Essential accessories to manage incontinence

It is estimated that over 14 million adults in the UK live with some degree of urinary incontinence while one study found that the prevalence in older women is nearly 40%. Whatever age you develop a bladder weakness, equipping yourself with essential incontinence accessories is a key step to managing the situation.

Having top-quality incontinence items at your disposal won’t stop urinary incontinence, but it can save you from potential embarrassment and make daily life far more convenient. Perhaps more importantly, it gives you the confidence and peace of mind needed to live your best life. Here are some of the products that should be on your checklist.

Shampoo caps are an absolute game-changer. If you're not particularly mobile, find it difficult to use the bath or shower, or you simply need a convenient hair wash (camping and festivals, we're looking at you) these shampoo caps will keep you clean and smelling fantastic. With these, you can shampoo and condition your hair in just three minutes, with no need for any washing, rinsing, or running water. Simples.

They're really versatile too, so you can use them on thick hair or short hair and still get a wonderful cleaning experience. And, if you really want a luxurious head wash, why not pop it in the microwave for 20 seconds to warm it up a bit?

Their simple-to-use nature makes them an ideal solution for hospital patients, older adults, dementia patients or those with limited mobility, where accessing a bath or shower might be difficult.

For the most luxurious experience, try the Vivactive shampoo cap, it contains 25% more formula than other shampoo caps, for a more thorough wash. Like most other Vivactive products, they offer the best value for money!

Using pads, pants and nappies is a necessity. But, what do you do with them afterwards? You still need to dispose of them. To help you do so, you should invest in some great value Adult nappy bags. If there’s one thing everyone using wearable incontinence products should have, it’s these! Otherwise, the odour could follow you or ruin the smell of your home. Besides, they're not just for your wearables, you can get all of your used wipes and cleaning by-products in there too. 

Vivactive's great-value adult nappy bags are larger than traditional nappy bags and made from durable materials. They're also apple-scented, which is great for keeping urine odours at bay. The longer handles add an extra layer of hygiene, which is hugely beneficial.

Using a good nappy bag can be really useful when getting rid of those used items. Don’t settle for baby nappy bags, they’re far too small. Trying to fit a large pair of incontinence pants into a normal-sized nappy bag is no easy feat and if you’re unlucky, you can make a bit of a mess.

What’s the solution? Big nappy bags that have been designed specifically for adults. Vivactive XL Nappy Bags are amazing for this. They’re big, strong, and fragranced with a lovely apple scent. They come with big, easy-to-use handles so you can quickly and easily wrap everything up and get it in the bin without a fuss.

Many people who experience urinary incontinence have a condition known as Enuresis, which is characterised as emptying the bladder at night. Even if you wear an incontinence pad, the fact that you could pass a lot of urine during the night can lead to spillages. While you can dry the mattress with relative ease, the distinct odour of urine can linger. Nobody wants a mattress that smells of wee. 

A reliable mattress deodoriser spray should be on your list of essential incontinence items. The mattress cleaning spray neutralises odours while simultaneously killing the bacteria, meaning the odours are eradicated rather than simply masked. Once it's dried, the mattress will feel as good as new.

Some deodorisers will simply mask the smell. This is only a short term fix, if you don’t neutralise the bacteria at the source, it’ll just keep coming back. You need a solution that will kill the bacteria, and the odour, properly. That’s where Vivactive Mattress Deodoriser comes in. Rather than just covering it up, our spray will neutralise the odour, so you can rest easy knowing your furniture is free from urine smells!

Although it’s a mattress deodoriser by name, you can actually use this on all kinds of surfaces, beds, bedding, furniture and even rugs. 

When thinking about essential incontinence accessories, wet wipes are another vital addition. Vivactive’s wet wipes are up there as the best value that you'll find in the UK. They're designed specifically for people who have bladder weakness. 

The soft materials are particularly kind to the skin in a very sensitive area, not least thanks to the soothing aloe vera and balanced pH levels. They're also vegan and cruelty-free.

Vivactive wipes aren’t just soft; they’re designed to perform. Cleansing and removing any nasties is just another day in the office for them, ensuring your skin is in tip-top condition after every use. Whether you need them for incontinence care, or just keeping on top of hygiene at a festival, Vivactive wet wipes are up to the task. Their gentle-on-skin formula makes them suitable for all-over body cleansing, providing a thorough and refreshing clean that’ll leave you feeling revitalised and ready for the day.