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A study on urinary incontinence prevalence in the US established that over 25 million American adults experience either temporary or chronic urinary incontinence. Therefore, adult incontinence products are necessary to help affected parties manage the condition with dignity, eliminating the stigma associated with incontinence.
Even so, adult incontinence products are crucial yet underrated personal hygiene products. So, what underlying information do you need to know about adult incontinence products that are better than Tranquility. Keep reading to learn more about adult pull-up briefs for incontinence.
What is Adult Incontinence?
Before dwelling on adult pull-ups, their features, and how to purchase the best pull-ups for your needs, begin by understanding adult incontinence. So, what is incontinence? Incontinence is involuntary urine leakage (urinary incontinence) or defecation (bowel incontinence) that occurs primarily among adults.
Temporary adult incontinence may result from urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, childbirth, or as a side effect of some medications. On the other hand, chronic or long-term adult incontinence arises from weakened urinary bladder muscles or a damaged/weakened pelvic floor. The weakening of the urinary bladder and pelvic floor muscles can be caused by age, menopause, and an enlarged prostate.
Fortunately, there are various adult incontinence products on the market, including adult briefs, incontinence pads, and adult pull-ups. Each product is designed to address a certain type of incontinence. Here’s an overview of the common types of incontinence:
- Stress urinary incontinence: It occurs when activities or movement activates abdominal muscles, causing a urine leak. Such activities can be as simple as laughing and sneezing.
- Incontinence overflow: Occurs when a patient cannot empty the bladder during voluntary urination. Consequently, the bladder fills up, and excess urine overflows as urinary incontinence.
- Urge incontinence: It occurs when a patient experiences a sudden, uncontrollable urge to pee, causing the bowel to empty before they can research the bathroom.
- Functional incontinence: Occurs primarily among individuals with limited mobility or cognitive function, preventing them from reaching the bathroom on time.
- Mixed incontinence: It combines urge and stress incontinence symptoms.
Nonetheless, while adult incontinence may arise from various causes, adult pull-ups are an ideal intervention for all incontinence types. Below is an overview of the benefits of adult pull-ups in managing adult incontinence and improving patients’ quality of life.
Benefits of Adult Pull-ups For Incontinence
Adult pull-ups for incontinence are a consumer favorite for several reasons. Here are some of the main reasons to use one:
1. Ease of Use
As the name suggests, adult pull-ups feature a similar design to normal underwear, meaning users pull them up and fit like ladies’ panties or men’s brief shorts. The familiar design facilitates an easy transition for patients from normal underwear to incontinence hygiene products.
They are easier to use than adult briefs as the latter features a similar design to child incontinence diapers, heightening self-consciousness. Additionally, they are more comfortable than incontinence pads which male patients have no experience using; female patients may also prefer other feminine hygiene products, like tampons, and find pads uncomfortable.
2. Comfort
Besides the ease of use, adult pull-ups have more comfort features. Comfort is vital in overcoming the self-consciousness, embarrassment, and other psychological effects of adult incontinence.
For starters, adult pull-ups’ underwear-like design makes them form-fitting, facilitating the discretion necessary for comfort. They also feature cloth backing rather than nylon backing, eliminating unnecessary noise as the patient goes about their day.
3. Absorbency
Absorbency is a crucial feature in incontinence products, and adult pull-ups for incontinence contain polymers that absorb incontinence and transform into a gel substance, preventing leakage. It also prevents the release of moisture post-incontinence absorption, keeping the skin dry.
Dampness from incontinence products can cause rashes and other skin irritation, aggravating the condition. Pull-ups for adult incontinence have a high absorbency rate to prevent leakages. Moreover, their design can accommodate booster pads, enhancing the pull-up’s absorbency rate.
Adult Pull-ups Buyers’ Guide: Factors to Consider When Purchasing Adult Pull-ups For Incontinence.
While adult pull-ups are preferable when weighed against other adult incontinence products, they are not a one-size-fits-all product. Therefore, below are factors to consider when purchasing adult incontinence pull-ups for an adult in your care.
1. Size
Accurate measurements are crucial when purchasing adult pull-ups because an oversized or undersized pull-up will likely cause incontinence leakage. The correct fit should be snug, and you can follow the tips below to select snug-fitting adult pull-ups.
- Measure your or the patient’s waistline, preferably the high-rise waistline. Take actual measurements rather than estimating the size using clothes.
- Measure the widest section of your hips and around your thighs.
- Select a product size that corresponds with the measurements on the pull-out brand’s size chart.
2. Breathability
Breathable incontinence pull-ups prevent the humidity build-up that harbors microorganism growth.
3. Leakage Prevention Mechanisms
Choose products with leakage prevention mechanisms like a full-rise waistline and leg cuffs/ gathers.
4. Incontinence Type
Adult pull-up brands design products to hold urinary or bowel incontinence; a few hold both types. Therefore, ensure the product you purchase matches the incontinence issue at hand.
5. Absorbency
Absorbency rates vary from mild to moderate and heavy, and most brands feature the absorbency rate on their adult pull-up product packaging. Therefore, select a product with absorbency to match your continence rate.
Conclusion
Confidence and comfort are crucial in tackling the psychological effects of adult incontinence. Fortunately, adult pull-ups offer both elements and are easy to use, making them suitable for anyone. But to make the best use of it, get one that perfectly fits your condition and your preferences. So, follow these tips to end up with ideal Incontinence adult pull-ups.
