Top 9 Best Incontinence Products for Active Adults

Sophie Bebeau

Written by Sophie Bebeau on Thu Apr 13 2023.

Older couple, campsite.

Incontinence products for adults have become an essential part of the lives of many individuals seeking to maintain an active lifestyle. With technological advances, today's incontinence products have come a long way in offering discreet protection and greater comfort.

In this article, we round up some of the best incontinence products on the market today for active adults. We closely looked at reviews and customer feedback for each featured product so we could select items that fit the specific needs of active adults managing incontinence. These products are designed to keep you feeling secure and independent as you take on life's activities, giving you peace of mind to enjoy whatever activity you choose without worrying about accidents.

What Are Incontinence Products?

Incontinence is when someone cannot control their bladder or bowel movements, resulting in accidents and unexpected leaks. Luckily, incontinence products are available to make handling incontinence manageable and provide comfort and dignity. There are tons of products on the market that help address the challenges that come with incontinence, including pads, briefs, cleansers, wipes, supplements, and more. 

How We Chose the Products on This List

At Carewell, we know the best feedback is from real caregivers caring for loved ones! When making our product round-up lists, we rely on product research, insights from our Care Specialists, and caregiver feedback from real Carewell buyers.

The products you'll see on this list are some of Carewell's best-selling incontinence products backed up by caregiver and user reviews.

Best Incontinence Products for Active Adults 

Top 9 Best Incontinence Products for Active Adults

Best Adult Diapers for Active Women: Depend Silhouette Pull-Up Underwear

Depend Silhouette Pull-Up Underwear is a discreet and comfortable solution for managing incontinence while still participating in daily activities and exercise. Like regular underwear, these pull-ups flex with your body as you move and f

it snugly against the body without sacrificing comfort for security. They offer a smooth silhouette, which means you can wear them with just about any outfit with no bulkiness!

The absorbent cloth-like material is soft to the touch and wicks away moisture, allowing users to go about their daily activities uninterrupted. They come in a range of sizes and colors so that each user can find the perfect fit for them.

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Come in a variety of sizes (Accommodates waist sizes 28 inches to 54 inches)

  • Supports moderate to heavy incontinence

  • Offers a variety of colors, including black, pink, teal, lavender, berry

What Carewell customers say

Hear it from a caregiver

"Love these. I have a collection of other brands that just don't fit right & they were bulky. The Depends I got were Large/xtra large. They fit perfect & feel great! The fabric is also very soft. Can't tell through your clothes either. Now colors….there is more than one color, pink & black! Love these & will use them from now on! Thank you Carewell!"

-Lynne M.

"Depend's silhouette product has given me the opportunity to relax and feel that my wife will not be embarrassed for a 3-4 hour period. Almost doubling the time frame of previous products. Really, this has changed our lives." - Ron B.

Depend Silhouette Pull-Up Underwear, Maximum
Depend Silhouette Pull-Up Underwear, Maximum

Price: $15.89 - $49.92

Best Adult Diapers for Active Men: Depend Real-Fit Pull-Up Underwear for Men

Designed specifically for men with moderate to heavy inco

ntinence, Depend Real-fit Pull-Up Underwear for Men offers the same reliable protection as a traditional adult diaper without looking or feeling like an adult diaper.

Designed to fit like regular briefs, the cotton-like fabric stretches to move with the body while still providing a secure fit. The absorbent material is designed to reduce leakage and keep skin dry while still being breathable enough to keep you feeling comfortable all day long.

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Can accommodate waist sizes from 28 to 50 inches

  • Supports moderate to heavy incontinence

  • Latex-free, lotion-free, & fragrance-free

What Carewell customers say

Hear it from a caregiver

"These fit just like regular underwear and the fabric construction is soft and moves with your body. Slim fit and close to the body design. They will absorb a large amount of urine. I have never had one pair leak out into my jeans. Nobody would ever know you are wearing a diaper. I have worn them to the gym and have had men ask what kind of undershorts I was wearing. When I tell them they are Depends Brand male adult diapers, they just cannot believe their not real undershorts."

- Steve

"Good color for men. Great fit. Great absorption. Overall, excellent product!" -David D.

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

Price: $15.99 - $48.10

Best Incontinence Pads for Women: FitRight ActivEdge Bladder Pads

FitRight Bladder Control Pads offer a contoured design for women with incontinence. They are individually wrapped, which makes them ideal for tossing into a purse or pocket and taking on the go, and they have a fabric-like bac

ksheet that doesn't crinkle, so you'll always remain quiet and discreet. In addition, they offer maximum absorbency without bulkiness and stay securely attached to the liner of your underwear with adhesive.

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Sizes: Each pad is 5.5 x 15.75 inches

  • Absorbency: Moderate to heavy incontinence

  • Adhesive strip to hold in place

What Carewell customers say

Hear it from a caregiver

"Happy to write this review! This bladder pad fits just right, the length is long just right, the width is just right, it is thick and fits comfortably. and it is a true bladder pad and it does have ultimate absorbency. no leakage. can be worn during the day when you're out and know you'll have no leakage. it's even good overnight. this is a bladder pad i can recommend!"

