Caregiver Blogs:

Each year, millions of people depend on incontinence supplies to protect them from embarrassing accidents. Incontinence supplies consist of underpads, guards and liners, just to name a few. Incontinence is often a symptom of other problems, including weakening muscles and nerve disorders. It can be the result of medication or surgery. Incontinence affects about 15 percent of senior citizens age 65 and older who buy incontinence supplies to address this problem. There are four incontinence types:

--Overflow incontinence: This form of incontinence occurs when a person can’t empty their bladder completely. Often frequent urination is necessary; sometimes there is a constant drip of urine. It’s a frustrating position to be in, and among the incontinence supplies available are overnight diapers and waterproof mattress or bedpads, which offer peace of mind and better sleep through the night.

--Urge incontinence: When it hits, people with urge incontinence feel as if they can’t get to the bathroom in time. Often people with urge incontinence will have accidents at night. To address this unpredictable urge to urinate, incontinence supplies include pads and liners that will protect the wearer from light-to-heavy leakage.

--Stress incontinence: People with stress incontinence exert pressure on the bladder, causing leakage. Pressure can occur because of actions as simple as laughing, coughing or exercising. Even picking up a grandchild can cause stress on the body.

--Mixed incontinence: This form of incontinence is actually a combination of two or three types (urge, overflow and stress incontinence). People with mixed incontinence are often prone to falls resulting from the need to rush to the bathroom. Along with incontinence supplies, consider also a regular schedule for bathroom visits.

In addition to adult briefs that are worn, other incontinence products can be used to protect items such as mattresses, chairs, wheelchairs and car seats. Disposable or reusable bedpads or underpads offer security without detracting from comfort. Simply lay these pads on top of the items you want to protect. These pads are available in different sizes as well as absorbencies. Underpads need to be held firmly in place, and most styles have tabs or adhesive edges for this purpose. Incontinence underpads are considered hygienic incontinence products. This means they cannot be returned after they are opened and taken out of the package.