A Guide to Adult Protective Underwear (Pull-Ons)
This piece has been reviewed for accuracy by Allison Pullen, Urology Sales Manager.
Incontinence is a common condition that affects many adults. It can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. However, solutions like adult protective underwear, also called pull-ons, can help control leakage and keep you dry throughout the day.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand which factors to consider when selecting protective underwear. You can also quickly and easily check to see if you or your loved one qualifies for insurance-covered protective underwear so you can have it discreetly shipped to your house for free.
What Is Adult Protective Underwear?
Adult protective underwear, also known as incontinence underwear or adult pull-ons, are incontinence products designed for adults with moderate to heavy bladder leakage.
These discreet pull-on-style underwear are made to look and feel like regular underwear for men and women and come in various styles, sizes, and absorbencies.
Adult Protective Underwear Features & Benefits
Adult protective underwear are excellent for men and women who want a protective yet discreet product that looks and feels like regular underwear.
Adult pull-ons come with several features that make them an ideal choice for people who require moderate leakage protection.
- Pull-on-style waistband: This elastic waistband ensures a comfortable and snug fit. It also helps prevent the underwear from slipping or shifting throughout the day, keeping you comfortable and dry.
- Unique design: The look and feel of regular underwear for men and women.
- Discreet fit: Made to be worn under clothing comfortably without anyone noticing.
- Breathable material: Ultra-breathable materials allow air to circulate to the skin, helping prevent irritation and allowing for a more comfortable wearing experience.
- Leak guard: Elastic leg holes are lined with leak guards or cuffs, which help prevent leaks and protect clothing and other surfaces from wetness.
- Odor control: Help neutralize unpleasant odors caused by incontinence.
- Moderate leakage protection: Equipped with moderate absorbency for heavy urinary incontinence.
- Male, female, and unisex designs: Male and female preferred patterns and styles to suit men and women.
Adult Protective Underwear for Women
Adult incontinence underwear for women are often used by women who experience urinary incontinence due to menopause or aging, as well as women who are recovering from childbirth or surgery. These discreet protective underwear are designed to look and feel like traditional women’s underwear.
Adult Protective Underwear for Men
Protective underwear is commonly used by men who have urinary incontinence due to aging, prostate problems, or prostate surgery. Pull-ons for adult men are discreet, pull-on style products that feature designs made to resemble regular underwear.
Unisex Adult Protective Underwear
These absorbent pull-ons for adults are suitable for both men and women. They pull-on like regular underwear and have an elastic waistband for ultimate comfort.
Is Adult Protective Underwear Right for You?
Adult pull-ons are excellent choices for those with moderate to heavy urinary incontinence or lighter bowel incontinence. They’re absorbent enough to wear overnight, yet discreet enough to wear under clothing without feeling bulky. Use these questions to determine whether adult protective underwear is right for you or your loved one.
- Do you experience light to heavy urinary incontinence? If so, the absorbency of adult pull-ons may be the best option to protect you from accidents.
- Do you experience light bowel incontinence? If so, the adult pull-ons may be the right choice for you because of their absorbency level.
- Do you or your loved one need help with incontinence product changes or going to the bathroom? If so, protective underwear may not be the best solution, as these products are best for those with more mobility.
- What level of discretion do you or your loved one desire in your protective product? Protective underwear are one of the most protective and discreet incontinence product options available, so these may be the right products for you.
How to Find Your Adult Protective Underwear Size
Finding the right size is critical when choosing pull-ons for adults. Your product should fit comfortably around your body and not be too tight around your legs or waist. If the sizing isn’t right, you may experience leakage or skin irritation.
You can find your adult protective underwear size on our Sizing Guide page using your height and weight.
Adult Pull-On Sizes
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Extra Large
- 2XL
Each size of adult pull-on comes with the absorbency level you choose; the absorbency level does not increase when you go up a product size, and it does not decrease when you drop down a size.
Adult Protective Underwear Absorbency Levels
- Light absorbency: Light leakage (less than 3 cups of leakage).
- Moderate absorbency: Moderate leakage (about 3 cups of leakage).
- Heavy absorbency: Heavy leakage (3.75 cups of leakage).
- Overnight absorbency: Severe leakage or overnight leakage (3.75+ cups of leakage).
Your Protective Underwear Doesn’t Fit If…
- The underwear is sticking out of your clothing.
- You’re experiencing leakage out the sides or back of your pull-on.
- Your pull-on 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 pull-on is sagging around your body.
Your Protective Underwear Fits If…
- You don’t experience leakage out the sides or back of your pull-on.
