“Where do I start?“

This is a common question asked by those who are new to experiencing incontinence. Finding the right product can be a challenge when there are so many different types of products and brands to choose from. 

A study performed by the NAFC (National Association for Continence) found that on average, consumers try seven different incontinence products before they find the one best suited for their own personal health needs. However, this process can be made easier by having the tools and knowledge at the start of your search.

Important Qualities To Consider When Choosing An Incontinence Product

Below, we have broken down five different major qualities of incontinence products that you can consider, and some additional tips to help you along the way.

Each person’s health situation is unique, which means it can require personalized products. Studies show that one in six American adults lives with some degree of incontinence, and each has individual needs. Mix and match the factors that we’ve laid out so you can get the best product for you – or your loved one – as soon as possible.

At the end of this guide is a link to sample the wide variety of Tranquility® products you may be interested in!

Absorbency

Absorbency potential is going to be one of the big-ticket items you want to look out for when deciding what kind of product is best for you. The level of absorbency you may need will be greatly affected by the level of incontinence you are looking to protect against. Do you need maximum absorbency to make sure you can get a good night’s sleep, or do you only need a light level of protection when exercising?

Higher absorbency typically means a bulkier product. Knowing the level of absorbency needed will allow you to select the right product to make sure you can live comfortably and without worry. Severe levels of incontinence typically call for a maximum absorbency adult diaper. Less severe levels of incontinence, like stress incontinence, might be managed with something smaller, like a pad.

Knowing the amount of incontinence you need to protect against will help inform the style of incontinence product you need, which we explain more about next.

TIP: When possible, look for definitively printed absorbency levels on the packaging. Stay away from ambiguous water drops and look for brands that list out exact measurements in fluid ounces or cups, such as Tranquility’s Real Life Protection Guarantee.

Style

One of the biggest decisions to be made when selecting the best product for you or your loved one is the style of the product or product category.

Two main styles of incontinence garments are tape-tab briefs and disposable pull-on underwear. So how is a brief different from underwear?

Briefs are tape-tabbed products made for maximum absorption, coverage, and custom fit to the wearer’s body. They are typically a bit bulkier, but are often recommended for those with mobility challenges, and are easiest for caregiver changes.

Underwear are pull-on products that can also be made for full coverage and high absorption. They are typically a bit slimmer than their brief counterparts, and more like regular underwear. These are convenient for those changing themselves.

Beyond the genre of adult diapers, there are also many kinds of pads. Personal care pads are designed to go into normal underwear and can be useful for those who don’t need the full coverage of a brief or underwear. Booster pads complement incontinence garments as they can be applied for extra absorption capacity. (Please be aware that booster pads do not have a waterproof backing and therefore must be placed inside of another disposable product to avoid leaks.) Underpads, sometimes known as CHUX, can be used to provide extra protection for other surfaces like beds, furniture, and wheelchairs. 

Selecting which style is right for you can come down to the level of mobility, independence of the wearer, and personal preference. Once you’ve picked out the right category of product, you can start looking at all the factors that set them apart, like the materials they are made from.

MISCONCEPTION: “Underwear are less absorbent than briefs.” This is not true! Fluid capacity and sizing will be what determines how absorbent underwear can be, not the product style.

Material

Another important factor to consider is what material you or your loved one feel the most comfortable wearing. Incontinence products are typically found in two main material styles – clothlike or poly-backed (plastic).

Poly-backed products are the more traditional option. They give wearers the visible assurance that there is a firm moisture barrier in place, which can bring a sense of security. Clothlike products are often softer, more breathable, and more discreet. They are just as effective as poly-backed as they have moisture-proof backing to stop leak-throughs. 

Determining which one is right for you can come down to what makes you or your loved one feel the most secure and most comfortable – physically when it comes to skin irritation, but also mentally for peace of mind.

TIP: Try before you buy! Sampling can be the most efficient and economical way to find the right incontinence product for your size, style, preference, and other personal needs. Tranquility is a brand that offers free two-pack samples of most products (you will find more information on this at the end of this article).

Size

Sizing is extremely important in not only finding a product that fits comfortably but also in making sure you get the most out of the product you are buying. 

Wearing a product that is too tight against the skin can cause irritation, possibly even contributing to unwanted bacteria buildup. Wearing a product that is too big can create gaps for leaks, no matter how absorbent the product is.

We recommend taking a measurement of your or your loved one’s waist/hip, using the measurement at its widest point to determine what size to try. Using weight as an indicator of size can be helpful, but may be misleading, as weight distribution varies widely from person to person.

MISCONCEPTION: “The bigger the diaper, the more it can hold.” This is false! Too large of a product can create places for fluid to escape. If you are experiencing leaks, particularly through leg holes, this may be an indication you need a smaller size.

Cost

Of course, cost is going to be a considerable factor in what products are accessible to those managing incontinence. 

For those with moderately severe incontinence, higher-priced or maximum absorbency items may not be necessary to get proper protection. However, lower-cost products may also create additional challenges and end up requiring more products to solve these issues. This could offset any savings made when purchasing the less expensive product.

TIP: If cost is a major barrier to getting the products you need, there are options. These include, but aren’t limited to, Medicaid and state waiver programs; Veterans Affairs benefits for retired and active servicemembers; and diaper banks offering low-cost or free products, among others.

So, before you spend your time and money on products you are unsure of, we recommend looking into sampling products so that you can find the product that is just right for you.

How Do I Sample?

Tranquility offers two-pack samples for most of their products, so you have the chance to experience maximum incontinence protection before committing to one item. Just answer a few quick questions on this form to request your free sample!

Have questions? Contact our Customer Care Center today to find out which superabsorbent products are right for you.

Call 1-866-865-6101, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET

Email CustomerService@pbenet.com, anytime