Written by Chad Birt on Mon Jan 06 2025.
Finding the right incontinence products can take some research, but it can be even more challenging if you or your loved one is over six feet tall or has a waist size greater than 62 inches. Diapers that don't fit correctly can lead to leaks, bunching, and uncomfortable skin irritation. The good news is that many manufacturers offer bariatric diapers designed to accommodate larger body sizes.
This guide will help you understand what bariatric diapers are, highlight some of Carewell's top-rated and best-selling options, and provide tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.
Bariatric diapers with tabs, often called plus-sized diapers, are incontinence products specifically designed for individuals with waist measurements between 62 and 102 inches.
These diapers feature a thick, absorbent core that effectively wicks moisture away from the skin. They also have adjustable side tabs that stretch to fit comfortably around the hips and belly. While all bariatric diapers offer protection against urinary incontinence, those that provide support for bowel incontinence are typically labeled as "maximum" or "severe" absorbency.
The bariatric diapers featured in this guide are a selection of our highest-rated and best-selling adult bariatric diapers with tabs.
Under each product description, you'll find real feedback from caregivers and users.
Attends is a trusted name in high-quality incontinence products. These bariatric adjustable diapers with tabs are ideal for wheelchair users and others with limited mobility, offering hours of reliable protection.
They feature breathable fabric for comfort that won't bunch up, a dual-core absorbent layer with odor-blocking properties, and elastic leg barriers to prevent leaks.
Key Benefits & Features:
Ideal for people with waist sizes between 63-100 inches
Soft and stretchy side panels that hug the hip
Refastenable tabs for easy adjustment
Supports both urine and bowel incontinence
Customer Review of Attends Bariatric Adult Diaper with Tabs, Severe: “These diapers are perfect. I’m unable to use pull-ups on my husband since he is paralyzed and since these have tabs, I’m able to position them perfectly, and they fit well. They are also very absorbent. We haven’t had any accidents.” - Sherry M.
These AIR-Plus bariatric diapers from Tranquility are one of our best-sellers, specially designed for people in 4XL and up (e.g., those with waists between 70-108 inches). They feature a Peach Mat Core that helps keep skin dry and healthy.
Key Benefits & Features:
Heavy-duty absorbency
Support both urinary and bowel incontinence
Ideal for wheelchair users and/or people confined to bed
Adjustable tabs secure snugly around the waist
No rubber or latex
Customer Review of Tranquility Air-Plus Bariatric Disposable Adult Diapers with Tabs, Maximum: “Quality and good fit. My husband is in a rehab facility following a stroke and he is bedridden for the time being. He is a large man and the facility did not have the right size bariatric disposable diapers and they were using some that were too small. They did get some but I continue to buy these and bring them to the facility rather than use theirs because of the fit and quality.” - Lillian H.
Manufactured by McKesson, these adult bariatric diapers with tabs feature soft, stretchy side panels for a comfortable and roomy fit.
The absorbent core pulls moisture away from the skin, converting it into an odorless gel. There's even a built-in wetness indicator that changes color when the diaper is full.
Key Benefits & Features:
Refastenable tabs on each side of the diaper, allowing for perfect adjustment
Ideal for people with waist sizes between 70-95 inches
Elastic gathers that hug the legs
Protection from urinary and bowel incontinence
Customer Review of McKesson Bariatric Ultra Adult Diapers with Tabs, Heavy: “The fit is great with maximum coverage. The price is exceptional and affordable. So glad I discovered you on my phone. A great store that supplies me with everything I need PLUS MORE!” - Delphine W.
FitRight manufactures these bariatric diapers with tabs, and customers consistently praise them for their comfort.
Consider these diapers if your loved one primarily has urinary incontinence. The high-capacity core and dryness layers protect against moisture, and the wetness indicator changes color when the diaper is full.
