3 Helpful Tips on How to Choose an Incontinence Pad

When it comes to choosing an incontinence pad there are a lot of choices on the market these days. A pad is definitely not a one-size-fits-all incontinence product and if you purchase the wrong one or wrong size it can mean all the difference in the world regarding how your day or night is going to go. But how do you know where to even begin, given all the choices these days?

1. Pads for Women: These products are all self-adhesive and fit into your own underwear. They can be purchased in many different lengths and widths and absorbencies for women. Whether you are pregnant and dealing with extra pressure on your bladder, going through menopause, managing a urinary tract infection, losing a drop or two when you sneeze, laugh or cough, or in the event you need all day or all night protection, the proper pad will provide all you need to keep you feeling fresh and dry. Most come with odor protection as well, and some come with disposable bags for discarding them for greater convenience.
2. Pads for Men: These are also known as Male Guards for men or Shields and they come in different lengths and widths and different levels of absorbency. These products are designed to adhere to your own underwear and they are designed to specifically fit the male anatomy for greater protection against leaks or accidents. Most of the products have flexible leg elastics so they conform to your shape to prevent leaks. They are discreet and quiet with a cloth-like exterior, and many offer odor protection for hours, even after the product becomes wet. The wicking properties in male incontinence pads will quickly draw moisture away from your body to keep your skin dry and healthy between changes.
3. Unisex Pads: These pads are designed to fit the male or female anatomy and are offered in a variety of absorbencies, lengths, and widths. Most of them have oval-shaped soft leg gathers that fit your curves to avoid accidents from happening. Some of these products can be as absorbent as an adult diaper or pull-on underwear. They can even be worn in addition to your pull-on product to provide even greater absorbency for overnight protection or in the event you will be traveling for an extended amount of time between changes. The odor guard in these products works immediately upon becoming soiled and the absorbent lining will move wetness away from you and lock it in to the absorbent core to prevent accidents.

Be sure to choose the right absorbency, width, and length to ensure proper coverage and protection from leaks. If you are a tall or larger person, or if you are managing heavy incontinence, then a longer, high absorbency pad might work best for you. A longer unisex pad will also work best for men looking for an absorbent bladder control product.