Bladder leaks caused by incontinence are a common medical condition for millions of people. If you, or a loved one, need help finding products to manage incontinence, Carewell is here to help.
In this article, you’ll find a roundup of everything you need to know to make the best incontinence product decisions. We break down what incontinence products are, how they work, and a list of the best incontinence products available. Toward the end of the article, you’ll find a comparison chart with quick and helpful information on each product, plus tips on how to find the right incontinence products and answers to commonly asked questions.
Let’s get started so you’ll know exactly what you need to manage incontinence confidently and discreetly.
What Are Incontinence Products?
Urinary incontinence is the most common type of incontinence, so many incontinence products are designed to soak up urine and keep it from leaking onto the body or clothes. Some incontinence products can be cleaned and reused, but many – especially popular ones – are one-time-use products that can be disposed of when dirty. There are also options available for people with bowel incontinence that provide extra holding capacity.
Incontinence products can be worn as a substitute for underwear or in addition to underwear or another type of protective clothing.
There are a number of other incontinence products that make life more enjoyable for people managing the condition. They include underpads, which can help keep furniture and surfaces clean and dry. They also include washes, wipes, and gloves. These can be used together to keep the body clean and help caregivers provide support to people with incontinence while staying healthy.
How We Chose the Best Incontinence Products
We selected these products based on feedback and reviews received from Carewell customers. We also included a variety of products that illustrate the many things available to people managing incontinence. Used together, these products can keep you and your loved ones clean and comfortable, maintain safe and sanitary spaces, and save time and energy during cleanup.
The Best Incontinence Products for Adults
1) Prevail Per-Fit 360 Daily Adult Diapers with Tabs, Maximum Plus
Designed for people with heavy incontinence and frequent leaks, this unisex adult diaper with tabs locks in moisture while keeping the wearer comfortable and dry. This diaper includes a highly absorbent core, 360 Breathable Zones and clothlike backing for optimal comfort, Omni Odor Guard, and tabs that can be fastened again and again.
Key Benefits & Features:
Hear it from a caregiver
“These are another excellent product that I order on a regular basis for my mom. The fit and absorbability are very good. I also feel that they are reasonably priced.”
- Arlene U.
2) Carewell Incontinence Underwear Overnight & Heavy Full Coverage Fit
The absorbent core on our new Overnight & Heavy underwear is wider and longer than other leading brands. Designed to offer protection for side, back, and stomach sleepers, this unique design helps trap liquid before it becomes a leak.
Key Benefits & Features:
Pull on style locks away up to 4.5 cups of liquid for all-night comfort
Extra-wide absorbent core protects against leaks for side, back, and stomach sleepers
Hear it from a caregiver
“I’m really impressed with this product! It holds up overnight without any leaks, which has been a huge relief. It’s soft, comfortable, and stays in place, even through the night. The odor control is great, and disposal is super easy with the sticky tab. Definitely a solid product I’ll keep coming back to!” - Cecilia
3) Tranquility Premium Overnight Disposable Absorbent Underwear
This pull-up underwear comes in a variety of sizes and is ideal for people with heavy incontinence or for use at bedtime. Elastic Kuffguards direct liquid into the absorbent core. Fabric limits odor and wicks moisture away from the skin to keep the body dry.
Key Benefits & Features:
Hear it from a caregiver
“This Tranquility product has outperformed expectations and saved many mishaps. Very dependable!”
- LG K.
4) TENA Intimates Overnight Incontinence Pads, Maximum Absorbency
These bladder pads keep loved ones with heavy incontinence dry at any time of day or night. They include a soft top layer and discreet individual wrapping.
Triple protection from leaks, moisture, and odor, plus ProSkin™ Technology that keeps the body comfortable and dry.
Key Benefits & Features:
Designed for loved ones with heavy incontinence, including women with postpartum incontinence
Around-the-clock protection
Hear it from a caregiver
“These pads are very absorbent. Comfortable. Good sticky side. Edges comfortable. I will buy it again.”
- Joan M.
