Share this page with friends

The Best Products To Help With Nocturia (Night Time Leaks)


Leaking urine during the night can be a bit of a nightmare. Bedwetting, also known as nocturia can feel like an unending cycle. But, you’re not alone.
 
The Urology Care Foundation suggest that 1 in 3 adults over 30 experience nocturia. That’s a third of adults living with a disrupted and often stressful night's sleep.
 
It’s not all doom and gloom though, with the right products and supplements you can turn bedtime nocturia nightmares into a dream. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the things you can buy to help you out, from disposable bed pads to waterproof mattress protectors. 

What is nocturia? 

Ok so, before we dive into products this and supplements that, we should probably start off by talking about nocturia a bit more. What actually is Nocturia? 
 
Nocturia is defined as a medical condition whereby you wake up during the night to urinate, typically more than once. Unlike the occasional nighttime trip to the bathroom, nocturia disrupts your normal sleep cycle, which can lead to broken sleep.  
 
Nocturia can affect people of all ages but is more common in older people. There are lot’s of things that can cause nocturia including:
 
  • An overactive bladder
  • Drinking too much before bedtime
  • Medication
  • Underlying health issues like diabetes, heart failure, or urinary tract infections
  • Hormonal changes
  • Caffeine and alcohol consumption 

But how can you navigate nocturia, to ensure it's having minimal impact on your sleep? Let's break down some of the key products that can support you and improve your sleep.

Disposable bed pads

Disposable bed pads are a really useful tool for managing nighttime leaks. They’re thin sheets of absorbent material which sit above the mattress and the bedsheet, so that liquids don’t soak through and ruin your linen.
 
If you have an accident, you simply pop the pad in the bin and replace it with a new one. 
 
  • Great for people on the go: If you’re someone who travels a lot, frequenting hotels, other people's houses, or holidays, you’ll probably find a bed pad useful. Their small size means they can be carried around easily and discreetly. Once soiled, they’re simply bundled up and disposed of. Washable bed pads are less versatile in this respect, you can’t really carry them around with you once they’ve been used.
  • Keep your mattress protected: Using a super-absorbent bed pad adds an extra layer of protection for your sheets and mattresses. By collecting up any stray liquids and locking them away, your sheets will stay fresh and dry. No smells, no stains.
  • Less washing: If you experience nocturia regularly, you might find yourself stripping the bedding and putting a wash on quite a lot. If there’s no buffer there to absorb the liquid, it’s going straight into your bedding. It might not be too annoying at first, but after a while, the constant labour of washing duvets and sheets and mattress cleaning can grate on someone. With disposable bed pads, you simply roll them up and chuck them in the bin, problem solved. 


Vivactive's bed pads

 
We offer a fantastic range of disposable bed pads, with our own in-house brand Vivactive providing the best bang for your buck. 
 
Vivactive Bed Pads have been designed to deliver a combination of fantastic absorbency at a super-affordable price point.
 
  • These bed pads absorb twice the amount of liquid compared to some other similar disposable bed pads.
  • This is thanks to the long fibres in the "fluffy" part of the pad, which are three times longer than those in some other products.
  • The enhanced fibre length means the pad can hold an extensive amount of urine
 
Vivactive Maxi Bed Pads are chocked full of industry-leading incontinence tech, like channels that aid in the distribution of liquid.
 
  • Innovative channels in the pad provide faster absorption to keep you dry and comfortable.
  • Once the liquid is absorbed, hydrophobic barriers along the edges prevent it from reaching your lovely bedsheets
  • Meanwhile a waterproof backing makes sure nothing leaks through the bottom of the bad
  • The super soft top layer provides a gentle surface against your skin, providing exceptional comfort.

 

Waterproof mattress protectors

Waterproof mattress protectors are a simple yet essential tool in managing nocturia.

If you’re regularly experiencing overnight leaks, a quality waterprood mattress protector acts as your last line of defence, shielding your mattress from moisture, stains and odours.

A replacement for your standard mattress protectors, they work by creating a fully waterproof barrier between your body and your mattress. If leaks make it past your pad or pants, the protector catches them.

This can be a true saviour when symptoms flare up more severely than normal. With no deep cleaning required, you can simply just strip the bedding, wipe down or wash the protector, and you’re good to go.

If you’ve ever had to clean a mattress, you’ll know it’s not fun and often times a fruitless endavour. If liquids seep deep into the layers they can cause permanent damage and lingering smells. A waterproof mattress protector helps to preserve your mattress for longer and makes clean-ups far easier.

 

Which waterproof mattress protectors should you look for?

 

First, let's start with what you should avoid. Keep an eye out for alternatives to standard PVC, as this material can be incredibly uncomfortable and prone to rustling during the night.

Instead look for protectors that are made with soft vinyls or similar alternatives. These provide more breathability and comfort, designed to improve the quality of your sleep whilst providing complete protection for your mattress.

Many of our waterproof mattresss protectors are designed to feel just like a regular fitted sheet. Meaning no rustling or discomfort, for complete peace of mind. For the best protection, you can even pair one with a disposable or washable bed pad for an extra layer of security.

