Share this page with friends

How To Wear Incontinence Pads


Incontinence pads are a super popular choice for people experiencing incontinence or bladder weakness. They’re pretty versatile and can carry a large absorbency, making them a solid all-rounder.

Whether you’re looking for information on how to wear male incontinence pads or female incontinence pads, there are two different types of disposable incontinence pads for you to consider, each with its own benefits.

Every person’s experience with incontinence and leaks is different, so we carry a range of products to meet a wide range of needs. 

'How to wear incontinence pads' is one of the most common questions for adults experiencing urinary incontinence, for good reason: they're not the easiest things to figure out.

Especially if you've recently embarked on your bladder weakness journey. Wearing your pads correctly is important if you want to stay dry and get the most out of your product. 

What Are The Different Types Of Incontinence Pads?

Incontinence pads serves as a broad term that covers two main varieties of pads: large-shaped pads and discreet pads. 

Unlike some other incontinence products, pads need manual placement and are secured with adhesive strips. The larger-shaped pads typically pair with fixation pants for added security, while discreet pads are typically worn with regular underwear. 

Large Shaped Pads: 

Large-shaped pads are a heavy-duty option, built specifically to handle big leaks and tend to hold a significant amount more than standard pads.

Their large absorption capacity and traditionally bulky design provide maximum coverage, making them geared mostly toward people with chronic incontinence and those who are less mobile. 

Discreet Pads:

Discreet pads also known as small incontinence pads, as you may have guessed by the name, are built with discretion in mind. They tend to be smaller than large-shaped pads and are usually worn inside your regular underwear.

The absorbency levels of discreet pads are lower than what you might find with large-shaped pads, but what they lack in absorbency, they make up for in discretion and mobility. 

someone holding a small incontinence pad

Things To Know Before Wearing Your Incontinence Pads

Before you spend your entire evening scrolling on Google for answers, some simple preparations can help you manage urinary incontinence more easily.

While most common in older women, it's important to remember that both sexes may experience it at any age. When buying your incontinence pads, you must:

  • Choose a reliable brand known for affordable products, exceptional quality, and superior absorbency.
  • Find the right size of incontinence pads to ensure that you can gain a snug fit.
  • Select the right absorbency levels to meet that your needs without causing issues like skin irritation.

Other top tips for wearing your incontinence pads include changing them when they're full (not just after a small leak) and making sure they feel comfortable before leaving the home. 

How To Keep Incontinence Pads In Place

Keeping your incontinence pads in place and secure is key to avoiding leaks. Most pads are designed with adhesive straps or tabs that stick to your underwear, helping them stay put throughout the day.

But, if you want that extra reassurance, then fixation pants are something you should consider.

Fixation pants are specially designed underwear that hold larger-shaped pads in place, tackling those annoying moments when pads move around or bunch up.

How To Wear Male Incontinence Pads

Whether you need them for nighttime due to nocturnal enuresis or in the daytime, it’s vital that you learn how to put on incontinence pads. Wearing them in the right way means they stay comfortable, discreet, and absorbent. If you need guidance on how to wear male incontinence pads, then you can follow these steps:

  1. Choose the right pad: Pick a pad designed for the male body, and consider absorbency level and size.
  2. Prepare undewear: Use regular underwear if they fit well, or fixation pants if you have any; they’re also great for larger pads.
  3. Unfold the pad: Many male pads are contoured, with a wider end that goes towards the back.
  4. Attach the pads: For adhesive pads, peel off the backing and stick it to the inside of your underwear. If your pad has tabs, wrap them around the underwear to secure.
  5. Adjust for comfort: Make sure the pad sits snugly against your body, covering the area from front to back.
  6. Check mobility: Give them a test. Walk around and make sure they stay in place and feel comfortable.

How To Wear Female Incontinence Pads

In the same way male incontinence pads do, female pads are designed to fit the female body, providing maximum absorption. Female pads also tend to be slightly narrower in shape compared to male pads.

To make sure you’re wearing them properly, follow these steps:

  1. Select the right pad: Consider size, shape, and absorbency based on your leakage level.
  2. Prepare underwear: Use well-fitted underwear if possible. Alternatively, investing in some fixation pants will also keep any larger pads in place.
  3. Position the pad: Align the pad with the centre of your underwear.
  4. Secure the pad: Depending on your product, peel off the adhesive backing and press the pad firmly onto your underwear, or use tabs if provided.
  5. Check fit: Adjust the pad so it sits snugly without bunching or gaps.
  6. Test comfort: Move around to make sure the pad stays in place and doesn’t irritate you.

What’s The Difference Between Male & Female Incontinence Pads?

The main differences you’ll see between male and female incontinence pads are in the shape and fit. 

Male pads are usually wider on one side, whereas female pads are generally narrower, better suiting each’s body.

They’re designed this way to make sure that each pad provides maximum protection, discretion, and comfort while reducing leaks.

What Happens If My Pads Are Too Big?

Now that you’ve got your pads on properly, it might be a good time to think about whether or not you’re in the right size. If you’re wearing pads that are too big, you might find:

  • A poor fit: A pad that is too large may not fit your body properly, leading to discomfort and potential leakage.
  • Ineffective security: If the pad is too big, it may leave gaps in places. This means they’re unable to effectively contain urine, leading to leaks and accidents.
  • Chafe: Oversized pads can cause chafing and irritation when they rub against the skin.
  • Visible Bulk: Large pads may be visible under clothing. If you’re trying to remain discreet, you might find it more difficult if they’re too big. 

To avoid these problems, it's important that you choose a size that fits your body properly. You may need to try different sizes or styles to find the one that offers the best fit and protection for your needs.

What Happens If My Pads Are Too Small?

If you’ve got incontinence pads that are too small, then these can cause issues as well. We want a snug fit, but not too tight, because this can indicate a pad that’s too small, which means the pad’s unable to absorb as it’s meant to.

If your incontinence pads are too small they can:  

Have insufficient coverage: A pad that is too small may not be wide enough to collect up the liquid effectively, leading to leaks. 

Have limited absorption: Smaller pads may have a lower capacity for absorbing urine, resulting in more frequent changes or again, leakage. 

Become ineffective: Small pads, if not fastened correctly, may not stay in place properly, leading to shifting and potential leakage.

Worried about the sizing of your pads? Take a read of our blog ‘Pads, pants & adult nappies: top tips to get the right fit’ for some helpful information.

Find Incontinence Pads That Fit You Today

Now that you’re clued up on how to wear incontinence pads, if you’re looking for some products that’ll meet your needs, then why not browse through our range of incontinence pads today?

We have all kinds of products, from booster pads for that extra protection to discreet pads that are excellent for exercise. Find yours today!