- Stephanie

"Great product and great service! I purchased these for my mom and she said they are the best she's ever used! And they were here in two days. Amazing! Thank you for great pricing too!" - Pat R.

Best Incontinence Pads for Men: Depend Male Guards

Depend Male Guards are worn with your boxers or briefs and come in both maximum absorbencies for larger surges and light absorbency for smaller leaks. Each guard has been designed specifically to fit a man's shape and flex with the body as it moves. The built-in adhesive strip keeps the guard securely attached to your underwear for extra security. 

These guards offer maximum discreetness as they come individually wrapped in a pocket-sized grey pouch and provide soft-to-touch, moisture-wicking fabric and odor-control properties so you can move through your day confidently!

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Pads are large enough to offer protection and small enough to remain comfortable 

  • Offers Heavy and light absorbency options

  • Adhesive strip to hold in place in boxers or briefs

What Carewell customers say

Hear it from a caregiver

"STAY DRY FOR HOURS. Without question and under no uncertain terms, place these pads inside your regular underwear and not one drop of urine will soak through. These pads will keep you dry for hours. The pads are of superior quality and cover the entire area of concern. I strongly recommend the purchase of this product; you will not be disappointed."

- Lonnie H.

"Works perfectly! You don't feel them, you don't see them and they are odorless!" - Harvey C.

Depend Male Guards, Maximum
Depend Male Guards, Maximum

Price: $16.54 - $43.15

Best Swim Diaper: SwimMates Disposable Adult Pull-Up Underwear

You don't have to give up the poolside or beach days when managing bowel incontinence! If you love staying active in the water, SwimMates Disposable Adult Pull-Up Underwear are a great discreet and highly protective option. These specialized pull-up underwear are designed with moisture-proof barriers and inner-leg cuffs to keep in leaks.

These pull-up underwear are designed to minimize bulkiness in the water, and they will not break apart in the water. They easily tear away and can be thrown out after use. Continue enjoying your experience at the pool or beach, regardless of incontinence needs!

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Accommodates waist sizes 22 inches to 80 inches

  • Moisture-proof barrier

  • Inner-leg cuffs for extra containment

What Carewell customers say

"Can do water exercise without worry of contaminating water. Can get back to water exercise." -Nancy B.

SwimMates Disposable Adult Pull-Up Underwear
SwimMates Disposable Adult Pull-Up Underwear

Price: $17.45 - $77.95

Best Adult Wipes: Prevail Wipes & Adult Washcloths with Lotion

Prevail Wipes & Adult Washcloths are one of the highest-rated adult wipes on the market today and are ideal for adults who use adult diapers, pull-ups, or pads. They offer convenient and sanitary cleanup while soothing and protecting skin, and they come in a soft pack with an easy-press lid, making them ideal for use on the go.

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Features moisturizing ingredients lotion, aloe, & vitamin E

  • Extra convenient single-hand dispensing - just press open the lid and dispense 

  • Lightly scented

What Carewell customers say

Hear it from a caregiver

"They're a Better bigger size than baby wipes. Fragrance is light and not harsh on skin. Easy to get out of the packet."

-Sharon W.

"Great quality, heavy-duty material, and the perfect size. They have a very light scent which is refreshing." -Sherry M.

WW-710-PK48
Options: One Size - 48 Count
Prevail Wipes & Adult Washcloths with Lotion

Price: $19.99 - $39.73

Best Sanitizing Wipes: Purell Hand Sanitizing Wipes, Fragrance Free, Individual Packets

Having a quick, easy way to sanitize your hands is a must when you're out and about. Grab a few Purell Hand Sanitizing wipes for your purse or pocket, and you'll be covered when you need a quick cleanup. 

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Contains 62% alcohol which kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria on hands

  • Works within 15 seconds

  • Does not require water to work

  • Wrapped in individual packets for easy use and quick disposal

What Carewell customers say

Hear it from a caregiver

"Product is easy to use. Easy to grab one or two to keep close at hand."

- Sharon M.

Best Barrier Cream: Baza Skin Protectant Cream

Barrier cream is a staple of incontinence care, especially if you are physically active. Baza Skin Protectant Cream protects skin and prevents irritation caused by incontinence moisture and diapers/pull-ups. If you're working up a sweat, you can feel confident that you have the extra protection of a barrier cream preventing any skin issues or discomfort that come with extra moisture. You can purchase this cream in a convenient 2oz or 5oz tube that can be tucked away easily and brought with you whenever you're headed outside the home.

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Zinc oxide and dimethicone-based formula

  • Contains conditioners, including lanolin oil and cod liver oil

  • 2oz or 5oz options

What Carewell customers say

Hear it from a caregiver

"I've tried all of these skin protectants and Coloplast's lotion and paste are the BEST, bar none. It not only protects the skin better, it is much, much easier to wipe off."

- Lillian F.

