Let’s Talk Diapers: What Goes Into an Adult Brief?

We’ve started a lively discussion about adult incontinence care products, and many of the excellent comments I’ve received on my last two posts have discussed the finer points of brief manufacturing. Now I’d like to discuss in-depth what goes into an adult brief, and offer some advice about what to look for in a high-quality adult brief. Before we delve into construction elements, I should mention that I’ll focus solely on pull-on (sometimes called pull-up) protective underwear and tape-on adult disposable briefs. These two types of briefs are the most popular in the nation, and though other products like belted undergarments and guards/pads are sold in high quantities, they are not as feature-laden as pull-on or tape-on briefs.

You may notice that many of the commonly used features in designing adult briefs are similar to those found in baby diapers. Truth be told, we in the adult brief design and manufacturing industry have learned a lot over the years from the booming baby diaper market, and we have utilized the best and most functional features in the composition of protective underwear and tape-on briefs. Both types of briefs are made with very similar elements:

Inner Core

The inner core—the most important element of any adult brief—is the absorbent pad on the inside of the brief that absorbs all of the voided material. The core is composed of “fluff,” a cotton-like tissue product originally derived from wood, that is machine-spun with Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) crystals. SAP is essential —it is the true absorbent element. The more SAP a brief contains, the more absorbent it will be.

Most briefs are also made with a transfer material in the inner core. This product ensures fast wicking and allows liquid to be transferred quickly to the SAP crystals for maximum absorbency. Transfer materials are one of the design features that also keep adult briefs from bunching up. Often times when a longer-lasting brief is used for long periods of time, the absorbent material and fluff can clump, making the wearer uncomfortable. Transfer materials can help defray clumping and bunching by evenly spreading fluid throughout the brief.

Leg Gathers

Elastic leg gathers are a feature originally used in baby diapers that have been adapted for use in adult briefs. They are generally placed in single or double rows on the outside of an absorbent core. They ensure that all fluids are contained inside the brief. Elastic leg gathers are covered with a soft cloth-like material that hugs the absorbent core pad of the brief and the user’s leg. They are standard on most higher-end briefs due to their excellent comfort and containment features.

Frontal Elastic/Taping System

This system ensures a snug fit in the brief and allows for a flexible but form-fitting hold for the user. In protective underwear, the garment is made with elastic waistbands that allow for a pull-on application and fit similar to regular underwear. In adult briefs, there is a taping system that allows for the brief to be applied to both laying-down and sitting users. The side tapes are stretched over the front of the brief to ensure a secure and snug fit. Often times, higher-end briefs will employ a refastenable taping system to allow multiple attempts at getting the perfect fit. Some briefs also take these securing systems a step further by offering more flexibility in the waist via stretchy foam inserts.

Backing Material

These two types of briefs employ different types of backing material, which forms the protective layer between the user’s clothing and the backside of the absorbent core. In protective underwear, a cloth-like backing made from non-woven material is employed. In the case of standard adult briefs, a thin layer of plastic is used as a backing material. Heavier briefs use heavier gauge plastic since they are built to absorb—and hold—more fluid.

These are just a few of the common features found in the most popular adult briefs. If you’re interested in learning more, I invite you to read a very comprehensive list of components commonly used in the manufacturing of adult briefs. Carlos Richer’s Web site lists them in great detail.

I hope this information will prove useful for you, and as always, I invite your great questions and comments.

Your Partner in Comfort,

Gary Hirsch

Posted in Adult Incontinence, Everything about Incontinence, Product Types & Terminology