Diaper Briefs 101: Choosing The Right Fit For Your Needs
From providing peace of mind and a sense of calm to giving you the confidence to carry on your life with utmost independence, adult diapers are an asset to those who suffer from incontinence.
There are many reasons incontinence affects adults, to be more precise, 200 million people worldwide. These range from surgery, being bed-bound, post-pregnancy, a weak pelvic floor, cognitive issues, and age. Irrespective of the reason, diaper pads and briefs promise to keep you dry, odor-free, and ready to take on everything life throws you!
With so many products available, how do you know which to pick? Fear not; we’re here to help! In this handy guide, we give insight into the options available. We provide details on choosing a fit that is bespoke to your needs. Read on to learn more.
1. Consider Size
Before investing in diaper briefs, consider the many sizes available. Most brands stock everything from XS to XXL. Seeking comfort and no leakage? Invest in a snug diaper brief that isn’t too tight. For best results, measure your waist or hips and match your sizing to the measurements on the packaging.
If in-between sizes, opt for products that boast adjustable tabs. This will allow you to tailor briefs to fit accordingly. Those with adjustable tabs are also an ideal option for people with limited mobility. Why? They’re easy to put on, remove, and dispose of. When you invest in the right fit, your symptoms are less likely to disrupt your daily life.
2. Comfort
Another factor to consider when choosing adult diapers? The materials. Some use recyclable material, some boast a cotton-like feel, and others feature plastic backing. Although the latter boasts impressive protection, it can feel clunky and scratchy against the skin. Thankfully, many brands have gone above and beyond to create products that are 100% Breathable, feature a cloth-like fabric, and still provide the utmost protection.
These diapers are suited to both sensitive and mature skin. A good rule to go by? The more breathable the diaper, the better!
Why?
These enable more air to circulate, which lessens the likelihood of rashes from occurring.
3. Absorbency
When picking the right diaper fit, consider how often you’ll change your pad, your mobility, and the volume of pace in which you leak. If wearing it for less strenuous activities such as pilates, walking, or yoga, you’ll likely only need a low absorbency option. Similarly, if you’re able to change your diaper regularly, you’ll need low-absorbency products.
If you struggle with mobility, traveling, or being bed-bound, something with a high absorbency rate will be a better pick, such as overnight diapers. These boast a heavier absorption capacity and will protect you and your mattress.
4. Flexibility
Another factor to consider when choosing adult diapers is their flexibility. If you are still active and enjoy exercising, gardening, or taking care of young grandchildren, you’ll want a diaper product that allows for movement.
In addition, think about your agility and functional independence. If able to dress yourself, pull-on diapers are a great option. If you require assistance, recovering from surgery or you’re less mobile due to age-related ailments, diapers with side tabs are more convenient.
5. Gender-Specific or Unisex Products
Not all bodies are designed equal. If looking for a near-perfect fit, opt for gender-specific diapers over unisex. These are designed with female and male proportions in mind.
6. Leakage Form
A quarter to a third of men and women in the U.S. suffer from urinary incontinence, with around 33 million suffering from an overactive bladder. Before deciding on a diaper product, ask yourself this question. Do you suffer from fecal, urinary incontinence, or both? This will make a difference to the style of diaper you choose. Those suffering from both will need a more heavy-duty product with exceptional odor-lessening qualities. Those who suffer from light incontinence will require a lighter product or even solely a diaper pad.
7. Reusable or Disposable
There are two main diaper products available. These include disposable and reusable options. Both are quality products, which you choose comes down to personal preference. One is seen as more environmentally friendly. The other is easier to use and dispose of.
How the Product Looks Under Clothing
This is an important consideration when deciding on adult diapers and fit. The last thing you want is to tweak your wardrobe in response to what you’re wearing underneath it. With this in mind, choose adult diapers that are streamlined, boast cotton-like fabrics, and pull on just like traditional undergarments.
The Bottom Line
When establishing a quality diaper fit, think of this journey as a case of trial and error. It’s unlikely you’ll find the right fit the first time around. Worry not; once you do, you’ll be set!
The tips and tricks above will help you discover options catering to your lifestyle, needs, and size. You may need to invest in a handful of options, some for exercise, some for every day, and others you can do at night.
Points to note? Consider when and for how long you will be wearing your diapers. In addition, what absorbency levels do you require, and can you freely change them yourself, or do you need assistance? This will help you choose a product that is bespoke to your lifestyle.
