The 5 Most Absorbent Adult Diapers
Unique Wellness Original Brief The Unique Wellness® brief is a highly absorbent adult diaper that uses NASA-inspired InconTEK® technology to keep wearers dry for 8 hours. Its Liquastay and Speedsorb technologies also wick wetness away from the skin, diminishing any odor and reducing the chance of skin irritation, urinary tract infections, and other complications associated with adult briefs. These innovative briefs are also a Medtrade Innovative Product of the Year winner. Benefits: Only needs to be changed 2-3 times a day, saving up to 70% on costs. Eliminates odors by absorbing liquid away from the skin. Environmentally-friendly materials and packaging. Can absorb approximately four times the amount of most competing briefs. Also offers a more advanced option—the Superio Wellness® Brief. Best for: People with heavy incontinence who don’t want frequent changes. Drawbacks: No wetness indicator strip. Specs & Features: Sizes: 3 (Medium, Large, X-Large) Colors: 3, based on size (M-Blue, L-Green, XL-Purple) Materials: Smooth plastic Claimed absorbency: 87 fluid ounces (2,500 mL)
InControl BeDry Premium Incontinence Briefs The InControl BeDry adult diapers are highly absorbent, claiming to hold more than 67 fluid ounces (1,900 mL) of fluid without leaking. They also provide maximum coverage and can stay secure even during exercise or other intense activities. These briefs also feature a wetness indicator strip, so you can tell at a glance whether the diaper needs changing. Benefits: Wetness indicator strip to show when a change is needed. Refastenable tabs for extra security. Drawbacks: Higher price than competitors. Can only be purchased through limited online retailers. Thin material may be a challenge for people with arthritis or other dexterity issues. Best for: People without dexterity issues who want maximum coverage and don’t want to change their diaper more than a few times a day. Specs & Features: Sizes: 4 (Small, Medium, Large, XL) Colors: 1 (White) Materials: Plastic. Natural, latex-free elastic Claimed absorbency: 67 fluid ounces (1,900 mL)
NorthShore MegaMax Tab-Style Briefs These briefs from NorthShore come in a wide range of sizes while also being highly absorbent. They feature refastenable tabs that keep the diaper secure during high-impact activity, but they may be difficult to adjust for people with arthritis or other dexterity issues. Benefits: Highly adjustable sizing. Secure even with strenuous movement. Drawbacks: Very high price when compared to competitors. Tabs are difficult to use by those with arthritis. No wetness indicator strip. Best for: People who are smaller or larger but don’t have dexterity issues. Specs & Features: Sizes: 5 (X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large) Colors: 5 (Black, Blue, Pink, Tie-Dye, White) Materials: Latex-free polyplastic Claimed absorbency: 49 fluid ounces (1,400 mL)
Beyond XP5000 Plastic-Backed Adult Briefs Beyond’s offering of adult diapers isn’t the most absorbent when compared to similar products. They absorb well with less volume, but may not perform as well when a full bladder empties very quickly. However, they feature thick and sturdy Velcro-style fasteners instead of the standard adhesive tabs. These fasteners are much easier to use for individuals with arthritis or other dexterity issues, although they may be less secure in high-activity situations. Benefits: Velcro-style tabs that work for people with limited dexterity. Good at keeping the skin dry (if there’s not too much liquid). Has a wetness indicator. Drawbacks: Tabs aren’t secure enough for intense activity. Less absorbent than most competitors. Best for: Less active people with limited dexterity who can have frequent changes. Specs & Features: Sizes: 3 (Medium, Large, X-Large) Colors: 1 (White) Materials: Plastic Claimed absorbency: Six full bladder losses
Assurance Unisex Stretch Briefs with Tabs The Assurance stretch briefs were the New York Times’ Wirecutter’s number one pick for drugstore adult diapers. This means that they work well, are easy to get, and are relatively affordable. When compared to the other options on our list, they won’t perform as well, but they’ve been shown to perform much better than other drugstore options. Benefits: Cheaper than high-end options. Easy to find at any local drugstore. Better absorbency than other drugstore brands. Drawbacks: Lower absorbency than higher-end competitors. Unlikely to work for individuals with full incontinence. May spend more overtime since you have to change them frequently. Best for: People on a budget or who have mild incontinence. Specs & Features: Sizes: 2 (S/M and L/XL) Colors: 1 (White) Materials: Waterproof rubber Claimed absorbency: 30 fluid ounces (880 mL)
What to Look for in an Adult Diaper
Absorbency Arguably, the most important factor in choosing a diaper is how much liquid it can absorb. On average, an adult’s bladder can hold about 16 fluid ounces (475 mL). If you only want to change your diaper a few times a day, consider how often you pee and which diapers would allow you to pee a normal amount during the day without having to be changed after each urination. In general, it’s best to get the highest amount of absorbency possible. If urine is able to leak, overflow, or pool in the diaper, it can cause great discomfort as well as potential skin issues and infections. If you’re looking for an adult diaper with the most absorbency possible, we recommend the Unique Wellness® Brief, which claims to hold 87 fluid ounces (2,500 mL) of liquid and only needs to be changed 2-3 times per day (on average). The brief uses a similar technology as the one used by NASA to help astronauts use the bathroom and stay dry.
