How to correctly wear your incontinence pads

Incontinence pads are a super popular choice for people experiencing incontinence or bladder weakness. They’re pretty versatile and can carry a large absorbency making them a solid all-rounder. There are two different types of disposable incontinence pads for you to consider, each of them with its own benefits. Every person’s experience with urinary leakage is different, so we carry a range of products to meet a wide range of needs. 

'How to wear my incontinence pad correctly' is one of the most common questions for adults experiencing urinary incontinence. And for good reason, they're not the easiest things to figure out. Especially if you've recently embarked on your bladder weakness journey. Wearing your pads correctly is important if you want to stay dry and get the most out of your product. 

‘Incontinence pads’ serves as a broad term that covers two main varieties of pad: large-shaped pads and discreet pads. Unlike some other incontinence products, pads need manual placement and are secured with adhesive strips. The larger-shaped pads typically pair with fixation pants for added security, while discreet pads are typically worn with regular underwear. 

Large Shaped Pads: 

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. 

Discreet Pads:

Discreet pads, as you may have guessed by the name, are built with discretion in mind. They tend to be smaller than large-shaped pads and are usually worn inside your regular underwear. The absorbency levels of discreet pads are lower than what you might find with large-shaped pads, but what they lack in absorbency they make up for in discretion and mobility. 

Before you spend your entire evening on Google, scrolling frantically, some simple preparations can help you manage urinary incontinence more easily. While most common in older women, it's important to remember that both genders may experience it at any age. When buying your incontinence pads, you must;

• Choose a reliable brand known for affordable products, exceptional quality, and superior absorbency.
• Find the right size of incontinence pads to ensure that you can gain a snug fit.
• Select the right absorbency levels so that it can satisfy your needs without causing issues like skin irritation.

Other top tips for wearing your incontinence pads include changing them when they're full (not just after a small leak!) and making sure they feel comfortable before leaving the home. 

Whether you need incontinence pads for nighttime due to nocturnal enuresis or in the daytime, it’s vital that you learn how to fit them. If you’re thinking 'what happens if my pad isn't fitted correctly?', the most likely answer is leakage. However, sores may also develop while odours are commonplace too.

To wear your incontinence pads without worrying about leaks or discomfort, you should follow these simple steps: 

1. Pull the pants that you wish to wear with your pads (we suggest specifically designed Fixation pants for the best results) up to just above the knees.
2. Open the incontinence pad and fold it lengthways until a cup is formed by the anti-leak cuffs.
3. Ease the pad between your legs, from front to back with the backsheet facing away from the skin.
4. Position the pad centrally within your Fixation pants, ensuring that the larger end is towards the buttocks.
5. Position the pad to ensure that the front end lifts up towards the abdomen and the back is up to the cleft of your buttocks. 
6. Confirm that the front of the pad sits higher up than the back while checking that the anti-leak cuffs are snug to the groin.
7. Pull up the pants to fit securely over the incontinence pad, which should still fit snugly to the groin area.
8. Smooth out the pants and pad to prevent creases and check that the front of the pad is still higher than the back.

After completing the above steps of this incontinence pad fitting guide, it is also important to make sure you're comfortable when seated and standing. Take a minute to make sure that the material won’t rub against the skin or cause irritation.