The Global Forum of Incontinence report states around 400 million people have incontinence worldwide. Incontinence is loss of bladder control with severity ranging from occasionally leaking urine to a strong and sudden urge to urinate.
While people might benefit from lifestyle changes and physical therapies, most can also find incontinence aids helpful. Amongst these, adult pull-on diapers is the most popular and least intrusive.
Also known as protective or disposable underwear, adult pull-on functions as regular underwear. They feature leak guards and absorbent lining for extra protection. Besides incontinence, they may also be useful for conditions like dementia and diarrhea.
However, it can be confusing to choose these diapers, considering the many available choices. So, here are a few tips that can help you make the right choice.
- Choose the Right Size
Your diaper will leak if they do not fit properly. So, choose the right size and ensure they are discreet enough while providing maximum coverage and absorbency. To find the best fit, accurately measure your hip, thigh, and waist. Getting these measurements wrong will give you an uncomfortable fit that is either too large or too snug. Adult pull-up diapers rest on the waistline, so taking time and measuring the waist properly is crucial. Measure your hip and thigh at the widest part so you can function and breathe normally while wearing the diapers.
Sometimes, even with perfect body measurements, specific differences may lead to size discrepancies. For example, if you have very thin legs or a large belly, you might have to make size adjustments accordingly. By body type, you can choose the right diaper size by weight. This is particularly useful for people who experience leaks even when wearing diapers in the right size.
Also, consider diapers offering the flexibility to add capacity, like pull-up diapers. If you wear large-size diapers to fit the waist but have thinner legs, you may experience leaks from the leg holes. So, choose diapers with room to add booster pads for extra absorbency. Always listen to your body when trying to select the right-sized adult diapers. If you experience rashes, itching, or tightness, you must go up a size; if you are leaking, go down a length.
- Check Leakage Condition
To get the correct adult pull-up diaper, check the amount of daily leakage. Use this data to choose the diaper that perfectly suits your requirement. Also, notice whether any food or medicine is causing excessive leakage. If you use several diapers during the day and still face urinary leakage problems, chances are your diaper is of the wrong size or not sufficiently absorbent.
Nowadays, it is easy to choose pull-up diapers based on leakage conditions as specially designed leak-proof adult diapers are available in the market.
Try diaper samples before purchasing a full bag, regardless of your selected brand. This way, you can check the compatibility of your chosen diaper, and if satisfied, you can further place a big order.
- Check Comfort Level and Odor Control
Comfort is among the most important factors when choosing a pull-up diaper. Always choose skin-friendly options to avoid rashes and pinching. Pull-up diapers made of breathable fabric are the best bet, as they allow a lot of air while decreasing odors and preventing irritation.
Look for brands that offer pull-on with night protection and comfort. Also, ensure the diaper is snug enough against your skin, as this limits urine from coming out of it. This also prevents irritation from wearing a too-tight or too-loose adult diaper.
Odor eradication is also an essential factor to consider, as diapers with this ability will save you from embarrassment and help you maintain proper hygiene. Look for pull-ons that can manage incontinence and minimize odor-causing bacteria simultaneously to decrease the chances of skin infections. Specifically, check for cloth-like breathable sides to allow proper airflow and odor-lock features in your chosen adult pull-up diaper.
- Do Not Forget About the Wicking Ability and Wetness Indicator
Wearing a wet diaper for an extended time can be highly uncomfortable and may also cause rashes and other skin conditions. Recently, diaper manufacturers have started using several top layers to keep the user’s skin dry.
These diapers wick away urine from the skin into their padded cores, thus keeping the skin dry even if the diaper is full. Always choose adult pull-up diapers with this exclusive feature. Choose diapers with a built-in wetness indicator to help you know when it is full. This way, you can prevent leakage due to urine overflow.
- Consider the Design and Fit
Premium quality adult pull-up diapers are made keeping sensitive skin in mind. These diapers are comfortable in exposed areas for both men and women. Choose pull-ons with internal leakage barriers and elastic at the waist and legs to ensure a comfortable fit. Also, make sure the diapers have padding at their center between the legs for extra protection and sides made of stretchy, breathable, and non-absorbent material for air circulation and a more underwear-like feel and fit.
How the pull-ons fit your body is also essential. Specific unique attributes, like leg cuffs, make them fit comfortably and snugly. To ensure proper fit, choose those cut wider in the front and rear and narrower between the legs. This will offer you a custom fit that requires less material and is less bulky. Diapers with layers thinner out towards the side, back, and front allow easy pinning and proper fit.
Pay attention to leg openings and choose thicker or thinner leg openings to be comfortable while moving. If used for sitting or sleeping for a long time, your pull-on diaper must offer a secure fit around the legs for proper leak protection.
Conclusion
So, these are the 5 essential tips to remember when choosing adult pull-up diapers. Besides these, check whether they are disposable or reusable. And also, consider your budget. The diapers with advanced features will cost you more than the basic ones. Thus, consider everything before opting for a particular brand of adult diaper.