Written by Carewell Team on Wed Aug 06 2025.
Living with incontinence can bring unique challenges, and at Carewell, we understand that achieving comfort, peace of mind, and effective protection is incredibly important. Whether you or a loved one are experiencing incontinence due to stress, an overactive bladder, menopause, pregnancy, aging, or illness, it's a common journey many people share. Our goal is to help you find the right solutions, so you can focus on living life to the fullest without the constant worry of leaks.
We know how vital it is to have reliable products that truly work. That's why we've carefully put together this comprehensive guide to the best incontinence bed pads, focusing on their real-world performance, absorbency, and practical benefits. Our selections are based on thorough research and, most importantly, the valuable feedback we've received from caregivers and users like you. Let's explore Carewell's top picks together, so you can find the ideal bed pad that fits your specific needs and budget, bringing you greater comfort and confidence every day.
Incontinence bed pads, also known as underpads or chux pads, are absorbent, waterproof sheets designed to be a protective shield for your mattresses, bedding, and even other furniture. They're a simple yet incredibly effective tool in managing incontinence with dignity and ease.
You'll typically find them in two varieties:
Reusable bed pads:
These pads are designed for multiple uses, which means you can wash and re-use them again and again. While they might cost a bit more upfront, they often prove to be a more budget-friendly and environmentally conscious choice in the long run.
Disposable bed pads:
For maximum convenience, these pads are meant for a single use before being discarded. They're a fantastic option for those times when washing facilities aren't readily available or if a quick, easy cleanup is what you need most.
Incontinence bed pads come in a wide range of sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for any bed. Beyond that, smaller sizes are incredibly versatile and can be used to protect other areas, like couches, wheelchairs, and car seats, giving you peace of mind wherever you go.
The secret to their effectiveness lies in their multi-layered design, featuring highly absorbent fabrics. This construction allows them to efficiently contain liquids and significantly reduce messes from accidents. This robust functionality makes them a true benefit for individuals of all ages – from children managing bedwetting to adults living with incontinence.
We rely on product research and caregiver/user feedback when making our product roundup lists. The products on this list are some of Carewell's best-selling bed pads backed up by caregiver and user reviews and feedback from our Custom Care team.
Here's our comprehensive roundup of the top incontinence bed pads, chosen for their effective performance and high absorbency, designed to bring you greater peace of mind.
For comprehensive protection and unwavering peace of mind, Prevail Incontinence Underpads, Super Absorbency, stand out as our top overall choice, offering exceptional comfort and durability for managing incontinence. These premium underpads are expertly designed to keep beds, chairs, and other furniture dry and clean, providing an essential layer of security. With a robust design that includes a rapid-absorbing fluff layer and MaxSorb Gel Technology for superior moisture locking, Prevail ensures reliable, lasting protection against leaks. Caregivers and users will appreciate the soft texture combined with extra-strong construction that resists stretching and tearing even when wet, making them ideal for overnight use and maintaining a consistently clean and comfortable environment. Their versatility extends beyond bedding, offering secondary protection when used with protective underwear and briefs, making them an indispensable solution for everyday living.
Beck's Classic Reusable Underpads are Carewell's choice for the best overall washable bed pad, and for good reason. We've seen a high volume of positive feedback from both users and caregivers who appreciate their impressive high absorbency and long-term practicality. Featuring a soft 100% cotton birdseye top sheet, these washable bed pads feel gentle against the skin. The sturdy vinyl backing ensures the pad stays securely in place, so you don't have to worry about it shifting. Plus, because they're reusable, they're not only kind to the environment but also a smart, cost-effective choice for your wallet—simply toss them in the washing machine between uses for easy care.
Customer review of Beck's Classic Reusable Underpads: "They are perfect for adults, children with disabilities and animals big and small. I just ordered the 72" length, so very happy with product and people. Good to have in the house!!! Awesome product." - Laura C.
If you're looking for the sheer convenience of a disposable bed pad but don't want to compromise on a wonderfully soft feel, our top recommendation is the Cardinal Wings Quilted Premium Underpad. This bed pad, proudly made in the USA, is designed with an extra layer of comfort in mind, featuring a super-soft silk top sheet. The Cardinal Wings Quilted Premium Underpad also excels in maximum breathability, which means it promotes excellent air circulation. This makes it an ideal choice for use with low air loss beds or for individuals whose skin health benefits from enhanced airflow.
