You might be surprised to learn that bowel and/or bladder incontinence affect 51% of elderly people living at home who are 65 years and older.
However, elderly incontinence is not just a medical problem. People’s social, psychological, and emotional well-being may all be impacted. Those who experience incontinence might feel anxious about taking part in regular activities.
More than half of the millions of elderly Americans who experience incontinence on a daily basis. The top 11 incontinence products for elderly incontinence are listed in the following paragraphs.
Related: 9 Best Incontinence Pads for the Elderly – Elder VIP
11 Best Incontinence Products for the Elderly
Briefs/Diapers
Because briefs or diapers can be changed without removing all clothing articles, they are a preferred choice by many seniors. Briefs, also known as adult diapers, are designed for people who require a more secure and absorbent option. These one-piece incontinence clothes have refastenable tabs that make it simple to readjust for a tight fit. Depending on the level required, incontinence briefs are also available in daytime and nighttime absorbencies. The Attends Premier Brief is an excellent incontinence product for seniors that offers both daytime and overnight protection.
Protective Underwear Or Pull-Ups
Pull-ups, also known as protective briefs, are one-piece garments designed to be quickly put on and taken off. Seniors who want more discreet and conventional protection can benefit greatly from these incontinence supplies. Seniors’ protective underwear is available in absorbencies for daytime and nighttime protection, and it also has odor- and moisture-wicking properties to keep wearers fresh and comfortable.
Underpads/Bed Pads/Chux
Available in various colors, materials, designs, and absorbency levels, underpads, bed pads, or chux, provide the extra protection needed to absorb leakage, reduce odors, and control bacteria. Underpads are incontinence supplies for seniors that can provide the necessary absorbency on their own, avoiding the need for additional protective underwear and mattress covers. Underpads can also be used as potty training pads for pets and to protect furniture and car seats.
Liners/Pads
For light to moderate urinary incontinence, liners, panty liners, or pads are worn inside regular underwear and attached with an adhesive strip. Liners and pads are economical incontinence products for elderly adults that do not have heavy leakage. On the other hand, booster pads are added to a disposable brief for an added layer of protection for those with moderate to heavy incontinence.
Fecal Pads
Fecal incontinence pads or bowel incontinence pads are designed for those who suffer from Accidental Bowel Leakage (ABL) and are seeking a bowel leakage product that absorbs liquids and odors while being undetectable. Because of this, many people who need to protect themselves from bowel incontinence instead use a regular bladder pad. Because using washable products is not an option for people with fecal incontinence, they need a disposable bowel leakage product. Fecal or bowel incontinence pads such as the McKesson Pad are an excellent option that provides maximum moisture barrier. In addition to having better absorption, these pads have sealed edges to prevent leaks.
Bed Sheet Protector
When an elderly person is in bed, an absorbent pad called a sheet protector—also known as a bed pad or underpad—can be positioned on top of the mattress and right underneath them. Of course, you could also put these pads on a chair or another seating area. For the most part, cotton and polyester are used to make sheet protectors. Even over night, these pads can keep the mattress and sheets dry. They stop the person from being awakened by urine and also stop their partner from getting wet.
In addition to disposable and reusable options, sheet protectors are available in a variety of sizes and designs. Some might even include built-in odor control. Others have additional grips so the pad stays in the same position throughout the night. The ideal sheet protector ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Mattress Cover
Another item of incontinence care for seniors is mattress covers, which shield the mattress from leaks, spills, and unwelcome stains. Mattress covers, such as the Salk Prima Vinyl Mattress Cover, fit just like a fitted bed sheet, covering the entire mattress and protecting against bacteria and some allergens. Bacteria and some allergens may be protected from by mattress protectors. The lifespan of the mattress is increased by mattress covers because they are made of materials that are resistant to water. Your health may be safeguarded by this useful feature. When liquids enter the core of the mattress, bacteria reproduce, and dust mites flourish in these warm, moist conditions. One of the best incontinence products for elderly adults is a high-quality mattress cover, which can be advantageous for a variety of reasons.
Bladder Supports
For females with urinary incontinence, bladder supports are comparable to penile clamps. Using a tampon-like applicator, these supports are inserted into the vagina. When properly inserted, the support applies pressure to the urethra to aid in preventing bladder leakage. These aren’t absorbent, though, unlike tampons.
