5 Types Of Incontinence Pants For Seniors And Disabled

As people age, they can lose bladder control. This causes them to pass urine unintentionally or suffer from a condition called incontinence. Incontinence is not just a big word — it’s a global issue. Statistics show that over 25 million Americans experience this problem. A good number of these individuals are seniors and disabled people. 

Unfortunately, incontinence doesn’t just affect the disabled and older adults. It also takes a toll on their caretakers. This is because managing incontinence is no easy feat. Caregivers are often overwhelmed or frustrated. Thankfully, different types of incontinence pants are available to lessen their burden.  

Incontinence pants provide discreet protection against urinary leaks and odors. They are also comfortable and economical. If you plan to invest in incontinence pants for older adults or disabled people, here are five types to consider.  

1. Adult Pull Ons  

Otherwise known as pull-ups or protective underwear, adult pull ons are designed for more active wearers. They usually look like regular underwear and have elastic waistbands to maximize comfort. More often than not, they also come in soft, thin, and cloth-like materials. Additionally, these incontinence products boast tear-away seams for quick, effortless removal.  

Another feature that makes adult pull-ons convenient is their availability in multiple sizes. This makes them ideal for a larger population. Even so, these pants are only suitable for individuals with mild to moderate incontinence. They are not absorbent enough to accommodate those with a lot of urinary discharge. Also, adult pull-ups come in a single-use design. As such, users must dispose of them after soiling.  

2. Incontinence Briefs  

Incontinence briefs are also known as adult diapers. Like adult pull-ons, they resemble underwear and are disposable. However, the two incontinence products have a few differences. For example, adult diapers have refastenable tabs perched on their sides. As such, caregivers or wearers can easily open and reposition them for a comfier fit. They can also change them without the user removing their clothes.  

Another advantage of choosing incontinence briefs is they feature multiple layers of absorbent and breathable materials. This translates into more absorbency, allowing them to meet the needs of users with heavy incontinence. Plus, they can wear them all night without worrying about waking up to change.  

What’s more, adult diapers are available in a range of sizes for convenience, just like their pull on counterparts. These incontinence products may also come with features like wetness indicators. They alert caregivers or users when the diapers are wet so they can remove or change them.  

3. Reusable Incontinence Pants

Reusable incontinence pants are just what they sound like — incontinence products that can be reused. These function like regular underwear. After absorbing bladder leaks, they are cleaned and worn again. Although these pants are designed for all users, they are more ideal for users with light to medium incontinence.  

Reusable incontinence pants present multiple benefits for users. To begin with, they are cost-effective. Disposables can be pricey, especially for users who need to buy them for an extended period. Fortunately, reusables eliminate the need to buy incontinence pants every other week. This helps caregivers save a few bucks.  

Another advantage of reusable incontinence underwear is convenience. Manufacturers avail them in different materials, cuts, styles, and patterns. This enables users to select products that match their needs and preferences. Moreover, they have unique features like waterproof outer layers to prevent accidental leaks.  

It’s worth mentioning that reusable incontinence pants are more discreet than disposable ones. What’s more, they are eco-friendly since users don’t need to dispose of them at landfills.  

4. Overnight Incontinence Pants

Overnight incontinence pants provide reliable leak protection throughout the night. These incontinence products have various features to achieve that. For starters, they come with high-capacity absorbent materials. They also have leak guards to prevent urinary and fecal leakage at night. As a result, users can relish a comfortable and uninterrupted sleeping experience.  

Some people can’t tell the difference between overnight incontinence pants and other products for incontinent seniors or disabled individuals. This is because they look pretty much the same as regular underwear. Even so, these pants have soft, stretchy cloth-like top sheets. They hug the wearer’s hips to guarantee a secure and comfortable fit.   

5. Adaptive Pants 

Adaptive clothing is designed to accommodate incontinence products. When worn, these products look like traditional pants. That’s why they are most popular among seniors. They help them maintain a regular appearance despite wearing adult diapers. Like the other types of incontinence pants on this list, they also come in a plethora of sizes to accommodate different users.  

Adaptive pants typically feature specialized openings or pockets. They enable users to access, remove, and change incontinence diapers or underwear. Furthermore, these products are made of comfy, breathable, and durable fabrics. They may also have side zippers to aid removal.  

Bottom Line 

Incontinence pants improve the quality of life for incontinent older adults and disabled people. These five options deserve the attention of anyone in the market for reliable incontinence products. Users should note that they come with different features.  

Thus, they should evaluate the pros and cons of each before making their pick.