A Guide to the Best Adult Diapers

This piece has been reviewed for accuracy by Allison Pullen, Urology Sales Manager.

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What Is an Adult Diaper?

Unlike incontinence pads or pull-on incontinence underwear, adult incontinence briefs are unisex, tab-style diapers fit for those with more severe fecal or urinary incontinence.

Adult diapers are discreet, disposable, and equipped with odor control and maximum absorbency. They provide excellent incontinence protection while remaining breathable, keeping you comfortable, and protecting against skin irritation.

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Our Favorite Adult Diaper Brands

Best for Heavy Leaks

Prevail Per-Fit 360 Daily Briefs Adult Diapers

Best for Heavy Leaks

Prevail Per-Fit 360 Daily Briefs Adult Diapers

Made by First Quality, the Prevail Per-Fit 360 Daily Briefs Adult Diapers feature tabs and are designed for people with heavy incontinence. They’re equipped with MaxSorb™ Gel Technology to lock away wetness and keep wearers feeling fresh and dry.

Key Features:

  • Omni-Odor Guard™ helps to neutralize odors before they start.
  • Microclimate Care™ offers advanced features for skin health and wellness.
  • Expandex™ wings are stretchable and expandable for a snug and comfortable fit.

Best for Overnight Leaks

TENA ProSkin Briefs

Best for Overnight Leaks

TENA Proskin Briefs

With 60+ years of experience, TENA, a brand of Essity, is recognized as the #1 adult incontinence brand worldwide. Their ProSkin Briefs have secure tab closures and full-length fasteners, delivering reliable protection for heavy to overnight leakage.

Key Features:

  • Unisex for both women and men.
  • Moisture-proof lining to protect clothing.
  • Wetness indicator to alert you or a caregiver.

Best for Larger Sizing

Attends Bariatric Briefs

Best for Larger Sizing

Attends Bariatric Briefs

The Attends Bariatric Briefs are built for comfort, protection, and odor control, with ultra-absorbency and strong leakage defense. They’re ideal for individuals with heavy to severe incontinence who need a larger fit and want premium softness.

Key Features:

  • Unisex for both men and women.
  • Bariatric sizes 2XL-3XL (70”-100” waist).
  • ConfidenceCuff™ Protection around legs for leakage support.

Best for a Soft Fit

Cardinal Health Sure Care Plus Underwear

Best for a Soft Fit

Cardinal Health Sure Care Plus Underwear

Quiet, low-profile, and built for heavy leaks, Sure Care Plus feels like regular underwear. The super-absorbent core locks in fluid fast while its soft material stays comfortable all day.

Key Features:

  • Soft and quiet cloth-like backing.
  • Tearaway sides for quick, easy changes.
  • Absorbent, contoured dual core for added protection against leaks.

Best for Skin Health

ProCare Protective Underwear

Best for Skin Health

ProCare Protective Underwear

ProCare Protective Underwear pulls on like regular underwear. Breathable zones plus a QUICK WICK™ with MaxSoft™ core draw moisture to the center to help keep your skin fresh every hour.

Key Features:

  • Disposable, pull-up style without the heavy feel.
  • Breathable zones to naturally promote air circulation.
  • QUICK WICK™ combined with MaxSoft™ to keep your skin clean and dry.

How to Choose the Best Adult Diapers

Choosing the right adult diaper helps prevent leaks, irritation, and discomfort. Look for features like:

  • Odor control to stay fresh.
  • High absorbency for heavy leakage.
  • Adjustable fits with elastic leg holes.
  • Breathable materials to protect skin health.
  • Tab-style closures for quick, easy changes.

 

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Best Adult Diapers for Women

While all adult diapers can be worn by both men and women, many options are designed specifically for women to provide a more tailored fit and added comfort.

Top Benefits for Adult Diapers for Women:

  • Better fit for women’s anatomy.
  • Advanced absorbent materials to stay dry and prevent leaks.
  • Comfortable, discreet protection that supports daily confidence.

Best Adult Diapers for Men

All diapers for adults are unisex, but men also have gender-specific options like pull-ons and male guards for improved comfort and security.

Top Benefits for Adult Diapers for Men:

  • Discreet designs that stay hidden under clothing.
  • Reliable absorbency to handle leaks throughout the day.
  • Styles that match different activity levels and mobility needs.
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How to Find the Right Adult Diaper Size

Choosing the right size is important for leak protection, skin health, and comfort. Wearing an adult diaper that’s too big or too small can lead to discomfort and increase the chance of leaks.

Step 1. Measure Your Waist

Wrap a tape measure around the widest part of your waist. Keep the tape snug but not tight.

Step 2. Measure Your Hips

Next, take another measurement around the fullest part of your hips to make sure you have the most accurate fit.

Step 3. Choose Your Size

Compare your waist and hip measurements, then use the larger number to find your size on the brand’s size chart. A proper fit should feel comfortable and sit securely without any gaps.

woman trying on diaperwoman trying on diaper

How to Correctly Find Your Adult Diaper Size

Choosing the correct adult brief size is essential. The right size will keep you comfortable, stay in place, and prevent leaks.

You can find your adult brief size using your weight and height with our sizing guide. 

Adult Diaper Absorbency Levels

Each adult diaper comes with the absorbency level you choose. The absorbency level does not increase when you go up a size or decrease when you drop down a size.

  • Moderate absorbency: Moderate leakage (about 3 cups of leakage).
  • Heavy absorbency: Heavy to leakage (3.75 cups of leakage).
  • Overnight absorbency: Severe fecal leakage or overnight leakage (3.75+ cups of leakage).
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does not fit icondoes not fit icon

Your Adult Diaper Doesn't Fit If....

