Caregiving

The Best Incontinence Products for Heavy Leakage


The Most Effective Types of Incontinence Products for Heavy Leakage 

When facing incontinence, you’ll discover there’s a whole world of incontinence types, severity levels, and products out there. Heavy incontinence describes a high level of urine leakage, where you experience frequent urine leaks throughout the day that may even soak through pads and underwear. Light incontinence describes smaller, more occasional leaks. When dealing with heavy incontinence, choosing the right products for comfort, style, and hygiene will affect the quality of your life or your loved one’s life, so it’s important to find the best fit. Here, you’ll learn the ins and outs of the best incontinence products for heavy leakage. 

Best Types of Products for Heavy Incontinence  

When dealing with heavy incontinence, it’s important to consider the various types of products that will keep you feeling your best. Ideally, you’ll want to look at highly absorbent adult products designed for this specific purpose. 

Booster Pads

Sometimes called insert pads, shaped pads, or two-piece systems, these pads are worn inside your adult diaper or incontinence underwear. They mold to your shape and have various levels of absorbency. The top layer is made of non-woven material so it allows the urine to pass through, keeping the skin dry. The absorbent core of the pad is made from fluffed wood pulp fibers with polymer powder, turning to gel so it locks the urine into the pad. And, most pads have wetness indicators on the outer waterproof backing to show when the pad needs to be changed. Booster pads are great for moderate to heavy incontinence. 

Bladder Control Pads at Parentgiving

See our full collection of boost pads.

Disposable Pull-Ups / Protective Underwear

An absorbent pad and pants are combined for moderate to severely heavy incontinence issues. Also called protective underwear, briefs, or pull-ons, they’re available in a wide range of absorbency levels and can be easily pulled up just like underwear. The pants part of the pull-ups are made of non-woven fabric and include elastic to give a close fit and to keep the pad in place. Today, many products out there resemble cotton underwear with the elastic concealed for a more discreet look.

Disposable Pull-Ups and Protective Underwear at Parentgiving


See full collection of maximum absorbency adult diapers.

Underpads

Underpads offer extra protection overnight or if the person with heavy incontinence is bedridden. Placed on the bed to be laid on, underpads offer several square feet of protection with a durable cloth-like backsheet that resists tearing as the individual moves. Both disposable and reusable pads are available and are made to trap and retain urine. 

Underpads at Parentgiving

See our full collection of chux, waterproof pads, and disposable bed pads.

Skincare Products

Using absorbent products is the first step to managing heavy incontinence, and maintaining proper skincare to avoid irritation is the second step. Skin cleansers, moisturizers, and ointments help to shield the skin from irritants in urine and feces. Plus, they keep the skin clean so hygiene doesn’t become an issue.

Skincare Products at Parentgiving

See our full collection of skincare products.

Product Features You Need for Heavy Leakage 

When shopping for the perfect product, you’ll need to keep these crucial factors in mind to ensure comfort, confidence, good hygiene, and a better quality of life: 

  • High absorbency: This is the most crucial factor for heavy incontinence. Make sure the label says “high absorbency” or that it offers “severe/high coverage” that can hold a large volume of fluid. Typically, these products have superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) at the core to trap liquid. 
  • Leak guards: These built-in features around the leg help to stop leakage from rolling down the body. Typically made of absorbent or waterproof materials, they prevent wetness. 
  • A secure fit: The right size and fit is essential to prevent leaks, bunching, or discomfort from happening. Look for products with snug elastics around the legs and waist and adjustable tabs to find that “just right” fit. 
  • Breathability: Even though you want to make sure your product is extremely durable, it needs to be breathable too in order to ensure comfort and to help prevent moisture build-up (which can irritate the skin). Look for products made with cotton or cotton blends in the topsheet layer. 
  • Odor control: SAPs (as mentioned above) absorb and lock away fluid, reducing the amount of odor-causing bacteria to grow. Many heavy incontinence products also come with multiple layers to stop wetness in its tracks, and deodorizing and antibacterial agents will reduce the growth of odor-causing bacteria. 
  • Discreet design: Many adults who suffer from heavy incontinence may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable, so the key is to find discreet products. Neutral colors, form-fitting design, and rustle-free materials to help minimize noise will help, and many modern products today are designed for comfort and confidence.

Additional Tips for Managing Heavy Incontinence

While purchasing the right products is essential for managing heavy incontinence, there’s also a lot you can do at home to help minimize the issue and to help strengthen the pelvic area in general. Before trying any of these exercises or lifestyle shifts, always discuss with your doctor the right protocol for you.

  • Bladder training & pelvic floor exercises: This technique involves retraining your bladder so you can hold urine for longer intervals. Techniques such as timed voiding (going to the bathroom at scheduled times) and pelvic floor exercises (such as kegels) can help. 
  • Fluid management: Staying hydrated is important, but limiting fluids (especially in the evening), can reduce nighttime leaks or accidents. 
  • Dietary adjustments: Certain foods and beverages can irritate the bladder and cause more accidents. Try to avoid or decrease the use of alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, citrus, and other acidic foods that will increase inflammation in the area, leading to more pressure to go more often. Focus on eating a healthy diet of whole, nutritious, fiber-rich foods and healthy protein. 
  • Keep skincare in mind: With heavy incontinence, you’ll want to keep the health of your skin in mind. Cleanse the perineal area frequently after every incontinence episode and be sure to use gentle soaps and natural products, avoiding any harsh chemicals that could cause irritation or diaper rash. Regularly moisturize, use skin ointments and creams for barrier protection so the skin is shielded from urine and fecal irritants, and change incontinence products frequently. Daily showers and baths are also important to stay clean and feel your best. 

Get Started with Parentgiving 

When it comes to managing heavy incontinence, the right products and good hygiene are key. We offer a wide selection of premium heavy incontinence products, helping you through life’s transitions no matter what’s going on for you or your loved one. Shop our heavy incontinence products at parentgiving.com today