- Your skin does not become irritated from a fit that’s too tight.
- You feel physically comfortable in the pull-on; it doesn’t feel too tight or too loose.
When to Change Your Adult Protective Underwear
To prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other skin irritations, like diaper rash, you should change your or your loved one’s protective underwear as soon as you can recognize that you’ve had an accident. This is especially true for bowel incontinence accidents.
Can You Wear 2 Incontinence Products at Once?
Wearing two incontinence products, such as protective underwear and a bladder control pad, won’t make them more absorbent. In fact, it can have the opposite effect, trapping more moisture around your body, as protective products have moisture-proof backings that trap wetness.
Our Favorite Adult Protective Underwear Brands
TENA ProSkin Adult Protective Underwear for Men
TENA ProSkin Adult Protective Underwear for Men
TENA is the number 1 adult incontinence brand. The company has over 60 years of experience designing incontinence products and they offer a variety of bladder and bowel care products, including adult diapers, bladder control pads, and adult protective underwear.
Tena ProSkin Protective Underwear for Men is made for the male anatomy. These discreet and absorbent underwear come in a light gray color to resemble traditional undergarments. They offer leakage and odor protection with the super-absorbent polymers that also lock away moisture to leave men feeling confident during their days.
Features:
- Designed for the male body.
- 100% breathable technology to maintain skin health.
- Super-absorbent polymers to keep the wearer dry for extended periods.
- Ergonomic and secure fit with soft, elastic leg holes.
- ProSkin Triple Protection for preventing leaks.
Prevail Per-Fit Daily Adult Protective Underwear for Women
Prevail Per-Fit Daily Adult Protective Underwear for Women
Prevail incontinence products are made for those with bladder and bowel incontinence. Their products are designed with comfort, skin health, absorbency, and discretion in mind. Prevail has a wide variety of incontinence care products, such as bladder control pads, adult protective underwear, and adult briefs.
Prevail Per-fit Daily Underwear for Women are designed for the female body. They feature a form-fitting shape that’s comfortable for all-day wear. These female underwear are made with breathable fabric that locks away wetness to promote skin health.
Features:
- PerFit women’s underwear designed specifically for women, with the look and feel of everyday underwear.
- PerFit® features QuickWick with MaxSoft™ which quickly wicks wetness away from the skin.
- Odor Guard™ to help prevent odors before they start.
- 360° Breathable Zones™ to help you stay cool and comfortable by allowing air to circulate.
- Hypoallergenic Skin Smart® Fabric helps protect skin with Vitamin E, Aloe, and Chamomile.
- Available in size Small/Medium to XL.
Prevail Overnight Adult Protective Underwear (Unisex)
Prevail Overnight Adult Protective Underwear (Unisex)
Prevail Overnight Underwear is a unisex pull-on protective underwear for those who need overnight or extended leakage protection. Equipped with maximum absorbency, this product is an excellent choice to help manage overnight leakage.
Features:
- Up to 10 hours protection for heavier incontinence episodes and extended wear.
- MaxSorb Gel technology to actively lock in moisture.
- Omni-Odor Guard to neutralize odors before they begin.
- Skin Smart Fabric with Dri-Fit to keep skin dry and healthy.
Does Insurance Cover Adult Protective Underwear?
Private health insurance includes any company that is not based on state or federal government health coverage, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Cigna, etc. Private insurance plans vary in terms of adult pull-on coverage. Some companies may reimburse for protective underwear, 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 protective underwear 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 requirements and guidelines for incontinence supply coverage.
To determine if your or your loved one’s insurance plan covers adult protective underwear, complete our Eligibility Form.
Does Medicaid Cover Adult Protective Underwear?
At Aeroflow Urology, we know that protective underwear is a medical necessity for those living with incontinence. We also know that these products shouldn’t cost you money out of pocket.
That’s why we help you quickly and easily determine if you can get your or your loved one’s protective underwear or other incontinence products 100% covered by Medicaid.
Getting adult pull-ons covered by Medicaid couldn’t be easier and it all happens in four simple steps!
- You fill out our 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 reach out 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.
- You select your adult pull-ons. 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’ll be able to choose from our wide array of medical-grade pull-ons 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 totally free adult pull-on samples at your request so you can ensure the sizing and absorbency is right before ordering.
- You Get Your Prescription. In order for us to prove that your adult protective underwear 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.
- 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 diapers (adult briefs).
- Pediatric diapers.
- Pediatric pull-ons.
- Youth training pants.
- Gloves
- Wipes
Disclaimer
*Medicaid coverage varies by state. Submitting your info is not a guarantee of benefit.