Incontinence is a condition that causes people not to control their bladder or bowels. Accidents and illnesses often cause it. If not well taken care of, it can lead to embarrassment, especially when in public.
Are you looking to buy incontinence products? There are different products available on the market that will suit your needs. This article looks at some that you can buy online from stores such as Amazon and eBay.
1. Incontinence Pads and Diapers
These are the most basic forms of incontinence products. They make the pads using the same technology as baby diapers. The hydrophobic layer absorbs the urine, drawing it away from the surface, keeping you dry. The pads protect you from any embarrassment in case of an accident.
You place the pads inside your underwear to catch any leaking urine or waste. They are often disposable or reusable, depending on the brand you choose. Never use sanitary pads as an incontinence pad, although they are cheaper. They do not have the technology to absorb urine, so they remain damp, making you uncomfortable. Also, if you have urinary incontinence, seek the doctor’s advice before using the pads. Although, as a temporary measure, they’ll significantly improve your life and give you the freedom to move around.
Diapers come in various forms and designs, with many manufacturers creating their unique versions. They also use the same technology as the pads. These are the most popular choices for people who have trouble going to the bathroom on their own. You can also use it if you need more support than regular underwear can provide.
2. Incontinence Guards
Guards provide an extra level of protection when using the bathroom. The male guard is a small pad that covers the tip of the penis and protects against any unwanted leakage.
3. Disposable Underwear
They look like regular underwear and have an elastic band that allows you to pull them on easily. Some have tape on the sides that enables you to tear it off easily when removing the underwear. Therefore, making them user-friendly.
They come in many styles and absorbent materials. The underwear ranges from one extreme (very thin and absorbing) to the other (thicker but not very absorbent). The designs for men differ from the female ones, so you can buy what you are comfortable wearing.
4. Incontinence Pants/Briefs
The pants/briefs look like regular underwear for men and women. They designed these for those who have trouble controlling their bowel movements or can swiftly soil themselves. The pants have a plastic lining (like male guards) inserted into the product and hold any waste inside until you can empty it later.
Some have an in-built cloth pad or a waterproof liner to absorb the urine and keep your skin free from moisture. The briefs also prevent odor, so you can be comfortable while wearing them. They are reusable, so they are easily washable.
Also, you can buy the day pants or overnight ones or both, depending on your problem. Briefs are more expensive than other types of incontinence products.
5. Bed Pads
A bed pad is very basic and straightforward to use as you only need to place it under the fitted sheet on your bed or the couch. It prevents any waste from reaching and staining your furniture or mattress by absorbing any leaks. They remain dry even throughout, ensuring that you get good sleep throughout the night.
People who cannot move around quickly like these mats don’t need to replace them regularly. They are also suitable for use when going on overnight trips.
6. Protective Underpads
These can be reusable or disposable with an adhesive strip to ensure they remain in place. The pads have an absorbent layer on one side and a moisture barrier on the other. In addition, some have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which will prevent infections.
The absorbency differs from one underpad to another, so you need to find one that works well for you.
7. Pessaries
These are plastic devices that you insert into the vagina. It increases the pressure on your urethra and supports the bladder. They come in different sizes and shapes, so it might require you to try several before finding one that fits you well.
If you want to use a pessary, it is crucial to let a doctor insert it for you or show you how to do it. You also need to remove and clean it at given intervals. Also, it is essential to replace it at least once a year.
8. Tampons
You can occasionally use tampons to prevent urine leaks when necessary. They work by exerting pressure on your bladder to stop leaking on exertion.
Avoid using regular-sized ones if you have stress incontinence. Similarly, the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) discourages the regular use of tampons for women with urinary incontinence.
Conclusion
If you have an incontinence problem, you can ask the doctor to recommend the best product for you. Also, you can try using several of them to find one which works well for you.
