or reusable cloths that protect your bed from extra moisture if leakage occurs. These help if incontinence is an issue at night. You can just change the pad versus all of the sheets, since most bed liners can protect urine from contaminating the bed linens.
• Skin care products - A wide variety of perineal sprays, creams, wipes and washes are available to clean your perineal area. These products are helpful to reduce bacteria, remove odor, and soothe skin. Most of these products have a protective barrier element to keep the skin from getting irritated from continual wetness of incontinence.

Incontinence Products by Brand

Products come in a wide variety of sizes and quantities. With use of disposable products, you can use a large number of products quickly. Buying in bulk from wholesale retailers or online vendors can help keep your costs down. Many online companies deliver products right to your door in a discreet package. See our product store where you can order incontinence supplies directly from Amazon.com. Amazon is a trusted online vendor that you can rely on to receive quality products at a great price. Amazon also offer customer reviews and feedback on many of their products. This may help you decide if a certain type of product may help solve your incontinence needs.