How Much Will an Incontinence Product Hold?
One of the most common questions asked about incontinence products is “how much will they hold?” It feels like a common-sense question, the most natural question to ask. However, such a question is based on a faulty assumption that what a product can hold is a finite amount such as the number of ounces in a measuring cup. The idea that you can “fill” a product up to a finite number of ounces no matter how long it takes doesn’t align with how the Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) these garments are made of actually work.
How Absorbent Products Work
Incontinence products work by absorbing urine and locking it away. This helps to keep the wearer dry and comfortable.
SAPs are at the heart of modern incontinence products. SAPs are materials that can absorb and retain large amounts of fluid. This technology allows incontinence products to have a much slimmer/thinner profile than bulkier fluff-filled products of the past.
In incontinence undergarments, SAPs are typically contained in a layer of material that is placed between the wearer’s skin and the outer layer of the garment. When the wearer urinates, the SAPs absorb the urine and swell up. This creates a gel-like substance that traps the urine away from the wearer’s skin. The SAPs also help to prevent odor by trapping the urine molecules. This helps to keep the wearer feeling fresh and confident.
SAPs are a very important component of incontinence undergarments. Here are some of the benefits of using SAPs in incontinence undergarments:
- Absorbency: SAPs can absorb large amounts of fluid, which helps to keep the wearer dry and comfortable.
- Odor control: SAPs help to trap urine molecules, which helps to prevent odor.
- Safety and effectiveness: SAPs are very safe and effective. They have been used in incontinence products for many years, and they have a proven track record of success.
How Does Capacity of an Incontinence Product Affect Performance of the Garment?
The capacity of an incontinence product is the amount of fluid that it can absorb and retain. This is important for the wearer because it determines how long the product will last and how well it will protect against leaks.
The capacity of an incontinence product is measured in ounces or milliliters. The capacity of a product can vary depending on the type of product, the brand, and the size. For example, a bladder control pad may have a capacity of 6 ounces, while a diaper may have a capacity of 34 ounces.
The capacity of an incontinence product is important for the wearer because it determines how long the product will last and how well it will protect against leaks. If a person has heavy fluid output, they will need to use a product with a higher capacity. If a person has light to moderate fluid output, they may be able to use a product with a lower capacity.
It is important to note that the capacity of an incontinence product is not the same as the amount of fluid that a person can urinate at once. The average adult void is 6 ounces, but some people may urinate more or less than that. The capacity of an incontinence product should be chosen based on the person’s average fluid output and their activity level.
With incontinence, there might be only a few ounces of leakage at a time or the bladder may be full and then gush unexpectedly. How much liquid a person drinks, especially coffee, caffeinated soda or alcoholic beverages, can increase average output.
If one’s average void is under 5 ounces (less than half a can) bladder control pads or male guards are recommended. Between 5 and 9 ounces, pullups/protective underwear may be the best bet. Over 9 ounces and above, diapers are the best choice. Then, factor in frequency. If the person is leaking only a few ounces at a time, but frequently throughout the day or night, move up from bladder control pads to protective underwear. The goal is to select a product that will get the person from one bathroom stop/product change to the next, unless their voids are small enough to get extra-long time frames from it.
Here are some additional tips for choosing the right incontinence product for the person's needs:
- Consider the person’s activity level. If the person is active, you will need to choose a product that can keep up with their activity level.
- Consider the person’s lifestyle. If the person travels frequently, you may need to choose a product that is easy to pack and use.
- Consider the person’s comfort. Incontinence products should be comfortable to wear. Look for a product that is made from soft, breathable materials.
- Consider the person’s budget. Incontinence products can vary in price. It is important to choose a product that is affordable for the person.
If you are looking for extra protection against leads, especially overnight protection, a booster pad can help increase the absorbency of an incontinence product. Booster pads are thin, absorbent pads that can be placed inside an incontinence product to add extra protection.
Work with the Incontinence Products, Not Against Them
Finally, back to the original question about “how much will an incontinence product hold” and why that reasoning doesn’t work very well.
Use the person’s average void to select the right incontinence product for their needs. The average void is the amount of urine that a person leaks on average. To determine the person’s average void, you can keep a voiding diary for a few days. This will help you track how much urine the person leaks and how often.
Once you have a good understanding of the person’s average void, you can start to choose the right incontinence product for their needs. It is important to note that the person’s average void may vary depending on a number of factors, such as diet, activity level, and medications.
If you are unsure which incontinence product capacity is right for the person, talk to their doctor or a healthcare professional. They can help you assess the person’s needs and help choose the right product for them.
It is important to choose a product that can absorb and retain more fluid than the person’s average void. This will help to prevent leaks and keep the person dry and comfortable.
Suppose the person averages 9 ounce per void and they use a diaper with a capacity of 34 ounces. Once they’ve voided, the polymers are fast to act, like a fluid magnet. Once those polymers absorb fluids they lock and hold. They do not regenerate or dry out. They are spent. The same thing happens if the wearer had just voided 10, 12, or 14 ounces. Once the wearer voids, and the polymers have done their job, they lock up and don’t absorb any more liquid. The urine will have spread to every possible point where the polymers reside. Any polymers not activated will be higher up on the product, up around the waist, which is not adequate protection against another urinary void. It’s time to change the product, regardless of the size of the void.
The trick is to work with the incontinence products, not against them. Understanding how to get the most protection out of incontinence products will help the wearer feel much more secure, dry, and ready to go out and live their life to the fullest.
Of you have questions about the best incontinence products for your needs, go to ActivStyle to read their FAQs about living with incontinence. Living with incontinence can be challenging, but with the right support and products to keep you dry and comfortable, you don’t need to sacrifice your active lifestyle.
2 Responses
Different products act totally differently regardless of absorption level. Some worse ones become falling apart or inside turns into lumps. Good ones turn urine into very soft gel and inside stays the same.
I prefer to use high absorbency products because then after voiding it stays absolutely dry. If touch used product later from inside with paper it is totally dry so I do not have to worry if cannot change immediately.
Other reason is there is no leaks ever, rather I feel that it has become big and heavy, then is time to change. The amount these can hold is very impressive
You don’t mention that continuing to use a wet pad, even if it is not “full,” may be a poor choice. Prolonged use of a pad with urine on it or in it can contribute to infections. Frequent changes are a good idea.