More than 17 million Americans deal daily with incontinence.  As you can see it is a common although embarrassing problem.  Incontinence can have many types and causes which can lead to confusion in choosing a product to manage it.  Choosing the correct product makes all the difference in the world.  This guide is intended to to help simplify the process. 

What you features you should look for in an incontinence product:

• Skin safety features such as pH neutralization, inhibitors of bacterial growth, high absorbency, and capacity.
• Comfort and confidence features such as fit, trim profile, soft construction, refastenable tapes, leak guards, and odor control.
• Ease of use features that give you a variety of choices no matter what your lifestyle.
• Latex free construction.

Why purchase a Premium incontinence product over those available at local retailers

• Absorbency levels are a key factor.  While products available at your local retailers appear to have good capacity ratings, compair those to premium products.  Carefully look at the packing to determine how the absorbency is tested.  Is the fluid capacity clearly listed?  With the advent of super absorbent polymers, the premium products often absorb an incredible capacity meaning that changes occur less frequently and less of the product is used.  This means less changes and less product useage.  Is the capacity tested under pressure?  Lying down, standing, walking, and sitting?  Retention is the key factor in managing your incontinence.
• Sizing is also very important.  Unfortunately the size you may need may not be readily available at local retailers.  Products should always fit comfortably and not have to be altered to "make do".  Premium products are available in a huge variety of sizes and configurations from the extra small to the bariatric (very large).  Finding a product that fits correctly and comfortably is exceptionally important.

Common Types and Product Choices for Incontinence

Stress

• Symptoms:  Leakage of small amounts of urine due to sudden pressure on the bladder. 
• Products:  Standard underwear & moisture proof backed pad, or washable pant with moisture proof pocket liner plus pad.

Urge

• Symptoms:  A sudden urge to urinate that is so strong it cannot be held long enough to reach the bathroom.
• Products:  Standard underwear plus a liner with an adhesive strip or mesh pant plus a liner.

Overflow

• Symptoms:  Involuntary urination when the bladder fills beyond capacity.  A feeling of never being able to empty the bladder may be experienced.
• Products:  Belted undergarment plus adjustable straps or protective underwear plus booster pad or contour booster pad or belted undergarment plus booster pad or contour booster pad.

Reflex

• Symptoms:  Involuntary urination without any sensation or a full bladder.
• Products:  Brief plus a booser pad or contour booster pad or protective underwear plus booster pad or contour booster.  You can additionally add an underpad.

Functional

• Symptoms:  Involuntary urination or fecal discharge which occurs when an individual cannot get to the bathroom fast eanough.
• Products:  Overnight brief plus a booster pad or contour booster pad.  Contour booster pads are suggested for fecal problems.  You can additionally add an underpad to furnishings.

* Contour booster pads are suggested with any type of brief for fecal incontinence.

*The purpose of the addition of the booster pad is to increase product life, and to provide easy changes.  They are NOT required for the absorbent briefs to be highly effective on their own.