Everyday, millions of Americans struggle to manage their incontinence symptoms using a variety of different incontinence products, asking the question: Which product is the best?
If you’re one of the people asking this question, look no further. In this article, we’ll explore the top-tier adult incontinence supplies of 2023 that are redefining the standards of comfort and reliability.
What’s the Difference Between Adult Diapers & Adult Pull-Ups?
The most commonly used incontinence products are adult pull-ons and adult briefs. Both products have a variety of features available, but will typically include some odor-absorbing material to keep you feeling fresh, wetness-absorbing material to keep you dry, and cloth-like fabric to keep you comfortable.
Adult Diapers
Check Your Eligibility
2 Easy Steps
From catheters to pediatric and adult incontinence supplies, discover the continence care essentials covered by your insurance.
Have your insurance card ready!
Absorbent adult diapers are designed to be opened on the sides by tabs that close the product and give you a comfortable fit. While pull-ons can be more easily worn, briefs are much more absorbent and can hold up to double the volume of pull-ons. This can make briefs a better choice for someone who experiences bowel incontinence. The highest rated adult briefs have easy-to-use tabs, are very absorbent, and are comfortable with a cloth-like backing.
Who Should Use Adult Diapers?
You should consider an adult brief if you:
- Have heavy incontinence.
- Have a caregiver that is able to assist with your care.
- Have limited mobility, making it difficult to move around with ease.
Adult Pull-Ons
Adult pull-ons are one of the most commonly used incontinence products as they can be worn discreetly under your everyday clothing and have a variety of absorbency levels to meet multiple needs. These products are made to look and feel like regular underwear with a stretchy waistband that can move with your body throughout the day. The highest rated adult pull-ons are comfortable, can mold to your body shape, and offer a variety of different absorbency levels to suit your needs.
Who Should Use Adult Pull-ons?
You should consider using an adult pull-on to manage your incontinence if you:
- Have light to moderate leakage.
- Worry about your product being discreet.
- Are able to pull the product up and down with ease.
What to Know Before Choosing Your Adult Incontinence Product
1. Pull-Up Vs Tab-Style
Pull-up Disposable Underwear
Adult pull-up disposable underwear, also referred to as pull-ons, are protective underwear ideal for those who experience moderate bladder leakage. They are soft and have a cloth-like outer material, providing a discreet fit, without any rustling sounds. Pull-ups feature tear-away sides for easy removal, and are ideal for mobile wearers who can pull them on and off on their own.
Tab-style Disposable Briefs
Adult briefs, also referred to as adult diapers, are a super absorbent product ideal for those who experience severe bladder or bowel incontinence. Tab closures and a wetness indicator on the outside allow for changing without completely removing clothes, making briefs an ideal option for adults with limited mobility or those that need assistance from a caregiver or loved one.
2. Absorbency Level
Although brands may have different names for their absorbency levels, generally they fall into these three buckets:
- Moderate absorbency.
- Heavy absorbency.
- Maximum / Overnight use.
A good rule of thumb is to remember that protective underwear is designed to be trim, and is great for active individuals with moderate bladder incontinence.
Tabbed briefs are a good choice for individuals who need super absorbent overnight protection or maximum absorbency for both urine and fecal incontinence.
3. Key Product Features
When picking out the best adult incontinence products, there are a few key product features to look out for, that set great products apart from the rest. Together, these features will make for a discreet, comfortable fit and keep your skin clean and dry to prevent rashes from developing.
Breathable, Moisture Wicking Materials
Many brands, such as Prevail, Tena, Attends and Tranquility use specialized materials to ensure even sensitive skin stays irritation free. Breathable materials will allow air to circulate through the product and reduce heat buildup, while moisture wicking properties pull liquid away from the skin and trap it within the absorbent core below. Without this moisture wicking, the top-sheet may feel wet to the touch.
Odor control
It's important to ensure your products have odor neutralization properties, to keep you feeling fresh and confident.
Cloth-like vs Plastic Backsheet
The backsheet of incontinence products is the outside material used and generally come in cloth-like material or plastic material. Cloth-like backsheets make incontinence underwear and briefs more discreet. They keep the product soft to the touch and give it a trim fit, so they look and feel like regular underwear.
Additionally, cloth-like backsheets do not rustle with movement like a plastic backsheet can - making wearers much more comfortable and confident during everyday use. However, plastic backsheets do have their own benefits, and many times they are used for those who need the assistance of a caretaker and have heavy to severe urinary incontinence or bowel incontinence. Although plastic backed diapers are noisier and thicker, they offer better leakage protection than their cloth-like counterparts, and ensure no liquid escapes throughout extended wear.
4. Getting the Right Fit
It's important to get a comfortable fit for your incontinence briefs or pull-on absorbent underwear. The right fit will bring you peace of mind and confidence! It will also prevent skin irritation and provide a secure fit.
