Adult diapers are an essential part of dealing with urinary incontinence. They reduce the strain on those suffering from the condition and those who care for them. Urinary incontinence is common among senior citizens, with 15%-35% of community-dwelling elderly adults affected by it. Yet, any person can get the condition despite their age.
Most individuals with chronic conditions and those in care homes suffer from urinary incontinence. Surgeries, stroke, cognitive impairment, obesity, and some medications could cause the condition. You should never be embarrassed about suffering from incontinence or wearing an adult diaper. These are products made so your life can be of high quality despite your condition. You can enjoy life without worrying about frequent leakages or the need to go to the bathroom. This article unpacks some essential tips that will help you pick the best adult diaper.
Know the Size
Each adult brief has a different size and is of a unique variety. It would be best to measure the waist and hip to find the perfect size of the diaper. Wearing the wrong brief can cause issues such as urine leakage, which will inconvenience the patient and the caregiver. Small diapers cause issues when it comes to coverage. So, ensure you understand the unique size charts of different diapers and whether you need a large, small, XL, or medium.
Check the Material
Another factor to consider when choosing an adult diaper is the material. The fabric will go a long way in determining whether one is comfortable. There are adult diapers that have a plastic backing, which provides more protection. Yet, many people do not appreciate the bulkiness of the diaper; hence they prefer breathable or non-plastic diapers.
Breathable diapers allow higher air circulation, and hence you avoid rashes. However, they don’t have high urine leakage resistance. So, you will need to analyze your condition before you settle on the material. Those with plastic backing are your best bet if you seek more protection. On the contrary, if comfort is your major concern, you can settle on a breathable brief.
Consider the Absorbency
The leakage amount will determine the level of absorbency you need in a diaper. Getting a diaper with fast liquid absorbency and high retention levels would be best if one suffers from heavy incontinence.
Some people suffer from mild incontinence. A diaper with medium absorbency will be best suited in such a case. Overnight diapers are recommended at night since one is likely to release a large quantity of urine. This applies whether the person suffers from heavy or mild incontinence. Go for diapers that offer long hours of protection with high absorbency levels. They will prevent your skin from becoming moist, eliminating the risk of skin irritation.
- Understand the Leakage Condition
It is paramount to check the leakage that occurs in a day for proper use of the adult diaper. You can choose the perfect diaper for your condition based on the occurrence. Also, check whether the medication or food you are taking is resulting in the void in your bladder. Suppose you are using multiple diapers daily and facing the same challenges with urine leakage. In that case, there is a high possibility that the diaper is not absorbent enough or is of the wrong size. Ensure that you confirm whether a diaper is leak-proof before buying it.
- Consider Odor Elimination
Odor eradication is an important aspect to keep in mind to save you from embarrassment and to ensure that you maintain high hygiene levels. It would be best if you looked for a diaper to manage the incontinence best while minimizing the bacteria that leads to bad odor. You will diminish the chances of bacterial skin infections and be confident as you go about your day. Go for diapers with odor lock features and those that offer proper airflow due to breathability features. Remember, beating the bad smell is crucial in ensuring you are comfortable around other people.
- Check the Brands on the Market
Adult diapers are made by different brands, just like any other product. These brands differ in the pricing and the quality of diapers you get. There are highly absorbent diapers that you can wear for longer, which are usually more expensive. On the contrary, there are less absorbent brands that need frequent changing and are less expensive. The more expensive brands will be suitable if you go out for long periods. Conversely, the less expensive brand will suit you best if you are at home.
Wrapping Up
Adult briefs are a great way to manage incontinence. You also protect yourself from consequences such as rashes and skin infections. The above tips will assist you in settling for the best diaper to suit your needs.
Good adult diapers will give you confidence and freedom. If you need more clarification about their use, talk to a geriatrician who will advise you on the right diaper. Remember, with the right adult diapers, you can live a quality life, despite having incontinence.