Choosing the right incontinence product feels overwhelming when you’re faced with countless options and confusing product descriptions. Do you need maximum absorbency or discreet protection? Disposable or washable?
There are so many choices that it’s easy to feel lost and end up with products that don’t work for your lifestyle.
That’s why we create trusted incontinence products at www.ontexhealthcare.com.au to help thousands of Australians find products that match their exact needs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to make the best choice for your situation. You’ll get to know:
- Understanding urinary and bowel incontinence types and their protection needs
- The main product categories range from disposable pads to washable bed protection
- Day versus night protection options, including liners, pants and briefs
- Proper sizing and choosing reputable brands with guarantees
Ready to find your ideal product match? Let’s dive in and get you sorted with confidence.
Contents
How to choose the Right Incontinence Products
The way of choosing the right incontinence products is to first identify your type of incontinence, daily routine, and activity level. This step comes first because each type requires a different approach to manage effectively.
However, before choosing a product, it helps to understand what urinary incontinence is. Urinary incontinence happens when you lose bladder control or are unable to control urination. It’s pretty common in Australia, as a report shows 3 in 10 people had experienced urinary incontinence only in 2023.
Even bowel incontinence (also called faecal incontinence) is more widespread than many people realise. This type of incontinence involves the accidental passing of solid or liquid stools from the rectum.
Both types of incontinence can make you feel worried about leaving your house or participating in activities you used to enjoy. But the good thing is there’s a huge range of products available to give you proper protection and comfort.
Here are the two main things you need to think through when choosing any incontinence product:
- Absorbency and Comfort: The first step is working out how much protection you need during your day. If you only have light leakage, thin incontinence pads might be enough for you. These fit inside regular underwear and work well for both women and men, as they stay invisible under clothes. But when your leakage is heavier, you might need something with more absorbency, like pull-up pants or briefs, to protect you.
- Personal Lifestyle Choices: What you do every day should guide your product choice to find the best solution for your life. If you’re active and always on the go, you need secure protection that moves with you without slipping or bunching up. On the other hand, if you spend most time at home, comfort becomes your main priority instead of invisibility.
What’s more, absorbency becomes extra important when you’re sleeping because nobody wants to wake up uncomfortable in the middle of the night. That’s when you might want to add waterproof protection for your bed and mattress, too.
Nobody dreams of becoming an incontinence product expert, but sometimes life has other plans for us. The upside is that finding the right match means you can focus on what counts in your daily routine.
Now that you know how to match your needs with your lifestyle, let’s look at the different product types and what makes each one work well.
Exploring Different Product Types
What’s the difference between all these incontinence products you see online and in stores? Well, each type serves a specific purpose and works better for different situations.
For example, if you only have occasional light leaks when you cough or sneeze, thin pads might work perfectly for you. But someone with heavy overnight leakage may need full briefs with maximum absorbency instead.
We know it feels confusing when you’re already dealing with the stress of incontinence, but many solutions can make your life much easier.
Let’s look at the main categories so you can narrow down your choices quickly:
Product Categories
Your first major decision is between products you throw away and those you can wash and reuse. For busy lifestyles, disposable incontinence products are super convenient because you just toss them after use. No more washing or drying time needed.
However, reusable options like washable bed pads can save you money over time because one pad replaces dozens of disposable ones. They’re also better for the environment, since you’re not filling bins with used products every day. The reason both options exist is that different people have different priorities and budgets.
Also, you can find both types in a wide range of styles, from pads that stick to your underwear to full-coverage pants that replace your regular underwear completely.
Pro Tip: Always check the washing instructions for reusable products to make sure they keep their quality and absorbent properties after multiple washes.
Day and Night Protection
Imagine having different protection for different times of your day. That’s exactly what you should be thinking about because your needs change from morning activities to nighttime sleep.
Here are the main options you’ll want to consider:
- Liners and Pads: Liners and pads are a great starting point for managing light leakage throughout your day. The reason they work so well is that they’re made to be worn with your own underwear, which makes them a discreet option that nobody will notice.
- Underwear-Style Products: When you need more security and protection, pants and briefs are a great choice for heavier urinary incontinence. These incontinence pants replace your regular underwear completely and offer much better absorbency than basic pads. So you get complete coverage without worrying about shifting or leaks around the edges.
We recommend trying a few different brands to find the right fit because comfort directly affects how confident you feel throughout your day.
Protecting Your Home
Don’t forget to protect your bedding and furniture too. If you skip this step, you risk permanent stains and odours that are expensive to clean or replace.
Here are some effective ways to protect your home:
- Bed pads for extra nighttime security
- Mattress protectors to prevent permanent stains
- Washable bed pads for chairs and sofas
- Absorbent waterproof sheets for kids and adults
Besides, a good washable bed pad can give you comfort during sleep and protect expensive mattresses from damage. The best part is that most of these products are completely invisible under your regular sheets and covers.
After you understand the different product types available, the right fit and brand choice become your next important steps.
How to Find the Right Fit and Brand
The right fit and brand depend on your body shape, activity level and budget constraints. Each person’s needs are different, so what works perfectly for your neighbour might not suit your lifestyle at all.
If the first product you try doesn’t work for you, you may need to experiment with a few different options before finding your exact match.
Now let’s look at the main things you need to consider when choosing products.
The Importance of Sizing
A product that’s too big or too small can be uncomfortable and might even lead to a higher risk of leakage. When products don’t fit properly, they create gaps where liquid can escape or bunch up in ways that cause chafing and irritation throughout your day.
We once helped a customer who was frustrated because her pads kept shifting during the day and caused stress about potential leaks. After discussing her concerns, we realised she needed a different size rather than a different brand entirely. Once she found the right size for her body, her confidence returned completely, and she stopped worrying about accidents at work.
Choosing a Reputable Brand
When buying incontinence products, look for brands that have a good reputation for quality and customer service. This becomes especially important because you want products that won’t let you down when you need them most during your daily activities.
Helpful Tip: Take a look at online forums and reviews where customers share their experiences with different products. Plus, many companies offer free samples so you can try out different incontinence pads before purchasing anything in larger quantities.
Besides having better customer reviews, established brands often put more resources into research and development. Most reputable companies will also offer money-back guarantees if their products don’t work for your specific situation.
Take Control of Your Comfort Today
Incontinence affects millions of Australians every day by disrupting sleep, limiting social activities and causing unnecessary stress. But there are effective, comfortable solutions that exist for every type and severity of incontinence you might experience.
We’ve walked you through choosing the right products for your needs, explored different types from pads to protective pants, and shared how to choose proper sizing and reputable brands.
No more worrying about leaks or embarrassment. When you’re ready to find your ideal protection, our team will make sure you get the perfect products that restore your confidence completely.
