New Buyer Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Incontinence

Despite affecting an estimated 14 million+ people in the UK, guidance around incontinence products can be hard to find and even harder to make sense of.

With so many products out there, knowing where to start can often feel overwhelming. You’re not alone.

That’s why we have put together this incontinence product buyer’s guide, giving you a concise look at everything you need to know before making a purchase. We will break down some of the different types of products available, what to consider when buying, and who each type of product is best-suited for.

Although you’d be hard-pressed to find an incontinence product that doesn’t at least help your symptoms a little, finding the right product for you can be life-changing.

By choosing a product that matches your lifestyle and is tailored to your body and your needs, you can receive the best protection possible. Let’s take a look at some of the key considerations you should make before making a shortlist of products:

 

Your Lifestyle

This might not be the first thing you think of when deciding which incontinence products to buy, but your lifestyle is more important than you know. We believe incontinence shouldn’t be limiting; therefore, your products should support you throughout the day without getting in the way.

For people with more of an active lifestyle, you might want to look for a product that doesn’t require too much maintenance. In this instance, washable incontinence underwear, discreet pads or discreet pants might be a good fit, as they all offer moderate protection and don’t move about throughout the day.

Whilst all incontinence products may need to be switched throughout the day, depending on your schedule and routine, finding a product that can hold more liquid might suit you best. This is particularly true for people who can only change at certain times in the day, or those with limited mobility.

 

Size & Fit

When choosing an incontinence product, just like normal clothes, finding the right size and fit can be hugely important. Not only can it affect comfort, but it can also make a massive difference to how effective the product is throughout the day.

For incontinence products like washable or disposable underwear, take extra care to consider your body’s size and shape. As incontinence products are not a one-size-fits-all, this might require some trial and error to find the products and sizes that offer the most comfort.

Take care to read product descriptions and sizing guides, as these can help you determine the best fit for you.

 

Absorbency

Depending on the frequency of leaks you are experiencing, the amount of absorbency required out of a product will vary from person to person. Fortunately, there are so many ranges out there today that you are sure to be able to find the perfect product for you.

If you find that the product you are currently using is no longer working as effectively, or you are changing products throughout the day more often, it might be worth moving up to the next absorbency level in your current range.

Choosing a product with the right level of absorbency is hugely important, as it can help mitigate leaks altogether, as well as keep your skin dry, healthy, and irritant-free.

For more information on finding the right absorbency, check out our recent article: Suddenly Experiencing Larger Leaks? It Might Be Time To Switch Your Product.

 

Quality & Comfort

Your comfort is just as important as the effectiveness of the products you use to manage your incontinence. Quality and comfort are some of the key factors that separate brands from one another, and trialling different products will quickly lead you to find the best fit for you.

A good quality incontinence product should:

• Be comfortable to wear throughout the day
• Be made from breathable materials that don’t irritate your skin
• Be easy for you or your carer to take on and off when necessary
• Prevent unwanted odours
• Keep moisture away from the skin when protecting against leaks
  
  

Buying Online Vs. In Store

Shopping in-store for incontinence products can be handy for people who are very busy and need to pick up products in an emergency; however, it can also be a lot pricer and far more restrictive than shopping online.

Online shopping gives you access to some of the most innovative brands on the market, allowing you to conduct your own research and whittle down a shortlist of products. Additionally, some providers, such as Vivactive, offer online subscription services that make it far easier to receive your products routinely at a more cost-effective rate for subscription users.

This is particularly useful for people who want convenience, as they arrive on your doorstep at times that suit you, and the subscriptions can be amended or cancelled at any time.

 

Brands: What’s The Difference?

With so many products on the market, finding the right brand for you can feel impossible. It might surprise you to know that more expensive does not necessarily mean better quality. 

Whilst the choice of brands is very personal and depends on what’s important to you, checking out customer reviews can be a good indicator of what people are thinking about a particular brand or product. 

At Vivactive, we strive to provide the best-quality products that are both innovative and up to half the price of some other leading brands. Unsure which brand to choose? You can try out product ranges from several brands and see which is the best fit for you, but Vivactive is a great place to start! The majority of customers who try out products end up staying with us, something we are really proud of!

Disposable incontinence pants, sometimes referred to as pull-ups or absorbent underwear, are designed to look similar to regular underwear, and are worn in the same way. 

They have a highly absorbent pad that sits in the crotch area, which is designed to absorb liquid and lock it away in the core of the product, away from the skin. Some ranges are even designed with an elasticated waistband and leg cuffs, which provide increased security against leaks and faecal incontinence.

Incontinence pants are simple to put on and offer protection that isn’t likely to move throughout the day, making them a great choice for those with limited mobility.

Who are they for? Disposable incontinence pants are best-suited for people looking for moderate-to-high protection, offering considerably more protection than some pads. 

For a complete guide to Disposable Incontinence Pants, check out our article here.

Considered a more heavy-duty solution than discreet pads, large-shaped pads are designed to help those experiencing more frequent leaks. The absorption levels can be incredibly high on these pads, ensuring that you remain protected even after a big leak. 

Because of their larger size, they are often paired with fixation pants, which are underwear designed to ensure that the pads do not move throughout the day. The fixation pants work in tandem with the larger pads to provide maximum protection. 

Who are they for? Large-shaped pads are designed for people facing frequent or larger leaks, but don’t want to wear a more traditional nappy-style product.

Washable incontinence pants, sometimes referred to as reusable incontinence pants, are an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and discreet alternative to traditional disposable options.

Unlike the products we’ve mentioned on this list so far, these are designed to be worn, washed, and reworn hundreds of times. This makes them great for those more environmentally conscious, as well as being kinder to your wallet. 

Although the upfront cost is more than their disposable alternatives, this cost is quickly recouped after several wears. 

Washable incontinence pants are designed to look like normal underwear, with a built-in pad to soak up liquids. For men, the washable underwear features a contoured design that conforms to your body for added comfort. 

Who are they for? Washable incontinence pants are best-suited to those facing lighter leaks who are seeking a more discreet management option. Pick these if you want to minimise waste and save some money when compared to their disposable alternatives.

Adult nappies are also sometimes known as slips, all-in-ones, or adult diapers, depending on where you look. Despite the differences in names, if you see ‘slip’ or ‘nappy’, you’ll usually be looking at the same type of incontinence product.

Adult nappies or slips are designed for maximum absorbency and coverage. Their fully enclosed build means you’ll get superior leakage protection. They offer similar absorbency levels to pads, but the fully enclosed design can make some people feel less anxious knowing they’re fully protected. 

They come in disposable and washable ranges, so you can choose the best fit for your needs.

Because of their design, these products aren’t necessarily designed for discretion. They look very similar to tab-style nappies that are used on infants, putting practicality ahead of form factor.

For this reason, they’re ideal for people who are experiencing moderate-to-severe incontinence, who are looking for maximum protection. 

They’re also a good pick for people who have difficulty standing or walking. Slips can be beneficial for people with dementia or other mental health issues, as their high absorbency and protection simplify daily life, especially for those in care. 

Their design offers a high level of leakage control and a secure fit thanks to their adjustable tabs. However, they can be bulkier than other wearable incontinence products.

Who are they for? Adult nappies (or slips) combine high absorbency and maximum coverage and are therefore best suited to those experiencing moderate to heavy incontinence. 

Now that we’ve covered the most popular wearable incontinence products, here’s a quick run-through of some additional products that can help with incontinence management.