Can Period Pants be used as Incontinence pants?

You can’t fail to have noticed how in the last 12 months, ‘period proof’ underwear has taken the world by storm! With multiple offerings now available from specialist brands and retailers, these products are definitely becoming the norm, with demand undoubtedly driven by increased concerns over the environmental impact of the plastics associated with sanitary products.

We are also seeing more high street shops selling reusable sanitary protection products – or ‘period pants’ as they are more commonly known.  Seeing their success, many retailers (and customers) are reporting that period pants can double up as a product for incontinence care. Even the media are saying that:

“If you suffer from incontinence, period pants are an effective and sustainable way to prevent leaks and keep you comfortable and dry.” (leading ladies’ magazine 14 January 2022)

But is that REALLY the case?

We can’t say for sure one way or the other, but most likely the answer is no. And here’s why:

Menstrual blood leaves the body much more slowly than rapidly flowing urine. Period products are designed to manage this slow release of liquid. Incontinence products are the opposite and are designed to manage a rapid flow of liquid. It is difficult to provide a product which can cope with both!

The volume of liquid released during a period is far less than that which occurs with incontinence, even the lightest forms of it. So it’s unlikely that a period product can provide the same type of absorbency as an incontinence product does.

Incontinence pants are designed to absorb and hold much more fluid than period pants.

We are not saying this is the case with all period pants on the market. It’s likely there are some very hi-tech products which cater for both. But without some careful research, it’s possible if you use period pants for incontinence, you will be risking leakage, and that’s something nobody wants!

Click the following link to explore our range of incontinence pants. We have pants for sizes XS right up to 4XL, designs for men and women, with ranges for light incontinence and light to moderate. They really are a dignified and comfortable way to manage incontinence and, of course, far better for the environment than their disposable counterparts.

If you require any advice or guidance on selecting a product which is right for you, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0800 389 3597.