Adult diapers are a necessity and a source of dignity for people with a variety of health conditions that result in incontinence. As people live longer, the number of people using adult diapers continues to increase although it’s not just limited to older people. Here are factors to consider when buying adult diapers.
Size and material
Comfort is key when buying adult diapers. A well-fitting diaper made of a super-absorbent material offers maximum comfort. A well-fitting diaper should be glued to the skin to prevent leakage but not necessarily tight. If it’s too tight, it will be uncomfortable, make movement difficult and even risk bruising and if it’s loose, it will allow leakage from the sides. Diapers with elastic also help provide a snug fit which contains not just the contents of the diapers but the odour too. Choosing the right size often comes down to trial and error so keep trying. If you experience leaks, go for a smaller size. Select diapers with higher absorbency for use overnight.
High-quality adult diapers are highly absorbent, dry quickly, and allow for good air circulation. There are different materials including cloth-backed, plastic-backed and breathable diapers. Cloth-backed diapers are in widespread use and while not 100% effective, they are effective in retaining fluids. Breathable diapers are quieter, breathable, allowing the skin to dry faster. They are also cooler in the summer and better for people prone to skin rash. Plastic-backed diapers provide a feeling of security because you know they won’t leak through the outer layer.
Lifestyle
When choosing adult diapers, it’s important to factor in the level of activity of the person who will use them. People who have an active lifestyle should go for diapers that are as unobtrusive as possible. These are commonly referred to as pull-ups and resemble brief-style underwear. This allows people to stay active including working and playing sports with confidence. For people who are less active, tab-style diapers with adhesive around the waist should suffice although they are bulkier than pull-ups. They are, however, better in terms of absorbency. For people with heavy incontinence, tab style is the better option.
Reusable or disposable
You can opt either for reusable or disposable diapers. Reusable adult diapers are initially more expensive but long-term they are cost-efficient and eco-friendly. They are designed both for light and heavy incontinence in adults. Disposable diapers on the other hand are reputed for their higher absorbency, odour control, and leg cuff guards that protect against any danger of leakage. They also offer more choices and variety.
Personal level of incontinence
Adult diapers are often categorized according to levels of incontinence. The levels include light, moderate, heavy, overnight, and faecal incontinence. It’s best to go for an option that is higher than what you think you need. This allows you to have peace of mind knowing there is no danger of leakage.
Odour protection
For added protection and peace of mind, you can opt for adult diapers that come with plastic backbends to mask the odour. Others have a chemical that neutralizes the odour leaving a fresh smell.
Wetness indicator and wicking
Some adult diapers have a built-in indicator that will allow the wearer or caregiver to know when it is full. This is useful in preventing leakage. Newer diapers also come with top layers that have been developed to keep the skin dry by wicking urine away from the skin into the padded core of the diaper. This prevents diaper rash and other potential skin conditions.
Price
The spirit may be willing to get the best quality adult diapers, but the purse strings may be weak. While it makes sense to infer a relationship between cost and quality, there are reasonably priced ones that may offer the same comfort. You would just need to test different varieties and sizes until you find one that offers the maximum comfort at that price level. It’s best to avoid the cheapest options because cheap adult diapers face the risk of leakages throughout the day as well as poor retention. A leaking diaper is not only uncomfortable but can also be very embarrassing.
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