Incontinence Products - Part 1 - Pads, Boosters, & Drip Collectors

By Anna Hazard

View the Rest of the Series

Part 2 : Adult Diapers, Briefs, Protective Underwear
Part 3 : Skin Care & Other Protection

Introduction

When it comes to choosing the right incontinence product for a senior loved one, there are several things to keep in mind -- namely absorbency, comfort/fit, and cost. Pick the style of product that best fits you and your senior's needs which will differ based on the volume of urine that needs to be absorbed. Remember that different styles may be more comfortable for different people (including those tailored for men or women instead of unisex) & that certain fits may protect the skin more. Also keep in mind that an incontinence user goes through an average of 4 changes of diaper, briefs, or pads per day and thus costs for disposable items will be adding up.
 
Absorbency, which is measured in number of ounces and is divided into rating from light to extra heavy, refers to the maximum liquid volume a product can hold before leaking. Contour refers to the fit of the undergarment against the body which can be improved using special features such as adjustable tabs & leg cuffs. Correct size and fit will be required based on the shape of both the body & other garments being worn.

Products

Pads/Liners

• While this type of incontinence protection comes in various levels of absorbency rated from light to heavy, overall it provides much lighter coverage suitable for dribbling or other lower volumes of urine compared to other variations of incontinence underwear.
• This style of protection is particularly useful for incontinence that is triggered by sneezing, laughter, or other actions that put stress on the abdominal & bladder muscles.
• A less bulky & more discrete option than other incontinence products, these can be worn with either regular or washable incontinence underwear.
• Pads & liners are available in different lengths and thicknesses with some offering side protection barriers. Typically these have a waterproof backing with adhesive strips that are used to attach to the underwear similar in style to menstrual or hygienic pads.
• Absorptive material draws liquid away from the skin and into the center of the pad while neutralizing urine odors.
• Pads for Women
  • Poise | Tena | Prevail | Always
• Shields/Guards for Men
  • provide protection in the front portion of an undergarment
  • Tena | Prevail | Attends | Cardinal Health | Depends | Sure Care | Abena Abri-Man
• Unisex Pads
  • Abena Abri-Light | Abena Abri-San| Tranquility | Attends |  Dignity
    
• Try Variety Sample Packs (for Light, Moderate, and Heavy Absorbency for Women) or a Men's Guards Sample Pack to find the best fit before buying in bulk.
  

Booster Pads/Doublers

• These style of pads are explicitly made to be worn inside other incontinence undergarments to increase their level of absorbency. Unlike normal incontinence pads, boosters are designed to pass on additional fluid unto the primary incontinence garment after they have filled to capacity. This additional level of protective helps to prevent leaks, overflows, or premature filling of the primary incontinence underwear.
• Boosters should be used instead of doubling up adult diapers & briefs which can lead to sores and the breakdown of skin.
• This style of products is particularly useful for long trips & flights, meetings, overnight use or any other times when changing an incontinence undergarment may be inconvenient.
• Different Styles of Doublers
  • Double or triple layered booster pads are used for high volume incontinence.
  • Contoured booster pads (glass shaped) have increased liquid capacity compared to other shapes and include improved comfort when it comes to chafing & leaks.
  • Rectangular/stacking booster pads tend to be lightweight for easier comfort and can be applied in layers for different levels of protection.
    
• Try a Booster Variety Pack [1]  for testing out several different brands & styles of boosters for the best fit before buying a certain style in bulk.
  
• Tranquility Booster Pads | Abena Abri-Let Maxi | Attends Booster & Insert Pads | Hartman USA Dignity | Reassure Booster Pads
  

Condom Catheters, Drip Collectors, Incontinence Clamps for Men

• These style of incontinence products are explicitly designed for men only.
• Both condom catheters & drip collectors fit over the penis.
• Condom Catheters (aka texas catheter) is an external silicone or latex penis sheath that is attached to tubing or a collection bag for urine and thus is capable of handling a greater volume of urine than other styles.
• Drip Collectors & Incontinence Pouches are flexible sacks that are lined with an absorbant material that turns leaked urine into a gel, thereby neutralizing order while keeping any liquid away from the skin. Depending upon the specific style, drip collectors can be placed just over the penis or covering both penis & scrotum.
• Incontinence Clamps (aka Cunningham clamp) is a a V-shaped casing with cushioning that is placed around the penis. It used external pressure to block the flow of urine through the urethra to stop leakage. Like pads this style of incontinence product is best used for cases of dribbling or stress incontinence caused by physical activity. Care must be taken that clamps are not too tight, must not be used overnight, or kept in the same position for more than 2 hours.
• Condom Catheters [1, 2, 3, 4]
• Incontinence Clamps & Drip Collectors [1, 2, 3, 4]