Written by Chad Birt on Tue Aug 17 2021.
Living with incontinence can present challenges, particularly with nocturnal enuresis, or bedwetting. Frequent accidents can damage mattresses and bedding without adequate protection. This guide will help you understand the differences between underpads, mattress protectors, and protective sheets to choose the best option for your loved one.
Before purchasing protective bedding, it's essential to know the different types and what they offer.
Underpads, also known as "chux," are rectangular sheets with two layers. The top is a soft, absorbent material, while the bottom is waterproof plastic. Inside, absorbent polymers provide a barrier against moisture, including urine, fecal matter, and spills from food or beverages.
Versatility: Underpads are highly versatile and can be used on mattresses, wheelchairs, or car seats.
Maintenance: Experts recommend changing underpads at least every 12 hours.
Mattress protectors are waterproof covers that look and function like a fitted sheet. Some zip to fully enclose the mattress, while others have elastic to fit snugly over the corners of the mattress.
Materials: They have an absorbent underlayer of vinyl or polyurethane laminate, which repels liquid and reduces bacteria that cause odors and stains.
Convenience: Because they are highly absorbent, they don't need to be changed immediately after an accident, allowing for uninterrupted sleep.
Protective sheets are a more affordable and convenient alternative to mattress protectors. They look and feel like regular bedsheets but have absorbent properties.
Use Case: These are ideal for temporary situations, such as when your loved one is staying in a medical facility, care home, or traveling. Simply replace the facility's bedding with a protective sheet and dispose of it in the morning.
Choosing the right product can be difficult with so many options available. Consider the following three factors to streamline your decision-making process: comfort, ease of cleaning, and frequency of changes.
Comfort is key to a good night's sleep. Incontinence products can be made from a variety of materials:
Vinyl and Plastic: These materials are affordable but can trap heat and make noise, which can disrupt sleep.
Cloth and Urethane: These options are more breathable, absorbent, and provide additional padding.
Your choice of product will dictate the required cleaning effort.
Disposable Options: Underpads and protective sheets are designed for one-time use and require no cleaning.
Reusable Options: Reusable items like zip-up mattress protectors need to be cleaned according to their care instructions. Many cloth and urethane products are machine washable, while vinyl covers may require handwashing.
The frequency of accidents should guide your choice.
Routine Accidents: If accidents are a routine problem, disposable options like protective sheets or underpads are more practical.
Occasional Accidents: For occasional accidents, a longer-lasting solution like a mattress protector may be a better choice.
Ease of Change: Consider the effort involved. Changing underpads or protective sheets is often a one-person job, while changing a zip-up mattress protector may require two people.
For those with mobility issues, frequent changing of sheets may not be an option. Underpads are a convenient and effective solution. Most underpads are strong enough to withstand gentle repositioning of the individual without tearing, making them ideal for bedridden individuals.
At Carewell, we carry a variety of underpads, mattress protectors, and protective sheets. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our top sellers:
These sturdy, reusable vinyl underpads come in three sizes (34” x 36”; 36” x 52”; 36” x 72”). They have an ultrasoft cotton top sheet that mimics natural bedding while promoting airflow. A waterproof backing stops moisture from passing through, keeping your loved one (and furniture) dry and protected.
Key Benefits & Features:
Vinyl backing is sturdy and waterproof
The cotton top sheet is soft and gentle against the skin
Extra thread count ensures a long lifespan
Eco-friendly
Keep your furniture dry and clean with the McKesson Underpad, Ultra. Designed for heavy incontinence, this super absorbent, disposable underpad features a fluff/polymer core that locks in wetness and reduces the pH of urine for a fresh, clean feeling. The soft, non-woven topsheet is gentle on skin, making it perfect for wound care, while the poly-backing ensures your furniture, wheelchairs, or car seats stay completely protected.
Key Benefits & Features:
The fluff/polymer core not only locks in wetness but also reduces the pH of urine, ensuring a fresh and clean feeling.
Designed for heavy incontinence, these underpads effectively protect beds, chairs, wheelchairs, and car seats from moisture.
The soft, non-woven bonded topsheet is gentle on the skin, making it ideal for wound care and general comfort.
A poly backsheet prevents any moisture from leaking through, keeping your furniture completely dry.
These single-use pads are designed for easy and hygienic disposal after use.
Protect your twin-size mattress from dust, stains, odors, and incontinence with the Drive Vinyl Mattress Cover. Made from durable, non-allergenic vinyl, this waterproof cover is designed to keep your mattress clean and extend its lifespan.
Key Benefits & Features:
Made of quick-drying, jersey knit polyester fabric
Safety tested and certified by the standard 100 by Oeko-Tex
Machine washable
Dryer safe
This PVC plastic mattress cover from Graham-Field is one of the newest additions to the Carewell store. It fits on any twin-size mattress and provides maximum protection against moisture, stains, and dust.
Key Benefits & Features:
Easy to clean
Completely envelops the mattress
Affordable
Experience advanced protection and comfort with Attends Supersorb Maximum Underpads. These heavy-absorbency pads feature a Dry-Lock core for superior fluid management, keeping skin dry and healthy.The breathable, cloth-like material and purple back sheet make them safe for use on airflow beds and help minimize the risk of skin breakdown.Plus, their extra-strong design supports repositioning up to 400 lbs without rolling or bunching, providing peace of mind for both users and caregivers
Key Benefits & Features:
Breathable purple back sheet for use on airflow beds and to minimize skin breakdown risk
Heavy absorbency with Dry-Lock core for maximum fluid management and skin dryness
Extra-strong design supports repositioning up to 400 lbs, preventing rolling and bunching
Cloth-like comfort with air-permeable layers for enhanced skin health and temperature regulation
There is no single "best" option. The ideal choice depends on factors like the individual's age, medical history, and how often they experience accidents. For mobile individuals with occasional accidents, underpads may suffice. For bedridden or wheelchair-bound individuals who require frequent changes, a mattress protector or protective sheet might be more suitable.
Yes, underpads come in both disposable and reusable varieties. Disposable underpads are convenient for single use, while reusable underpads are more economical as they can be machine washed and used multiple times.
If you need more information, you can contact a friendly Care Team for assistance.
If you or the person you care for use incontinence products, you might notice leaks every once in a while. This may often happen following periods of activity or overnight. Leaks can lead to skin irritation, wet clothes, odors, and embarrassment. This can affect the quality of life and erode a person’s conscience.
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.
