Choosing the right incontinence product is important for comfort and confidence. Incontinence products come in various types, absorbencies, and sizes. This guide will help you find the best one for your needs.
1. Identifying Types of Incontinence
There are five main types of incontinence:
- Stress Incontinence: This happens when you laugh, sneeze, or exercise. It is caused by pressure on the bladder.
- Urge Incontinence: This type is when you feel a sudden need to urinate and may not make it to the bathroom in time.
- Mixed Incontinence: This is a combination of stress and urge incontinence.
- Overflow Incontinence: This occurs when the bladder does not empty completely, causing leaks.
- Functional Incontinence: This happens when you have difficulty reaching the bathroom due to physical or mental limitations.
Understanding these types can help you choose the right product for your situation.
2. Navigating Absorbency Levels
Why Absorbency Matters: Absorbency is how much liquid a product can hold. Choosing the right absorbency level helps prevent leaks and keeps you dry.
Why It’s Important to Choose the Right Level of Absorbency: If you pick a product that isn’t absorbent enough, it might leak. If it is too absorbent, it might feel heavy or uncomfortable.
Defining Absorbency in Pads: Absorbency in pads is not defined by how thick a pad is as this is the fibres not unlike cotton wool, that offer wicking and padding. The absorbency part of the pads are small granules called super absorbent polymers that absorb the moisture, swell and lock it in.
If you have seen the inside of a used pad, you would have seen these “crystals” like small balls of gel
These start their life as tiny grains about the size of table salt grains or fine grains of sand.
Absorbency Levels Table
Incontinence pads have different absorbency levels. Here’s a simple table to help you understand:
Choosing the right absorbency helps you stay comfortable and dry. Find more information here.
3. Ensure the Right Product Size
The size of the incontinence product matters. A product that is too small may leak, while one that is too large may slip. Measure your waist and hips to find the right size. Check the sizing guide on the product packaging for help.
4. Check Daily Activity Levels
Your daily activities can affect your choice of incontinence products. If you are active, look for products designed for movement. For those who are more sedentary, comfort may be more important. Consider how often you will be sitting or standing throughout the day.
5. Prioritise Skin Health
Skin health is essential when using incontinence products. Look for breathable materials to reduce moisture build-up. Also, choose products that are gentle on the skin to avoid irritation. If you notice any redness or rashes, it may be time to try a different product.
6. Eliminate retail shopping frustration
Finding the right incontinence product in a pharmacy or supermarket can be overwhelming and uncomfortable. At MedCart, we offer a convenient online ordering solution that makes it easy to browse our wide range of incontinence products.
To help you find the right incontinence product, we offer a variety of categories:
How to Know if Your Incontinence Product Isn’t Right for You
If your incontinence product isn’t working well, look for these signs:
1. The Product Slips Down: If the product moves or leaks when wet, it may not fit properly.
2. Irritation or Marks: If the product irritates your skin or leaves marks, it may be too tight or made of rough materials.
3. Incorrect Absorbency Level: If you frequently experience leaks, the absorbency level may not be suitable for your needs.
If you notice any of these issues, consider trying a different product.
Choosing the right incontinence product involves understanding your type of incontinence, absorbency levels, size, activity levels, and skin health. With the right information, you can find a product that keeps you comfortable and confident.
References
1. NCBI. (2020). Incontinence: Types and Treatments.
2. Confidence Club. (2023). How to Choose the Right Incontinence Products.
3. Confidence Club. (2023). How to Know if Your Incontinence Product is Right for You.
