How Often Should You Change Your Incontinence Pad?

person changing bladder control pad

Key Takeaways:

  • Choosing the bladder control pad with the right absorbency level will help you effectively manage urinary leakage throughout the day and night.
  • Like all incontinence products, you should change your incontinence pad whenever it's soiled.
  • Stay proactive in managing your bladder health by understanding signs for when to change your pad, considering lifestyle factors like activity level and diet, and ensuring you have adequate supplies on hand for peace of mind.

Incontinence pads, also known as bladder control pads, offer a discreet and effective way to manage urinary leakage for both men and women.

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Whether you're dealing with light dribbles or more substantial leaks, these absorbent liners provide comfort and protection throughout the day and night, tailored to fit different body types and absorbency needs.

Join us as we explore how to choose the best incontinence pad for your needs and discover tips for maintaining comfort and hygiene.

Incontinence pads, also known as bladder control pads, offer a discreet and effective way to manage urinary leakage for both men and women.

Whether you're dealing with light dribbles or more substantial leaks, these absorbent liners provide comfort and protection throughout the day and night, tailored to fit different body types and absorbency needs.

Join us as we explore how to choose the best incontinence pad for your needs and discover tips for maintaining comfort and hygiene.

Jump To:

Types of Incontinence Pads

How Often Should You Change Your Incontinence Pad?

Signs You Need to Change Your Incontinence Pad

Maintaining Skin Health With Incontinence Pads

How to Get Incontinence Pads Covered by Insurance

INCONTINENCE PRODUCTS THROUGH INSURANCE:

Aeroflow Urology is in-network with many Medicaid and Medicaid-managed insurance plans and is accredited by Medicaid. Complete our Eligibility Form, and we’ll automatically check to see if your plan covers incontinence supplies. ***Must meet certain requirements to qualify.***

You will also receive the care and attention every person managing incontinence deserves: A personalized list of 100% insurance-covered incontinence supplies, a dedicated Continence Care Specialist you can contact during business hours, a user-friendly online portal for easy monthly reordering, and educational content.

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Types of Incontinence Pads

Incontinence pads, also called bladder control pads, are absorbent, discreet liners with an adhesive backing. They are placed inside your underwear and help absorb urinary leakage.

Most bladder control pads are best for individuals with light incontinence. While they are absorbent and provide odor control, they aren't as protective as adult pull-ons or diapers.

Bladder Control Pads for Women

Many women experience urinary incontinence due to factors like aging, pregnancy, postpartum, childbirth, menopause, and other medical conditions.

Bladder control pads are the perfect solution for women managing these issues who are looking for a discreet alternative to adult protective underwear or adult diapers. These super absorbent pads are designed to fit the female body. Incontinence pads for women come in various absorbency levels and are worn inside the underwear.

Male Guards for Men

Some men may experience incontinence due to aging, prostate surgeries, and other medical conditions.

Male guards are designed to manage urinary incontinence in men. These liners fit the male anatomy, providing comfortable and discreet protection against bladder leaks or urinary dribbling.

Male incontinence liners are small and contoured, so wearing them inside underwear is comfortable. They are designed to fit snugly against the penis and are held in place by an adhesive strip. This helps to prevent leaks and keeps the pad securely in place while wearing. Male guards are available in various absorbencies, from light to heavy.

Unisex Bladder Control Pads

Unisex incontinence pads are made for both men and women with incontinence. They are contoured to comfortably fit every body type, shape, and size, ensuring anyone who wears them feels confident about their bladder protection.

Incontinence Pad Lengths

Bladder control pads come in a variety of lengths, with the most common being regular and long.

  • Regular Length: Typical-length pads starting at 7.5".
  • Long Length: Longer pads that cover from front to back starting at 8.35".

Incontinence Pad Absorbencies

Bladder control pad absorbency is key to managing your leakage. These pads come in a variety of absorbencies, from light to heavy.

  • Minimal to Light Absorbency: Up to 2 cups of leakage.
  • Moderate Absorbency: Up to 3 cups of leakage.
  • Maximum Absorbency: 3 or more cups of leakage.
  • Overnight Absorbency: More than 3 cups of leakage for overnight incontinence.

To find the incontinence pad that's right for you, head to our Bladder Control Pads Guide!

How Often Should You Change Your Incontinence Pad?

Like all incontinence supplies, you should change your bladder control pad when you have an accident to prevent issues like:

  • Rashes and redness.
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
  • Chafing
  • Skin breakdown.

Change your pad as frequently as you need to throughout the day. If you wear a pad overnight, make sure you change it when you wake up if you've soiled it.

You should also consider the following factors when considering your frequency of changes:

  • Your level of incontinence. If you have heavier incontinence, you'll most likely need to change your pad more often than if you have light leakage. If you find yourself changing your pad too often, consider switching to a more protective product, such as an adult pull-on.
  • Your activity level. If you have a more active lifestyle, you may need to change your bladder pad more often.
  • Your diet and fluid intake. Diet can influence your bladder because certain foods can irritate your bladder. If you drink more water than usual, you may also have accidents more often.
  • Your underlying condition. Based on which condition is causing your leakage, you may need to change your pad more frequently.

You should also consider the following factors when considering your frequency of changes:

  • Your level of incontinence. If you have heavier incontinence, you'll most likely need to change your pad more often than if you have light leakage. If you find yourself changing your pad too often, consider switching to a more protective product, such as an adult pull-on.
  • Your activity level. If you have a more active lifestyle, you may need to change your bladder pad more often.
  • Your diet and fluid intake. Diet can influence your bladder because certain foods can irritate your bladder. If you drink more water than usual, you may also have accidents more often.
  • Your underlying condition. Based on which condition is causing your leakage, you may need to change your pad more frequently.

Signs You Need to Change Your Incontinence Pad

The following symptoms might indicate that you need to change your incontinence pad:

  • Leakage out the sides or back of your pad.
  • Odor coming from your pad.
  • Discomfort
  • Wetness

Maintaining Skin Health With Incontinence Pads

Use the following tips to protect sensitive skin and practice proper skin care while using bladder control pads.

  1. Prevent skin irritation. Change your pad frequently or when there's been urine leakage to prevent skin irritation, bacterial infections, and general discomfort.
  2. Practice proper hygiene. Clean your genitals properly when changing your incontinence pad.
  3. Use barrier creams. If you frequently experience skin irritation when using a pad, consider using barrier creams to protect your skin and keep moisture in the right areas.
  4. Keep extra supplies with you when you leave the house. This will prevent irritation from wearing the same pad for too long.

Choosing the right incontinence pad can significantly enhance your quality of life by providing reliable protection and comfort. Whether you opt for bladder control pads tailored to fit the female body, male guards designed for men, or unisex options, understanding absorbency levels and proper usage will help you effectively manage urinary leakage. By staying informed and proactive about your bladder health, you can confidently navigate daily activities with peace of mind. Remember, finding the ideal pad is a personal journey, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

Check Your Coverage for Free Supplies

With over 12K 5-star reviews on Google, Aeroflow Urology helps individuals of all ages with incontinence receive protective 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.

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About the Author

Marlee Septak is the Senior Content Specialist 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.

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