Sheet protectors can help a person with incontinence avoid nightly sheet changes and help prevent damage to the mattress. Not all sheet protectors have the same features, however, which can make it difficult to decide which mattress will work best for a person. Placing one pad in the horizontal position and the other vertically. This positioning can be a “catch-all” for any messes. The charity Bladder & Bowel UK gives independent advice on products that can help manage bladder and bowel problems. A variety of incontinence bedding is also available, such as washable bed pads that sit on top of the mattress and soak up any overnight leaks. The pads stay dry to the touch and they can be useful for trips away from home. Can I get incontinence products on the NHS? If you have mild to moderate incontinence you can buy thin, discreet pads or pull-up pants for men and women from many supermarkets and pharmacies.

Doubling up on pads, if needed, to facilitate future bed changes. For example, if you know you’re likely going to have an overnight accident, going ahead and placing two pads means you can remove and dispose of the top one, and you have another ready to go.Woodley S, et al. (2017). Pelvic floor muscle training for prevention and treatment of urinary and faecal incontinence in antenatal and postnatal women. About one-quarter to one-third of adults in the United States have urinary incontinence. The National Association for Continence estimates that around 25 million people in the U.S. experience at least some urine leakage each year. However, tampons can be used occasionally, when necessary, to prevent leaks. For example, during exercise. Appliances and bedding Other useful incontinence products for more severe leaks include urinals (devices that collect urine), or sheaths and drainage systems (if you have a penis). Placing the clean, new pad halfway on the bed, roll the pad to meet the part under your loved one. For example, if your loved one is turned on to the left side of the bed, the new pad will be flat on the right side of the bed with its other half rolled up behind your loved one.

Yin L, et al. (2020). A study of skin physiology, sensation, and friction of nonwoven fabrics used in absorbent hygiene products in neutral and warm environments.Washable bed pads - these can be used and washed a number of times before they need to be disposed of. lifestyle changes, including managing one’s weight, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and drinking less caffeine For people with severe leaks, continence clinics and district nurses can supply incontinence pads on the NHS, but these tend to be big and bulky. Using tampons for stress incontinence

The most popular incontinence products are absorbent pads that are worn inside underwear to soak up urine. They have a layer of padding which absorbs liquid, keeping it away from the mattress or furniture and in some cases the individual themselves. Although sheet protectors can protect the sheets, mattress, and a person’s skin, they cannot treat incontinence itself. A person who finds that they are frequently leaking during the day or night should talk with a doctor about possible causes and treatment options. Pads and pull-up pants use the same technology as babies' nappies and have a "hydrophobic" layer which draws urine away from the surface of the product, so your skin stays dry.Disposable bed pads - available in various sizes and levels of absorbency, these pads are designed to be thrown away after use. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Size: The size of the pad can make a difference in how much protection they provide. If the pad is not large enough, a person may roll off of it, or it may not cover enough of the bed to be effective. Incontinence pads and other products and devices can make life easier for you if you're waiting for a diagnosis or for a treatment to work.