"This cream is amazing! The 1st night I used it was a relief. I have thin skin and this cream afforded total protection. This will be my total go-to product." -Cherry S.

Baza Skin Protectant Cream, 2oz,1877, 1 each
Baza Skin Protectant Cream

Price: $6.73 - $130.08

Best Cranberry Supplements for UTIs: Azo Urinary Tract Health Cranberry Supplement

If you manage incontinence, you probably already know it puts you at increased risk for recurring UTIs. Many adults find that recurring UTIs due to incontinence put a damper on their activities and leave them leaving the house less and less to socialize, shop, and exercise. Don't let UTIs leave you laying low! A great way to help prevent UTIs is taking a daily cranberry supplement.

Cranberries contain a special substance called A-type proanthocyanidins, which makes it hard for bacteria to attach to the walls of the urinary tract. Azo Urinary Tract Health Cranberry Supplements are made using a proprietary blend of whole-fruit cranberry clinically proven to help maintain urinary tract cleanliness. And as a bonus, these supplements also contain vitamin C and a probiotic to help promote good gut health and healthy immune system function.

*While cranberry supplements are very safe to take, it's important to always consult your doctor before starting a new supplement.

Key Benefits & Features:

  • 50 caplets per bottle

  • Each serving contains 500 mg, the equivalent of 25,000 mg of cranberry fruit

How to Choose the Best Incontinence Products for Your Needs

Like many personal care items, choosing the right products for managing incontinence will come down to your personal preferences. But there are some factors you can consider when choosing key items.

  • Adult diapers. The four biggest factors to consider when choosing an adult brief or pull-up are style, size, type of incontinence, and absorbency. Check out Carewell’s archive of articles all about adult diapers to learn more about sizing, styles, and absorbency, plus tips for choosing the right adult diaper for your needs.

  • Incontinence pads. Similar to diapers, factors to consider when choosing incontinence pads include size, absorbency, and type of incontinence. You may also want to look for added features like odor control, discreet packaging, and materials the pad is made from. Learn more about choosing incontinence pads here.

  • Wipes. When choosing a wipe to help manage incontinence, consider ingredients, size, and whether you want scented or unscented, dry or wet, and disposable or reusable. Learn more about the best wipes, washcloths, and towelettes for incontinence care here.

  • Barrier creams. For the best results, look for barrier creams with highly protective and reparative ingredients like zinc oxide and dimethicone and soothing and skin-nourishing botanicals and vitamins. Avoid petroleum-based products like Vaseline.

Commonly Asked Questions

1) How do I discreetly wear an adult diaper or pull-up when I’m out and about?

  • Choose the right size. Adult diapers or pull-ups should fit snugly against the body, and there should be no gaps around the legs.

  • Choose an adult diaper or pull-up that is made with soft, no-crinkle materials, so you don’t have to worry about any noise as you move.

  • Drink lots of water. Staying well-hydrated keeps your urine from becoming too acidic and makes odors much less noticeable.

  • Dress for success. You will likely still be able to wear your favorite clothes as today’s modern incontinence briefs and pull-ups are made to be as discreet as possible. If you are worried about the diaper showing through or accidental leaks, wear loose, darker-colored clothing.

2) How do I choose the right size adult diaper or pull-up?

For the most accurate fit, you can take measurements by first measuring the width across your abdomen right below your belly button and then measuring the widest part of your hips. The larger of these two measurements should be the number you use when determining sizing for an adult diaper or pull-up.

3) How can I reduce the smell of urine when I’m out and about?

The good news is that most incontinence pads, diapers, and pull-ups come standard with odor-guard technology. Look for odor-control verbiage on the package, as some products will have special pH-reducing technology or built-in scents that lessen the smell of urine. 

You can also carry a deodorizer with you when you’re out and about. Deodorizers made specifically for covering or eliminating urine smells can be sprayed in the air or on clothing for a quick refresh. 

Lastly, make sure to stay hydrated! Though you may be tempted to forgo liquids to try and limit urine output, the less hydrated you are, the stronger your urine will smell.

Takeaways

Incontinence doesn't have to get in the way of an active lifestyle. With the right combination of products for managing incontinence, you can maintain an active lifestyle that includes the activities and hobbies you love. Discreet and comfortable incontinence products are designed to help minimize any potential accidents and help you feel secure and confident when you're doing physical activities.

Need Help Finding the Right Incontinence Products for You?

Finding the incontinence products that work for you or your loved one is an important part of successful incontinence management. Luckily, Carewell carries a wide range of the best incontinence care products available on the market.

If you have questions about any of the items we’ve linked in this post, please reach out to our friendly Caregiving Specialists. Call (800) 696-CARE or send an email to support@carewell.com. They can help you make the right decision for your loved one’s needs.

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Sophie Bebeau
Sophie Bebeau

Sophie Bebeau is a writer, graphic designer, poet, and multidisciplinary artist living in Green Bay, Wisconsin. When she’s not writing or making things for the internet, she can be found cross-stitching, writing poetry, and snuggling on the couch with a cup of tea and her husband, son, and dog, Buttercup.