Best Adult Diapers and Diaper Alternatives for Men

Declan Davey

Written by Declan Davey on Tue Dec 22 2020.

Best Adult Diapers and Diaper Alternatives for Men

Let’s get straight to the point—this article is for the men out there who want to know their options. We're here to help you find the best adult diapers and diaper alternatives for men

We realize that wearing a diaper can be an inconvenience, and that you’d probably much rather do without them. But the upside is that diapers—along with other incontinence products—are now available in all shapes and sizes.

Related: What's the difference between Adult Pull-Ups vs. Diapers?

What’s more, there are also plenty of materials and styles to choose from.

So, whether you’re looking for diapers that are designed for larger sizes, briefs that are comfortable and discreet, or something that takes care of business overnight, we’re here to help.

Diapers and Diaper Alternatives for Men come in many varieties. Some of the ones we highlight in this article are:

  1. Men’s Disposable Incontinence Briefs

  2. Men’s Washable Incontinence Briefs

  3. Overnight Diapers for Men

  4. XXL Adult Diapers for Men

  5. Men’s Diapers for Bowel Incontinence

  6. Depend Diapers for Men

  7. Cloth-Backed Diapers for Men

  8. Swim Diapers

Oh, and one more thing before we start. If you’re in need of lighter protection rather than a full diaper or pad, please check out the section at the end to discover a handy alternative.

Men’s Disposable Incontinence Briefs

For men who prefer the “wear it and bin it” approach, disposable diapers or briefs are the smart call for day-to-day protection.

Disposables are designed in such a way that they hold urine leaks and voids securely until you reach a place where you’re able to change. They’re simple to put on and remove, and can be thrown away after use.

Many disposable options can handle both bladder and bowel incontinence, but please make sure to double-check the product details.

It’s worth noting that—though they tend to be more absorbent than washables—disposables are often less cost-effective and on the bulkier side.

Here are a couple of men’s disposable incontinence briefs that we can recommend:

Select Disposable Briefs with Tabs, Heavy

  • Tab-style disposable diaper, ideal for heavy incontinence (bowel or bladder)

  • Soft wicking layer to collect moisture and keep skin dry

  • Fits waist sizes from 18” to 64” (extra-small to extra-large)

  • Color-coded by size

  • Wetness indicator, elastic leg gathers, and refastenable tabs

  • Protection from 1.2-2.8 cups of liquid (9.8 to 23 fl oz)

Tranquility SmartCore Disposable Briefs with Tabs, Maximum

  • Tab-style disposable diaper, ideal for heavy incontinence (bowel or bladder)

  • Soft wicking layer to collect moisture and keep skin dry

  • Fits waist sizes from 18” to 64” (extra-small to extra-large)

  • Color-coded by size

  • Wetness indicator, elastic leg gathers, and refastenable tabs

  • Protection from 1.2-2.8 cups of liquid (9.8 to 23 fl oz)

Men’s Washable Incontinence Briefs

The great debate in the incontinence market is whether washable or disposable products are better.

Really, the right choice will come down to two factors:

  1. Your health needs

  2. Personal preference

A few of the drawbacks of washables are that you’ll spend more time (and money!) on the extra washes. This domestic inconvenience can lead many people to stick with disposables.

Some users also feel like disposable diapers are more hygienic, compared with wearing briefs that have been soaked or soiled before. But washable incontinence briefs provide several practical benefits.

For a start, although laundry costs may be higher, briefs that can be washed hundreds of times will save you money in the long run. They’re also thinner and more discreet than disposables. As they offer a closer or more “snug” fit, users often say they’re the more comfortable option.

Are you searching for high-quality men’s washable incontinence briefs?

Medline Reusable Bladder Control Briefs for Men, Light Absorbency

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Most cost-effective solution for male urinary incontinence

  • No annoying bulges or bulky lines under your clothes

  • Protects from odors and bacteria

  • The outer layer looks like normal underwear

  • More environmentally-friendly than disposables

  • Sealed seams to give a “watertight” feel

Overnight Diapers for Men

More adults are in need of overnight diapers than you might expect. Sleep is essential for an almost endless list of health reasons, such as weight management, concentration, mood, and immune function.