For more information on what you should look for, check out our complete guide to waterproof mattress protectors

 

Washable bed pads

Washable bed pads are super absorbent pads that lay on top of your bedding to protect your mattress and bedsheets. When you get into bed, you lie on top of the washable pad. The big difference between washable pads and disposable pads is their ability to be washed and reused. 

If you’re struggling to find a nocturia solution that can handle big urine leaks, you might want to give washable bed pads a try. For example, the Vivactive King-Size Washable Bed Pad can absorb up to a whopping 5000ml of liquid. This is a much higher level than most disposable bed pads. 

Washable Bed Pads offer five layers of protection in one exceptional pad - giving you the confidence that your bedding will remain dry and protected throughout the night. Each layer is designed to keep you protected:

  1. Soft, fast-drying top layer: Rapidly wicks liquid into the pad
  2. Quilted layer: Works to draw liquid into the pad
  3. Super soaker layer: Securely holds liquid inside to prevent leak
  4. 100% waterproof layer: Ensures your bedsheets and mattress are totally protected
  5. Stain-resistant bottom layer: For complete peace of mind

The pad features a soft and fast-drying top layer, ensuring you remain dry and comfortable whilst lying in bed.

The liquid then passes into a quilted middle layer which quickly draws the liquid in, and then into a super soaker layer which securely holds the liquid and ensures it remains inside the pad. 

Unlike disposable pads, you won’t need to keep stocking up. As you’re not chucking them away after every use, you won’t have to buy more than you need. Whilst there’s a higher initial cost, over time, you’ll find you save a bit of money.

As you’re not disposing of them after each use, you’ll find they’re a bit better for the environment too. I won’t lie to you, they’re a bit of extra effort as you’ll need to put them in the washing machine when they’re full, but they’re a solid choice if you’re environmentally conscious.

 

Disposable incontinence pants

Incontinence pants offer a convenient and discreet option for managing incontinence. They’re designed to fit like regular underwear, providing a secure and comfortable fit.
 
You simply pull them up and put them on the same as you would regular pants/briefs, but these feature a super-absorbent pad that soaks up any leaks thorughout the day. You can get multiple uses from the same pant and once it’s full, you simply tear the sides, pack them up and dispose of them. 
 
Disposable incontinence pants are:
 
  • Designed for people experiencing moderate to heavy leaks
  • Fitted to provide leak protection over a greater area
  • Kitted with extra protection from technologies such as Vivactive’s anti-leak cuffs, depending on the brand you choose
  • Capable of providing protection whether you’re standing, sitting or lying down
Our Vivactive Pants Night Maxi have been designed with to provide higher absorbency capacity, ensuring that you remain protected throughout the night:
 
  • Holding up to 2200ml of urine, providing long-lasting protection against leaks all night long.
  • Designed to provide up to 10 hours of protection for moderate and heavy leaks. 
  • The ultra-absorbent pants are also up to 40% cheaper than some other leading brands, providing confidence without the cost! 

Vivactive Shaped Pads Night

Large-shaped pads are a heavy-duty option, built specifically to handle big leaks. Their huge absorption capabilities and traditionally bulky design mean they’re geared mostly toward people with chronic incontinence and people who are less mobile. 
 
  • These ones are for big leaks: Large-shaped pads can get to some seriously high absorbency levels, so if the worst happens, you’re totally covered. 
  • Wetness indicator: Some large-shaped incontinence pads feature a convenient wetness indicator on the outside to help let you know when the pad needs changing. This can be a big help for carers or loved ones who are helping to look after someone experiencing incontinence. 
  • Leg cuffs for maximum security: Vivactive is serious about leak security. Each of our pads features reinforced hydrophobic leg cuffs that provide twice the protection against leaks compared to some other equivalent products. 
  • Work in tandem with fixation pants: By combining large shaped pads with a reliable, reusable fixation pant, you’ll ensure your pad is kept securely in place at all times for maximum protection. 
Vivactive Shaped Pads Night Maxi provides superior protection against leaks, all night long. This is because our Maxi night pad is significantly more absorbent than other incontinence night pads available.
 
Our night pad features specially designed barrier cuffs that provide you with protection and confidence against leaks all night long. 
 

Bladder supplements

We understand the challenges facing people with incontinence and we only provide products that will make a meaningful difference to your life.
 
Vivactive supplements have been specially designed to noticeably reduce leakage in just 8 weeks. You won’t be waiting around forever to see results. Our clinically tested formula is a revolutionary breakthrough in the incontinence market, with studies seeing a 69% reduction in nighttime leaks.
 
Our team of experts has developed a top-tier formula that our customers love. It's affordable, quick, and effective. Enjoy your days and nights with fewer leaks and greater confidence. You'll experience maximum benefits if you continue taking them beyond the 8-week period, so remember to pack some in your handbag to keep the progress going!
 

The key to finding rest again

Living with nocturia can feel exhausting, both physically and mentally. Broken sleep, disrupted routines, and the worry of leaks can take their toll.
 
But the right support can make a real difference. Whether it’s a mattress protector for peace of mind, pads for protection, or supplements to help manage the root cause, small changes can help you feel more in control.
 
It’s not about finding a one-size-fits-all fix, it’s about choosing the products that work best for you, so you can get the rest you need. With a bit of planning, and the right tools by your side, better nights' rest are 100% possible.