Our Best Values for Adult Diaper Briefs
Looking for high-quality adult diapers at affordable prices? Here’s a list of our most budget-friendly adult brief options that received the highest ratings in our testing:
Tena ProSkin Super Briefs
These adult diaper briefs feature the InstaDri skincare system, which ensures dry skin and comfort while still providing excellent protection for urine and fecal incontinence. Breathable and odor-controlling, they absorb liquid quickly and retain it well under real-world conditions.
FitRight OptiFit Super Briefs
Feature a skin repair cream that assists in protecting skin against breakdown, making them a best buy for individuals and caregivers in need of extra-special skin care. While the Rate of Acquisition is slower for this product than for others featured here, it still provides reliable protection, especially for those looking to ensure their skin stays dry and healthy.
Dry Direct Super Brief
100% Italian-made, the Dry Direct Super Brief can handle a lot of liquid multiple times, even providing protection when transitioning from daytime to nighttime use. With a rapid Rewet Rate, this adult diaper brief can keep skin dry while locking in unwanted odors.
Best Adult Diaper Brief for Daytime Use
Looking for daytime adult briefs? Here are the top-rated options from our tests:
Dry Direct Super Brief
Softer and more comfortable than many competitors’ daytime briefs, the Dry Direct Super Brief provides impressive protection and odor control for daytime wear. With a low Rewet Rate, this daytime diaper brief can handle multiple incidents throughout wear while keeping skin safe and dry.
Tena ProSkin Super Briefs
With a pull-up design and clothlike material, Tena ProSkin Super Stretch Briefs feel more like regular underwear than other brands. Designed for heavy wetters, they provide skin-safe protection across multiple episodes. These briefs are one of the best performers overall in the Retention Capacity Under Pressure test.
FitRight OptiFit Super Briefs
FitRight OptIFIT Super Disposable Adult Briefs provide excellent protection for heavy wetters and bowel incontinence. They also have a breathable design that features Remedy Skin Repair Cream, so sensitive skin is taken care of. While there are faster and heavier absorption rates, these disposable briefs are hard to beat for skin health concerns such as diaper rashes.
Tena ProSkin Super Stretch Briefs
This brief performs well for liquid Retention Capacity, making it a strong choice for nighttime or extended wear. However, it's worth noting that it lacks certain key features like a back sheet, side wings, and anti-leak guards. Its design incorporates Stretch Sides and full-length hook fasteners, ensuring a secure fit that minimizes gapping and sagging, thereby enhancing both comfort and leak protection. The soft, nonwoven fabric allows for breathability and contributes to better skin health and overall comfort.
FitRight OptIFit Extra Briefs
FitRight OptIFit Extra Briefs provide a breathable, garment-like fit, making them a great choice for those seeking to maintain independence without sacrificing confidence and protection. Patented 4D-Core keeps skin dry and healthy while also offering odor protection. While these briefs score lower on tests than others in this category, their feel and fit make them worthy of consideration.
Seni Super Quatro Briefs
Seni Super Quatro Briefs are designed with an anatomical shape that can easily adjust to any body shape, and a vapor-permeable outer layer helps the skin breathe easily. The superabsorbent bonds contain moisture in the core using an EDS (Extra Dry System) non-woven layer for quick and effective absorption. They minimize urine odor, the hydrophobic standing side gathers, and their leg cuffs help prevent side leakage.
Best Adult Diaper Brief for Nighttime Use
Want total accident coverage all night long? Pick from the nighttime adult diaper briefs that performed best in our comprehensive lab testing:
Dry Direct Maxi Overnight Brief
The Dry Direct Maxi Overnight Brief can handle multiple high-volume incidents across a total of eight hours of sleep with zero leaks. Italian-made, these overnight adult briefs are soft and comfortable. Their fast Rewet Rate ensures that skin stays dry and healthy.
MoliCare Slip Maxi Overnight Brief
Ideal for extended capacity needs and overnight use, MoliCare Slip Maxi Overnight Adult Briefs tape on for extra security. Comfortable against the skin, these briefs include a plastic backing for extra protection. Their Total Absorption and Rewet Rate test results are the best in this category.
