Finding the right absorbent product can be a huge challenge for those experiencing incontinence for the first time. In fact, the National Association for Continence found that on average, people will try out seven different incontinence products before they find one best suited for their needs.
With dozens of brands and several product categories to choose from, it’s no wonder that the search can be overwhelming. That’s why Tranquility® Incontinence Products is providing this article that helps you break down five major features that set absorbent products apart from each other. We’ll take a look at product styles, absorbency, materials, sizing and cost, and we’ll throw in extra buying tips and debunk some common myths to help you out along the way.
Here’s your first tip – the best way to find the perfect product for your needs is to try it out! This is why Tranquility offers free samples, so you can make sure you are using the product with the right fit, features and benefits you are seeking. Check out the end of this guide to learn about the wide variety of Tranquility products you may be interested in sampling.
Now, let’s explore five factors that set absorbent products apart.
Style
One of the biggest decisions to be made when selecting the best product for you or your loved one is the style of 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 slimmer than their brief counterparts, and they look and fit more like regular underwear. These are convenient for those changing themselves.
Beyond the style of adult incontinence garments, 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 provide extra protection for surfaces someone lies or sits on, like beds, furniture and wheelchairs.
Selecting which style is right for you can come down to 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 their absorbent capacity or the materials they are made from.
Misconception
“Underwear are less absorbent than briefs.” This is not true! Fluid capacity, product materials and sizing determine how absorbent underwear is, not necessarily the product style.
Absorbent Capacity
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 ensure you can get a good night of sleep, or do you only need a light level of protection when walking in the house?
Higher absorbent capacity typically means a bulkier product. Knowing the level of absorbency needed will allow you to select the right product to ensure you can live comfortably and without worry. Severe types of incontinence, including urge incontinence, typically lead to larger or unexpected voids, so they usually require a maximum absorbency adult diaper. Less severe levels of incontinence, like stress incontinence, might be managed with something smaller, like a pad.
The average adult void is roughly 8 to 12 oz. Tranquility offers a range of absorbencies, from personal care pads and male guards that hold around 10 oz, to both tab-style briefs and pull-on underwear that can absorb and retain 34 oz of fluid – that’s over a quart of liquid!
Tip
When possible, look for plainly printed absorbency levels on packaging. Stay away from ambiguous icons of water drops or drips, and look for brands that list out exact measurements in fluid ounces or cups, such as you will find with Tranquility’s Real Life Protection Guarantee.
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 a firm moisture barrier is in place, which can provide a sense of security. On the other hand, clothlike products are often softer, more breathable and more discreet because they tend to make less crinkly noises during movement. However, they are just as effective at holding waste as poly-backed items because they also have a moisture-proof backing to stop leak-throughs.
Determining which material is right for you can come down to what makes you or your loved one feel the most secure – both physically comfortable when it comes to skin irritation, but also mentally comfortable if one style provides you with greater 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 offers free two-pack samples of most products for taking a very short survey (you will find more information at the end of this article).
Size
Sizing is extremely important in finding a product that fits comfortably and ensuring you get the best performance out of the product you are buying.
Wearing a product that is too tight against the skin can irritate, possibly even contributing to a rash or bacteria buildup. Wearing a product that is too big can create gaps in the legs or waist for leaks, no matter how absorbent the product is.
We recommend taking a measurement of you 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 gaps for fluid to escape. If you are experiencing leaks, particularly through the leg holes, this may indicate that you need to try a smaller size.
Cost
Cost may be a considerable factor in what products you choose to manage incontinence, especially if you are paying for them out-of-pocket.
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 determine 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
