Why Bed Pads Are Must-Haves for Incontinence Support

Disposable underpads, also known as bed pads or Chux, are essential items for individuals with heavier incontinence leakage.

These products go beyond protecting your skin— they can be placed on bedding, furniture, car seats, and anything else you need to protect from leaks.

Discover how bed pads can make managing incontinence simpler and how you can get them for free through insurance with Aeroflow Urology if you qualify!

Incontinence bed pads, also known as chux and underpads, are disposable or reusable pads designed with maximum absorbency to protect surfaces from leaks. Super-absorbent chux have a soft, absorbent top sheet with leak-proof backing to keep surfaces dry. Bed pads can be placed on the following surfaces for protection:

• Car seats.
• Sheets and blankets.
• Mattress protectors or mattresses.
• Chairs and couches.
• Wheelchairs
• Changing areas.

Underpads can provide discreet and adequate protection on the go!

• Car seats & wheelchairs: Use chux for car seats, wheelchairs, and other seating surfaces during commutes, errands, or appointments. This can be beneficial for both caregivers and individuals with incontinence, reducing anxiety about leaks in public.
• Public restrooms: Using smaller underpads as barriers in public restroom changing areas can bring you peace of mind regarding hygiene and added protection.
• Travel: Underpads are portable enough for use in hotel rooms, rental cars, or even on airplanes to prevent accidents and maintain comfort, bringing you or your loved one even more confidence while traveling.

• High-traffic areas: Place bed pads on couches, chairs, or even in the kitchen under a high chair to soak up leakage, making cleanup easier.
• Post-surgery: Bed pads are an excellent option for protecting bedding or seating during recovery from surgery or illness when temporary incontinence or fluid leakage might be a concern.
• Nighttime incontinence: Place bed pads on mattresses or bedding to protect surfaces from leakage overnight, keeping you or your loved one dry at night.

Underpads can provide extra protection for furniture, bedding, mattresses, car seats, wheelchairs, and any other surface that may need protection from incontinence leakage. Use these questions to determine whether incontinence underpads are right for you.

1. Do you or your loved one experience severe incontinence leaks? If so, underpads’ extra layer of protection may be an excellent choice for you.

2. Do you or your loved one experience bedwetting? If so, underpads may be placed on top of your mattress or sheets to keep you dry and comfortable throughout the night.

3. Do you or your loved one have light to moderate leakage? Chux are designed for those with the heaviest incontinence, so if you or your loved one only experience light to moderate leakage, you may not require Chux pads to protect surfaces.

4. Are you or your loved one less mobile? If so, chux can help protect surfaces like chairs and bedding while sitting or lying for long periods. 

The two main types of underpads are reusable and disposable underpads. 

• Washable underpads: Reusable underpads that can be used multiple times. These pads feature absorbent cores and are crafted from cotton or polyester materials for added comfort. Because they can be washed and reused numerous times, washable underpads are more environmentally friendly than disposable bed pads and offer greater durability.
• Disposable underpads: Single-use, disposable pads that may be more sanitary than reusable underpads. Disposable underpads offer users easy changes and cleanups because they can be discarded after becoming soiled. The top sheet of disposable Chux also provides skin comfort and breathability while absorbing leaks.

Underpads come with various features and benefits that help absorb the heaviest leakage, keeping you or your loved one dry and comfortable.

• Waterproof backing: Protects surfaces like car seats, chairs, bedding, mattresses, and other household furniture.
• Breathable material: Soft, cotton-like material that keeps skin healthy and protects it by allowing airflow to the skin. Most chux are also hypoallergenic, providing ultra-comfort to users.
• Made for all ages and genders: Designed to help children, adults, and older adults with heavy incontinence or disabilities. 

Selecting the right absorbency and size for your underpad can help protect your furniture and bedding from stain-causing leaks. 

Underpads are available in a range of absorbency levels to suit various incontinence needs. When selecting your underpad, consider the level of absorbency you require.

• Moderate Absorbency: Best for moderate leaks (about 3 cups of leakage).
• Heavy Absorbency: Best for those with heavy leaks (3.75 cups of leakage).
• Overnight Absorbency: Ideal for individuals who require overnight absorbency (3.75+ cups of leakage).

Absorbent bed pad sizes vary, with the most common sizes being 23“x36” or 30”x30”. Consider the type of material you’re trying to protect from leakage and the size of the area and choose a size that will cover the area. Selecting the wrong chux size could result in stains or spillage.

Underpads are incredibly versatile tools that go far beyond traditional use! These protective products can give you and your loved ones peace of mind when managing incontinence, especially since you may qualify to receive them for free through insurance.

Check your or your loved one’s coverage for free bed pads and other incontinence products today.

Disclaimer

Information provided on the Aeroflow Urology blog is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or care from a healthcare professional. Aeroflow recommends consulting your healthcare provider if you are experiencing medical issues relating to incontinence.