Tranquility ATN (All-Through-the-Night) Briefs
Tranquility ATN (All-Through-the-Night) Briefs provide wearers with an extended surface area for greater absorption, keeping skin drier and odor better controlled. These briefs scored the highest in the Retention Capacity Under Pressure test, which is ideal for heavy wetters who are also active sleepers.
The Best Gender-Specific Protective Products
Looking for adult diapers or protective underwear for a particular gender? We’ve got you covered with the gender-specific options that performed best in our testing:
Best Protective Products for Men
Here are our best protective products for men, according to our test results:
Depend for Men Fit-Flex Maximum Absorbency Underwear
Depend for Men Fit-Flex Maximum Absorbency Underwear fit and feel like regular underwear. Wearers needing all-day protection and odor control can feel comfortable and confident in this dependable, absorbent underwear.
Tena For Men Underwear
Designed for wearers with moderate to heavy absorption needs, Tena For Men Underwear offers fast and reliable absorption with pH-balanced odor control. The contemporary design looks and feels like regular men’s underwear.
Depend Real Fit Underwear For Men
Depend Real Fit Underwear For Men comes in multi-color packs, offers cloth-like comfort, and features all-around leg elastics for maximum protection. The odor control and maximum absorbency help wearers feel confident and remain discreet.
Pads and Guards for Men:
Pads and guards are absorbent inserts worn inside regular underwear and designed to manage light to moderate incontinence. Here are our best pad and guard options for men:
Seni Man Fit Guards
Seni Man Fit Guards work well for active wearers who need plenty of absorbency. A breathable outer layer keeps skin healthy and dry.
Tena for Men Protective Guards
Tena for Men Protective Guards offer all-day protection for light to moderate leakage. So soft against skin and perfectly quiet, even the wearer might forget they’re there.
Tranquility Male Guards
Tranquility Male Guards provide unmatched leak control and odor protection. Their excellent adhesive allows wearers to use them under tight-fitting underwear.
Best Adult Diapers and Protective Underwear for Women
Here are our best protective products for women, according to our test results:
Depend Fit Flex For Women
Depend Fit Flex For Women is soft and stretchable and pulls up and down like regular underwear. It offers maximum absorbency and odor control, and elastic leg openings provide comfort and added protection.
Tena Super Plus Underwear For Women
Tena Super Plus Underwear for Women is stylish, soft, and super absorbent. It offers a snug fit that moves with the wearer, and it has top-notch odor control for all-day confidence.
Prevail Underwear For Women
Prevail Underwear For Women provides maximum absorption throughout the day and night without discomfort or concern over odors. The secure and comfortable fit is breathable and moisture-wicking to help keep skin dry.
Pads and Guards for Women:
Pads and guards are absorbent inserts worn inside regular underwear and designed to manage light to moderate incontinence. Here are our favorite pad and guard options for women:
Poise Pads Ultimate Coverage
Poise Pads Ultimate Coverage offers an amazing product for women who desire greater reassurance without sacrificing discretion and comfort. These pads are specifically designed with a unique Blue Absorb-Loc® core that locks away wetness and are one inch longer than the standard Ultimate Pad for additional protection. The thin yet contoured design and soft Comfort-Dry® cover make them a top choice among our customers.
TENA Intimates Heavy Absorbency Postpartum Overnight Pad
Tena Intimates Overnight Pad Postpartum Bladder Control protection is uniquely shaped for overnight sleep. This pad is wider at the back and front for better protection when sitting or lying down. The advanced absorption technology and cottony-soft top sheet keep wearers dry and comfortable all throughout the night.
What Is Adult Incontinence?
Adult Incontinence occurs when there are issues with the muscles and nerves that help the bladder hold and release urine. It is a common condition that typically occurs as you age. If you or a loved one have experienced problems with leaking urine or making it to the bathroom in time, this may be a sign of urinary incontinence issues.
Over 25 million Americans experience some form of incontinence. Many endure it in silence, taking an average of 5 years before talking to a healthcare provider about it. With statistics like these, it's likely that there are people close to you who are also struggling but are hesitant to discuss it.