Customer review of Cardinal Wings Quilted Premium Comfort Underpad: "Tried many underpads/chucks for my elderly mother. Most are so thin that the plastic backing causes her to sweat and leads to infections. NOT these! These are thin but substantial, structured and absorbent. Simply the best I've found in 6 years of trying most everything. They feel soft." - Charlotte
Attends Premier Underpads are comfortable, disposable bed pads that provide heavy absorbency and include Odor Guard technology to help fight lingering smells. Designed with a dry-lock polymer core and an exceptionally sturdy construction, these pads can safely support individuals weighing up to 350 pounds. This makes them an ideal choice for bariatric users who may shift frequently in bed or need assistance with repositioning from a caregiver. These USA-made underpads feature a supremely breathable design that's compatible with low airflow mattresses, offering maximum comfort and highly effective protection against wetness.
Customer review of Attends Premier Underpads: "Great size and I feel protected and dry from urinary leaks especially at night on my bed. The extra weight also helps keep it from sliding around. Very happy with this product and would not even consider any other one. The box is so handy and I can reach inside to pull the next one out when I need it. I would recommend this to anyone who needs the extra protection by far, hands down and two thumbs up for sure!" - June
Attends Care Night Preserver Underpads are disposable bed pads that combine absorbent polymer and cellulose fibers to provide heavy absorbency, effectively locking away moisture. While specifically designed with nighttime use in mind, their strong absorbency makes them suitable for any time robust protection is needed. You can purchase these pads in smaller packs, giving you the flexibility to buy just what you need, and they're available in two sizes for the right fit. For the best value, consider purchasing larger packs.
Customer review of Attends Care Night Preserver Underpads: "These are good for bed ridden patients that have to go in the bed because you can roll the patient on their side and have the pad under them to catch it all for easy clean up. Just toss the whole soiled pad away and voila! No washing reusable ones over and over." - Fuji
When you're choosing an incontinence underpad, it's helpful to consider these key functional features to ensure you get the best fit for your situation:
Your first step is to decide between disposable bed pads and washable reusable pads. Disposable options offer incredible convenience—you simply use them once and then dispose of them. This can be ideal for busy caregivers or for times when easy cleanup is a priority. However, single-use items do contribute to more waste. Washable bed pads, while potentially having a higher upfront cost, are a wonderful way to reduce your environmental impact over time and can often be more cost-effective in the long run. Plus, many reusable bed pads are noted for being softer and sturdier. The main practical consideration here will be whether you can consistently wash and dry a reusable bed pad to maintain a hygienic environment.A Thoughtful Disposal Tip for Caregivers: To dispose of a disposable bed pad, gently remove it from the bed, fold it up, and place it into a plastic bag (you might want to use two plastic bags if it's especially soaked or contains feces). If it's possible, disposing of the bed pad in these bags in an outside trash can can really help reduce any odors inside your home.
Protection pads for beds generally come in light, moderate, heavy, and heavy-duty absorbencies. It’s important to select a bed pad based on how much liquid you anticipate it will need to hold and how often you plan to change it. A common misconception is that a thicker pad means more absorbency. However, an underpad’s absorbency is actually determined by the amount of polymer or fluff inside the absorbent layer of the pad. The more of these liquid-absorbing materials a pad contains, the more absorbent and effective it will be at containing leaks.
Underpads come in a wide range of sizes to comfortably fit most beds, ensuring good coverage. Smaller sizes are also incredibly versatile and great for use on wheelchairs, recliners, and other smaller pieces of furniture that might need protection. For heavier individuals or those who move more during use, extra-large underpad options are available. These larger pads help ensure you get the perfect level of protection and coverage with your purchase, giving you added peace of mind.
If you find yourself needing a bit of extra guidance or have questions about finding the best bed pad for your unique situation, please don't hesitate to talk to our Care Team at any time! You can reach us by calling (800) 696-CARE, sending an email to support@carewell.com.
If you’ve never used underpads before, it can be challenging to find the best product for your needs. To make things easier, we’ve drafted this round-up of the best disposable underpads. Below, we discuss seven of our most popular underpads and highlight some of their key benefits and features.
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It’s no secret that leaks are a reality when managing incontinence. If you or a loved one lives with incontinence, it’s a good idea to consider products that can provide comfort and confidence discreetly. Disposable and reusable underpads can be wonderful ways to address these needs.
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