A Guide to Adult Diapers (Adult Briefs)

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

Dealing with incontinence can be a challenging experience for adults of all ages. Whether it's due to a medical condition, aging, or an injury, losing control over bodily functions can be frustrating.

Fortunately, using adult diapers or briefs is one of the most effective options for managing leaks and maintaining independence and dignity. Check your coverage to determine if you're eligible for free adult diapers through your insurance plan and Aeroflow Urology, and learn everything you need to know about them in this guide.

Check Your Eligibility

In Under 2 Minutes

Discover the adult diapers available through your insurance.

Have your insurance card ready!

Have your insurance card ready!

Please reference your child’s insurance card!

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.

arms holding adult brief arms holding adult brief

Adult Diaper Features & Benefits

It’s important to find the best adult diaper for you or your loved one to avoid issues like leakage or irritation. 

Diapers for adults are made with several features that make them an ideal choice for people who need maximum leakage protection.

 

  • Tab-style closures: Refastenable tab closures are perfect for quick changes, especially for those with less mobility who can’t use an adult pull-on. 
  • Adjustable fit: Tab closures and elastic leg holes ensure an adjustable fit. 
  • Breathable material: While adult diapers can protect against maximum leakage, they are also breathable to prevent diaper rash and irritation. 
  • Odor control: Maximum odor control seals in odors before they start, giving you a feeling of freshness throughout the day and night.
  • Heavy leakage protection: Adult diapers are great for those with heavier incontinence because they are equipped with the highest level of leakage protection.
  • Unisex: Adult diapers are usually unisex products, meaning they can be worn by both males and females and still fit comfortably. 
adult brief tab openingadult brief tab opening
women in diaperwomen in diaper

Adult Diapers for Women

Adult diapers are all unisex. However, many adult incontinence product options now cater specifically to women's anatomy, providing a better fit and enhanced comfort. With a range of styles, from pull-ons to bladder control pads, there is something to suit every preference and lifestyle. Much like unisex adult diapers and briefs, these gender-specific products have evolved significantly, with many featuring advanced absorbent materials that ensure dryness and prevent leaks. Beyond physical comfort, adult diapers empower women to maintain their independence and confidence, allowing them to engage fully in daily activities without fear or embarrassment.

Learn about the best women's adult diapers and how you can get them shipped to your house at little to no cost through insurance or Medicaid.

Adult Diapers for Men

As mentioned, all diapers for adults are unisex. However, gender-specific incontinence products for men come in various styles, such as pull-ons and male guards. These products cater to different preferences and levels of mobility. Modern designs, including unisex products, prioritize discretion and a secure fit to help ensure that men with incontinence can maintain their dignity and independence.

Learn about the best men’s adult diapers and how you can get them shipped to your house at little to no cost through insurance or Medicaid.

man holding diaperman holding diaper

Is an Adult Diaper Right for You?

Adult briefs are excellent choices for those with heavy bladder incontinence or bowel incontinence. They’re absorbent enough to wear overnight, protecting you from leaks while you sleep. Use these questions to help determine whether an adult diaper is right for you or your loved one. 

  1. Do you have heavier bladder or bowel leakage? If so, the absorbency of an adult diaper may be the best option to protect you from accidents. 
  2. Do you or your loved one need help changing incontinence products or going to the bathroom? If so, an adult brief may be easiest to use to quickly change products or assist in changes whenever they’re needed.
  3. What level of discretion do you or your loved one desire in your protective product? Adult briefs may be less discreet than other adult incontinence supplies, such as an adult pull-on. 
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).
man trying on diaperman trying on diaper
does not fit icondoes not fit icon

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

  • The brief is sticking out of your clothing.
  • You’re experiencing leakage out the sides or back of your brief. 
  • Your brief feels too tight around any part of your body, or if you have red or pink skin where the product sits on your body. 
  • Your brief tabs are touching in the center of your abdomen.
fits iconfits icon

Your Adult Diaper Fits If....

  • Your brief tabs come together at your abdomen with enough space for the palm of your hand to rest between them, and the fit is not too loose.
  • You don’t experience leakage out the sides or back of your brief.
  • Your skin does not become irritated from a fit that’s too tight. 
  • The brief tabs sit facing forward on your hips.
  • You feel physically comfortable in the brief; it doesn’t feel too tight or too lose.
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.

