Don't Compromise: Find the Right Absorbent Product for You
No two people experience incontinence in the same way. Different factors like what kind of incontinence a person has, mobility and body type create unique challenges for managing incontinence. Finding the right product in your preferred style and the perfect size can be one of those challenges, but it’s also crucial to giving you the protection and peace of mind you deserve.
There are many styles, sizes and shapes of absorbent products to meet your unique needs. Here are some tips to help you find the product that works right for you.
Match Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle can affect which product works best for you.
If you have light incontinence (drips and dribbles), then personal care pads, liners and guards may be your solution. These products allow you to remain in your regular underwear, make little to zero noise, and are easier to change discreetly, suiting a highly active lifestyle.
If you experience heavier incontinence, (full loss of urine control and potentially fecal incontinence), your absorbent product of choice is likely a tab-style disposable brief or a pull-on style absorbent underwear. Here are a few differences between them:
Briefs:
- Provide max absorbency and protection, making them ideal for the most severe incontinence
- Tape tabs can be adjusted to provide a customized, secure fit
- May be more bulky and noticeable, especially the highest-absorbency products
Underwear:
- Easy to use because they fit and feel more like regular underwear
- More discreet, may make less noise and be less noticeable under clothing
- Might not be suitable for people who lack mobility due to the pull-on/pull-off design
Disposable incontinence garments also can differ in their material type, which is typically clothlike or a “poly-backed”/plastic material.
- Clothlike: Soft and gentle against your skin and produces less rustling noise for improved discretion.
- Poly-backed: This traditional material may provide greater peace of mind and assurance against leak-through (although both clothlike and poly-backed products have moisture-proof backing).
Bonus tip: Disposable underpads are another style of absorbent product that protects household surfaces like furniture, beds or wheelchairs against bladder or bowel leaks. Tranquility® offers the Air-Plus® 36″x57″ Breathable Underpad that covers nearly an entire twin bed or love seat!
Choosing the Right Size
Sizing might be the most important factor in getting the best comfort and leakage protection out of a disposable incontinence product. It all starts with getting an accurate measurement. Here are some tips:
- Stand Naturally
Relax your posture and keep your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Wrap the Tape Measure
Using a soft tape measure, wrap it around the widest part of your hips, which is typically around the lower abdomen. Keep the tape snug but not tight and make sure it’s level all the way around.
- Check the Inches and Choose Your Size
Read the measurement in inches and use that number to select the correct product size.
Here are steps to follow when measuring someone who is lying down:
- Locate the Measuring Area
With the individual lying on their back, identify the widest part of their hips.
- Measure the Area
Start a soft tape measure touching the bed on one side. Run it over the widest part of their body to the opposite side, keeping the tape smooth and level.
- Calculate the Measurement
Double the measurement to determine the individual’s total waist size. Use this number to select the correct product size.
Here are a few more tips on getting the fit just right for different product types:
- Briefs should be snug, with the tape tabs on the front of the hips and no leg gaps.
- Underwear should fit securely, touching the crotch with no gaps around the legs.
Bonus tip: Ask your product provider for free samples of a few different sizes, to ensure you have the right fit. You can fill out a quick form to get free Tranquility samples here.
Managing Sensitive Skin
Skin problems caused by contact with urine are more common than many people realize. Choosing breathable incontinence products can help.
Breathable products have microscopic holes that allow air circulation, helping products to remain dry and more comfortable. Don’t worry – these holes are not large enough to let liquid to pass through and cause leaks!
Products typically have two types of breathability:
- Breathable sides, which keeps the areas around the waist and leg holes feeling fresher
- 100% breathability, including the core area, meaning air circulates more freely throughout, to keep all skin drier and reduce the risk of moisture damage.
**Be aware that breathable products are great for helping solve skin issues related to urine; however, if you experience loss of bowel and your skin is exposed to loose stool on a regular basis, the best remedy is to change your product right away. When skin is exposed to stool it can begin breaking down very quickly and lead to serious conditions.
Bonus tip: Download the free eBook “Save Your Skin” for a complete guide to incontinence-related skincare.
Tranquility offers a range of incontinence product types and sizes, from hard-to-find youth sizes to an array of bariatric products with 5XL sizes covering up to 108” waists.
A Fit for Every Body
Here’s what one wearer, Kathleen, had to say about Tranquility Bariatric Briefs:
“The extra-sized material wraps around me, eliminating the ‘popping tape’ I experienced with other briefs for large people.”
Here are a few comments from customers who purchased Tranquility Swimmates® disposable swimwear:
“My daughter is petite and thin, but the new size Extra-Small fit her with no leaks.”
“Fits easily and is discreet under a swimsuit.”
“I’m so thankful they fit my kid. My daughter needs sizes only Tranquility provides.”
Find your best fit by trying out a FREE Tranquility sample here.
This article was developed in partnership with, and sponsored by Tranquility. NAFC collaborates with select partners to bring our community information and resources that support bladder and bowel health.