It therefore pays to find a diaper that can ensure you rest well, even if you experience leaks during the night. Here are a couple of adult diapers for men that we’d have in our “top picks” for overnight use:

TENA Overnight Super Protective Incontinence Underwear, Overnight

Key Benefits & Features:

  • 100% breathable with super absorbency for heavy bladder leaks

  • Wider at the back for protection when lying down

  • Quickly soaks up wetness to maintain skin health

  • Body-Close™ technology for optimal fit

  • W-shaped zone that conforms to natural body curves and creates a high absorbance area

XXL Adult Diapers for Men

Just like with clothes, there’s no excuse for brands that fail to have diapers available in all sizes. Fortunately, some suppliers are leading the way with adult diapers for men available in sizes up to XXL.

XXL diapers that we suggest you check out are:

McKesson Bariatric Ultra Plus Stretch Brief Adult Diapers with Tabs, Heavy Absorbency

McKesson Ultra Briefs with Tabs, Heavy

Key Benefits & Features:

  • “Ultra Briefs” with refastenable tabs for heavy incontinence 

  • Available in large hip sizes up to 69” 

  • Premium materials to soak up liquids and keep dry

  • Dual Core technology to reduce odor and neutralize urine pH

  • Protects skin health

  • Designed for severe incontinence and immobile users

Abena Abri-Flex Pull-Up Underwear, XXL1

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Ensures a comfy fit for XXL hip sizes (70”-80”)

  • Lycra structure for extra security

  • Absorbs up to 5 cups (42 fl oz) for moderate incontinence

  • Perfect if you are mobile and want a more flexible pull-up option

Men’s Diapers for Bowel Incontinence

Men can experience bowel incontinence for an array of reasons. Short-term causes may include bouts of diarrhea from food poisoning, or even constipation. Bowel incontinence becomes more concerning when a long-term cause like nerve or muscle damage is to blame.

Treatments vary depending on the origin of the problem. Your doctor may recommend bowel training, Kegel exercises, over-the-counter medicines, or diet and lifestyle changes.

If these do not relieve the issue, more comprehensive treatments may be accessible, depending on your local health regulations.

Such treatments can include:

If you’re waiting for a diagnosis or would prefer to manage the symptoms without invasive treatment, men’s bowel incontinence underwear or diapers may be a sensible option to pursue.

Tranquility Premium OverNight Pull-Up Underwear

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Premium fabric for urine and fecal incontinence

  • Silent, breathable, and soft to the touch

  • Tear-away sides for easy removal

  • Inner leg cuffs that stop leaks and keep leaks in the underwear core

  • Odor-neutralizing technology so you feel clean

  • Can be used as an all-day or all-night option

Depend Diapers for Men

Depend is a trusted brand among incontinence sufferers. They hold a dominant share (49.4%) of the disposable incontinence products in the U.S., so it’s no wonder they’re the “go-to” brand for many.

Their adult diapers have been around for over 30 years, and they offer solutions for both urinary and bowel incontinence. So what are some of the best Depend diapers for men that we’d recommend?

First up, there’s a maximum absorbency brief that’s ideal for easy changing:

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Four EasyGrip™ Tabs to customize the fit

  • Leakage barriers for maximum protection

  • Wetness indicator line that tells you when to change

  • Discreet changing

Depend Real-Fit Pull-Up Underwear for Men, Maximum

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Pull-up style with a masculine design

  • Available in black, grey, or blue colors

  • Handles heavy incontinence 

  • Sizes from small to extra-large (waist sizes 28 to 50 inches)

  • Breathable, latex-free

  • Stretchy, cotton-like fabric with a secure elastic waistband

Cloth-Backed Diapers for Men

Adult diapers with clothlike backing offer a breathable option for men looking to protect skin integrity and enjoy a more comfortable fit. Unlike their plastic-backed counterparts, cloth diapers allow air to pass through the brief while locking away moisture and preventing leaks. Though it's a common misconception that plastic-backed diapers hold in more accidents (because they're waterproof), clothlike diapers are actually just as absorbent or even more absorbent than their plastic-backed counterparts.

