Urinary Incontinence and What Causes It
Urinary incontinence is frequent among the elderly, although it can occur at any age. Incontinence affects 15 to 20% of the senior population. Figures for people with chronic medical issues or in nursing homes might reach 70%.
The most prevalent causes of the syndrome include obesity, repeated pregnancies, operations, and medicines, notably diabetic treatments. Other risk factors include strokes and cognitive impairment.
Most people feel embarrassed when the topic of adult diapers is brought up. As a result, some of them might not know how to choose the best one. Whether it is for themselves or their loved ones, adult incontinence can impact one’s lifestyle drastically, and adult diapers can help to alleviate a large part of that inconvenience.
Wearing an adult diaper is not something to be ashamed of; they are just goods designed to improve one’s quality of life, much as using a walking stick to aid mobility.
Even though urinary incontinence is a condition that can be faced by adults of every age, elderly people are the largest group that suffer from it. They might not know how to pick the most suitable adult diaper for themselves – the varying colors, styles and prices can leave them lost for choice.
In this article, we share a few essential tips on how to select the best adult diapers.
Condition of Leakage
To begin, the first thing you need to check is the amount of leakage occurrence that the individual deals with on a daily basis. In cases of mild urinary incontinence, the individual can use an insert pad with incontinence pants for extra protection.
However, for those who are struggling with getting to the toilet by themselves, unable to control their bladder or have fecal incontinence, an adult diaper is a must to prevent their clothes and bedding from being soiled.
Absorbency of Adult Diapers
An adult diaper, also known as an adult nappy, is a type of undergarment designed for use by adult men and women who have urine or fecal leakage (incontinence). They are coated with Sodium Polyacrylate, a superabsorbent polymer (SAP). The polymer has the potential to withstand a thousand times its own water content.
As mentioned above, mild incontinence can be tackled with an incontinence pad and pants. However, if the condition of leakage is slightly heavier, adult pull ups can be helpful. These adult pull up underwear are absorbent underpants that can absorb more liquid from urinary incontinence as compared to using just pads.
If the leakage is more severe and the individual faces complete bladder loss or fecal incontinence, then adult briefs are the ones to go for. These are heavier duty and come in varying levels for absorbency.
Choosing The Right Absorbency For Your Adult Diapers
Because of the variety of absorbency levels available, searching for adult diapers might be intimidating. A user who is unfamiliar to adult diapers may struggle to comprehend what the absorbency levels signify. How much fluids can a diaper of a specific absorbency level absorb?
Ordering diapers and testing them out is the best approach to get the proper absorbency. For example, you could purchase light for the day but later find you need more absorbency and change to moderate. Here are some suggestions for selecting an adult diaper based on absorbency level.
Light Absorbency
Adult diapers with little absorbency might have the same sensation as ordinary underpants. These diapers are ideal for active adults to use during the day. The mild absorbency level cannot manage severe mishaps but is ideal for minor bladder leaks.
Many of today’s diapers have technologies that resists smells and is pleasant against the skin even after it has been soiled. Briefs, pull-ups, and belted diapers are available in light absorbency.
Moderate Absorbency
Adults who require something between light and heavy diapers will benefit from the moderate level of absorption properties. Adult diapers with moderate absorbency are ideal for the busy grownup who has more than simply minor bladder leakage. The diapers are intended to keep mishaps contained while keeping users comfy and odor-free.
Heavy Absorbency
Heavy absorbency diapers are ideal for adults with severe incontinence or leakage of both the bladder and the intestines. These diapers are also suitable for people who have to maintain the garment for an extended amount of time. The heavy absorbency diapers can safely contain huge volumes of fluids for up to 8 hours.
Maximum / Overnight Absorbency
Maximum absorbency overnight adult diapers are ideal for nighttime usage. Regardless of your incontinence concerns, you will obtain a decent night’s sleep. These diapers may last up to 8-10 hours, leaving people feeling secure and well-rested in the morning. Some very absorbent diapers may contain up to a litre of fluids.
Adult diapers are available in a variety of absorbency levels, ensuring that there is a correct fit and feel for everybody. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different degrees of absorption to see what actually works for you. It’s also a great way to keep a variety of diapers on hand for different occasions. For example, you may employ maximal strength at night but just moderate strength throughout the day.
You can also use booster pads or liners for extremely mild leakage or to offer temporary more absorbency in certain situations. You do not have to be uncomfortable because you have incontinence concerns. The first approach in being comfortable with adult diapers is determining the appropriate absorbency level.
Size of Adult Diapers
Another tip for choosing the best adult diapers is to pick one that fits true to size. An adult diaper that is too small will feel tight and not have enough coverage. On the other hand, an adult diaper that is too big will leave gaps when worn, and cause leakage.
To figure out what size fits the individual wearing it, simply measure his or her waist size. Then, refer to the measurement charts provided by the brands (these are usually found on the product packaging, if not online).
One of the easiest methods to keep trust in adult diapers is to wear the proper size and style to avoid humiliating unintentional leaks. There are several brand names, sizes, styles, and even colors to choose from. In a separate chapter, we will discuss how to choose the proper size and achieve a decent fit.
Material of Adult Diapers
Next, the material of the diaper matters. Some adult diapers come with plastic backings which offer stronger protection from leakage. Some diapers are made with a plastic backing. These diapers offer more leakage prevention.
Many people, however, dislike the bulkiness of these adult diapers and favor a non-plastic supported diaper. These adult diapers are referred to as breathable diapers. Clearly, these adult diapers enable more air to flow and generate less irritation. However, these diapers are not quite as leak-proof.
However, these adult diapers can feel a little bulkier than the average, thus some users prefer non-plastic backed ones instead. These are more breathable with higher air circulation and less possibility of skin rashes. However, these are less resistant to leakages.
Cost of Different Adult Diapers
Last but not least, considering the cost can play a key factor in choosing the best adult diapers as well. While it should not be the prioritized factor, it can determine your budget before you make the purchase. Expensive adult diapers do not mean that they are the best suited for you; likewise, cheaper adult diapers can be good in quality as well.
Before everything else, evaluate the absorbency, size, material, and general fit of the diaper. Once you’ve chosen a few adult diapers that work for you, you should compare the prices. In certain cases, you may buy adult diapers in bulk and save money by having them sent automatically.
Depending on the condition, absorbency, size and material, make sure to calculate the budget and see what works best for you. You can also purchase them in bulk so as to leverage on the cost savings that they can offer.
Concluding Words
Adult diapers are intended to restore your independence and confidence. If you are uncertain about wearing them or have concerns about how to use them, speak with a geriatrician. A professional geriatrician will be able to provide you with useful information. This will help you in finding the right diaper, wearing it correctly, and returning to a more active lifestyle.
Before heading down to purchase, make sure that you do a quick market research on the brands available, and whether they meet your needs. Always ensure that you have a good supply of adult diapers ready at home. You never know when you will need one, or when you run out of them.
Adult diapers help to reduce inconvenience for those who deal with urinary incontinence, and also gives them some freedom and confidence to take care of themselves. If you have any queries regarding what type of adult diapers suits best, hop on for a quick chat with us and we’ll take you through!