Adult Diapers Sizing
Your adult briefs should have a comfortable fit at the leg holes so you don’t experience any leaks. At the waist, the tabs should be snug; approximately halfway between your hips and the front of your body. This helps to keep the product in the correct position while being worn and allows for some movement. When trying to find the right size for your adult briefs, you should typically review the manufacturer's recommended waist size. This will help to ensure that the product fits you snuggly without being tight.
Adult Pull-Ons Sizing
To ensure a good fit, choose a size that is comfortable around your waist, but one that isn’t too tight. The next thing to consider is the fit of the leg holes. Ensuring a comfortable and snug fit will help to reduce any leaks and allow you to have all-day comfort. When determining the best size product, it’s important to review the manufacturer recommendations for height and weight. Most adults don’t wear the same size in pull-ons as they do in regular clothing. Some adult pull-ons are also gender specific which can mean a more comfortable fit.
Best Adult Incontinence Products of 2023
Best Adult Diapers
Tena ProSkin Stretch Briefs
Diaper Style: Tabbed Brief
Absorbency Level: Super (Maximum)
Incontinence Level: Heavy to Severe Bladder and/or Bowel Incontinence
Sizing: Medium to 3XL
Key Product Features:
- Cloth-like backsheet that's soft and discreet.
- ConfioAir 100% fully breathable technology allows for air circulation.
- Quick-wick Instadry technology quickly pulls liquid away from the skin and locks it in the absorbent core below.
- Odor control technology locks liquid away and neutralizes odor.
Prevail Bariatric Briefs
Diaper Style: Tabbed Brief
Absorbency Level: Ultimate (Maximum)
Incontinence Level: Heavy to Severe Bladder and/or Bowel Incontinence
Sizing: 2XL and 3XL
Key Product Features:
- Cloth-like backsheet that's soft and discreet.
- 360° Breathability allows for air circulation throughout the entire product.
- Microclimate Care quickly wicks moisture and humidity away from the skin, sleeping it cool and dry.
- Maxsorb Gel Technology absorbs and locks in wetness.
- Odor control technology stops odor before it happens.
Attends Stretch Briefs
Diaper Style: Tabbed Brief
Absorbency Level: Super (Maximum)
Incontinence Level: Heavy to Severe Bladder and/or Bowel Incontinence
Sizing: Medium to Extra Large
Key Product Features:
- Soft, cloth-like backsheet, feels like regular underwear.
- DryLock Containment Core quickly wicks liquid away from the skin and locks it in the core below.
- Breathable side panels keeps reduce heat and humidity.
- ConfidenceCuff Protection help prevent leaks from the legs.
Best Overnight Adult Diapers
Tranquility ATN (All Through the Night) Disposable Briefs
Diaper Style: Tabbed Brief
Absorbency Level: Maximum / Overnight
Incontinence Level: Heavy to Severe Bladder and/or Bowel Incontinence
Sizing: Extra Small to Extra Large
Key Product Features:
- Cloth-like inner layer is soft against skin.
- Plastic backsheet keeps even severe bladder and bowel incontinence inside.
- Quick-wick Superabsorbent Polymers guarantee skin dryness, odor reduction, pH neutralization of urine and inhibition of bacterial growth.
- Kufguards help prevent leaks from the legs.
- Can hold up to 1 liter of liquid.
Prevail Air Overnight Briefs
Diaper Style: Tabbed Brief
Absorbency Level: Maximum / Overnight
Incontinence Level: Heavy to Severe Bladder and/or Bowel Incontinence
Sizing: Medium to Large
Key Product Features:
- Soft, cloth-like outer fabric.
- Quick-wick Microclimate Care wicks moisture and humidity from skin to keep it cool and dry.
- MaxSorb Gel technology quickly absorbs and locks in wetness.
- Breathable poly layer traps wetness inside but allows heat and humidity to escape.
Tena ProSkin Overnight Underwear
Diaper Style: Pull-On Protective Underwear
Absorbency Level: Maximum / Overnight
Incontinence Level: Heavy to Severe Bladder Incontinence
Sizing: Medium to Extra Large
Key Product Features:
- Soft, cloth-like outer fabric.
- Quick-wick Instadry technology quickly pulls liquid away from the skin and locks it in the absorbent core below.
- Odor control technology locks liquid away and neutralizes odor.
- ConfioAir Fully Breathable technology helps maintain skin’s natural moisture balance.
- Lie Down Protection designed specifically for night-time use with more absorbency in the back where it’s needed most.
Best Discreet Underwear for Women
Prevail Per-Fit Daily Underwear for Women
Diaper Style: Pull-on Protective Underwear
Absorbency Level: Extra (Heavy)
Incontinence Level: Moderate to Heavy Bladder Incontinence
Sizing: Medium to Extra Large
Key Product Features:
- Feminine, purple color.
