Incontinence

Disambiguation Part 2: Deciphering the Incontinence Care Product Aisle

July 3rd, 2007
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Blurred Photo of Grocery Store Interior

As I said in my last post, understanding the different terminology applied to incontinence care products can be a troublesome task. A lot of manufacturers use different names for similar products. Adult diapers or briefs, liners or inserts, guards or pads, slip-ons or pull-ons, protective underwear or discreet underwear, belted undergarments or belted shields: how do you know which is which?

There are six basic categories of incontinent products. Read on to find out more.

Pads or Guards

The first group of products includes pads or guards. These products have the ability to absorb light to moderate amounts of urine. Pads or guards work usually best for women with stress incontinence.

Liners or Inserts

Liners or inserts are larger than pads or guards. This category of product, which is designed to hold more urine, works well for individuals with urge incontinence.

Belted or Beltless Products

Belted or beltless products are also designed for people who have urge or reflex incontinence, but who tend to void more than can be contained in an insert or liner.

Protective Underwear or Discreet Disposable Panties

The fourth category of disposable products is the fastest growing group. It includes protective underwear, which are also known as discreet disposable panties. This category of products is designed to hold more than the first three groups mentioned. These products can be used by both men and women.

Tabbed Briefs

Tabbed briefs comprise a group of products that boast superior absorbency and can be worn by men and women, ambulatory and non-ambulatory individuals.

Disposable Underpads

Disposable underpads can be used by everybody, as they offer surface protection. Unlike the other products, which are designed to be worn against the body, these pads are designed to protect what is under the incontinent person (e.g., linen, mattress or chair). There are about seven standard sizes, which run from 17 x 24 to 27 x 70.

I hope this crash course will help you navigate those treacherous aisles of confusion. Next month, you can look forward to a more detailed breakdown of the categories. And more importantly, I’ll address how to choose the products that are right for you.

Feel free to leave me some comments and stay tuned for my future posts!

Your partner in comfort,

Gary

  

Learn everything about adult diapers by visiting Everything About Incontinence.

  

Gary is an adviser to online incontinence care products provider SecurePersonalCare.com.

Disambiguation Part I: Deciphering the Incontinence Care Product Aisle

Posted in Everything about Incontinence, Incontinence, Incontinence: Gary Hirsch

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4 Responses to “Disambiguation Part 2: Deciphering the Incontinence Care Product Aisle”
  1. solange Says:

    My mother had incontinence issues. It was mild. The doctor explained basically what she needed. But it was daunting in the aisles sometimes. Wish I had this info before. But at least others have it now!

  2. Matthew Says:

    Medically my issue is under control, but needing to use adult “briefs” etc has been difficult to adjust to, mostly, I think, due to societal induced shame at needing them, especially at my (relatively) young age.
    Thank you for your kind and helpful site.I just wish I had discovered it a couple of years ago when this issue started for me.

    Matthew

  3. Gary Hirsch Says:

    Hello Matthew and solange,
    Thank you both for your excellent comments. I am glad that this blog and my corner are particularly resourceful for you - be sure to pass along this link to others who could benefit from this info like you have!
    Your Partner in Comfort,
    Gary

  4. Buyer Beware: Tips for Buying Incontinence Products Online | Gilbert Guide Blog Says:

    […] I’ve talked about the difference between adult diapers and protective underwear and how to decipher the incontinence care aisleat your local supermarket or drugstore, but now I want to focus on another interesting marketplace: the virtual one. Over the next few posts, I’ll discuss what the smart incontinence care product shopper should be aware of when shopping online. Let’s start with one of the most important factors…I bet you’re not going to guess what it is! […]

  5. Final Words of Wisdom: Buying Adult Diapers Online | Gilbert Guide Blog Says:

    […] Recently I wrote about the different types of incontinence, analyzed some effective products, and have even tried to decipher exactly how and where to buy incontinence products online.   […]

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