Key Benefits & Features:
Skin-safe tabs allow for multiple fastenings
Ideal for people with waists between 65-94 inches
Each diaper has a soft and quiet outer cover that feels like regular underwear
Customer Review of FitRight Disposable Cloth-Like Bariatric Adult Diapers with Tabs, Maximum Absorbency: “I take care of my 83-year-old dad who is not able to stand or use a toilet. These diaper-like briefs are excellent. There is no leakage and they’re very soft on the skin so he doesn’t get rashes. They are super absorbent. I get them delivered to my home every 30 days so it’s very convenient. If you’re looking for adult diapers this is a great product.” - Joy F.
These Hi-Rise diapers feature a unique 'full-rise' design with additional material on the front and back panels. The soft and breathable fabric fits snugly against the body, preventing leaks and keeping clothing and bedding dry.
Caregivers tell us these diapers are true to their size and excellent for tall people—especially those over six feet.
Key Benefits & Features:
Peach Mat core turns liquids into a gel
Stretchy side panels wrap comfortably around the bottom and hips
Flexible and refastenable tabs allow for a perfect fit
Customer Review of Tranquility Hi-Rise Bariatric Disposable Adult Diapers with Tabs, Maximum: “The best product in adult diapers IMO. I have been using this product for a few years now. After using other products, I found Tranquility to be the most effective in preventing leaks and prevention of skin irritation. Worth using and I order this on a regular basis because of my satisfaction.” - Sherry P.
Price: $24.99 - $72.95
Before buying adult bariatric diapers with tabs, consider these important factors:
Features: What features are most important to you or your loved one? For example, if sensitive skin is a concern, look for diapers free of allergens like rubber and latex.
Absorbency: How much incontinence protection is needed? For bowel incontinence or overnight use, you'll need higher or "heavy" absorbency products.
Odor protection: Some bariatric diapers include odor guards or blocking properties. If diapers are worn regularly, odor protection can offer peace of mind and boost confidence.
Overall mobility: Does the person wearing diapers use a wheelchair or spend most of their time in bed? If so, mobility might not be a primary concern. However, if they are active or relatively independent, choose diapers that don't interfere with their range of motion.
Bariatric pull-ups are incontinence products that resemble regular underwear, featuring a stretchy waistband and two leg holes you step into. However, plus-sized pull-ups generally only go up to a waist size of 2XL (about 80 inches). If you or your loved one need something larger, an adult bariatric diaper with tabs is usually the better option.
Not necessarily. Wearing plus-sized pants doesn't automatically mean bariatric diapers will be the right fit. Before buying any diapers, it's essential to measure:
You or your loved one's waist in inches, just below the belly button.
The width of your or your loved one's hips in inches.
Write both numbers down and then refer to the sizing guide provided with each incontinence product.
The type of incontinence a bariatric diaper supports depends on the specific brand and product. Each listing on the Carewell website includes a detailed product information table. When shopping, look for the "Incontinence Type" label; you'll see options like "urine," "bowel," or "urine and bowel."
Being a larger body size can make finding incontinence products a bit tricky, but it's certainly not impossible. By knowing what features to look for and taking accurate measurements in advance, you can find a brand of diapers that perfectly meets your needs.
Still wondering if bariatric diapers are right for you? Worried you might make the wrong decision? Don't stress! Our compassionate Caregiving Specialists speak English and Spanish and are highly knowledgeable about every product we carry. Contact us anytime via email at support@carewell.com, or call (800) 696-CARE. We can't wait to hear from you!
Our Carewell Guide to Incontinence and Toileting is designed to answer the most common incontinence and toileting-related questions and challenges that family caregivers face. Because our Care Team often provides counseling on these topics, we’ve made sure to address some of the most common pain points.
Read More >
Managing overnight incontinence can be challenging, but the right pull-ups make all the difference. This guide covers the best overnight pull-ups for men and women, highlighting key features, benefits, and tips to help you stay dry, comfortable, and confident throughout the night.
Read More >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.
