
The 8 Most Common Mistakes with Incontinence Management
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Many people experiencing incontinence can make some common mistakes when it comes time to seek support and treatment. Don't worry, we're here to help.
Like with many other health conditions, there can be a lot of misinformation and myths about experiencing and managing incontinence. When it comes to seeking treatment and support, we want to do our best to ensure you're educated in what's best for you and your journey, or that of the person you care for. That's why we're sharing the 8 most common incontinence mistakes people make, so you know what to avoid or change in your current routine to have the most seamless and comfortable experience possible.
1. Wearing A Pad Inside A Pull-On For 'Better Absorbency'
All incontinence pads (except booster pads) are designed to prevent urine from soaking through and leaking out. If someone believes that a smaller pad will function effectively as a booster pad, they may be disappointed. This is because any overflow from the incontinence issue would first be absorbed by the smaller pad and then might flow around it before reaching the larger pad underneath. This can lead to leakage and can be wasteful, as the person ends up wearing two products when they likely only need one with greater absorbency. If you need help finding out which absorbency level is best for your needs, take our online Choose the Right Product quiz.
2. Thinking Menstrual Pads Work For Incontinence
They’re just not made for it. Menstrual pads are built to absorb thicker fluid in smaller amounts. Urine flows differently and needs a different kind of protection. Using the wrong product means leaks, discomfort, and frustration.
3. Choosing The Most Expensive Products
We often equate good quality with high prices, but that isn't always how it works.
Most good quality continence products on the market provide very similar levels of absorbency and will perform well functionally. Buying continence management products can add up and become expensive, so finding a brand that does the same job but costs significantly less could end up saving you a fortune over time. So, shop around and find brands that work best for you and your needs.
4. Cutting Up Or Modifying Pads
Some people believe they can customize their disposable pads by cutting them to their desired size. They often buy larger pads and cut them into smaller pieces. However, this approach is usually ineffective because the absorbent gel inside the pad can escape through the cuts, resulting in inadequate absorbency and containment.
5. Wearing Incontinence Products For Too Long
Many people mistakenly believe they need to use their incontinence products until they are fully saturated, leading them to leave the products on for too long between changes. This approach is not recommended.
Most disposable products now contain absorbent gel that allows for greater absorbency by absorbing moisture and swelling. While these gels are designed to move moisture away from the skin, wearing incontinence aids such as pads, pull-on's or briefs for extended periods can still cause skin irritation. It’s important to change these products regularly to maintain skin health.
6. Using Toilet Paper Or Towels As A Makeshift Product
Using materials that are not specifically designed for urine absorption increases the likelihood of leakage. The super absorbent gel-like material found in disposable continence management products—like our range of Pull-on Underwear and Pads—can absorb significantly more liquid than its weight. This material locks the liquid into a solid gel form, so even if you squeeze it, the liquid won’t spill out.
7. Automatically Buying The Highest Absorbency Products
It's a common misconception that choosing the highest absorbency product will provide the best protection against leaks. However, we're here to explain that bigger isn’t always better!
Firstly, highly absorbent products can lead to the issue of being worn for too long, which may result in harmful skin and health conditions.
Secondly, opting for more absorbent products can often be wasteful and unnecessarily expensive. It's important to choose the right product for your specific needs rather than just going for the most absorbent option.
8. Letting Your Product Supply Run Out
One of the most frustrating surprises is realizing you've run out of a product you use daily, especially when it comes to incontinence products. Not having these on hand can disrupt your daily life and lead to embarrassment and discomfort. Additionally, the stress of trying to quickly find a store that stocks suitable products can be overwhelming.
That's why we created our Autoship and Save Subscription service. Not only does it save you up to 20% on your orders, but it also ensures that you receive monthly shipments, so you'll never run out!
Stay Comfortable. Stay Confident. Every Month. Hassle-Free Subscription Incontinence Supplies Delivered Right to Your Door.