Incontinence Buying Guide: Help with Choosing the Right Product

Incontinence Buying Guide: Help with Choosing the Right Product

Do you struggle with choosing the right incontinence product to buy?  Be assured you are not alone as it is one of our most common questions we get asked here at Incontinence UK. We have therefore created this useful incontinence buying guide to help make choosing the right product easier for you. Alternatively if you need more information take a look at our product finder on our website. Things to take into consideration when choosing incontinence products: Level: Establish the level of protection you need Bladder weakness products are purpose-designed and are up to 8 times more absorbent than sanitary towels.  Incontinence products are designed to be worn for around 3 - 4 hours. At night, we recommend a higher absorbency product to ensure a good night’s sleep. Four basic levels of incontinence are described below. All incontinence products match at least one of these levels.

• LIGHT: Small losses of urine or dribbling when sneezing, coughing, bending, etc.
• MODERATE: Larger urine losses that can happen when not reaching the toilet in time, or losing a small amount but not a bladder full. Includes men when not quite finished or urine loss after a visit to the toilet.
• HEAVY: Bladder empties without warning. Being unable to stop once flow has started. Urine loss during sleep causing bed wetting.
• SEVERE: Full loss of bladder control and/or heavy faecal incontinence.

Each manufacturer allocates an incontinence level (i.e. light, moderate, heavy, severe) to a product. However, be aware that these levels vary between brands. Therefore, an absorbency value measured in millilitres (ml) is the best way to directly compare products. Gender: Unisex/Male/Female Most incontinence products are unisex (suitable for both men and women) but there are specific incontinence products designed specifically for the male and female body (e.g. TENA Lady or TENA Men incontinence pads and Kylie Lady or Kylie Men washable incontinence pants). Type of Product: Which type of product should you choose? Washable or Disposable? Of course, your primary concerns when buying incontinence products should be health, hygiene and comfort. For this reason, we recommend disposable products as the best solution for most conditions. Whilst washable products may offer some savings over time, they are often not the most suitable or practical option. Disposables are available for all levels of incontinence and are the easiest to live with on a day-to-day basis. Disposable products are able to offer much higher absorbency levels when compared to washable products. There is also a much larger range of choice ranging from slim line rectangular inserts, for light incontinence, to large all-In-one products (adult diapers), capable of dealing with heavy to very heavy levels of incontinence. Product Types:

• Incontinence Disposable All In One Briefs: designed for moderate to heavier incontinence conditions and/or users with lower levels of mobility or those who are bed-based. The briefs are designed to fit completely around the body. Suitable for both urinal, faecal and severe leakage, All-in-one Pads are designed much like a nappy. They have adhesive tapes both side and a waterproof layer. If you purchase an All-in-one Pad you won’t need to wear underwear as these are designed to replace these.
• Incontinence Disposable Pull Up Pants: for active people with moderate to heavy incontinence. They can be worn just like normal underwear and can be torn at the side for convenient and discreet removal. Pull up incontinence pants are a popular choice as they are good for light or moderate to heavy incontinence and worn in the same manner as regular underwear. They have a built in absorbent pad and are disposable. Products starting from a light/discreet product through to varieties aimed at moderate and heavy conditions.
• Disposable Incontinence Insert Pads: a hygienic and convenient way to control incontinence. Mini and Small shaped insert pads fit perfectly into your own underwear and they have sticky strips to hold them in place. For the large shaped incontinence pads, we would recommend wearing them with Stretch Pants for additional comfort and reassurance.
• Stretch Pants: specifically designed, figure hugging pants to hold large shaped incontinence pads securely in place, reducing risk of leakage while maximising comfort and security. Stretch pants use a mesh support that is very similar to the top of a pair of tights. As they are tight fitting they are designed to keep your pad in place and they are primarily suited to be worn with larger incontinence pads.
• Washable Incontinence Pants: the majority of washable pants come with a built-in absorbent pad; they look and feel just like normal underwear to provide comfort, style, discretion and added confidence.
• Incontinence Swimwear Products: specifically designed for swimming. Protects against faecal incontinence and small amount of urine.
• Bed & Chair Incontinence Products: designed to protect bedding, mattresses and chairs.
• Incontinence Accessories: Urinals & Bed Pans, Wipes and Skincare products.

The right size incontinence pants and pants To get the best from all absorbent pads it is important that they are worn close to the body and held firmly in place.  This will prevent circulation of air and reduce the chances of sore skin, odours or leakages. How to measure yourself?   This is important and is easy for men and women and will ensure you order the right size.

• Women – please measure that the widest point of the hips
• Men – please measure at the narrowest point of the waist

Finally when choosing incontinence products remember what suits you depends not just on your condition but also to some extent on your lifestyle i.e. whether you play sports, travel a lot, bed ridden, etc.   If your needs vary then mix and match products to suit your activities and the amount of leakage both day and night. Incontinence Products, We’re here to help! Incontinence can be a difficult and embarrassing problem for many people. The right information and support, combined with incontinence products designed to meet your own specific needs, means you can take active steps to manage your incontinence effectively. At Incontinence UK, we stock a comprehensive range of adult male and female incontinence products. Our friendly and discreet staff will be pleased to help you by phone or email if you need advice or assistance. Confidential Helpline 0800 068 3625 - open 9am to 6pm, 7 days a week. Best Wishes Incontinence UK Team www.incontinenceuk.co.uk