Managing Urinary Incontinence: Incontinence Pads- which type are best for me?
Posted by Forest Mobility on 4th Feb 2019
Swamped in a minefield of different options, it could be easy to get lost. But don’t despair! In this blog we will consider the pros and cons of the three main personal incontinence products:
1. All in Ones
2. Pull Ups
3. Shaped Pads
We want you to find the product that’s best for you! Properly managed, incontinence doesn’t have to control your life. In a later blog, we will also discuss other helpful incontinence products.
As the name suggests, these are a one piece incontinence product. Designed similarly to children’s nappies, these are more adjustable than pull ups with their adjustable side tapes. These are available with higher absorbencies than pull ups and are very secure preventing too many leakages.
Some find that it’s tricky to fit the product themselves with an all in one, favouring a pull up, but all in ones are ideal for carers to fit as there isn’t the need for the patient to step into the underwear.
All in ones are ideal for those who have moderate to heavy incontinence and want to stay secure, comfortable and confident .
| Pros | Cons |
|
Easy for Carers to Fit
More adjustable and secure than pull ups Higher absorbency than pull ups Cheaper option to Pull ups |
Can be tricky to fit yourself
Can be bulky More expensive than a two piece system |
- 2.Pull Ups
Again, like all in ones, Pull ups are a one piece system . The difference is that these are fitted like normal underwear. Many choose these because they don’t interfere with normal daily activities being easy to pull up and remove for toileting. The downsides are that compared with all in ones, they don’t go as high with absorbency capacity, a little more prone to leaks and can be more expensive per unit.
| Pros | Cons |
|
Easy for individuals to
use/fit themselves
Most Like normal underwear Easy to remove for toileting |
More expensive per unit
Doesn’t go as high in absorbency capacity More prone to leaks |
- 3.Shaped Pads with Fixing Pants
A good all-rounder, shaped pads with fixation pads are our most popular incontinence products. Not only are shaped pads the cheapest option, they also come in the widest range of absorbency from light to heavy, and sizes 1-4 can even be used in regular underwear. Shaped pads are the least bulky option and, when fitted correctly are the most secure and least likely to leak . There is also a range of types of fixing pants to choose from so the user can find the most comfortable option for them. Look out for our future post explaining the different types of fixation underwear.
| Pros | Cons |
|
Cheap value
Widest range of absorbency capacity Most secure preventing leaks Least bulky Sizes 1-4 can be used in regular underwear |
Harder to fit
Larger sizes need to be used in connection with fixation pants |
Picture: Various Types of Fixing Pants
You can view our full range of all in ones, pull up pants and shaped pads here to find a product that is suitable for you.
If you need any assistance in choosing the right product for you, one of our friendly staff members would be happy to help. Call us on 01842 766087.