About Incontinence - Treatment / Management Options - Absorbent Products
Medical Reviewer: Mary Ann Anichini, GNP-BC
Absorbent products refers to a category of products that absorb urine, including what most people refer to as "adult diapers". These products come as either disposable or reusable products designed for both men and women of all ages and sizes. In addition to simply disposable or reusable, there are a variety of different types of absorbent products, including "panty liner" styles, full briefs, and booster pads (which can be placed as a liner inside of a brief). Absorbent products are not a treatment of incontinence, but rather a management tool.
Who?
Most people who have experienced incontinence of any kind have used absorbent products at one time or another. If you are using absorbent products, it is always important to speak to a medical professional about incontinence so that they can properly rule out any serious underlying cause, and help you find the treatment option that works best for you. Sometimes there may not be an appropriate treatment option available, and therefore you might choose to continue wearing absorbent products. Often occasional or slight leakage may occur even after treatment, and thus some sort of protection may still be needed on an ongoing basis (as often happens when on medication or after a surgery for the treatment of incontinence).
The Pros
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Absorbent products can be bought at a local drugstore or through a home-delivery service.
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The products offer the security of knowing that should leakage occur, something is in place to absorb it.
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For some people with incontinence, absorbent products are a more appealing option than surgery or medication.
The Cons
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There is an ongoing cost associated with using products.
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You may feel self-conscious using the products due to possible bulkiness or noise.
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Many people feel embarrassed buying the products.
Tips and Tricks
Use the Right Product
There are many factors to consider when choosing an absorbent product: flexibility for your activity level; products for men or for women; size; absorbency level; disposable vs. reusable. Take all these factors into consideration when looking for a product. You might even find that one product is best for at night, another for working at your desk during the day, and a third for being out and active, like playing golf or going for walks. Try not to look at the price tags first and instead choose based on your needs - you might even find that a more expensive product will give you better coverage and thus cost you less in the long run.
About "Booster Pads"
Booster pads can be purchased as liners for absorbent briefs, increasing the absorbency and protection. It's important to note that unlike regular pads, boosters don't have a waterproof backing. After the booster fills to capacity, the overflow will flow thru to the absorbent brief beneath.
About Skin Care
Keeping the skin that comes into contact with urine or a bowel movement clean and dry is important. When changing absorbent products wash the perineal area with mild soap (not deodorant) and warm water, then pat the skin dry (do not rub). Application of a skin ointment can further protect the skin.
Avoid Using Menstrual Pads
Many women use menstrual pads when they begin to experience incontinence. Menstrual pads aren't designed to absorb urine and don't provide the coverage and protection that pads designed for incontinence will provide.
Shop from Home
Often, people are embarrassed to purchase absorbent products at their neighborhood drug or grocery store. You may want to consider using a service that delivers these products to your home. They usually come in an unmarked box, and sometimes the company will mail you free or low-cost samples if you ask.
Mary Ann Anichini GNP-BC is Senior Director of Education and Training for My Inner View. She has an undergraduate nursing degree from Loyola University of Chicago and a Masters in nursing sciences from University of Illinois School of Public Health Nursing. Mary Ann is a certified Geriatric Nurse Practitioner and has worked with older adults in community and institutional settings since 1977.
Mary Ann has been involved in the design and development of educational modules for caregivers of the frail elderly with Presbyterian Homes of Chicago, Methodist Homes and Services, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, The University of Illinois School of Social Work, The National Alzheimer’s Association and The Presbyterian Homes.
In the last 10 years she has focused on the implementation of “best practices” in the long term care setting. Of greatest interest, are those practices that have the greatest potential to impact quality of life for much of the nursing home population (e.g. Restorative Nursing, Hydration, Bowel Hygiene, and Continence). Currently, Mary Ann worked with all staff at Presbyterian Homes to implement Person Centered Care as well as a Falls management program.
Page last modified 26 July 2009