Incontinence is a clinical problem, and if you’re suffering from it, you’re not alone. Around 3-6 million people suffer from urinary incontinence in the UK.
The best part is that there are various incontinence products available in the market. However, the right understanding is essential.
You need to consider several factors such as mobility, shape, gender, type of incontinence, severity level, etc. Based on these factors, you can decide which one to purchase.
Before you learn about different kinds of products, we would suggest you ask yourself a few questions to ensure you understand your requirements. The questions are:
- > Do you want a product for urinary or faecal incontinence?
- > Do you want a reusable or disposable product?
- > Do you want to wear products with regular garments?
- > How much absorbance will you need?
- > What type of products do you want? (for example, pads or incontinence pants for men)
These questions will help you search and find a suitable product.
Let us see what kind of products are available.
1. Pads for Incontinence
Disposable pads are the best option for people suffering from urinary incontinence. They come in different shapes and sizes. Even the purpose of these pads differs. Some pads are better for small leaks, whereas others are good to hold severe leaks.
Disposable pads can lock liquid in the core without touching the skin. Usually, doctors recommend changing these pads after soiling. It’s good for hygiene.
There are three main types of incontinence pads:
-> Classic Rectangular and Booster Pads
-> Pull up Pads
-> All-in-one Pads
Classic Rectangular and Booster Pads
Classic Rectangular Pads are used with pouch/mesh pants. They have a waterproof backing to ensure it doesn’t touch the skin. They are suitable for moderate incontinence.
On the other hand, are booster pads. You can use them in conjunction with pull up and all-in-one pads. They reinforce the absorption level, allowing liquid to flow through them.
Pull up Pants
Suppose you don’t feel like wearing layers of clothes and experience moderate to heavy incontinence. In that case, you can use pants with built-in pads. Pull up pants are most popular as they are easy to use and disposable.
They come in different ranges of absorbent levels and sizes. So enquire with your supplier before the purchase.
All-in-one Pads
These pads are ideal for one with severe leakage issues. They are suitable for urinary and faecal incontinence.
All-in-one pads are in the form of nappies and have adhesive tapes on both sides. Just like other products, they have a waterproof layer that ensures there’s no leakage.
2. Bedding and Furniture Protection Products
The last thing you want to do is to soil your bed and furniture due to incontinence. When you consider the amount required to replace the sofa/mattress, you would prefer to take precautionary measures. Thankfully, there are different types of products you can use.
Waterproof bedding
For those who find it challenging to control incontinence during the night, the good option is to use a waterproof sheet. You can use it under cover of your bed sheet. It would provide an extra layer of protection and prevent leakages.
However, their role is to protect and not absorb. Therefore, you should use them with absorbent pads. They will cover the mattress, and pads will absorb the liquid.
Reusable chairs and bed pads
They are an ideal choice in conjunction with waterproof products such as the sheet. A reusable chair and bed pad comes with an absorbent layer, waterproof backing, and a stay-dry sheet.
These pads ensure that you’re dry while sitting or lying down. They generally come in different sizes. So when you go out to purchase, take along your furniture dimensions. It would make your shopping easy.
Disposable bed and furniture protection
If you don’t want to wash the soiled pads, opt for disposable products. Disposable bed and furniture protection are made with materials similar to pads; however, disposable.
It would be best if you used them along with waterproof protectors.
Waterproof pants
For that extra layer of security, use waterproof incontinence pants for men. They ensure that no leaks occur. Besides, you can wear it on top of regular wear.
For fitting and proper position of pads, you can also use waterproof stretch pants.
3. Cleansing Products
Leaks make things messy, especially if you’re suffering from severe incontinence. Here are the products that can help you clean the mess.
Wipes
To cleanse yourself, or the bed & furniture, always have packets of wipes along with you. For self-cleansing, you can use different kinds of skincare. For furniture, go with antibacterial wipes. They’ll be able to kill most of the bacteria and clean with ease.
Cleaner
If you’re suffering from faecal incontinence, you must go for incontinence cleaners to clean the private area. They would gently rub the skin and dissolve any urine or faeces left on the body.
Avoid intense scrubbing. It would only worsen the irritation.
Wrapping Up
Incontinence is common. And thus, there is a wide range of incontinence products available in the market. See what suits you and buy accordingly.