  • You notice leaks at the sides or back.
  • The brief is sticking out of your clothing.
  • Your brief feels too tight or leaves red marks on your skin.
  • The tabs of your brief are touching in the center of your abdomen.
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Your Adult Diaper Fits If....

  • Tabs sit forward on your hips.
  • Your skin stays comfortable without irritation.
  • You don’t experience leakage from your sides or back.
  • Your brief’s tabs fasten at the abdomen with enough room for the palm of your hand to rest between.
diapers in bathroomdiapers in bathroom

When to Change Your Adult Diaper

To prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other skin irritations, like diaper rash, you should change your or your loved one’s briefs as soon as you recognize that you’ve had an accident. This is especially important for bowel incontinence accidents.

Can You Wear 2 Incontinence Products at Once?

Wearing 2 incontinence products, such as an adult brief and a bladder control pad, at once won’t make them more absorbent. In fact, it can have the opposite effect, trapping more moisture around your body. Protective products have moisture-proof backings that trap wetness.

Does Medicaid Cover Adult Diapers?

At Aeroflow Urology, we believe that adult diapers are a medical necessity for those living with heavy to severe bladder or bowel leakage. We also believe that getting these products shouldn’t come with out-of-pocket costs. 

That’s why we make it simple to check if you or your loved one can get free adult diapers through your state's Medicaid program. Here’s how:

  1. Check Your Coverage. Fill out our secure form and find out in just 1–2 business days if Medicaid covers your supplies.
  2. Choose Your Adult Diapers. Pick from adult diapers made for your needs. If you aren’t sure about a product, we offer free samples to ensure they’re the right fit.
  3. Get Your Prescription. To show Medicaid that your adult briefs are medically necessary, you must have a prescription from your healthcare provider. We’ll contact your provider, but you can speed things up by letting them know we’ll be reaching out.
  4. Your products arrive! After placing your order, we’ll ship it to your home for free in discreet, unmarked packaging. We’ll also send you a quick email or text when it’s time to refill. Reordering is as easy as one click by email or responding with a simple “Yes” reply via text.

Disclaimer

*Medicaid coverage varies by state. Submitting your info is not a guarantee of benefit.

  1. You Get Your Prescription. In order for us to prove that your adult briefs are medically necessary, we need to show your Medicaid insurer that you have a prescription for incontinence products. We’ll ask your healthcare provider for the prescription on your behalf, but you can get your products to your door even faster if you let them know we’ll be reaching out.
  2. Your products arrive! After placing your order, we’ll ship it to your home for free in discreet, unmarked packaging. After your first order, you’ll be sent an email or text message when it’s time to refill your supplies

Does Medicaid Cover Other Incontinence Products?

We offer other incontinence products that may be covered by Medicaid, including:

  • Underpads (chux)
  • Booster pads.
  • Incontinence pads.
  • Adult protective underwear.
  • Pediatric diapers.
  • Pediatric pull-ups.
  • Youth training pants.
  • Gloves
  • Wipes
incontinence productsincontinence products

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can you wear 2 adult diapers at once?

    No, wearing 2 adult diapers at once won’t make them more absorbent. In fact, it can have the opposite effect, trapping more moisture around your body and leaving you at risk for skin damage, infections, and leakage. Most adult diapers already have moisture-proof backing that traps wetness.

  • Does an adult diaper’s absorbency level change when you go up a size?

    No, the absorbency level stays the same no matter what size you wear. A larger size won’t mean more protection.

  • What are the different absorbency levels for adult diapers?

    Adult diapers come in moderate, heavy, and overnight absorbency options, so you can choose the level of protection that matches your needs.

  • What does moderate absorbency mean?

    Moderate absorbency can handle around 3 cups of leakage.

  • What does heavy absorbency mean?

    Heavy absorbency can handle up to about 3.75 cups of leakage.

  • What does overnight absorbency mean?

    Overnight absorbency is built for the most severe leakage, including overnight leakage or severe fecal leakage, and holds more than 3.75 cups.

  • When should you change your adult diaper?

    To prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other skin irritations, like diaper rash, you should change your or your loved one’s briefs as soon as you recognize that you’ve had an accident. This is especially important for bowel incontinence accidents.

  • Is an adult diaper right for you?

    Adult diapers are best for heavy bladder or bowel incontinence. They’re highly absorbent, work well overnight, and are easy to change. If you need maximum protection or help with bathroom trips, adult diapers may be the right choice for you or your loved one.

  • What is an adult diaper?

    Also known as briefs, adult diapers are unisex tab-style incontinence products designed for people with heavier urinary incontinence or bowel leakage. They’re disposable, discreet, and built with strong absorbency and odor control.

  • Does Medicaid cover other incontinence products?

    Yes, Medicaid can cover the cost of incontinence beyond adult diapers. If you order your incontinence products through Aeroflow Urology, Medicaid may cover underpads (chux), booster pads, incontinence pads, adult protective underwear, pediatric diapers, pediatric pull-ups, gloves, and wipes.

  • Does private insurance cover adult diapers?

    Private health insurance companies, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, or Cigna, may or may not cover adult diapers, and some plans limit how many you can get each month.

    Coverage also varies for those on Medicaid or Medicaid-managed care plans, since each state sets its own rules. 

Check your coverage for 100% free incontinence products now!

Check your coverage for 100% free incontinence products now!