Understanding Incontinence
Understanding the causes of incontinence and being aware of the wide range or products available that offer protection and can rebuild confidence are keys to improving quality of life.
Everything You Need to Know About Incontinence But Are Too Afraid to Ask
In The Know: Common Types of Incontinence
FAQ Incontinence
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What is the "best" solution available?
Because they require less changes and typically perform much better than anything found at retail, a proper fitting overnight diaper or ultimate absorbency diaper is far and away the most popular– and pull-ups outsell briefs (tab top diapers) at a ratio of about 2:1.
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Should I double-up diapers to prevent leaks?
NO! Never ever double up diapers – it does not work and wastes a lot of product and money. Instead find a super absorbent product that works better, if leaks are still a problem, try inserting a booster pad inside of the diaper.
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I just have occasional incontinence (Stress incontinence or sneeze incontinence) – what is recommended?
Incontinence pads (for females) and Male guards (for males) for grown-up diapers are a logical starting point for the occasional bout of incontinence. They can be placed inside of form-fitting underwear (panties or jockey style underwear for men) and can be removed and replaced as needed – without removing clothes. And because they are smaller and use less material, pads and guards tend to be very economical compared to incontinence garments.
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What size incontinence diaper should I use?
Every brand of diaper has its own sizing – and the manufacturers usually provide waist and hip measurements to guide the user in selecting the best size and fit. All incontinence garments should be form fitting and close to the body as gaps in the leg holes or gaps at the waist can cause leaks. And just as in garments, no two product fit alike so we encourage sampling to ensure a great fit. In fact, we estimate most diapers leaks due to poor fit more than due to a lack of absorbency. Diapers should fit snugly but still feel comfortable.
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The terms ADULT DIAPER is less than dignified, why is this term still in use?
We get a call about once every 90 days where someone is offended by the term, and we understand the issue. The garment make of these products are very similar to that of a baby diaper – the construction technologies and materials are much more sophisticated in the adult version and adult users have a voice where babies really do not. The familiarity of baby diapers – their look, construction, and application have permeated the manufacture of adult diapers for years – and so the term has stuck. In reality, the terms adult diapers, elderly diapers, incontinence briefs, and incontinence underwear are all interchangeable.
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What type of adult diaper is easiest for caregivers?
For home caregivers, we advocate super absorbent diapers that require less changes per day (better preserving caregiver health). These super absorbent diapers come in a variety of makes, and often can eliminate nighttime leaks. Read our Parentgiving Picks for best superabsorbent diapers.
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How many diapers will I need per day?
If using super absorbent diapers, we advocate no less than 4 changes per day in the following cycle (wake-up, lunchtime, dinnertime, before bed). If using less absorbent products, than 6 to 8 changes per day may be required. Institutional settings advocate “check and change” every 3 hours, inclusive of waking up the user in the middle of the night – we strongly believe that better products can eliminate any need to wake a loved one suffering from incontinence.
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Help! I am excessively washing bed linens due to leaks – what can I do?
Find a super absorbent product that FITS well with no gaps at the leg holes or waist. Booster Pads can be inserted INSIDE an adult diaper to provide an additional 6 to 12 ounces of void capacity. Booster Pads can also be wrapped around a male user’s penis to deflect urine flow back into the diaper environment.
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Is there a more discreet solution for incontinence when I am out and about?
Incontinence pads for women and male guards are probably the most discreet solution – but are generally only used for mild or occasional incontinence. When using pull-up incontinence underwear, avoid plastic backed garments as they can make noise as you move. Almost all gender specific underwear are built for discretion (no plastic, and slimmer profiles)
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Does MEDICARE cover the cost of incontinence diapers?
Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the cost of incontinence products nor does Medicare reimburse for the expense of incontinence products and diapers for senior citizens. This link to Medicare.gov clearly states that incontinence products are not covered by Medicare. We do have highly rated and more affordable products that can cut down on the monthly outlay for incontinence products – we recommend these products when a loved one is in assisted living or if professional homecare is available to change on a more frequent basis. Our Parentgiving Picks for Every Day Value Diapers is a great shortcut.
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Do you sell reusable diapers?
We do sell reusable diapers and reusable underpads. We really do not advocate reusable diapers as they really don’t work that well (except for very light incontinence or occasional incontinence). For those who want to lessen their environmental impact, our reusable diapers can be found here. Conversely, we strongly advocate reusable underpads as a barrier of last resort to protect mattresses, furniture, and auto seating. Combining a reusable underpad with a super absorbent diaper or brief is one of our optimal recommendations. Our reusable underpads can be found here.
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Do you have retail stores?
Not yet – but we are constantly evaluating better methods to serve our customers.