How to choose your first incontinence pad

For some, choosing your first incontinence pad can be a daunting prospect. You rock up at the supermarket aisle and you’re greeted by a bunch of different products, with no guidance on which one might be best for you. So you go for the most expensive, most absorbent option, in the biggest size. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. A lot of people do it. But, if you’re reading this, then you might be trying to do a bit of research to become a more informed consumer. That’s the best thing to do. If you’re ever unsure of a product or process, jump on Google and get reading. 

Anyway, if you’ve recently developed some level of urinary incontinence or bladder weakness, you might be left wondering if you’ve picked the right pads. Here at Incontinence Choice, we stock the biggest brands like TENA, as well as fantastic quality, budget brands like Vivactive. Vivactive is the brand that delivers top-quality pads at a super low cost. If you need some help on your journey of managing bladder weakness. The following three-step plan will lead you to success.

The best place to look for incontinence pads is online. There’s a massive selection to choose from with plenty of information on each product page to help you make the right decision. Not only is there lots of helpful information, but you’re far more likely to find a good deal too. 

Unlike conventional shopping, you can quickly narrow down your search with categories like absorbency, product type and gender. 

Through dedicated product pages, you can find a whole heap of information. For example, on the Vivactive Shaped Pads Maxi page, you’ll find a good mix of technical and product usage info that you can dig into. There are even fitting guides that you can follow if you’re unsure how to put them on correctly. Want to know the product technology that’s powering your pads? What’s the odour control like? Are they kind to your skin? It’s all there. By shopping online, all that useful information is right at your fingertips. 

With traditional shopping, you might have to look a little harder to get the same knowledge. Not to mention the fact that you’ll have to actually travel all the way to the shops, hope that they’ve got everything in stock, and then stand there for ages looking at everything. If you are embarrassed easily, it might not be the best option for you. 

Everyone’s experience with urinary incontinence is different. With this in mind, there are different products for different needs. You’ll want a product that aligns with your specific needs as well as your budget. 

Here are some of the types we stock, along with why you might want to choose them:

• Discreet pads (small incontinence pads): Discreet pads carry less absorbency than their larger counterparts, however, they’re much less noticeable. You’ll be able to comfortably wear these out and about without people knowing that you’re wearing an incontinence item. You can find these in gender-specific variations, designed for different anatomies. 
• Large-shaped pads: Large pads are for heavy incontinence and maximum security. Big leaks need a big pad. Generally, they’re for people who are less mobile and looking for a practical solution. Due to their practical nature and big absorbency, they’re far less discreet. 
• Belted incontinence pads: Similar to large-shaped pads, these are perfect for people experiencing moderate to heavy incontinence who need a little bit of extra security. They boast a high absorbency and are a good choice for people with limited mobility. 
• Night-time pads: If you’re leaking mostly at night time, you might opt for Nocturia-specific pads. They have a higher absorbency than all of the other options and are a heavy-duty option to keep you dry all night long. 

Now that you’ve got a bit more knowledge about what does what, you need to think about absorbency levels and sizing. 

Absorbency

As we mentioned briefly before, a lot of people will panic and grab the most absorbent pads they can get their hands on, even if they’re only experiencing small leaks. The old saying ‘using a sledgehammer to crack a nut’ pops to mind. 

Whilst they’ll get the job done, you might find that you save money in the long run by picking a more appropriate absorbency level. You might also find the smaller pads a bit more comfortable. 

The opposite also applies. If you’re experiencing heavy incontinence and opting for the smaller pads, you might find that you start to leak, or regularly change pads. 

Sizing

Sizing is more important than you might think. Too big, you could leak through the sides or they could rub on your skin and make you sore. Too small and you’re likely to experience chafe. Nobody likes chafe. 

Take some time to measure yourself in line with the product specifications. You’ll find this sort of detailed information on product pages, so you can match yourself to the perfect pad. If you’re still unsure, then the best thing to do is buy a size up and a size down, try them all on and see which fits best. Whilst it might be a bit of an extra initial cost, you’ll get the peace of mind you’re looking for knowing you’ve tried different sizes. 

If you’ve been looking into buying your first pad, there are many great (and several not-so-great) brands on the market. Some of the cheaper brands you find in the super market will offer a really low price point, but also a low quality product. For someone on a budget, what are you supposed to do?

Vivactive’s pads are a great balance of quality and value, providing a budget-friendly solution without compromising on comfort or reliability. The Vivactive Large Shaped Pads Maxi, for example, provide faster absorption than some other brands thanks to their innovative design, while reinforced anti-leak cuffs provide extra protection against leaks.

When paired with Vivactive fixation pants, they form a super comfortable, secure, highly absorbent combo to deliver a fantastic product experience. 

The gentle materials and odour-neutralising ultra-absorbent pearls add to their appeal. They slide on to be worn like any regular pair of underwear while they can be ripped off with ease, which can be particularly useful if you have dexterity or mobility issues. 

Moreover, the fact that you can set a subscription means that buying pads for urinary incontinence can be as convenient as wearing them. To learn more, check out the full range of Vivactive incontinence products today.