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What are the Different Kinds of Incontinence Pads?

Tess C. Taylor
Tess C. Taylor

There are many people who deal with urinary incontinence following an injury, surgery, childbirth, weight gain, or old age. To treat this condition, there are many products, including disposable and washable incontinence pads that can be worn discretely under clothing or in place of undergarments to control wetness and odor. Incontinence pads come in many different styles, such as incontinence liners, pads, panties or briefs; incontinence underwear, adult diapers, and incontinence furniture and mattress pads.

When incontinence is a minor problem, such as the occasional leakage when sneezing or laughing, a person may choose to go with a small incontinence pad that can be worn inside underwear. This type of incontinence pad is similar to a feminine hygiene menstrual pad, and consists of an absorbent lining surrounded by a soft cottony outside with an adhesive strip along the bottom and sides to keep it securely inside the underwear. There are urinary incontinence pads of this type that come in a variety of sizes, have varying levels of absorbency, and can be used by men and women to control wetness from urinary leakage.

Some people experience urinary incontinence when they undergo physical stress, such as sneezing.
Some people experience urinary incontinence when they undergo physical stress, such as sneezing.

As people experience more severe urinary incontinence, they may require urinary incontinence panties or briefs, which are worn in place of traditional underwear. Men and women can find varying styles of incontinence briefs or panties that can be worn under clothing without detection. This can help, people who suffer from heavy bouts of urinary incontinence to continue to lead full lives and engage in the activities and social outlets they enjoy without fear of embarrassing accidents.

Urinary incontinence is characterized by a person's inability to control his or her bladder.
Urinary incontinence is characterized by a person's inability to control his or her bladder.

Sometimes, urinary incontinence happens on a very frequent basis or patients suffer total loss urinary control as a result of old age, injury, or surgery. When this is the case, adults can choose adult diapers to protect skin and clothing from wetness and odor. Adult diapers are basically larger versions of urinary incontinent panties and briefs that are easier to put on by caregivers of the person suffering from incontinence. They contain adhesive tabs that allow for placement, adjustment, and removal of the diaper. Diapers can also be packed discretely for travel or for sleepovers as they are compact.

When incontinence affects the lifestyle of a person so much that he fears causing a mess on furniture or bedding, incontinence mattress and furniture pads can be used. These washable and disposable incontinence pads can be placed over the surface of chairs, couches, beds, and other areas. Incontinence pads are generally made from waterproof material that has an absorbent liner on top. When wetness occurs, the pads can be replaced with clean ones at any time, giving the person peace of mind.

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    • Some people experience urinary incontinence when they undergo physical stress, such as sneezing.
      By: CandyBox Images
      Some people experience urinary incontinence when they undergo physical stress, such as sneezing.
    • Urinary incontinence is characterized by a person's inability to control his or her bladder.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      Urinary incontinence is characterized by a person's inability to control his or her bladder.