Ευκολία και λύσεις για μία καλύτερη καθημερινότητα!
Incontinence diapers - How to make the right choice
Urinary incontinence is any involuntary leakage of urine. It is a condition that affects over 56 million people in Europe and over 350 million people worldwide.
Urinary incontinence can affect people of all ages, although it is more common in the elderly. It is caused by various factors, such as medical conditions, pregnancy, childbirth, surgery or simply aging.
Although its frequency increases with age (84% of older adults suffer from incontinence), urinary incontinence is not an inevitable consequence of aging.
Incontinence can be a difficult and embarrassing situation, especially for bedridden patients, who need daily help from their caregivers or relatives to manage it.
One of the most common solutions recommended by doctors to those suffering from incontinence is the use of incontinence pads. Incontinence diapers are designed to absorb urine, preventing it from leaking and keeping the skin dry and clean.
If your loved one or patient you care for suffers from incontinence, then read on to find out the 5 key criteria to consider in order to choose the right diapers that will give them maximum functionality - essential for health and its dignity - among the variety of products on the market.
Incontinence Diapers - 5 Selection Criteria
1. Determination of leakage level
How severe is the patient's incontinence? There are diapers available in different levels of absorbency, from light to heavy.
Leakage can be divided into three categories:
The patient may experience more than one type of leakage, which should also be considered when choosing incontinence diapers.
2. Absorbency Level & Material
The level of absorbency is one of the most important factors to keep in mind when choosing an incontinence diaper, as it helps both to prevent leaks and frequent diaper changes, and to prevent bedsores.
Choose diapers with high absorbency, specially designed for overnight use, ensuring full absorption of moisture during sleep. With highly absorbent diapers, leaks and "unpleasant surprises" are avoided, while frequent diaper changes are not required.
Prioritize materials that wick moisture away from the skin, keeping the patient dry and comfortable. Look for nappies that have a soft yet hygienic inner fabric cover as they allow the skin to 'breathe' thus helping to prevent irritation.
3. Determination of Size
Incontinence products that do not fit properly according to the shape and size of the patient's body may not meet their needs.
Take the time to compare different diapers to improve your chances of buying the right size. Ask companies for free samples if possible so you can try them before you buy them.
Take the necessary measurements of the patient's hips and waist. If an adult diaper is the right size and fit, it should be comfortable in the tummy area and close securely.
If the diaper is too bulky, it will not fit the patient comfortably and affect their comfort. On the other hand, if it's too small, it's likely to feel tighter and more uncomfortable, possibly even bothering his skin.
4. Odor Elimination & Moisture Index
Eliminating odors is another important factor to consider in order to avoid any embarrassing moments and maintain proper patient hygiene.
It's important to look for high-quality incontinence diapers that also effectively mask urine odor.
Check product descriptions or packaging for details on odor control features.
Despite the higher cost, investing in high-quality diapers is proven to be effective in managing incontinence, reducing odor-causing bacteria, and minimizing the risk of bacterial skin infections.
In addition, some adult diapers have wetness indicators, which change color or fade when the diaper is wet. This function is especially useful for caregivers, as it allows you to change diapers in time without the need for constant checks.
5. Budget & Quality
Balancing the available budget with the quality of adult diapers is equally important. Instead of immediately going for the cheapest option, find a product that provides the necessary level of comfort and protection for the patient's condition.
In other words, move not with the minimum purchase price in mind, but with the maximum efficiency and effectiveness of the product in question.
Quality adult diapers may cost a bit more, but will offer the patient better overall value, reducing the need for frequent changes and minimizing patient discomfort.
Extra Tips for Choosing Incontinence Diapers
Conclusion on incontinence diapers
With the right incontinence diapers, you can properly manage the incontinence of your patient or loved one, offering them comfort, the best possible hygiene, but above all, a dignified life.
In Germanos Medicals store and e-shop you will find a wide variety of high quality incontinence diapers to treat every type and level of incontinence and leaks. There are day diapers as well as night diapers with high protection and absorbency to prevent leaks.
You can find diapers from reliable brands, such as: Abena, Paul Hartmann, Septona, etc. at competitive prices, while our staff is always happy to help you choose the right diapers and answer all your questions.
Also, don't neglect to stock up on reusable sheets and disposable pads for excellent patient care at home.
Contact us for more information about incontinence diapers, their use and additional incontinence products
Sources:
"5 steps for choosing the right incontinence product" - National Association for Continence
"How to Choose the Right Incontinence Products" - Continence Care
Frequent questions
1. Can urinary incontinence be cured permanently?
Urinary incontinence can happen to anyone and the severity varies depending on age, cause and type of urinary incontinence. Most cases of urinary incontinence can be cured or managed with appropriate treatment.
2. What are the main causes of urinary incontinence in men and women?
In men, prostate problems are probably the most common cause of urinary incontinence. In women, pregnancy and vaginal delivery are probably the most common cause of urinary incontinence.
3. What are the types of incontinence?
In general, incontinence falls into several categories. The three main types of incontinence are:
A person may have overflow incontinence when the bladder fills up, cannot empty completely, and then fills with residual urine. Thus, the patient leaks urine more or less on a continuous basis.
This type is usually associated with urine leakage due to increased pressure in the bladder due to coughing, laughing, sneezing, weight lifting, etc.
This type is caused by a bladder contraction that occurs when the patient does not try to empty their bladder. Typically, patients will complain that they feel the need to empty their bladder, but start leaking before they get to the bathroom.
Mixed incontinence is called incontinence that combines more than one type of incontinence.
4. Are there foods that can have an impact on urinary incontinence?
You should moderate your consumption of alcoholic and carbonated drinks, coffee, tea, citrus fruits or chocolate. A reduced intake of these foods can help reduce the number of incontinence episodes, especially in the cases of women with an urge to urinate or who have to urinate very often (overactive bladder).
5. What should I do about incontinence?
The treatments for the different types of incontinence generally fall into two categories:
Conservative management: either with drugs, devices such as a vaginal pessary and sometimes biofeedback.
More invasive forms of treatment, such as surgery.
Your doctor may recommend physical therapy as a means of conditioning the muscles that support the pelvic floor.
The type of incontinence, which is diagnosed during the evaluation, will dictate what type of treatment is appropriate.
6. How long can adult diapers be worn?
It is recommended that you change your diaper every 2-4 hours or more often if you experience a lot of leakage, especially when it comes to adult diapers for older people, as their skin may be more sensitive. In general, you should only wear an incontinence diaper for as long as it says on the package you purchased.