Incontinence products have evolved due to advances in technology and design. There has been a sea change in the way these incontinence products are created and used today. Just a few years back, adult incontinence was a topic that no one spoke about openly. Men and women who wore incontinence products had to settle for the same old unisex design in set sizes. However, in recent times the diagnosis of adult incontinence has become so common that the focus of the health care industry has shifted towards designing better incontinence products. Incontinence products now come in a variety of designs and styles that suit both men and women in any state of mobility. Now, women need not purchase products categorized as ‘for men’ to handle their incontinence issues, and vice versa.
Adult incontinence is a serious medical issue that may afflict both genders at any age and any health status. The issues might range from mild incontinence to moderate and severe incontinence. Fortunately, the modern pharmaceutical industry has woken up to the huge marketing potential of urinary incontinence products. Campaigns were launched to spread awareness on the ways to contain and treat adult incontinence while maintaining dignity and normal activity.
Modern incontinence products
The adage that one size fits all is no longer applicable to incontinence products. Now products come in a variety of sizes that fit the smallest and largest individuals. Both the incontinence products for women and incontinence products for men are manufactured after a lot of research. For instance, the incontinence products for women are specially designed to frame their anatomy in better ways and keep leakages at bay.
There are incontinence products like liners, pads, adult diapers and incontinence bed pads that are available off the racks of both online and offline specialty stores. The patients can choose the best options from a wide range of disposable incontinence products and even mix and match the products for best support. Patients suffering from mild incontinence may need products that are discreet and small like a pad that they can fit over normal undergarments and is not noticeable from outside. Moderate incontinence may require the patient to wear diapers with adjustable waists to absorb the leaks. Severe incontinence may need the patient to wear both together. A different bulky design may be required if the patient suffers with is urinary as well as fecal incontinence.
How do we classify the level of incontinence?
The level of incontinence may also depend on external factors like the amount of liquids the patient consumes, medications the individual takes, general mobility issues, and neurological deficits. Many women suffer with mild incontinence and may have small leaks while coughing or sneezing because their pelvic muscles are compromised in pregnancy and childbirth. They can usually get by with discreet incontinence products like pads and liners. In most cases, they stock up their incontinence supplies beforehand to make life more comfortable.
Both men and women can suffer moderate incontinence due to injury, illness or surgery. Prostate issues can trigger incontinence in men. Many a time this can be temporary. Incontinence products for men are constructed keeping the shape of the male anatomy in mind, while incontinence products for women are manufactured accordingly. Some severely incontinent patients may also suffer from other general disabilities and are suffering from severe mobility and neurological issues as well. They usually need home care and are dependent on their caregivers for just about everything. They are outfitted with incontinence supplies that have side straps and ties and can be removed even if the wearer is in a supine position. These are generally bulky and are suitable as urinary incontinence products as well as fecal incontinence products.
Disposable incontinence products versus reusable incontinence products
The concern for the environment has brought the argument about using reusable as opposed to disposable incontinence products into the limelight. There are many arguments in favor of both the varieties. In general, urinary incontinence products are highly absorbent, reliable, and affordable on the pockets of users from diverse lifestyles.
There is definitely huge savings in cost and a reduction in environmental damage when we use reusable diapers. These are generally made of cloth and are much cheaper in the long run although initial costs may be a little high. The absorbent cotton material is easier on the skin than the synthetic fibers used to make “dry feel’ incontinence products. Mild urinary incontinence is easily handled with reusable products if the wearer is mobile and active. Their use translates into the ease of wearing incontinence products coupled with an enormous economic benefit, as the quantity needed is large.
On the other side, if there is heavy incontinence, or the patient is suffering from fecal incontinence as well, the cost of the product is quite high due to the inordinate use of water used or washing and reusing them negates the environmental impact. Reusable incontinence products are also a problem if the leak is heavier than the capacity of the low absorbing nature of the aid put to use. There could be embarrassing leaks and odors too, one would need to deal with in order to avoid any embarrassments in public. Cloth incontinence products are not capable of handling foul odor. When the user is not agile and mobile, this raises other concerns. There might be a potential disaster if there is no washroom in their immediate vicinity.
Disposable incontinence products are definitely easier to use. The multiple sizes and fits available in the market ensure that the patient enjoy the comfort of feeling secure and carefree. The highly absorbent layers are endowed with technology that converts liquid to gel. Disposable incontinence products are imbued with chemicals that can mitigate odor too. They are easy to wear and dispose of and can be handled well if the patient is suffering from restricted mobility. Modern day incontinence products are thinner and less bulky than their predecessors were and provide their wearers with more comfort and security. They are handy for the severe mobility impaired also.
Enjoy the freedom
If you suffer from incontinence, feel confident to rejoin your normal activities while enjoying the freedom from both the physical and mental barriers that you have created due to incontinence. The security of being leak and odor free makes life tension free. Feel free to laugh aloud and to take long walks as before. You are protected by your choice of incontinence products. Many a forced recluse has reclaimed their social lives thanks to these lifesavers – why should you be any different.