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Suddenly Experiencing Larger Leaks? It Might Be Time To Switch Your Product
It might surprise you to learn that incontinence affects far more of the UK population than you think. Figures do vary, but research has found that incontinence affects around 4 in 10 women, whilst also affecting 1 in 3 men aged 65+.
For those dealing with increased incontinence themselves, or for carers looking after someone who is experiencing it, finding the right products to manage the symptoms is likely very important to you.
The frequency of incontinence can vary over time, often increasing due to changing health conditions, aging, or other environmental factors.
Fortunately, there are so many incontinence management products on the market that finding the right product for you may only require a bit of research and some trial and error.
To help you with this, in this article, we will break down why absorbency levels matter, how to choose the right levels of absorbency for you or the person you’re caring for, and share some key signs that might highlight it’s time to switch products.
Why Absorbency Matters When Experiencing Increased Incontinence
As you might expect, when looking at incontinence products, the amount of bladder leakage experienced directly correlates to the absorbency levels you should look for in your chosen products.
Generally speaking, brands will use very similar terms in their names and descriptions to identify how absorbent a product may be. Terms such as light, moderate, or heavy may be used, as well as visual identifiers such as water droplets, with more absorbent products displaying more droplets on their packaging.
It might be tempting to choose a very absorbent product in order to cover all your bases. Whilst the logic makes sense, this can also lead to additional issues. By choosing a product that is far more absorbent than required, you might find that the product is more cumbersome than is actually required and therefore far less comfortable to wear. Additionally, you could be spending extra money on higher absorbency products that you might not need.
On the other hand, choosing a product that is not absorbent enough can result in needing to change the product far too often, which becomes a hindrance to your day-to-day. It can also lead to leaks and heightened levels of moisture on the surface of the skin.
A well-fitted product that matches your requirements should be able to absorb a full leak without leaving any dampness. If you find that this isn’t the case, it might be a sign to switch.
Understanding Absorbency In Incontinence Products
Within incontinence products, absorbency levels often refer to the absolute maximum capacity of liquid the product can hold, until the product is fully saturated.
The frequency and degree of leakage that a person deals with every day will be an important factor when choosing an appropriate product. For light leakage, small incontinence pads are usually sufficient, whereas moderate to heavier leakage could require products such as slips or pants.
When looking for suitable incontinence products, some things to keep in mind are:
- Absorbency: One of the most important things to look for is a product that is absorbent enough for your needs.
- Absorption Speed: This refers to how quickly the product can absorb liquid, as this can prevent leaks and dampness.
- Size and Fit: Depending on your body type or preferences, you might find that you want a larger or smaller-sized product for comfort.
- Accessibility: For people with limited mobility, how easy the product is to put on or remove may be an important factor to consider.
- Discreetness: Consider how discreet the product is - can it be seen under clothing? If this is important to you, some ranges are designed to look like ordinary underwear.
- Materials: You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your comfort. Make sure the materials used in the product are kind to skin and try testing a few different ranges.
For more information on choosing the right absorbency level for incontinence pads - read our complete guide.
Choosing The Right Level Of Absorbency For Increased Incontinence
Choosing the right product for you or the person you’re caring for may require you to test some products until you find the best fit.
This trial-and-error period of testing products can actually be really beneficial. Here, you can find out what your preferences are in regards to shape, size, and materials.
Some of our top tips are to read through product descriptions, check out customer reviews, or even speak to advisors from several suppliers over the phone.
The important thing to remember is you’re not alone, there are plenty of resources out there for you to find the perfect product.
However, if you find yourself wishing there was a way to accurately check the level of absorbency you require, it might also be possible to conduct an at-home activity. It’s a little scientific, but some people have found it useful to save time.
The Pad Weight Test
Step 1: Before using your incontinence pad, pant, or slip, simply weigh it and note its weight. This is the dry weight.
Step 2: Wear the product until it is at capacity and ready to be switched out for another.
Step 3: Pop the used item into a plastic or ziplock bag.
Step 4: Weigh the used product again to compare how much heavier it is than when it was dry.
Step 5: Compare the two numbers, subtract the original dry weight from the new weight.
A rough estimate to assess how much leakage has happened is to consider 1ml = 1gm. This is often referred to as a pad weight test. It is advised that you conduct this test over at least 24 hours. For more accurate information, do this over three days. The results will help you define how much absorption you should look for in your incontinence products.
Why Finding The Perfect Product Can Be Life-Changing
Incontinence shouldn’t be limiting, and at Vivactive, we are passionate about providing the best management products for those experiencing it.
The perfect product should provide you with the confidence to go about your day without incontinence getting in the way.
