Are you buying the WRONG incontinence product?

It might seem like an odd question, but the vast majority of people we speak with are contacting Arelle because they are struggling to manage their incontinence – and that is usually the result of choosing the wrong incontinence product for their condition.

Anecdotal reports suggest that as many as 80% of adults experiencing incontinence are using the wrong products – and many people will try seven or more different products until they find one that works.

That’s not really a surprise to us – there are now so many products available to you, both online and on the high street, that the choice can be quite bewildering. And while it may be simpler and more convenient to pick up your products in your local supermarket, your choice is likely to be far more limited than with specialist retailers, and we are pretty sure that there will be no supermarket staff with the expert knowledge or experience to advise you on what your options are.

So what can you do to choose the RIGHT incontinence product?

The right product for the right flow

It might seem obvious, but choosing the right product for the right flow is where most people go wrong. Most people think “the more it absorbs the better” – but you will be far more comfortable with a product which offers you the right level of protection, rather than the greatest level of protection. If you have occasional leaks, you should choose products that are suitable for the lowest volume of liquid. If you have partial or uncontrollable bladder or bowel movements, then choose products which hold more volume.

And for times when you might not be able to change your product so frequently, such as overnight, you might want to choose a product with higher absorbency. We label all our products in an absorbency guide from 1 to 6 ‘teardrops’; 1 being for a light flow and 6 for complete loss of bowel control – and our catalogue and website signpost you to the most suitable products.

Please note that different brands also use this numbered ‘teardrop’ system – but it may not always correlate with ours – thus adding to customer confusion! We are always more than happy to chat through the options with you.

Decide on the type of product which will suit you best

The two most familiar products are shaped pads and all-in-one pads. Shaped pads fit into your underwear and come in a range of sizes and absorbencies to ensure comfort and protection against leakages. All-in-one pads are worn in place of regular underwear and have adjustable fastenings for a more secure fit.

A newer option, representing a significant improvement in design, is pull-up briefs.  These look like ordinary pants and can be a more dignified way to manage incontinence than traditional pads. Pull-ups can be used to manage most types of incontinence and are certainly easier to use.

Washable v disposable

If you are affected by long-term light to moderate incontinence you might want to consider using washable products. Washable briefs have a sewn-in absorbent pad and waterproof liner, and are a comfortable and dignified way to manage light continence. They can replace normal underwear and are available in a range of sizes.  They are more environmentally friendly than disposables, and you will benefit from a cost-saving, as well as the convenience of always having a pair ready.

Quality v economy

A high-quality product will absorb liquid quickly – and this is important if you experience a sudden rush or leak. A high-quality product will then hold onto the liquid, so when you move or put pressure on the pad, it won’t escape from the sides and you will feel more secure as a result. Better quality products will be more comfortable and should be shaped to fit you snugly. The materials will be higher in quality as well, preventing odour or soreness, and ideally will be breathable and latex-free. In all aspects, cheaper pads will not perform as well.

Fit and features

To ensure the product works as well as it can, wearing the correct underwear is really important as this aids correct fitting. The best underwear for the job is close fitting – and this is where fixation or stretch pants are helpful, especially if you choose to wear pads. Compared to usual underwear, these pants have a wider gusset area and far more elasticity.  This supports the pad, makes it fit snugly, and secures against leakage, as well as improving efficiency and reducing the number of pads required.

The sort of features you might find useful with different products might include:

– Gender specific – different fits for men and women
– Odour control – unique technology for handling odour
– Wetness indicator  – which discreetly alerts you to change your product
– Moisture wicking – all absorbent products should feature some kind of technology that works to pull, or “wick,” moisture away from the body in order to keep the wearer dry and comfortable.

Advice

If you need advice about choosing the right incontinence product, please do get in touch. It’s nothing to be embarrassed or concerned about – we would much rather you chat to us about purchasing the right product (we may even be able to send you a free sample!) rather than wasting money and energy on buying something that simply isn’t right for you. Call us on 0800 389 3597 or email info@arelle.com