Most cases of incontinence are treatable and easily managed with physical therapy, medication, hygienic products, or a combination of all three. These solutions allow you to live more comfortably and find diapers that fit how you want them to.
Incontinence diapers for the elderly are a great solution for adults struggling with mobility issues. They can help you address your incontinence issues and live a more dignified life. Options for a super absorbent adult diaper come in different styles, sizes, purposes, and absorbency. Don't forget to explore the best booster pads for adults and our many incontinence products for youth.
The Anatomy of an Adult Diaper
Understanding the anatomy of an adult diaper or an adult diaper brief can help you make the right selection for yourself or someone in your care. While all adult diapers share basic anatomy, it's important to remember that construction, material types, material quality, and other considerations affect performance. Below, we've listed the elements of a modern adult diaper or incontinence garment, along with some tips to consider when looking for a high-quality product.
Key Elements of an Adult Diaper
Elastic Waistband
The elastic waistband provides a secure and comfortable fit around the waist. It ensures the diaper stays in place during movement and helps with leakage protection by maintaining a snug fit.
Adhesive Tape
Adhesive tape is used to secure the diaper in place. High-quality adhesive tape ensures a firm hold and allows easy adjustments without losing stickiness. Poor-quality adhesive tape can result in the diaper coming loose, causing discomfort and potential leaks.
Top Sheet
An adult diaper's top sheet is the first point of contact for any liquid. All top sheets are hydrophilic, allowing liquids to easily pass into the absorbent core. A good top sheet should also be resistant to breakdown so that none of the inner absorbent material pushes out. The top sheet is exceptionally soft in high-quality incontinence garments, making them more comfortable for extended wear.
Acquisition Distribution Layer (ADL)
The acquisition distribution layer or ADL sits between the top sheet and the absorbent core. It directs liquid toward the core and distributes it across the entire core area to maximize absorption and retention. It also acts as a liquid storage area until the liquid is fully absorbed by the core and functions as a barrier to protect against rewet.
Absorbent Core
The absorbent core is the working part of any adult diaper where liquid is directed, absorbed, and retained. It consists of a blend of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) and fluff:
- Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP): These materials can absorb up to 300 times their weight in fluid, transforming it into a gel to prevent leakage.
- Fluff: Typically made of cellulose fibers, fluff provides softness, aids in the even distribution of liquid, and accelerates the Rate of Acquisition.
The right balance of SAP and fluff is essential in an incontinence garment. Too much SAP will yield a bulky and uncomfortable core, while too much fluff means lower absorption and retention.
Back Sheet
The back sheet is the outer layer of the diaper, designed to keep skin dry and protect clothing. It is typically made of a waterproof material that holds moisture in while allowing air to pass, ensuring breathability and comfort.
Leak Guard
Leak guards are the elastic ruffles around the legs that force urine back into the core. This feature is absent in some products, which separates great incontinence products from average ones. High-quality leak guards should be made from an excellent hydrophobic, nonwoven material, provide a high barrier, and not stick to the top sheet when opened. They should also have good elasticity to follow the body's shape and movement.
Leg Cuff
Leg cuffs are elastic bands around the leg openings that help contain leaks and reduce chafing. They ensure a snug fit around the legs, preventing urine from escaping and providing additional security.
More Features to Look For
Breathability
Breathability refers to an adult diaper's capacity to allow perspiration to pass through materials, enabling the skin to “breathe” better. Achieving good breathability is complex because back sheets must hold in moisture while allowing air to pass in and out of the garment. To accomplish this, the best adult diapers use materials and construction methods that prioritize breathability.
Use of Nonwovens
Just as the name suggests, nonwoven materials are not woven fabrics; they are made from natural or synthetic fibers that are bonded together chemically, thermally, or mechanically. Apart from the absorbent core, nonwoven materials are a key component of any adult diaper, playing a crucial role in its functionality. In the most absorbent adult diapers, the top sheet, back sheet, side panels, and other components are typically made of nonwoven materials, often polypropylene-based or polymer-based.
