Overnight Diapers / Max. Absorbency

Nighttime incontinence, called nocturnal enuresis, affects at least 2 percent of adults, especially those older in age. Nighttime incontinence can occur for many different reasons—a urological disorder, a family history of incontinence, not making enough of a certain hormone that tells the kidneys to decrease the amount of urine produced at night (a similar situation happens to some people with type 2 diabetes) or having a bladder with a reduced capacity or an overactive detrusor muscle, which has been found in many people with the condition. To better manage nighttime incontinence, you’ll want to choose extra absorbent diapers or briefs specifically made for overnight use.

The best overnight diapers will make you more comfortable, provide a sense of security, protect delicate skin, keep bedding dry and keep you from waking up. As with most disposable briefs, overnight briefs are padded with cotton and other materials that attract and absorb urine. The best overnight diapers also have a top liner that draws urine away from skin. Adult overnight diapers are designed to handle higher volumes of fluid and are available in a variety of different absorbencies so that you are sure to find one with enough capacity to match your level of incontinence. Read brand descriptions carefully as the best overnight briefs will detail the maximum number of fluid ounces it can handle.

Another consideration for your choice of adult overnight diapers is wearability—how it feels against your skin. Some overnight diapers might feel more comfortable to you than others; for instance, you may find that the waterproof material on the outside of some styles makes you feel overheated. The ease of changing overnight disposable underwear could be a factor if the adult diaper has to be replaced during the night. Depending on dexterity and mobility, you might prefer pull on styles or a design with a tab closure.

Among the many styles available, these are some of the most popular:

Tranquility ATN (All Through the Night) are latex-free disposable adult diapers that hold over a quart of water for maximum protection. Many users find that they’re able to sleep “all through the night” without changing the product and yet without compromising skin safety. Its Peach Mat absorbent core promotes skin dryness, odor control and the right pH to avoid irritation.

Molicare Super Plus overnight briefs are adult overnight diapers with the ability to handle increased capacity for excellent overnight incontinence protection. Padded panels with stretch polymer maximize comfort and mobility. This adult overnight diaper has a 3-part absorbent core for added dryness and to neutralize odor. Dual tapes make it easy to fasten and, if necessary, refasten, and anti-leak cuffs keep contents in.

Tranquility Premium Overnight is a latex-free pull up style that holds over a quart of liquid for uninterrupted sleep and maximum protection. Tranquility Premium Overnight Diapers have a soft, breathable fabric and an ample, full-rise waist panel. Tear-away side seams allow for easy removal while the cuff design offers leakage protection.

TENA Extra-Absorbent Protective Adult Diaper is designed for moderate to heavy incontinence. TENA overnight diapers for adults feature sides that can be torn away for easy removal without needing to take off outer clothing and also has an elastic waistband for easy pull-on and pull-off. Comfort features include the InstaDri Skin-Caring System that prevents skin irritation while providing additional leakage and odor control.

While reusable overnight briefs are available, experts say that for those prone to skin irritation, disposable types may be a better option. Keep in mind that to really protect skin, adult overnight diapers should be used in conjunction with a protective skin barrier product and, for cleansing, a no-rinse cleanser or cleansing wipes are better than soap—gentler and more effective.