As we age, our bodies undergo numerous transformations, some of which may necessitate adult diaper use. One such change is incontinence, a medical condition characterized by a dramatic reduction in or total loss of control of the muscles that regulate bladder and bowel movements.
Incontinence falls into two broad categories, depending on the specific area of the body affected. They include urinary or bladder incontinence (a loss of control of the muscles regulating bladder movements) and fecal or bowel incontinence (a loss of control of the muscles regulating bowel movements).
Adult diapers, also known as adult nappies or incontinence briefs, have proven effective at managing both types of incontinence. But with so many adult nappies in the market, choosing the right product for your elderly patient can be overwhelming. That’s especially true if you do not know the features to look for.
Read below for the top eight factors to bear in mind while shopping for incontinence briefs for your elderly folk.
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- Avoid Unpleasant Surprises
Let’s face it – wearing adult diapers isn’t the most glorifying experience. And while adult nappies have recently become one of the most sought-after gifts for the elderly, they’re not the kind of present you want to surprise your aging patients with. That’s understandably due to the stigma and embarrassment associated with them.
So, the first and most important tip while shopping for adult diapers is to inform the intended recipient of your intention to get them these products.
Address their denial by hyping the benefits of putting on adult nappies. If you’re targeting a new wearer, avoid the word “diaper.” Instead, insist on referring to these products as “incontinence briefs.” It helps paint a clearer picture of the expected benefits of the product while also addressing the embarrassment associated with the term “diaper.”
You might also enlist the help of a friend, family member, or a doctor. Remember, you must get the patient to agree to the idea of wearing a diaper before getting them one.
- Establish the Gender
Many adult diapers are designed to be unisex. But you’ll also come across gender-specific nappies. It’s imperative to understand what constitutes adult diapers for men and women’s adult nappies.
Male and female adult diapers differ fundamentally in the area of absorbency. Adult nappies for men with urinary incontinence typically have the absorbency layer in front of the underwear whereas briefs meant for women with urinary incontinence tend to have the layer at the bottom part of the underwear.
Color may also be a huge factor in choosing between men and women’s adult diapers. This is especially true for reusable nappies. Men are generally attracted to cool and neutral colors while women prefer warmer colors.
- Understand their Incontinence Type
Most adult diapers in the market are designed for patients with urinary incontinence. That’s because bladder incontinence is the more common of the two incontinence types.
However, there are also adult nappies meant specifically for bowel incontinence patients. These briefs usually have the absorbent layer stretching from the front part of the underwear all the way to the back (for men) or from the bottom part of the underwear to the back (for women).
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- Check Absorbency Levels
People suffer from different incontinence levels, depending on how much bladder and bowel control they’ve lost. It’s prudent to assess patients’ incontinence levels before getting them the right adult nappies.
Adult diapers are typically categorized according to incontinence levels. Common categories include Light, Moderate, Heavy, Overnight, and Fecal.
The conventional wisdom is to purchase briefs that cover a level of incontinence considerably higher than what you think the intended user needs.
- Decide Between Disposable and Reusable Briefs
Disposable adult diapers are designed to be discarded after the first wear while reusable briefs can be washed and reused for several weeks before disposing of them. Each type comes with its pros and cons.
Disposable adult nappies tend to be more affordable in the short run and are perfect for addressing temporary incontinence issues.
However, reusable adult underwear are economically feasible in the long run than their disposable counterparts. That’s because you can wear the nappy numerous times before incurring subsequent purchase costs.
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- Look for Diapers with Odor-resistant Technology
Incredible absorbency levels and odor resistance are entirely different things. The fact that an adult diaper can provide maximum leak protection doesn’t necessarily make it odor-repellent.
Experts recommend buying adult diapers that come with powerful odor-control technology to neutralize urine pH. Such briefs absorb and contain the odor for longer periods.
However, be sure to establish that the fragrances used in the diaper aren’t potentially toxic. And if you’re allergic to these chemicals, your best bet is to opt for nappies made from fragrance-free material.
- Consider the Patient’s Size and Weight
People come in different sizes and weights. The same applies to adult diapers.
Choosing perfectly-fitting adult diapers is a huge score as far as guaranteeing comfort. Too small diapers are prone to leakage and skin irritation while oversized nappies can feel so bulky and uncomfortable.
The good news is that most adult diaper brands provide a sizing chart on their packaging to help shoppers make the right purchase decision. Here’s one such chart by CWI Medical;
| SIZE | WAIST/HIP (INCHES) | WEIGHT (POUNDS) | MEN’S SIZE | WOMEN’S SIZE | |
| Youth | N/A | 28 to 42 | N/A | N/A | |
| X-Small | 18″ to 26″ | 42 to 90 | 18-26 | 0-3 | |
| Small | 24″ to 32″ | 85 to 100 | 24-32 | 4-6 | |
| Medium | 32″ to 44″ | 100 to 150 | 32-44 | 8-12 | |
| Large | 45″ to 58″ | 150 to 200 | 44-58 | 14-18 | |
| X-Large | 56″ to 64″ | 200 to 250 | 56-64 | 18-24 | |
| 2X-Large | 60″ to 80″ | 250+ | 60+ | 26-28 | |
| 3X-Large | 64″ to 96″ | 250+ | 64+ | 28+ | |
| 4X-Large | 70″ to 106″ | 250+ | 70+ | 28+ |
- Consider the Comfort Levels Too
As already hinted, choosing the right adult diaper size is the surest way to ensure comfort. However, how comfortable adult nappies feel also has much to do with the material used.
Most incontinence briefs are made from cellulose and polymers like polypropylene and polyethylene. But while these materials guarantee a considerable comfort level, they don’t compare to bamboo.
Bamboo nappies are remarkably soft, highly absorbent, and provide excellent breathability. No wonder the material has become so popular with many adult nappy manufacturers.
Bamboo diapers are also biodegradable. Investing in such products brings peace of mind knowing you’re giving back to the planet.
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Wrap Up
Choosing an adult diaper for your elderly patients isn’t a decision to make on a whim. It requires in-depth research into what makes an incontinence brief worth purchasing.
When all is said and done, remember to compare prices across multiple brands before completing your purchase.