Welded Seams, Waistbands, and Side Panels
When choosing an incontinence product, look for one made with high-quality materials and ultrasonic seam welding rather than thermal welding. Ultrasonic seam welding uses ultrasonic waves to join materials without stitching or adhesives, creating smooth and seamless bonds. This helps minimize skin irritation, maximize comfort, and provide a more discreet appearance. By using welded seams, waistbands, and side panels, the garment's performance is enhanced, the wearer's comfort is improved, and the caregivers' experience is made easier.
High-Quality Construction
Even with great materials, an adult diaper is only as good as the construction of the finished product. Proper construction requires new and properly maintained machinery, skilled operators, and quality control. Poor construction, such as inadequate closure tape, too much or too little glue, or missing side anti-leak barriers, can result in embarrassing leaks, irritation to sensitive skin, and a lack of confidence for users and caregivers who require easy removal options with maximum protection.
Adult Pull-up Diapers vs. Diapers with Tabs
Looking for more options? You may prefer an adult pull-up diaper or a diaper with tabs.
Adult Pull-up Diapers
Adult pull-up diapers are very similar to regular underwear. They have a unified waistband and two-leg openings. The pull-up style allows these diapers to go up and down just like regular underwear, and they come in various sizes and absorbency levels. The main difference between regular underwear and adult diapers is that adult diapers are made to be more absorbent to hold larger amounts of urine. The leak guards and absorbent core are waterproof and can last up to 8 hours.
Ideal User: Active persons experiencing light to heavy incontinence.
Adult Diapers with Tabs
Adult diapers with tabs are similar to pull-ups but include two tabs on either side of the waistline. These tab-style garments are a perfect solution for a caregiving setting. They make placing the brief on an immobile or bedridden person easier, removing the need to sit upright.
Ideal User: Less active persons with physical limitations and heavy to severe absorbency needs.
Choosing the Best Type of Adult Diapers
Various adult diapers are available to help manage incontinence symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle. Here's how to choose the right product for your needs:
Volume of Leakage
Diapers are available in various absorbency levels, making it tricky to know where to start. It's best to experiment to find the right fit, but we recommend starting with a higher absorbency and then scaling back if needed. It's much easier to change the type of diaper than to deal with a costly leak on a mattress or clothing. Don't forget to consider the time of day you'll wear the diaper, as the best overnight adult diapers offer high absorbency.
Size and Shape of Your Body
Fit is just as important as absorbency. If your adult diaper does not fit you properly, you will almost definitely experience leakage. It will take some trial and error, but you want to ensure the diaper is snug and comfortable around your waist. If it's too tight, it can cause skin damage and compression leaks. The fit around the legs is also very important. If you have thinner legs, try going down a size and vice versa. If you’re a side sleeper experiencing leaks, we recommend checking your leg fit first.
Lifestyle
If you are active and looking for a discreet diaper to wear throughout the day, try pull-on style diapers or Depends diapers. Consider diapers with tabs if you have a low activity level or spend more time in bed. For more senior bed products, check out our helpful bed rails.
Type of Incontinence
Consider whether you experience urinary or fecal incontinence. Depending on the use case, you will also want to educate yourself on how often to change the diaper. For heavy absorbency, check out our underwear for bowel incontinence.
Purchasing Tips
When you buy incontinence products at the store or online, pay attention to the sizing charts on the packaging. These include indicators of absorbency level, usually shown as a series of 5 or 6 water drops.
Bariatric Adult Diaper Fit
For bariatric products, there are fewer pull-on options due to the challenging ratio between the waist and leg measurements. Tape-on products are ideal as they offer a better fit.
Premium vs. Mass-Produced Incontinence Products
An incontinence product’s effectiveness and quality can vary widely. Most people start with mass-produced products, like Depends or Tena. While these products may serve the needs of some, a premium incontinence product is a better fit for most users and caregivers.
What do premium incontinence products offer that mass-produced products cannot? Not only do they use higher quality materials, better designs, and the best construction methods, but they also perform better than mass-produced products in a number of crucial areas, including:
- Smell
- Top sheet performance and comfort
- Fabric quality, durability, and feel
- Tear-away side stability and function
- Leg cuff quality and dependability
- Discreetness
- Comfort
Most importantly, there are notable differences in absorbency levels between mass-produced and premium brands. Take a look at these testing results to see the difference when you go premium:
Absorbency Levels: Mass-Produced vs. Premium Brands
| Absorbency Level |
Mass Market Brands |
Premium Brands |
| Moderate |
2 - 6 oz |
5 - 12 oz |
| Heavy |
6 - 9 oz |
12 - 18 oz |
| Overnight |
12 oz |
20+ oz |
-For moderate absorbency needs, premium diapers absorb about 2-6 oz more than mass market brands.
