Best Adult Diapers of 2023: Reviewed by Care Specialists
There are hundreds of products for adult incontinence, but what are the best adult diapers? You're probably asking this question if you care for someone with urinary incontinence or bowel incontinence.
Before you make a purchase, it’s important to have a basic understanding of these products. The more you know about the different types, who they're for, their respective capabilities, and sizing the easier it is to make an informed decision.
We recently updated our list of the best adult diapers for 2023. Keep reading for a complete breakdown, including what factors to consider and 10 of our best sellers.
What are the Different Types of Adult Diapers?
Diapers fall into three main categories: Pull-ups, Reusable Diapers, and briefs.
Pull-ups
Pull-ups are thin, made of cloth-like materials, and fit discreetly under a dress or pants. They're particularly beneficial for people who are still relatively independent.
Consider pull-up diapers for your loved one if:
They’re only mildly or moderately incontinent.
They’re able to make it to the bathroom sometimes.
They’re able to pull their pants up and down.
Diapers with Tabs
Briefs fit snugly around the abdomen, crotch, and rear. They have flexible tabs on either side, allowing for a comfortable fit. They're very absorbent, great at preventing overflow, and contain a thick core that wicks away moisture and odors.
Consider briefs for your loved one if:
They need your help with changing
They experience heavy voids and/or frequent accidents
They’re a wheelchair user or confined to bed
Still confused? Adult Pull-Ups vs. Diapers: What’s The Difference provides more detailed information.
Reusable Diapers
Reusable diapers are made from cloths of various absorbencies. They can be safely washed and dried with other clothing and then worn again.
Consider reusable diapers for your loved one if:
They have sensitive skin
Their voids are light
They’re still relatively mobile and independent
Which Factors Should I Consider When Buying Diapers?
To get the best possible diaper for your care recipient's needs, it’s important to do a little bit of research. Because online product listings can be confusing, we recommend focusing on six factors –– size, backing material, absorbency, odor elimination, comfort, and gender specificity.
New to buying diapers? Our guide to the best adult diaper brands covers everything you need to know.
Size
It’s essential that the diapers you use fit your loved one’s body. A diaper that’s too small or too large increases the risk of leaks, overflow accidents, rashes, and infection.
We’ve created a guide on how to choose the right adult diaper size. But if you have additional questions, contact our Care Specialists at (855) 855-1666 or send an email to support@carewell.com.
Caregiver tip: Every diaper manufacturer has different sizing guidelines. Make sure to compare your measurements with the sizing information provided on the product packaging.
Backing material
There are two types of backing materials to choose from –– cloth-backed and plastic-backed. Cloth-backed diapers are made from fabric-like materials and allow for plenty of airflow. These features lower the risk of odors and ensure a comfortable wearing experience.
Plastic-backed diapers are more absorbent, but they don't allow for airflow. As a result, these diapers are more likely to cause a rash or an infection.
Absorbency
The average adult bladder holds approximately 16 fluid ounces. When considering the absorbency of a product, ask the following questions:
When will the diapers be worn? People tend to urinate more heavily at night.
What type of voids need to be addressed? Urinary, fecal, or both? Make sure the product you choose offers the right protection.
Does your loved one have any allergies? Certain materials can cause the skin to develop a rash.
Super absorbent adult diapers are best. When urine or fecal matter is able to pool, it’s not only uncomfortable but dangerous.
Odor elimination
The bacteria in urine and fecal matter emit odors and harmful vapors. Together, these factors increase the risk of urinary tract infections and skin problems. Try to find a diaper that offers bacteria-neutralizing features. Keywords to look for include “moisture-wicking” or “odor locked-in.”
Comfort
Diapers and pull-ups are made from various materials. You may need to try several out to determine the type that feels best on your care recipient's skin.
Gender specificity
Products vary in terms of gender specificity. Some are designed for men, some are designed for women, and others are gender-neutral. If you're unsure about which gender a specific product is designed for, read the label and description.
Designs vary by brand, but products for women usually have extra layers of absorbent material in the bottom and back.
Conversely, incontinence products for men usually have extra absorbent material in the front, near the crotch.
Products advertised as gender-neutral or ‘unisex’ have absorbent material in both of these areas.
How We Chose the Best Adult Diapers
The products featured in this list are a mix of our “highest-rated” and “best-selling” adult diapers. Under each entry, we’ve included real customer or user feedback with the header: Hear it from a Caregiver/User.
What are the 10 Best Adult Diapers?
We carry a variety of products for adult incontinence on the Carewell website. Below, we’ve listed our top 10 recommended adult diapers:
TENA Overnight Super Protective Incontinence, Overnight Absorbency
Tranquility ATN All-Through-The-Night Disposable Briefs with Tabs, Maximum
Tranquility Air-Plus Bariatric Disposable Briefs with Tabs, Maximum
This premium gender-neutral pull-up from Abena is a customer favorite. The product features tear-away seams, a built-in odor guard system, and comfortable cloth backing.
