No matter your age, failure to control your bladder or bowel movements can be extremely embarrassing. It can happen very suddenly, often before you can get to a restroom. There are a number of reasons that incontinence can happen and many of them cannot be controlled. If you suffer from incontinence, an adult diaper (also called a brief) may be the solution you need. However, before you go shopping for an adult diaper, there are some important things that you need to know in order to have success with this product.
Know how you experience incontinence -
When choosing an adult diaper it is important to know how you experience incontinence. Knowing your our specific needs is very important to selecting the right products to use to effectively manage incontinence.
- Do you have occasional leaks of urine when you cough or sneeze?
- Do you have a sudden urge to urinate that is so strong that you don't get to a bathroom?
- Do you have accidents at night?
- Do you have urinary or bower incontinence, or both?
- How much urine do you void?
Educate yourself about the features available in an adult diaper -
Adult diapers have several features that you should be aware of. Knowing these features can be important in selecting the right product to address your needs.
- Absorbency - Depending on the absorbency, adult diapers can hold a few ounces to several cups of liquid. If you empty your bladder in large volumes, it’s best to go with a super absorbent brief or a "nighttime diaper". One of the most absorbent diapers we carry is the Abena Abri-Form Brief. The XL size will hold 135 fluid oz.
- Material - There are two types of adult diapers - plastic backed and breathable briefs. Each kind has different benefits. Those who wear plastic backed diapers say they experience fewer leaks. Those who wear the breathable kind comment that they like the better comfort airflow of the design. Keep in mind that breathable briefs are usually thinner and often quieter, which makes them more discreet for the wearer.
- Size – Most briefs are measured by the waist/hip and sizing can differ from brand to brand. Carefully measure your hips and waist to ensure that the diaper is not too small or big. If a brief is too large or too small it will leak.
Finding the right adult diaper (brief) can take a little trial and error, but after trying out a few different brands and sizes you are sure to find one that works for your needs. If you need assistance selecting one that will work for your needs, feel free to call one of our trained incontinence specialists at Rely Medical Supply. They will be happy to assist you and recommend product options to address your personal needs, give us a call at 1-888-529-2308. • Weekdays 8:00 am - 5:00 pm CST.