The perfect product can also:
- Help avoid unnecessary leaks: Choosing a product with the right absorption level can ensure that there are no leaks throughout the day or night, so you can get on with what matters most.
- Decrease the need to change pads: By using the right product, you can put an end to feeling uncomfortable after a leak or needing to change products at inopportune times, such as during the night when you are sleeping.
- Help maintain a schedule: Finding the right product can help you create a proper schedule for switching out the product at times that best suit you, minimising stress and distractions.
- Increase comfort levels: The peace of mind that comes with having an incontinence product you can rely on ensures that you or your loved ones can navigate the day without worrying.
Experiencing Larger Leaks? When Is It Time To Switch Products?
If you find that the amount of leakage you are facing on a daily basis has increased, you might be questioning whether you need to switch products. Here are a few telltale signs that it's time to move to a higher absorbency product:
- Frequent Need To Change Products: If the pad or pant is being changed far more often than before, this could mean that the current absorbency of your product is no longer suitable. We recommend, on average, that you change your incontinence pads 3-5 times a day at most.
- Increased Leaks: One of the most common reasons for switching to a more absorbent product is due to increased leaks. The pad weight test we mentioned before might help you judge how severe leaks are throughout the day.
- Product Isn’t Working: This might seem obvious, but sometimes it’s easy to dismiss that the product currently in use might no longer be suitable. If pads are becoming fuller more quickly, for example, and causing leaks, it might be time to switch.
- Night-Time Leaks: No one likes disrupted sleep, and it’s incredibly unhealthy for the body, too. If you find that sleep is becoming more disruptive or your incontinence products are wet-to-the-touch upon waking up, you might need a higher absorbency product, or one designed for night-time use.
- Dampness Throughout The Day: Ideally, your incontinence products shouldn’t be causing you to feel damp throughout the day. If you find that moisture is sitting on the skin or causing skin irritation, it could be that the current product you’re using may no longer be suitable.
Which Product Should I Switch To?
We know that looking for new incontinence products can sometimes seem like a minefield. With so much information out there, trying to decide on the best course of action could leave you feeling a little lost.
Fortunately, you have a couple of options when needing to increase the levels of absorbency in your incontinence products.
Moving Up Your Existing Range of Incontinence Products
Your existing brand or range of incontinence products most likely offers multiple products that offer increasingly higher levels of absorption. Here are some tips on what to look for:
Naming Conventions
Most leading brands have clever names for their ranges, making it easier for you to determine how absorbent a product may be.
For example, at Vivactive, our naming convention for our products directly correlates with the amount of liquid they can absorb:
- Normal (1100ml)
- Plus (1900ml)
- Extra (2350ml)
- Super (2900ml)
- Maxi (3200ml)
- Night Maxi (3500ml)
In this case, customers who are currently using our Extra range will most likely just need to move up to our Super range, which offers 550ml of extra absorption in our pads.
Droplets & Imagery
Other leading brands might rely on imagery or charts to show you how absorbent their products are. For example, look out for ‘water droplets’ on packaging; the more droplets that are shown usually correlate with how absorbent that product is.
Remember, if in doubt, check out product descriptions, reviews, or FAQ’s to answer any questions you might have.
Increasing The Absorbency Of Your Current Incontinence Product
If you’re looking to increase the absorbency of your existing products, booster pads are designed to add an additional layer of protection without needing to switch incontinence products.
These innovative pads are designed without the non-porous backsheet found in most other incontinence pads. This allows the liquid to flow through the booster pad, and anything that cannot be absorbed by the booster itself is passed through to your existing incontinence management aid.
Because of this, they shouldn’t be used independently, instead, they should be used in unison with your incontinence pads of choice.
Try A Different Product or Brand
Most providers of incontinence products will offer different ranges of products to suit their customers' diverse needs. If you’ve exhausted all other options or you simply feel like a change, check out some other brands and see what they offer.
Whilst two brands might both advertise the same level of absorbency, there are other features that can help alleviate discomfort and make a product more suitable.
Features like Vivactive’s Triple Layer Lock™ help pads absorb liquid faster, to help keep you feeling fresh, dry, and confident. This technology disperses liquid so it doesn’t all gather in one part of the product, locks in the moisture, and also avoids moisture from making contact with the skin throughout the day.
Other factors, like Odour Control and Wetness Indicators, can make using incontinence products far less bothersome, and in some cases, people can live an active lifestyle without their incontinence getting in the way.
Haven’t tried Vivactive yet? Our products offer superior protection against leaks for up to half the price of some other brands.
For more information on the Vivactive range, check out our range of products here.
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