Share this page with friends
4 common mistakes when using incontinence pads
1: Choosing the wrong size
Don’t skip this one - it’s super important! Many of us are living day-to-day thinking we’re in the right size pads when actually that’s not always true. We’ve found that people often tend to purchase a bigger size than they actually need, which can lead to discomfort and bunching.
Finding the right size is probably one of the most important parts of an effective incontinence pad. Carefully reviewing the sizing guidelines is a good place to start, but there’s no harm in trying a size up or size down from what you’re currently wearing to see if they fit better. Some of the smaller sizes are actually cheaper than their larger alternatives, so switching could also save you some money.
2: Choosing the wrong absorbency level
We’ve seen this a lot. Once someone starts to experience leaks, they panic and go for the most absorbent option, assuming this will be best for them. There is some truth to this. You’ll be able to keep using the same pad for longer, but really, if you’re not having big accidents you could probably use some of the less absorbent options. They’re cheaper, may result in less wastage and higher absorbancies can leave your skin feeling dry.
Vivactive are new players on a mission to change the incontinence industry for the better; offering top quality products at a fraction of the cost of many other brands. Our pads can absorb liquids 25% faster than some other brands, for up to 30% less.
3: Incorrect placement
Proper pad placement is an essential part of preventing leakage and maximising effectiveness. Many of us make the mistake of not positioning the pad correctly, leading to poor protection and leakage.
The pad needs to be centred between your legs, with the adhesive side firmly attached to your underwear. The back of the pad should be higher than the front to accommodate the natural flow of pee. Additionally, take care to avoid wrinkles or folds in the pad, as they can cause discomfort and compromise its absorbency. If any of this sounds like news to you, give it a go and you could see an improvement in the performance of your incontinence pads.
4: Using pads for too long or not long enough
Let’s start with not using the pads for long enough. This is such a common mistake, but an understandable one. A lot of people don’t realise that most incontinence pads can hold quite a lot of urine before needing a change. There are people out there that will dispose of their pad after a single leak. This not only creates excess waste but it also means you’ll be spending far more money on products than you really need to.
Then, there are those who use them for too long. While it may seem like a decent money saver to prolong the usage of a single pad, it can lead to hygiene issues, skin irritation, and increased risk of leaks. Incontinence pads should be changed regularly to maintain freshness and effectiveness.
It’s worth noting that the above relates to urine only; if a pad or pant is soiled you should dispose and change as soon as possible.
