Which are better – washable incontinence products or disposable?

It’s a question we are often asked – which are better, washable incontinence products or disposable? The answer isn’t quite that simple – because the answer is, whichever suits you better.

In this blog, we address some of the pros and cons of each type of product.

Washable incontinence products

Here at Arelle we are big fans of washable incontinence products, and for many reasons. Let’s look at those first. The top reason is that they are great for the environment. They generate minimal waste, they’re not full of plastic and they don’t get sent to landfill. This alone is fantastic news!

Our washable incontinence products can be machine or hand-washed, and air or tumble-dried. Compared to the regular use of disposable incontinence products, we truly believe washable products will pay for themselves in a short time. Arelle’s washable incontinence pants or briefs will last for at least 100 washes, and it’s estimated that over a year, Arelle’s washable bed pads will save you at least £80 compared to equivalent disposable products.

Washable incontinence pants, in particular, have improved dramatically in recent years. These days they look and feel far more like ‘normal’ underwear and they are surprisingly comfortable. We make our own washable pants in the UK using a fine cotton and lycra material with high quality elastic and trimmings, and a pad that will absorb up to 250ml. The result is discreet and dignified – and very suitable for managing the light incontinence you may experience when you cough, sneeze, laugh, run, or exercise.

The main downside to washable incontinence products is that they may not be suited to you if you have a heavier flow. This is less important with washable bed pads and washable seat pads, when it is likely you will be using some other form of incontinence product alongside, but is more of an issue with washable pants and washable briefs – we really only recommend their use if you have a light to moderate flow.

Disposable incontinence products

Let’s address the downside first, which is the environmental impact of using disposable incontinence products. Inevitably, using disposable pads, pants or bed pads means you will generate more waste than their washable counterparts. But if you have a moderate to heavy flow, or if you are caring for someone, you may feel these are a far more secure choice.

At Arelle, we choose to primarily supply disposable products by Abena, the first manufacturer of their kind to attain the Nordic Swan Eco-label. This is an environmental labelling system that contributes to sustainable consumption and production – 50% of the product’s raw material must come from renewable materials. Plus Abena’s production plant in Denmark is powered by 100% renewable energy, and 86.4% of all waste is recycled. This is our commitment to ensure the products we stock are as environmentally friendly as possible.

With more than 2500 Abena products carrying the Nordic Swan Eco-label, there is sure to be a green product to fit every need. Disposable incontinence products are still incredibly popular due to their convenience and performance. They allow incontinence to be managed in a dignified manner and are soft, comfortable and breathable, in a wide choice of sizes and absorbencies – absorbing up to 3000ml. We offer free incontinence product samples on many of our disposable pants and pads, so you can try and test which works best for your flow.

And just a reminder that we suggest that with any disposable incontinence pad, the addition of stretch pants will really improve the fit and performance of your product. We stock a semi-disposable option (last up to 25 washes) and also washable cotton stretch versions.

A ‘mix and match’ approach

The reality is, that many of our customers discover that a mix and match approach works for them. They might be used to disposable incontinence pads and pants, but choose to use washable bed pads or seat pads. Or if they are unsure whether washable pants will work for them, they will try a pair instead of their usual disposable version – and are often surprised how good they are!

If you’d like some advice on finding the incontinence product to suit you, do give us a call or drop us a line – advising you on the right product choice is what we do best!