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A Guide to Underpads (Chux)

This piece has been reviewed for accuracy by Allison Pullen, Urology Sales Manager.

If you or your loved one manages heavy incontinence, you know that sometimes leaks soak through incontinence products. When this happens, a second line of defense is needed to protect against stains and spills, and underpads, also called chux, are an excellent option in these instances.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to choose the underpad to successfully manage leakage and show you how to easily get your products covered by insurance. 

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What Is an Underpad?

Underpads, also called chux pads or bed pads, are heavy-duty absorbent products that help protect furniture, mattresses, wheelchairs, and other surfaces against daytime or overnight incontinence (bedwetting). These underpads are quilted with high-absorbency materials that soak up leaks and odors.

The 2 main types of underpads are reusable and disposable underpads. 

Reusable underpads are washable pads 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 are 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. 

arms holding underpadarms holding underpad

Underpad Features & Benefits

Underpads come with different features and benefits that help soak up the heaviest leakage to keep 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, bringing ultra comfort to users.
  • Made for all ages and genders: Designed to help children, adults, and older adults with heavy incontinence or disabilities. 
underpad unfoldingunderpad unfolding
kid with underpadkid with underpad

Is an Underpad Right for You?

Underpads can provide extra protection to furniture, bedding, mattresses, car seats, and wheelchairs, and any other surface that may need to be protected from incontinence leakage. Use these questions to determine whether 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 a great 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? Underpads are made for those with the heaviest incontinence, so if you or your loved one only manage light to moderate leakage, you may not require an underpad to protect surfaces.
  4. Are you or your loved one less mobile? If so, underpads can help protect surfaces like chairs and bedding while sitting or laying for long periods. 

How to Find the Underpad for You

Selecting the right absorbency and size underpad can ensure your furniture and bedding are protected against severe leakage. 

Underpad Absorbency Levels

Underpads come in a variety of absorbency levels that suit different incontinence needs. When choosing your underpad, consider which level of absorbency you need.

  • Moderate Absorbency: Best for moderate leaks.
  • Heavy Absorbency: Best for those with heavy leaks.
  • Overnight Absorbency: Best for those who need overnight absorbency.

Underpad Sizes

Sizes for chux vary, with the most common sizes being 23“x36” or 30”x30”. 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 the area. Selecting the wrong size of chux could result in stains or spillage.

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clean underpadclean underpad

When to Change Your Underpad

You should change your or your loved one’s underpad when you notice an accident, but it’s a good practice to change it 3-5 times each day. The frequency of changes will depend on your or your loved one’s level of leakage. 

Can You Wear 2 Incontinence Products at Once?

Wearing 2 incontinence products at once, such as adult protective underwear and a bladder control pad, won’t make your primary product more absorbent. It can actually have the opposite effect by trapping more moisture around your body since protective products have moisture-proof backings that trap in wetness. 

However, underpads are made to be used at the same time as other products, such as a diaper or pull-on. Underpads can be placed on any surface you’d like to protect against leakage while wearing another incontinence product.

Our Favorite Underpad Brands

Covidien Wings Plus Underpad

Covidien Wings UnderpadCovidien Wings Underpad

Covidien Wings Plus Underpad

Covidien offers healthcare products for a number of needs. Their products are designed to improve individuals’ quality of life by using top-quality materials and designs.

The Covidien Wings Plus Underpad is designed with extra heavy absorbency which is ideal for overnight use. The pad is soft, absorbent, and strong, so it won’t leak or tear during use.

Features:

  • Disposable underpad.
  • Heavy absorbency for bladder and bowel incontinence.
  • XL size for maximum coverage, absorption, and protection.
  • Super-absorbent polymers for maximum fluid retention.
  • Polypropylene backsheet to protect against leakage.

TENA Underpad

tena underpadtena underpad

TENA Underpad

TENA specializes in personal care products for those living with incontinence. Their products range from bladder control pads to underpads. TENA underpads are designed with ultimate absorbency for individuals who need extra protection.

TENA Underpads are designed with extra absorbency for overnight or heavy incontinence. These disposable pads have a soft lining and moisture-proof backing to protect furniture and other materials.

Features:

  • Disposable underpad.
  • Soft interior lining for skin health.
  • Quilted mat for comfort.
  • Super absorbent microbeads for superior dryness.
  • Moisture-proof polyethylene backing prevents leaks on surfaces.

Cardinal Health Essentials Reusable Underpad

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Cardinal Health Essentials Reusable Underpad

Cardinal Health is a global distributor of continence care products and pharmaceuticals. They have had over 50 years of experience manufacturing incontinence products and serve almost 90% of hospitals in the United States. 

Cardinal Health Essentials Reusable Underpads are made of absorbent, quiet material. These reusable underpads offer high performance and are machine washable while retaining absorbency after washes.

Features:

  • Reusable underpad.
  • PVC-coated backsheet to protect surfaces from stains.
  • Skid-resistant to prevent slipping.
  • Absorbent top sheet to wick moisture away from skin.
  • Poly/rayon core to eliminate odors.

Does Insurance Cover Underpads?

Private health insurance includes any company not based on state or federal government health coverage. These companies include Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Cigna, etc. Private insurance plans vary in terms of underpad coverage. Some companies may reimburse for underpads, 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, your coverage for underpads 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 their own sets of requirements and guidelines for incontinence supply coverage.

To determine if your or your loved one’s insurance plan covers underpads, complete our Eligibility Form.

Does Medicaid Cover Underpads?

Depending on your insurance plan, your Medicaid or Medicaid-managed care plan may cover underpads, but it depends on the state you live in, your specific insurance plan, and your certain requirements. 

We can help you quickly and easily determine if you can receive underpads and other incontinence products 100% covered by insurance. 

Getting underpads covered by insurance couldn’t be easier and it all happens in 4 simple steps!

  1. You Fill Out the 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.
  2. You select your underpad. 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 underpads 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. 
  1. You Get Your Prescription. In order for us to prove that your underpads 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.
  2. 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:

  • Booster pads.
  • Bladder control pads.
  • Adult protective underwear. 
  • Adult diapers (adult briefs).
  • Pediatric diapers.
  • Pediatric pull-ups.
  • Youth training pants.
  • Gloves
  • Wipes
incontinence productsincontinence products

Disclaimer

*Medicaid coverage varies by state. Submitting your info is not a guarantee of benefit.