Bladder supports come in a variety of styles and may provide varying degrees of support for urinary incontinence. Others are disposable, while some are reusable. Despite being one of the less well-known items on our list, bladder supports can be a huge help to women who have weak pelvic floors as a result of aging.
Adult Swim Brief
For those who experience incontinence, summertime pool fun can be challenging. With adult swim briefs such as the Swimmates Adult Reusable Diapers, pool-time can be worry-free. These lightweight, stretchy incontinence briefs are designed specifically to fit under a swimsuit. When selecting these kinds of incontinence products for elderly adults, adult swim briefs are cost-effective because they are machine washable and reusable.
Personal Care Wipes & Washcloths
With all the personal hygiene products available, personal care wipes are the most convenient when it comes to incontinence products for elderly adults. In addition to being quicker and simpler than paper towels or cloths, personal care wipes are also the most adaptable cleaning solution available. To keep yourself and the surfaces around you clean throughout the day, use wipes. They are small enough to pack in a small bag for travel. Personal care wipes can be used as an alternative to toilet paper and to quickly clean the hands and face when there is no water source available. To clean the body’s crevices between changes of protective underwear for seniors, personal care wipes are a great option.
Penis Clamp
When lifting, coughing, or straining, older men may have trouble controlling their urinary leakage. Other urological issues, like prostate cancer, may also cause leakage or dribbling of urine in these people. A penis clamp is an incontinence product for seniors that puts light pressure on the urethra and helps control urine leaking. They are worth having on hand for convenience and travel because they are a cost-effective method of managing stress incontinence in men.
5 Essential Tips for Buying and Using Incontinence Products
Read more: How To Deal With Elderly Incontinence: a Helpful Guide – Elder VIP
Go Super-absorbent for Nighttime and Overnight Use
Adult diapers, briefs, and underwear that are extremely absorbent can hold A LOT of urine output. The superabsorbent core of the majority of these products draws voids away from the skin, leaving the user feeling dry and able to sleep soundly without changing at night. This phenomenon emerged out of necessity for those who are aging in place and places a priority on sleep for both the user and caregivers. Even assisted living facilities and institutional settings are looking at this phenomenon and re-thinking their “check and change every 3 hours” processes.
Reoccurring Leaks Are Not Normal
Really, overnight leaks or leaks while wearing clothing should not occur. We find “FIT” to be the most important factor in incontinence brief/underwear efficacy. First, make sure the item fits the user’s largest hip or waist measurement. Manufacturers all have different sizing for Medium, Large, XL, and XXL, so take a measurement and try on different brands. We can assist you in locating the ideal mix of performance and value since some work better than others and some cost more than others.
Consider Incontinence Pads Instead of Diapers
There are many different types of incontinence pads, including Male Guards, Bladder Pads, and others. An Incontinence Pad is a type of underwear-internal absorbent pad with an impermeable backsheet. Because they use less material and are simple to replace when necessary, incontinence pads are also very affordable.
Booster Pads Are Becoming An Increasingly Popular Choice
Booster pads are essentially an additional layer of fluff or super absorbent polymer. They are worn WITH a diaper, brief, or underwear and allow liquid to flow through. We see them being employed in two ways: 1) the booster can be direct applied to a Male user’s anatomy as an immediate flow blocker and 2) Booster pads are used for overnight use to bolster the absorption capacity of “value” briefs.
Back Up Plan: a Re-usable Underpad
Since leaks do occasionally occur, using an underpad as a last resort barrier can save those who are bedridden from frequently changing their sheets. Underpads with “flaps” are a preferred choice here as they can be “tucked” and will stay in place better.
For extra protection, many customers use underpads on couches, cars, and even recliners. Since they are relatively inexpensive, being able to wash the underpad ultimately saves money.
Conclusion
While there are many challenges associated with getting older, incontinence shouldn’t make you or a loved one feel ashamed. You can manage your incontinence with the aid of the products we’ve listed, enabling you to lead a full life. If you or a loved one is struggling to manage incontinence on your own, know that assistance is available.