Key Benefits & Features:
Best diaper for overnight incontinence protection
Top-dry acquisition layer keeps the skin dry
Unisex
Urine and bowel incontinence
Hear it from a caregiver
“This nighttime underwear has been a real blessing for me. I am able to have a dry absorbent pad on the bed, most mornings, because of it. I have tried so many brands. I wear the booster pad with it. Although I am in Stage 4 Kidney Failure, this overnight underwear is soaked to the maximum in the morning. However, I remain comfortable till I get to the bathroom. Thank you!” -Donna R.
2) Prevail® Pull-Up Underwear, Maximum
Price: $14.99 - $51.99
These gender-neutral pull-ups from Prevail look and feel like normal underwear. The only difference is they offer heavy absorbency, allowing for protection against mild or moderate voids. Each pair contains proprietary QUICK WICK with MaxSoft technology that pulls moisture away from the skin, keeping your loved one comfortable and dry.
Key Benefits & Features:
Best adult pull-ups for daily wear
Offer a tight but comfortable fit around the waist and legs
Maximum absorbency
Soft
Easy to size
3) McKesson Ultra Pull-Up Underwear, Heavy
Price: $15.99 - $44.99
McKesson ultra pull-ups are incredibly comfortable and easy to put on and remove. The material is stretchy, allowing for a full range of motion. McKesson pull-ups fit discreetly under clothing and don’t make noise. The dual-layer core draws moisture away from the skin and locks it away, keeping your loved one clean and dry.
Key Benefits & Features:
Best adult diaper for heavy incontinence protection
Comfort stretch waist for a perfect fit
Capable of holding large bowel and urine voids
No risk of overflow
Gender-neutral
Hear it from a caregiver
“The McKesson pull-ups fit my husband better than any disposable pull-up that we have tried, and there have been many. These were first supplied to us by Hospice while my husband was under their care 3 times. We find it to be a truer fit than other brands and better quality.”
4) TENA ProSkin Overnight Super Protective Incontinence Underwear
Price: $20.49 - $75.99
These overnight pull-ups from TENA offer complete protection for both urine and fecal voids. They’re woven with ConfioAir® technology, proven to balance and maintain the skin’s natural moisture. The wide backing and secure barrier system offer complete protection, no matter your favorite sleep position.
Key Benefits & Features:
Best overnight diapers for adults with sensitive skin
Unique backing offers increased absorbency and protection
Free of allergens, including rubber and latex
5) McKesson Ultra Briefs Heavy Absorbency
Price: $14.49 - $46.49
Consider McKesson ultra briefs if your loved one is bedbound or a wheelchair user with heavy incontinence. These premium diapers feature Dual Core technology that neutralizes the pH in urine and prevents moisture from pooling. Moreover, the adjustable, hook-and-loop fastening system allows for a perfect fit.
Key Benefits & Features:
Best diaper for adults with low mobility
Refastenable tabs for easy adjustments
Each diaper has a color guard that appears when wet
Gender-neutral
Hear it from a caregiver
“Thank you for your continuous support. These are the best diapers out there. Perfect cut and fit for my 13 yr old daughter [with] Cri Du Chat syndrome.” - Kelly B.
6) Prevail® Daily Pull-Up Underwear for Women
Price: $16.49 - $58.99
These adult diapers are designed for women. They fit discreetly under clothing and contain QUICK WICK Maxsoft technology that immediately absorbs moisture. Because women need extra protection, these diapers hold absorbent beads in specific areas, preventing overflow.
Key Benefits & Features:
Best adult diaper for women with urinary incontinence
Made from cotton-enhanced dri-fit fabric
Convenient, tear-away sides that make changes easy and fast
7) Prevail® Bariatric Briefs with Tabs, Ultimate
Price: $15.49 - $111.49
Bariatric briefs offer incontinence protection for people with larger waists. Prevails are unisex and support urine and fecal voids. The diapers are made from a comfortable, cloth-like material that absorbs moisture and reduces heat. They have reusable tabs, allowing users to secure the perfect fit.
Key Benefits & Features:
Best adult diapers for people with waists between 62-100 inches
Omni-odor guard stops smells in their tracks
Ideal for wheelchair users and others with low mobility
Gender-neutral
Hear it from a caregiver
“Excellent product and does what it is supposed to do. HIGHLY recommend it to those who need such additional protection against accidental wetness.” - Monte C.
8) Tranquility Adult Diapers with Tabs, Disposable All-Through-The-Night, Maximum
Price: $13.99 - $93.49
At Carewell, we’re big fans of Tranquility and highly recommend their products. These All-Through-The-Night (ATN) briefs offer a full eight hours of protection, so your loved one can get a restful, rejuvenating sleep.