- Soft, cloth-like backsheet looks and feels like regular underwear.
- Quick-wick Microclimate Care wicks moisture and humidity from skin to keep it cool and dry.
- 360° Breathable Zones help you stay cool and comfortable by allowing air to circulate.
- MaxSorb Gel technology quickly absorbs and locks in wetness.
- Odor guard neutralizes odors before the start.
TENA ProSkin Protective Underwear for Women
Diaper Style: Pull-on Protective Underwear
Absorbency Level: Maximum (Heavy)
Incontinence Level: Moderate to Heavy Bladder Incontinence
Sizing: Small to Extra Large
Key Product Benefits:
- Feminine, tan color.
- Soft, cloth-like backsheet, feels like regular underwear.
- Quick-wick Instadry technology quickly pulls liquid away from the skin and locks it in the absorbent core below.
- Odor control technology locks liquid away and neutralizes odor.
- ConfioAir Fully Breathable technology helps maintain skin’s natural moisture balance.
Attends Discreet Underwear for Women
Diaper Style: Pull-on Protective Underwear
Absorbency Level: Heavy
Incontinence Level: Moderate to Heavy Bladder Incontinence
Sizing: Medium to Extra Large
Key Product Features:
- Feminine, tan color.
- Soft, cloth-like backsheet, feels like regular underwear.
- Quick-wick DermaDry technology quickly pulls moisture away from the skin and into the absorbent core below.
- Odor Shield blocks odors and keeps you feeling fresh and clean.
- Breathable fabric allows for air circulation and reduce heat and humidity.
Best Discreet Underwear for Women
Prevail Per-Fit Daily Underwear for Men
Diaper Style: Pull-on Protective Underwear
Absorbency Level: Extra (Heavy)
Incontinence Level: Moderate to Heavy Bladder Incontinence
Sizing: Medium to Extra Large
Key Product Features:
- Masculine, navy color.
- Soft, cloth-like backsheet looks and feels like regular underwear.
- Quick-wick Microclimate Care wicks moisture and humidity from skin to keep it cool and dry.
- 360° Breathable Zones help you stay cool and comfortable by allowing air to circulate.
- MaxSorb Gel technology quickly absorbs and locks in wetness.
- Odor guard neutralizes odors before the start.
TENA ProSkin Protective Underwear for Men
Diaper Style: Pull-on Protective Underwear
Absorbency Level: Maximum (Heavy)
Incontinence Level: Moderate to Heavy Bladder Incontinence
Sizing: Medium to Extra Large
Key Product Features:
- Masculine, gray color.
- Soft, cloth-like backsheet, feels like regular underwear.
- Quick-wick Instadry technology quickly pulls liquid away from the skin and locks it in the absorbent core below.
- Odor control technology locks liquid away and neutralizes odor.
- ConfioAir Fully Breathable technology helps maintain skin’s natural moisture balance.
Attends Discreet Underwear for Men
Diaper Style: Pull-up Protective Underwear
Absorbency Level: Heavy
Incontinence Level: Moderate to Heavy Bladder Incontinence
Sizing: Medium - Extra Large
Key Product Features:
- Masculine, white color.
- Soft, cloth-like backsheet, feels like regular underwear.
- Quick-wick DermaDry technology quickly pulls moisture away from the skin and into the absorbent core below.
- Odor Shield blocks odors and keeps you feeling fresh and clean.
- Breathable fabric allows for air circulation and reduce heat and humidity.
There are many things to keep in mind when looking for the best adult diaper or adult pull-on, and it can seem overwhelming when first starting. It's normal for some trial and error to happen before finding what works best for your unique situation! Our Continence Care Experts can help you find the perfect products for your needs during this process.
Need Free Incontinence Products?
From adult pull-ons and bladder control pads to pediatric diapers and pull-ups, Aeroflow Urology covers your incontinence product essentials 100% through your Medicaid or Medicaid-managed care plan. You'll be paired with a dedicated Continence Care Specialist, have access to our easy-to-use online customer portal, and receive free shipping on monthly orders.
With a 4.9 rating on Google, we take the stress out of navigating insurance paperwork by doing it for you. Our customers report saving anywhere from $50 to over $200 each month by using our services. Apply today!
About the Author
Marlee Septak is the Senior Content Specialist at Aeroflow Urology. She brings a deep understanding of incontinence and health conditions associated with it to her writing. She graduated from Columbia College Chicago and holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. Marlee has contributed to various magazines and blogs, including Borgen Magazine, Echo Magazine, Chicago Ideas Week, Assuaged, and Peaceful Dumpling. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and just sitting down with a good book.
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.
