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Tips to manage your incontinence on public transport


We’ve all been there, sat on the bus on the way home from work, looking out of the window and then, bam! You get the sudden urge to wee. For everyday folk, this isn’t a big deal, but for those of us experiencing incontinence it can be extremely embarrassing. Well, with a bit of planning, crafty thinking and the right incontinence products, you can make public transport nightmares a thing of the past. Let’s see how you can manage incontinence on public transport.

Plan ahead; incontinence on long journeys is no joke

Choose the right product, one that’s going to keep you feeling dry for the journey. By choosing a highly absorbent pant such as the Vivactive Pants Maxi, you’ll be covered for up to 2300ml of liquid. 2300ml is quite a lot, so if the journey isn’t a long one, you might be able to get away with a lower absorbency level, but of course this all depends on your own personal experiences. You know your body and if you feel like you need maximum protection, go for it. 
 
info graphic showing 14 million people in the UK are living with bladder problems. switch from supermarkets to vivactive to make big savings. a man is stood wearing an incontinence pad with a fixation pant

Dress to impress, but, comfortably

Choosing the right clothing for incontinence will make a big difference to your overall experience. Tight clothing like skinny jeans could put pressure on the bladder while you’re sitting down and may increase your sense of urgency. Opt for loose-fitting clothes to keep you feeling comfortable. 


On a similar note, it’s worth stressing that if you’re already using incontinence products then make sure you’re wearing the correct size. Wearing adult nappies that don’t fit correctly can lead to leakage or discomfort. If you’re not 100% sure your pants fit properly, then try purchasing a small quantity of the size up and the size down to see what feels best.

Stock up on top quality protection

A top quality incontinence pant is probably going to be your best weapon against an uncomfortable journey on public transport. You might be wearing the loosest clothes with the best planning in the world and still have an accident. If you’re not wearing a good quality pad/slip/pant then you could leak. Incontinence pads give you a solid back-up plan if you have an accident on public transport. Their odour control and absorption technologies mean nobody will know what’s happened and you can continue your day with dignity and confidence. 


Times have changed, adult nappies and disposable pants aren’t the big, bulky, obvious eye-sores that they used to be. There are some really discreet and natural looking adult pants on the market that offer fantastic absorbency with a flexible fit, without anyone knowing. 

Youtube thumbnail leading to a video that talks about how people can make big savings with their incontinence items.

Choose the right seat

This one might seem obvious, but it’s a good habit to get into. If you’re using transport such as a train or coach, try to pick a seat that’s close to the toilet. Being closer to the toilet will give you a bit of extra peace of mind, safe and sound in the knowledge that if you do need to run to the loo, it’s right there.
 
info graphic showing tips on how to manage bladder weakness while on public transport. there is a cartoon bus.

Talk to someone

It’s 2023, we talk about incontinence now; it should never be a source of shame.You didn’t choose to be this way, so why should you feel embarrassed about it? If you’re travelling with a friend, family member or companion, let them know in advance. A bit of moral support will go a long way to alleviating the anxiety. 


Talking to public transport staff about what you’re experiencing takes a lot of confidence, but by informing someone, they can provide assistance and support. Seeking support and educating people around you can foster a compassionate and inclusive environment that understands and respects the challenges people are facing. 

Get yourself a Vivactive toilet card

What’s a toilet card? They’re a simple and effective way of discreetly communicating to someone that you urgently need to use the toilet due to a medical condition. They feature the universally recognised WC logos so that even if there’s a language barrier, you’ll be able to get your point across. Lastly, they fit snug in your wallet or purse along with your other cards, so that you can access it easily. The best thing about it? They’re totally free. 


With these strategies and reliable incontinence products at hand, you can travel with peace of mind, focusing on enjoying the journey ahead.