Key Benefits & Features:
Best adult diaper for people who want to sleep through the night
Refastenable tabs for easy adjustments
Peach mat core that pulls moisture away from the skin
Leg guards to prevent overflow
9) Tranquility Air-Plus Bariatric Disposable Briefs with Tabs, Maximum
Price: $27.49 - $90.49
These adjustable diapers with tabs are designed for people with larger builds. They’re heavy-duty, have a cloth-backing, and can hold urine or stool. The unique high-rise fit allows for extra protection whether your loved one is sitting or lying down.
Key Benefits & Features:
Best adult diaper for people with waists between 70-108 inches
Protects against heavy incontinence
Breathable backing material keeps skin dry and healthy
Refastenable tabs grip and hold without being sticky
Hear it from a caregiver
“This product is excellent for fit and value. The patient that I care for is on the larger size and the tabs allow for a variety of fits. He finds them very comfortable.” - Mr. M.
10) Cardinal Sure Care Protective Pull-Up Underwear, Plus
Price: $11.99 - $55.99
Cardinal Sure Care absorbent adult diapers offer four different levels of absorbency—extra, plus, ultra, and super. The cloth-like top sheet offers protection from urine and bowel voids and the super-absorbent core quickly locks away fluids.
Key Benefits & Features:
Best adult diaper for active people with mild to moderate urinary or bowel incontinence
Tear-away side panels for easy removal
Odor protection
Back indicators for easy application
Best Adult Diapers Comparison Table
| Brand | Style | Absorption | Leg Style | Sizes | Odor Control | Incontinence Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tranquility® Premium | Pull-up | Heavy absorbency | Inner leg guards | 17-80″ | Peach mat core* | Urine and bowel |
| Prevail® Maximum | Pull-up | Heavy absorbency | Elastic gathers | 34-80″ | MaxSoft Technology | Urine |
| McKesson Heavy | Pull-up | Heavy absorbency | Elastic gathers | 25-80″ | Dual-layer core | Urine and bowel |
| TENA Overnight™ | Pull-up | Overnight absorbency | Inner leg cuffs | 34-66″ | Confio Air® | Urine and bowel |
| McKesson Ultra Briefs Heavy | Tab closure | Heavy absorbency | Elastic gathers | 22-69″ | Dual Core technology | Urine and bowel |
| Prevail® Daily for Women | Pull-up | Heavy absorbency | Elastic gathers | 28-80″ | MaxSoft Technology | Urine |
| Prevail® Bariatric Ultimate | Tab closure | Heavy absorbency | Elastic gathers | 62-100″ | Omni-odor guard | Urine and bowel |
| Tranquility® All-Through-the-Night | Tab closure | Heavy absorbency | Inner leg cuffs | 18-64″ | Peach mat core* | Urine and bowelUrine and bowel |
| Tranquility Air-Plus Bariatric Maximum | Tab closure | Heavy absorbency | Inner leg cuffs | 70-106″ | Peach mat core* | Urine and bowel |
| Cardinal Sure Care Plus | Pull-up | Heavy absorbency | Elastic gathers | 34-80″ | Super-absorbent core | Urine and bowel |
*Peach Mat Guarantee® The Peach Mat construction uses a proprietary composite structure of tissues, superabsorbent polymers, cellulose, and liquid-dispersing materials. The peach-colored core assures the product is the Tranquility brand.
Our Adult Diaper Guide can help you choose the right incontinence product for your or your loved one’s needs.
Commonly Asked Questions
1) What Is Adult Diaper Rash?
Diaper rash is a common type of skin irritation caused by incontinence products. Often, it occurs when a diaper or pull-up rubs against the skin, resulting in chaffing and irritation. Other common causes of adult diaper rash include allergies, infrequent changes, and excess moisture.
2) How Often Should I Change An Adult Diaper?
Adult diapers should be changed regularly to prevent diaper rash, yeast infections, and other skin problems. Most of the diapers on this list have built-in wetness indicators that change color once the diaper is full.
3) Can Adult Diaper Rash Be Prevented?
You can reduce your loved one’s risk of diaper rash by regularly changing their diapers and keeping their skin clean and dry. If you or your loved one have sensitive skin or allergies, a skin barrier protectant, like Boudreaux’s butt paste, can provide an extra layer of defense.
Takeaways
Shopping for adult diapers can be overwhelming. There are so many brands, styles, and key features to choose from that making the right decision can seem like an impossible task.
If this is your first time buying diapers, prepare for some trial and error. Until your loved one tries several diapers on, you won’t know what fits best, is most comfortable, or meets their needs.
If you want to save time, consider asking friends or family members for recommendations. You can also browse our incontinence and toileting library to read FAQs, reviews, and customer comments.
If you’re still unsure what type of adult diaper will most benefit you or your loved one, reach out to our friendly Care Team. You can contact them via phone at (800) 696-CARE, or you can send an email to support@carewell.com
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Medically Reviewed by Kiera Powell, R.N.
Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.
Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.