Key Takeaways:
- Underpads, also called chux, are equipped with maximum absorbency for maintaining hygiene and cleanliness when managing incontinence.
- Your insurance plan may consider underpads to be medical necessities, but you need to determine your coverage to determine if you can receive them.
- Completing Aeroflow Urology's Eligibility Form is the quickest and easiest way to find out if your insurance benefits cover underpads.
Check Your Eligibility
Discover the underpads and other incontinence supplies covered by your insurance.
Have your insurance card ready!
Underpads are essential for maintaining hygiene and comfort for adults and children managing incontinence.
While many Medicaid programs recognize these supplies as medical necessities, coverage for underpads depends on your state's Medicaid policies and your specific insurance benefits.
What Are Underpads?
Underpads, also known as chux pads or bed pads, are highly absorbent incontinence products that help protect furniture, mattresses, wheelchairs, and other surfaces against daytime or overnight incontinence (bedwetting). They are quilted with high-absorbency materials that soak up leaks and odors.
The two main types of underpads are reusable and disposable underpads.
- Reusable underpads: Washable underpads that can be used multiple times. These pads have absorbent cores and are made with cotton or polyester materials for comfort. Because they can be washed and reused many times, reusable underpads are more environmentally friendly than disposable bed pads.
- Disposable underpads: Single-use pads that may be more sanitary than reusable underpads. Disposable pads offer users easy changes and clean-ups because they can be thrown away after being soiled. The top sheet of disposable chux also provides skin comfort and breathability while soaking up leaks.
Check your coverage for 100% free incontinence products now!
Check your coverage for 100% free incontinence products now!
Best Underpads for Heavy Incontinence
An underpad is an excellent product for those experiencing heavy bladder or bowel incontinence. It helps manage leakage and keeps surfaces clean. Aeroflow Urology offers highly absorbent underpads for free through insurance if you qualify.
Covidien Wings Disposable Underpad
Key Features:
- Heavy absorbency for both bladder and bowel incontinence.
- Measures 36" x 36."
- Extra-large size provides maximum coverage, absorption, and protection.
- Contains super-absorbent polymer for maximum fluid retention while reducing odor and keeping wetness away from the skin.
- Polypropylene back sheet protects against leakage and resists melting.
TENA Disposable Underpad
Key Features:
- Moderate to heavy absorbency for all levels of incontinence.
- Protects furniture, mattresses, wheelchairs, and other surfaces.
- Disposable for ease of use.
- Soft interior lining is comfortable against skin.
- Quilted mat for comfort.
- Super absorbent microbeads for superior dryness.
Cardinal Health Reusable Underpad
Key Features:
- Reusable with a PVC-coated back sheet that protects surfaces from stains.
- Skid-resistant to prevent the underpads from slipping.
- Made of high-quality fabric that retains its efficiency after many washes.
- Poly/rayon core that offers a moderate absorbency and helps eliminate odors.
- Measures 34" x 36."
What Size Underpad Do I Need?
Sizes for chux vary, with the most common sizes being 23 "x 36" or 30" x 30." Consider which type of materials you're trying to protect from leakage and how large the area is, and choose a size that will cover it.
Can I Reuse Incontinence Underpads?
You should only reuse underpads that are meant for multiple uses. Reusing disposable underpads could result in hygiene issues, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Does Insurance cover Underpads?
Dealing with fecal or urinary incontinence can be tough, but getting the supplies you need shouldn't be. That's where Aeroflow Urology comes in.
We help people get incontinence products like underpads covered through insurance, so managing your or your loved one's condition is cost-effective! Coverage for underpads depends on your insurance plan and medical condition or incontinence diagnosis. To find out if you can get underpads covered by insurance, fill out our Eligibility Form, and we'll do the insurance paperwork and talk to your healthcare provider to get your prescription.
Types of Incontinence Supplies Covered by Insurance
Many healthcare plans offer coverage for the following incontinence products:
- Adult diapers (adult briefs): Also called disposable briefs, these tab-style diapers are made for adults and older adults.
- Adult protective underwear: Pull-on style underwear for adults and older adults.
- Pediatric diapers: Tab-style diapers for children who meet age requirements set by your insurance plan and state (typically ages three to four and up).
- Pediatric pull-ups: Pull-up-style disposable underwear for children who meet the age requirements set by your insurance plan and state.
- Bladder control pads: Also called liners or male guards, bladder control pads are absorbent pads for adults and older adults that are placed inside undergarments.
- Booster pads: Pads for adults, older adults, and children that can be placed inside a primary incontinence product.
- Wipes: Disposable washcloths for adults, older adults, and children that can be used to clean up accidents and maintain hygiene.
- Gloves: Gloves can be used to ease cleaning up and maintain hygiene during changes.
- Barrier creams: Creams that protect the skin around the incontinence area.
- Urinary catheters: Different types of catheters for children and adults may be covered under Medicare.
Managing incontinence can feel overwhelming, but finding affordable solutions shouldn't add to the burden. We encourage you to explore Aeroflow Urology's resources and see if you qualify to receive underpads through your insurance. It's a simple process that could make a real difference in your daily life. Don't hesitate to contact our team with any questions – we're here to support you on your incontinence journey.
Check Your Coverage for Free Supplies
With over 15k 5-star reviews from Google users, Aeroflow Urology helps individuals of all ages with incontinence receive free incontinence supplies through insurance.
Here's how it works:
1. Submit your information through our form to verify your coverage.
2. Call your doctor for a prescription for incontinence products.
3. Choose your free products online from a personalized list.
4. Reorder for free each month easily through our reordering portal.
About the Author
Marlee Septak is the Editorial Lead at Aeroflow Urology and was a past Content Writer for Aeroflow Diabetes. 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.