5 Steps To Wearing an Adult Diaper
Whether it’s a standard design or a pull-up style, putting on an adult diaper can be challenging if you have mobility issues. Follow these five steps to learn how to put on an adult diaper:
Step 1: Choose the Right Size
How is an adult diaper supposed to fit? To prevent leaks, an adult diaper should be worn snugly with no gaps. Product sizes vary by brand, with some focusing on waist measurement and others on weight. If available, try a sample before purchasing a pack. For users with a larger waist and thinner legs, gaps at the leg holes may occur. To adjust this, use a booster pad to provide additional absorption and reduce leakage. Remember: A larger size does not mean more absorbency. Always choose a garment based on the brand's sizing criteria.
Step 2: Unpack the Diaper
- For Standard Diapers: Carefully unfold the diaper, ensuring you do not touch the inside. Make sure the adhesive tabs are accessible and the leak guards are properly positioned.
- For Pull-Up Diapers: Make sure to refrain from touching the inside of the diaper while unruffling it. Carefully take out the leak guards from the diaper’s containment zone if applicable.
Step 3: Position the Diaper
- For Standard Diapers: Place the back side of the diaper against your lower back while you or your caregiver aligns the front of the diaper between your legs, ensuring the diaper is centered.
- For Pull-Up Diapers: Insert one leg at a time into the diaper and pull it up like wearing pants, making sure that the taller side remains in the back.
Step 4: Secure the Diaper
- For Standard Diapers: Secure the adhesive tabs on each side of the diaper, starting with the bottom and then the top, ensuring a snug fit without being too tight.
- For Pull-Up Diapers: Adjust the diaper to ensure comfort and proper fit. The containment zone should be in direct contact with your body for the odor and leak lock system to be effective.
Step 5: Take Off the Diaper
- For Standard Diapers: Unfasten the adhesive tabs and remove the disposable diaper. Discard it in the garbage can, and avoid flushing it down the toilet, as this can cause clogging.
- For Pull-Up Diapers: Tear the sides of the pull-up diaper and dispose of it in the garbage can. Avoid flushing it down the toilet to prevent clogging.
Top 3 Myths About Adult Diapers
By debunking common misconceptions about adult diapers, we can make better product choices and improve incontinence management. Here are three prevalent myths about adult diapers to reconsider:
Myth #1. The Double-up Works
Because many people's first experience with an adult diaper is with a lower quality, mass-produced product, they often feel doubling up will solve problems related to leaks and scent. Unfortunately, the double-up rarely, if ever, works. Besides being a waste of product and money, doubling up a diaper is not a dignified way for an individual to handle incontinence. Instead, try researching which clothing items can better address your concerns, testing a higher quality product, or using your current product more frequently. Whatever the problem, doubling up is unlikely to solve it.
Myth #2. Plastic Outer Garments Work Best
It's a common misconception that a plastic outer garment is the best choice for controlling leaks. But, as we know, plastic is not breathable, and an incontinence product must be breathable for true comfort and protection. Plus, many complain about the noisiness of plastic garments. Instead, choose an incontinence garment that is breathable, silent, and constructed of high-quality materials that will ensure better protection and comfort. Many cloth-like products feel like regular underwear, while a plastic outer garment often feels bulkier and less discreet.
Myth #3. Any Secondary Diaper Product Will Do
There are a number of secondary products and accessories available that can adapt and improve the performance of an adult diaper, but not all products work as intended. For example, putting a bladder control pad inside an adult diaper will not improve or extend absorption or retention. It may even reduce the quality of the fit and lead to leaks. A booster pad is recommended to boost a diaper's absorption and retention.
