There isn’t one simple solution to solving the issue of incontinence management. Rather, there is a wide array of incontinence devices that are all designed to manage this condition discreetly in different ways. For that reason, finding the correct incontinence supplies can seem daunting without the guidance of trusted incontinence supply companies. ABC Medical is dedicated to assisting you in finding the right incontinence devices to meet your needs – just read on to learn more.
Identify Your Incontinence
The first step towards finding the right incontinence devices to fit your needs is identifying which type of incontinence you have. We break down a few common types of incontinence below.
- Stress incontinence consists of urine leaks when actions like coughing, sneezing, or laughing exert pressure on the bladder.
- Urge incontinence is defined by a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed immediately by an involuntary loss of urine, even in the middle of the night.
- Overflow incontinence consists of frequent dribbling of urine due to a bladder that doesn’t drain completely.
- Functional incontinence is the inability to make it to a restroom in time due to mental or physical impairment, such as arthritis.
- Mixed incontinence refers to a combination of more than one type of urinary incontinence, typically stress incontinence and urge incontinence.
There is a perfect product for every type of incontinence, ranging from slight leakage to total loss of bladder control. Locating appropriate incontinence supplies for an individual’s condition should be based on their level of incontinence.
Choosing Between Reusable and Disposable Incontinence Devices
After determining which type of incontinence needs to be treated, it’s important to choose between reusable or disposable products. Both come with a myriad of benefits. Convenience, comfort, affordability, sanitation, and absorbency all play a role in making this choice. For example, reusable incontinence devices are typically a more cost-effective solution than disposable supplies because they can be washed and worn again.
Get to Know Different Incontinence Supplies
Understanding the differences that distinguish incontinence products is crucial to comfortable and healthy incontinence management. There are many different types that all serve a specific need.
- Bladder control protection pads and liners are designed for lighter protection against urine leakage. They easily fasten inside an individual’s own underwear with an adhesive strip.
- Protective underwear pulls on and off like regular underwear – no buttons, straps, tabs, or tapes are required. These products are a popular alternative to adult diapers due to improved comfort, convenience, and a discreet appearance.
- Fitted briefs are tab-style diapers for youth and adults that can easily be refastened with either tape or Velcro style tabs. All fitted briefs feature a waterproof backing made from either the traditional plastic material or a softer non-woven cloth-like material.
- Underpads and bed pads are rectangular absorbent pads designed to protect your bed, chairs, and any other furniture that individuals sit or lay on.
- Cleaners and washcloths are specially formulated for incontinent clean-up and fragile skin.
Selecting the Right Product
The key to finding the perfect incontinence devices for your needs is matching your leakage and frequency with a product designed to accommodate those things. One product type might not be enough, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s possible for some individuals with incontinence to use different products in different situations. Consider what would be best for your lifestyle and don’t be afraid to speak with incontinence supply companies to learn more about their offerings.
Your choice for the type and brand of incontinence product to use to manage incontinence is personal and it may depend on your type of urinary incontinence. Instead of allowing so many options to overwhelm you, communicate with ABC Medical’s team and discuss the intricacies of each incontinence device. Our team can help reduce any stress from the selection process by providing specific information about the differences in products and by sending you various types of incontinence devices to try.
For more information on urinary incontinence, please speak to your doctor, and for additional information visit https://www.auanet.org/ - a urological association promoting the highest standards of urological clinical care through education, research, and the formulation of health care policy.
ABC Medical is a supplier of durable medical equipment and does not provide medical advice or treatment. This article is for informational purposes only. You should seek medical treatment from a licensed medical provider.
