Disposable bed pads or washable bed pads? 

Living with incontinence can be challenging, especially if you’re dealing with nocturia (urinating during the night). Bed pads can make a massive difference when it comes to managing your nighttime incontinence. There are two main types of bed pad that you should consider: disposable bed pads and washable bed pads. They both come with their own benefits and drawbacks, so, join us as we lift the lid on the main differences between the two. 

Benefits:

Convenient: Disposable bed pads excel when it comes to convenience. If you leak, you pack it up and put it in the bin. No need to worry about washing or drying.

Discreet disposal: Experiencing leaks shouldn’t be a source of shame or embarrassment, but for some people, it still is. Disposable bed pads give you a level of discretion you simply can’t get with washable alternatives. 

Travel-friendly: If you're on the go or planning a trip, disposable bed pads are a solid choice. They're compact and easily fit into a travel bag. Once soiled, they’re simply disposed of instead of needing to find a washing machine and tumble dryer.

Drawbacks:

Environmental impact: In my opinion, the biggest drawback of disposable bed pads is their environmental impact. In a world of waste, it’s impossible to ignore that disposable anything’s contribute to landfills. If you’re trying to be eco-conscious then you might want to consider using washable pads instead. 

Ongoing cost: While convenient, disposable bed pads the costs can add up over time. Constantly purchasing new pads can take it’s toll on your wallet, so make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. Vivactive disposable bed pads absorb liquid 3 times faster than other bed pads - at a fraction of the cost. Don’t waste your money in the supermarkets when you can get a better product online at a much cheaper price point. 

Benefits:

More eco-friendly: Washable bed pads are the more eco-conscious choice of the two. By opting for reusable products, you're contributing to a reduction in waste and environmental impact. 

Less cost in the long run: While the initial cost is higher, washable bed pads can save you money over a longer period of time. With proper care, they last for ages, so you don’t need to keep buying replacements.

Drawbacks:

A bit of extra laundry to take care of: One of the most obvious drawbacks of washable bed pads is the fact that you actually have to wash them. If you're not a fan of doing laundry or have limited access to a washing machine, this could become an inconvenience.

Less travel-friendly: Unlike disposable bed pads, washable pads can be a bit bigger, making them less travel-friendly. You’ll also need a very understanding host if you need to use their washing machine and tumble dryer! 

Higher initial cost: To be honest, you can get a top-quality washable bed pad for a reasonable price. They’re not that much more expensive if you go for a decent brand like Vivactive. However, they are still slightly more expensive than a pack of disposable pads. As mentioned above, the cost does work out in the long run, so don’t let this put you off. 

It mostly comes down to your lifestyle. Which one is going to suit the way you live your life? If you’re on the road and travelling a lot, the disposable option is probably going to be more your thing. If you’re less mobile and you spend more time at home, then a washable might be a better choice.  Your lifestyle plays a crucial role in determining which bed pad is right for you. 

If you’re really stuck, then it might be worth buying one of each and trying them both. Take a good look at the product page for each, weigh up the pros and cons and then get ordering!