These diapers support:

  • Breathability and comfort

  • Skin health and skin integrity

  • Preventing odors, rashes, and infections

Prevail Per-Fit 360 Daily Adult Diapers with Tabs, Maximum Plus

Key Benefits and Features:

  • 360 Breathable Zones provide all-around ventilation and Microclimate Care, which keeps skin at an ideal temperature for comfort and health

  • Expandex wings that stretch comfortably across the body and cloth-like fabric

  • Easy Lock Fasteners attach to the front of the brief as many times as you need

  • Omni Odor Guard locks away odors, so you can enjoy freshness and dignity

  • Assembled in the USA

Swim Diapers

Swim diapers differ from other diapers in that they’re not actually designed to be absorbent.

Does this make them a pointless choice, then? Absolutely not—they can still be very useful indeed! 

Their main function is to safely contain solid waste, rather than liquids.

Swim diapers are designed to make solid waste (e.g. stool) stick to the fabric, effectively “locking” it within the diaper while you’re swimming.

The outside layer of swim diapers is waterproof, meaning that you can hop in the pool or have a dip in the ocean with total peace of mind. 

This style of adult diaper is perfect if you’re active and need a versatile product to keep up with you!

SwimMates Disposable Adult Pull-Up Underwear

Key Benefits & Features:

  • SwimMates’ top-rated swim product

  • Tear-away sides for simple removal

  • Inner leg cuffs to secure the waste

  • Free from polymers, so bowel waste doesn’t get soggy

  • Comfortable, silent, and trustworthy

BONUS: Guards for Men

If you experience some minor leaks but don’t need a full diaper, a “male guard” may solve the problem for you.

These shaped pouches are discreet and can be comfortably worn inside your underwear.

Guards for men provide protection where you need it, without the feeling of being “closed in.” 

Simply slot them inside a pair of boxers or briefs and you’re good to go!

Here are a couple of brands to consider:

Prevail Male Guards, Maximum

Key Benefits & Features:

  • All-day protection from mild urinary incontinence

  • MaxSorb Gel to turn moisture into a gel and maintain dryness

  • Shaped to fit the male anatomy

  • Comes with an adhesive strip to fasten to everyday underwear

  • Dri-Fit, cotton-enhanced to dry the skin after leaks and dribbles

  • Omni Odor Guard that neutralizes urine pH levels for freshness

Abena Abri Man Premium, Heavy Absorbency

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Guard pad with a unique “pocket-like” design

  • Ultimate protection from moderate to heavy incontinence

  • Top Dry system offers fast absorption

  • Fills to capacity (47 oz.)

  • Easy to place inside existing underwear

  • Nonwoven material for maximum softness

  • Marketed as one of the most absorbent guards for men

Summary

Thanks so much for stopping by! As you’ll have noticed, there’s a wide range of incontinence products to choose from online.

To sum up, the eight categories we’ve reviewed are:

  • Men’s Disposable Incontinence Briefs

  • Men’s Washable Incontinence Briefs

  • Overnight Diapers for Men

  • XXL Adult Diapers for Men

  • Men’s Diapers for Bowel Incontinence

  • Depend Diapers for Men

  • Cloth-Backed Diapers for Men

  • Swim Diapers

And let’s not forget those protective guards for men—which are a great option for managing light incontinence.

Feel free to scroll back up the page and look at some of the options in more detail. 

Need help choosing an adult diaper? See our Adult Diaper Guide.

If you’re a bit confused about which one to choose, please don’t hesitate to call or email us. We’re a family-run company on a mission to make home health care easier and more personalized.

Call (800) 696-CARE or email: support@carewell.com

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Declan Davey
Declan Davey

Declan Davey is a health and wellness copywriter from London, UK. His background includes roles as a psychological therapist for Islington Memory Service, where he worked with family caregivers, and as a rehab assistant at Camden Neurology & Stroke Service.