Our Favorite Adult Diaper Brands

TENA Proskin Briefs

TENA Proskin Briefs

TENA is made by Essity. With over 60 years of experience designing incontinence products, TENA is rated the #1 adult incontinence brand worldwide. TENA offers a variety of diapers for adults and other incontinence products.

TENA ProSkin Briefs are super absorbent, have tab closures, and have full-length hook fasteners. They are designed for people with heavy to overnight leakage.

Features:

  • Unisex for both women and men.
  • Insta-Dry Skin Caring system for dryness protection.
  • Moisture-proof lining to protect clothing.
  • Wetness indicator to alert users and caregivers of changes.
  • Hook fasteners for refastening purposes.

Prevail Per-Fit 360 Daily Briefs Adult Diapers

Prevail Per-Fit 360 Daily Briefs Adult Diapers

Prevail is a brand made by First Quality. Its incontinence products are designed for users’ comfort, skin health, absorbency, and discretion. Prevail offers a range of continence care products, such as bladder control pads, adult protective underwear, and adult briefs.

Prevail Per-Fit 360 Daily Briefs are tabbed diapers for adults with maximum absorbency. They are best suited for those with heavy incontinence.

Features:

  • Unisex for women and men.
  • Omni-Odor Guard to control odors before they start.
  • Microclimate Care for protecting skin.
  • Expandex Wings for a secure yet comfortable fit.
  • Maxsorb Gel Technology to wick away and lock up moisture for dryness.

Attends Bariatric Briefs Adult Diapers

Attends Bariatric Briefs Adult Diapers

Attends creates incontinence products that are built to provide users with comfort, care, and confidence. Their products range from adult diapers to booster pads to protective underwear.

Attends Bariatric Briefs are designed with ultra absorbency and leakage protection for those who require a bariatric diaper size. These adult diapers are best for individuals with heavy to severe leakage.

Features:

  • Unisex for both men and women.
  • Bariatric sizes 2XL-3XL (70-100” waist).
  • Super absorbent core to protect against maximum leakage.
  • Extra-wide tabs for a secure fit on larger waists.
  • ConfidenceCuff Protection around legs for comfort and leakage support.

Does Insurance Cover Adult Diapers?

Private health insurance includes any company that is not based on state or federal government health coverage. These companies include Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Cigna, etc. Private insurance plans vary in terms of adult diaper coverage. Some companies may reimburse for adult diapers, while others may not. Even companies that offer coverage may have monthly restrictions on incontinence supplies. 

For those enrolled in Medicaid or Medicaid-managed care plans, coverage for adult diapers will vary by your specific insurance plan and the state you live in. Since Medicaid is run by the government and individual states, each state has different insurance plans with its own set of requirements and guidelines for incontinence supply coverage. 


To determine if your or your loved one’s insurance plan covers adult diapers, complete our Eligibility Form.

Does Medicaid Cover Adult Diapers?

At Aeroflow Urology, we know that adult briefs are a medical necessity for those living with heavy to severe bladder or bowel leakage. We also know that these products shouldn’t cost money out of pocket.

That’s why we help you quickly and easily determine if you can get your or your loved one’s adult diapers or other incontinence products 100% covered by Medicaid.

Getting adult diapers covered by Medicaid couldn’t be easier and it all happens in 4 simple steps!

  1. You Fill Out the Eligibility Form. Our form is secure and we never share your information with any third parties. After submitting your insurance and personal criteria, we’ll contact to you in 1-2 business days and inform you of your coverage. Your eligibility will be determined by the state you live in, your specific insurance plan, and your incontinence diagnosis.
  2. You Choose Your Adult Diapers. Once you qualify, you’ll be given a curated shopping list that only includes products that are 100% covered by your specific insurance plan. You can choose from our medical-grade briefs that fit you best. If you have any questions along the way, one of our expert Continence Care Specialists will be there to answer them. We also send free adult diaper samples at your request so you can ensure the sizing and absorbency is right before ordering.
  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

Disclaimer

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