How To Choose The Right Adult Nappy Size And Fit

Ever found yourself wondering if you're wearing the right-sized nappy? On the surface, it might seem like an obvious one "Of course I am!" However, it's not always that simple.

At Vivactive, we find a lot of people who believe they're wearing the right size. But, when we hear about the problems they're experiencing,  it sounds like they might not have the exact right fit. 

But don’t worry, we’re here to help. 

Getting a nappy that fits properly will save you all kinds of hassle. There’s a whole host of issues that come from wearing a size too big or a size too small.

This adult nappy size guide will go through some of these issues and hopefully answer key questions like “Are my adult nappies the right size?” and clear up common issues such as “how to choose the right adult nappy size and fit?”.

Over a third of people between 50 and 69 years old have some kind of incontinence, and adult nappies are a very popular solution for managing the impact of bladder weakness.

Unfortunately, a large percentage select the wrong size, which can cause several issues.

Firstly, you’ll need to get some accurate measurements of your waist and hips. 

You can do this by You find your waist size, measure around the narrowest part of your waist, just above the belly button. It’s also worth measuring around the fullest part of your hips too, and then taking the larger measurement of the two and using that as your size.

Once you’ve got a good idea of your measurements, you can choose the appropriate size to fit you. If you’re still unsure about which size is going to suit you, try buying a size up and a size down.

This way, you can give them all a try, and know for sure which size is best for you. 

Adult nappies are similar to incontinence pants, although they do not lift quite as high above the waist. Likewise, they are tightened using tabs at the sides. So, an accurate measurement will help you make the right choice. 

Sizes are not universal and may differ slightly from one brand to the next, which is why it’s important to know your exat measurement.

When shopping online, finding the fitting dimensions should be quite simple.

At Incontinence Choice, for example, our product pages include product-specific sizings under the ‘Product Specification’ tab. Additionally, all of our Vivactive branded products also include a 'Size Guide' button above the size options, which will clearly illustrate which size is right for your body.  

It’s not just the waist that you need to make sure fits well. Waistbands that are too loose or too tight can bring a few issues, not just ones related to comfort.

If your adult nappy is too tight at the leg hole, you could experience leaks through these gaps. On the other hand, if your nappy is too tight, then this certainly will cause discomfort, most likely as the day goes on, and it starts to irritate your skin. 

This is why we think it’s essential that you do more than just briefly try on a nappy and commit to it. So how do you tackle it?

Well, we think it’s best to test them out for longer periods of time. Basically, give them a full day of wearing, because then you’ll get a true indication of how they feel.

Are you someone who’s often active? Or do your daily activities not call for a nappy that’s designed for a lot of movement?

Either way, it’s important that you think about your level of activity, because it can help guide your purchase. 

If you want nappies for your active lifestyle, then you might want something that can be worn under your clothes and be as discreet as possible, with a bit of give.

Alternatively, depending on the absorbency level you need, you might choose nappies that are slightly bulkier and built to last a while longer. 

The reason we say this is that we want you to remain comfortable, whatever you’re doing throughout the day, and sometimes these different types of nappies can fit and feel quite differently. 

Usually, you’ll find adult nappies that come with some kind of adhesive strap.

Whether it’s a tab or a belt, you want to make sure that you’re securing these properly, because if not, it could end up causing your product to move throughout the day, or in the worst instances, lead to leaks. 

It’s likely that sizing will be different from brand to brand, so it’s worth testing out a few and seeing what works best.

If you find a size that fits you for one brand, it’s not guaranteed that the same size will fit as well for another brand.

So again, it might be best to check any measurements you have against each brand’s guidelines and confirm that you fall into the same size category.

Wearing the right sized adult nappies isn’t only a matter of comfort. The reality is that ill-fitting products will inevitably cause problems.

Most notably, it can cause urine leakages, particularly from the cuffs,near the leg holes, but also from other exits depending on your positioning. 

Other potential issues include skin chafing, restricted movement, and general discomfort.

It’s likely that you’ll also need to change more frequently, which also costs you money in the long run.

Ultimately, adult nappies are designed to help people with urinary incontinence avoid any disruptions to their daily lives. So, to get the most of them, you need the right size. 

• Leakage from the leg holes: If there are gaps between your leg cuffs and your upper thighs, there’s always the chance of leakage in those areas. This is why it’s important that they wrap around your legs snugly so urine can’t escape.
• Rustling and discomfort: If there’s too much space around your waistline you might find they move around or even rub against your skin. Nobody wants chafing.
• Visible bulges: If your diapers are too big, they could create visible bulges or sagging. 
• Lapse in odour control: Good adult nappies are usually designed with odour control in mind. If you’re wearing a size that’s too large you might find that odours can’t be properly contained by the product.  

• Skin irritation: This is probably the most prevalent issue facing people wearing slips that are too small. If they’re too small, you might find that the edges dig into your skin, causing discomfort and in serious cases, even sores. 
• Restricted movement: If they’re too tight, you might find moving around more difficult than usual.
• Difficulty putting them on: You may find yourself struggling to get them on, pulling them tight and making them more fiddly than they need to be. Generally, these nappies are designed to be easy to get on, so if you’re finding it difficult, it could be because they’re too small. 

Now you know how to choose the right adult nappy size and fit, are you ready to find the best disposable adult nappies for you?

Why not browse our collection today and select a few products that you’d like to try.

Don’t forget to look at any adult nappy size guides available so you can assess which sizes might work for you.

We’re always here to help provide you with quality products to manage incontinence, and ensure you can be confident no matter what the day brings.