Odor elimination Urine naturally contains low concentrations of bacteria, and these bacteria can emit unpleasant odors when left to sit in the diaper. Therefore, it’s helpful to get diapers that advertise themselves as “moisture-wicking,” “odor-locked,” or “bacteria-neutralizing.” These diapers are less likely to give off strong odors, which can both save the wearer from embarrassment and help prevent the risk of urinary tract infections and skin irritation. Adult diapers like the ones from Unique Wellness use technologies like Liquastay and Speedsorb to quickly absorb wetness and negate odor. They also help to avoid issues like painful skin irritation and dangerous urinary tract infections.
Sizing It’s important that your diapers fit you (or your loved one) well. Otherwise, they’ll be too uncomfortable to wear during daily activities and while sleeping. If a diaper is too large or too big, it’s also more likely to leak, overflow, or contribute to rashes or infections. To find the right diaper for you, look for a diaper company that carries a size that would fit you perfectly. Make sure to not just look at the letter sizing, but also at the specific measurements of each diaper and whether they align with yours.
Backing material Adult diapers are generally backed with either cloth or plastic. Cloth-backed diapers have more of a fabric-like feel to them, which allows for more airflow, more comfort, and a lower risk of odor. Plastic-backed diapers, on the other hand, tend to be more absorbent but with less airflow. The lack of airflow, in some cases, could lead to a higher risk of rash or infection.
Price Of course, you want to choose an adult diaper that’s in your budget. Sometimes, it’s simply not possible to buy a full pack of high-end diapers, and you’ll have to opt for the lower-cost, drugstore brands—which is perfectly fine! However, it is worth keeping in mind that more expensive diapers are typically more absorbent, meaning they don’t have to be changed as often. As a result, you’ll actually use fewer diapers and have to repurchase less frequently, which may save you money in the long run. For example, Unique Wellness® Briefs only need to be changed around 2-3 times per day. While they might cost slightly more than drugstore brands, you’ll save money in the long run because you won’t have to buy diapers as frequently. As a result, you may be able to save up to 70% on incontinence-related costs.
Different Types of Adult Diapers
Tab- or Tape-Style Adult Diapers Diapers with tape or tab enclosures are designed for maximum absorbency and protection. They can especially be helpful for individuals who have high levels of activity, or for those who experience heavy incontinence while they’re sleeping. While the tabs are usually secured with adhesive, some brands offer Velcro-style grip tabs that are less secure but more accessible for wearers with dexterity issues.
Pull Up Adult Diapers Pull-up style adult diapers are meant to look and feel more like regular underwear. They tend to be more comfortable and discreet than other options, while still providing a decent amount of absorbency and protection.
Plastic-Backed Adult Diapers Plastic-backed adult diapers are some of the most absorbent, due to the waterproof barrier that offers more protection against leaks and odors. However, the plastic can also trap moisture and reduce airflow, which may increase the risk of skin irritation or infection.
Cloth Adult Diapers Cloth-backed diapers feel more like normal fabric, and they also lend more air circulation, which can decrease the risk of skin irritation or rashes. The fabric is also softer and more breathable, so it may be more comfortable for wearers. However, without plastic backing, cloth diapers are typically more susceptible to leakage.
Bariatric Briefs Bariatric briefs are specifically designed for people who have a waist size of over 63 inches (1,600 mm). They provide daytime and nighttime protection with a secure fit and high rate of absorbency, and they come in a variety of styles with different features and technologies.
Understanding & Managing Adult Incontinence
Adult urinary incontinence is the involuntary leaking of urine from the bladder. Loss of bladder control is actually a very common condition, but it can still cause a lot of embarrassment to people who experience it. The severity of the incontinence can also range widely, from occasionally leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, or laugh, to having sudden urges to urinate that don’t give you time to get to a toilet. There are many different potential causes of urinary incontinence, including: Aging. An obstruction in the urinary tract. Pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause. An enlarged prostate or prostate cancer. Medical conditions like urinary tract infections or constipation. Neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. Using diuretics like alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, chocolate, chili peppers, citrus fruits, heart and blood pressure medications, and vitamin C.
A doctor will want to determine the type of UI before offering a treatment plan. The type of urinary incontinence you have can greatly affect how it’s managed or treated. When you visit the doctor, they’ll likely perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your medical history. They may ask you to do something that will demonstrate the incontinence, like coughing. Then, your doctor may recommend a urine analysis, a bladder diary, a postvoid residual measurement (which measures the amount of leftover urine in your bladder after you pee), or a pelvic ultrasound. If your urinary incontinence can be immediately cured, which is often the case, you may have to manage it with behavioral techniques like bladder training, double emptying, scheduled toilet trips, or fluid and diet management. Your doctor may also recommend that you do pelvic floor muscle exercises, also known as Kegel exercises. In more severe cases, your doctor might prescribe medication, electrical stimulation, or an interventional surgery. In the meantime, you can use absorbent pads, protective garments, or adult diapers to avoid any leakage or embarrassment while managing your incontinence in public.
Can adult diapers hold a full pee?
Yes, most adult diapers can hold a full bladder’s worth of urine. Adult diapers are designed to quickly wick away and absorb liquid so that it doesn’t leak out of the diaper. While drugstore brands may have lower capacities, they should be able to hold at least one full bladder’s worth of urine, which is about 16 fluid ounces (475 mL). Some higher-end brands can hold even more, like Unique Wellness® Briefs, which hold about 87 fluid ounces (2,600 mL) of fluid.
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