Natural Remedies for Managing Incontinence
Although incontinence may be out of your control, some natural remedies can help manage your symptoms. Here are some mindsets and lifestyle recommendations:
Perform Kegel Exercises
Kegel exercises help strengthen the muscles in your bladder that hold the urine back. In addition to specific exercises you can do in the gym, simply "bearing down" and squeezing your pelvic muscles for 4-10 seconds at a time for just 5 minutes a day can start to impact bladder control and strengthen your urinary muscles.
Restrict Bathroom Frequency
Train your bladder by developing a urination schedule. Start by urinating every hour and then gradually increase the interval, trying to hold off a bit longer between bathroom trips. Your body may slowly become accustomed to anticipating when you'll have the opportunity to urinate again.
Be Hygienic
Practicing good hygiene decreases the risk of urinary tract infections. Women should always wipe from front to back to prevent fecal contamination of the vaginal area and improve urinary tract health.
Monitor Your Weight
Obesity can cause increased pressure on the bladder and make it more difficult to get to the bathroom and remove clothing in time. For more toilet accessories, check out our toilet aid for the obese. Also, be sure to check out wheelchair options for the obese and our wheelchairs that come apart.
Avoid Constipation
Constant straining can weaken the bladder and bowel muscles. Eat a fiber-rich diet, and let your doctor know if you are not passing your bowels frequently enough or if your stools are difficult to pass. For ultimate protection, check out our underwear for bowel incontinence.
Don't Keep Your Symptoms a Secret
1 in 3 people experience incontinence symptoms at some point in their life, yet most keep it a secret. While it may feel embarrassing, dealing with symptoms alone isn't worth the struggle. Discuss your incontinence with your doctor so they can provide the information you need to live with your condition. Do not suffer in silence.
Avoid Foods That Irritate the Bladder
Spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, and foods with high acid content, such as tomato sauce, citrus fruits, and even cranberry juice, can irritate the bladder. Sodas can be particularly harmful because their carbonation, caffeine, and acidic components can also irritate the bladder.
Monitor Fluid Intake
It's crucial for your body to maintain a healthy level of hydration to protect your kidneys, produce urine, and flush out infections. However, be mindful of drinking more water than necessary. Consult with your doctor to establish the appropriate daily fluid intake for your individual needs and help you stay properly hydrated without overdoing it.
Avoid Diuretics Before Bed
Remember that diuretic medications make you expel water. Avoiding them right before bedtime may prevent you from waking up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. It's important to work with your doctor to create a medication schedule that won't disrupt your sleep with frequent trips to the bathroom.
Government and Insurance Coverage
Will the government or Medicaid pay for adult diapers? Unfortunately, Medicare does not typically cover absorbent products such as incontinence diapers for the elderly. Medicare is more likely to cover other non-absorbent products, such as catheters and related items. Even when attempting to get coverage, you must have a physician's prescription stating the necessary treatment. For those costs not covered, the state may offer assistance to help manage out-of-pocket expenses.
Are Adult Diapers or Protective Underwear Right for You?
Adult diapers and protective underwear can enhance your comfort and confidence. Consider your daily habits, incontinence level, and budget to find the right option for you. Active individuals should choose garments designed for mobility and a snug fit, while those with limited mobility should prioritize maximum absorbency and comfort.
Evaluate the severity of your incontinence to select the right absorbency level, including overnight options. You'll want to strike a balance between quality and affordability, so consider exploring bulk purchasing or subscription services. Don't forget to check if your insurance covers part of the cost.
It's also a good idea to experiment with different brands and styles that offer adjustable tabs and odor control to find the best solution for your needs. Taking these steps can bring you greater freedom and peace of mind. Who knows? Adult diapers or protective underwear might just be the perfect choice for you.
NEED HELP? TALK WITH A CAREGIVING EXPERT
Choosing the right adult diaper or protective underwear doesn't have to be overwhelming. Think of Parentgiving as your personal concierge not just for incontinence products but for the entire aging process. Our customer service team is made up of experienced family caregivers who understand your unique challenges. We're here to guide you to the right products and save you time, money, and frustration. Contact a caregiving expert today!
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References
Incontinence: A Women's Little Secret; Webmd.com (reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD)
Disclaimer: The information presented here is purely for educational purposes and should not be used in place of the advice of your doctor or physician.