5) Depend Male Guards, Maximum
The cup-shaped design of this product makes it a perfect fit for men with heavy incontinence and large surges of urine.Powerful adhesive keeps these guards in place inside of the underwear, and an absorbent design limits odor and makes disposal easy
Key Benefits & Features:
Hear it from a caregiver
“Coverage is great quality and price is very reasonable. I wear the guards at night along with an overnight brief and it works well for me.”
- L B.
6) Cardinal Wings Quilted Premium Comfort Underpad, Heavy
Use this product to keep bedding and furniture dry, creating a comfortable environment for loved ones with incontinence. A soft top sheet and an absorbent core bring comfort and effective incontinence management.
Key Benefits & Features:
Multipurpose product for beds, furniture, wheelchairs and more
Keeps odors away even when accidents happen
Hear it from a caregiver
“These are the best bed pads I have used to date! They hold up well and make sure everything is contained. I will definitely be buying again.”
- J.B.
7) McKesson StayDry Disposable Washcloths or Personal Wipes
These moistened wipes clean urine and bowel voids off of the skin. They are mild and alcohol-free to keep them gentle on the body.
Key Benefits & Features:
Hear it from a caregiver
“Nice feeling cloth. Large, soft, and can cover a lot of real-estate. Stays fresh with the closure on the top.”
- Tim J.
8) Aloe Vesta Perineal Wash, Liquid
This product lets you clean sensitive areas of the body while keeping the skin moist and masking odors.
Key Benefits & Features:
Hear it from a caregiver
“Works great for my husband who is always in a pull-up.”
- Dawn L.
9) McKesson Vinyl Exam Gloves, Clear
These single-use products make incontinence cleanup easy and convenient.
Key Benefits & Features:
Gloves fit on either hand and feature a smooth texture.
Easy to put on and remove for efficient cleaning of urine and voids
Made without rubber latex
How to Choose Incontinence Products
Several factors should guide how you shop for incontinence products. First, consider whether you are caring for yourself or someone else. If you’re purchasing products for yourself, consider getting pull-ups, bladder pads, or male guards, depending on the level of absorbency you need.
If you’re shopping for a loved one, briefs with tabs can be convenient for making regular changes. Bladder pads or male guards can also be beneficial, particularly if your loved one experiences heavy incontinence.
Second, decide how much absorbency you need. If you anticipate less than one full elimination, also known as a void, per day, you’ll likely be OK with just bladder pads or male guards. Use a pull-up if you expect at least one elimination per day. Briefs are ideal for people with multiple daily voids or with bowel incontinence. If you or a loved one only experience bowel incontinence, look for a specially-made bowel pad for maximum comfort and protection.
Third, look for products designed for your gender or that of your loved ones, as well as for the features that mean the most to you. Men can benefit from male guards, pull-ups, and briefs. Women experience the best results with products such as bladder pads, pull-ups, and briefs. Study product descriptions to ensure the cut of the product, the size, and other features meet your needs.
Commonly Asked Questions
1) Why is good hygiene important for those living with incontinence?
Even the tiniest of accidents can result in urine becoming trapped against the skin, which can lead to other problems, including irritation and infection.
2) Are there special cleansers for people with incontinence?
If you have a bladder accident, it is important to change your pad and underwear as soon as possible. You should also wash and dry the area to remove bacteria and prevent skin irritation. Special cleansers that have been designed for incontinence usually contain moisturizer and have been pH-balanced to reduce skin irritation.
3) Can exercise help incontinence?
The natural aging process causes muscle fiber to weaken, making it less able to tolerate stress. If pelvic floor muscles can’t support the internal organs, it’s difficult to control urination or the bowels. Regular exercise can strengthen the pelvic floor and improve muscle control.
Takeaways
Incontinence is perfectly normal and experienced by people of all ages. Get to know your own needs or those of the loved one for whom you provide care. Use those experiences - and reviews left by Carewell customers - to guide you as you purchase the best incontinence products to manage your unique health and well-being.
Need Help?
If you have questions, Carewell’s Caregiving Specialists are standing by to help! Call (800) 696-CARE, and we’ll be glad to help you find the products that fit your situation best.