At least half of older adults experience incontinence, which can include involuntarily leaking urine from the bladder and/or eliminating fecal matter from the bowel. Urinary incontinence is especially common in women, thanks to life events like pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. One of the best ways to deal with incontinence is to wear incontinence briefs, or adult diapers.
“Protection is paramount in this space,” says Steven G. Gregg, Ph.D., the executive director of the National Association for Continence. “And protection means that you are protected from leaks and accidents.” He’s a strong advocate for protective products, such as pull-up briefs. “We love the freedom that they give people.”
There’s “massive stigma” around incontinence, Gregg adds—but there shouldn’t be. It’s a natural, common experience. Still, one of the keys to feeling confident is choosing the right incontinence product for you—one that fits well and is comfortable.
To determine the best adult diapers of 2022, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on over 50 products, considering price, available sizes, absorbency, adjustability and more. See which adult diapers earned our recommendations. Note: All prices are accurate as of publication.
There are numerous types of adult diapers, including pull-ups, adult briefs and reusable diapers. Here’s what to know about the most popular options.
Pull-ups are very similar to regular underwear, says Steven Z. Zeldes, CEO of AvaCare Medical in New Jersey. They’re pulled up onto your body and fit like any other pair of underwear. Pull-ups are usually more discreet and less bulky than adult briefs and come with multiple absorbency levels, often ranging from light to severe.
“An adult brief is the same thing as a diaper,” says Zeldes, noting that the two terms are interchangeable. Briefs can be a good option for people with limited mobility who need help from a caregiver, since they’re easier to put on than pull-ups, which require taking the wearer’s pants off completely. Adult briefs typically have tab fasteners on the sides that can be undone or come with tear-away sides. They also tend to have higher absorbency levels than pull-up diapers, he notes.
If you’re worried about the environment, you might prefer reusable adult diapers, which can be easily washed (instead of wearing and disposing of numerous diapers a day). Since you won’t need to refill your supply as often, reusable diapers can be a cost-effective option as well.
Reusable diapers are often made out of a soft fabric that can be tossed into the washing machine, says Zeldes. However, because you’ll need to ensure you have a washed supply at the ready, this type of diaper can be less convenient.
There are numerous factors to consider when choosing adult diapers, including the following.
Some adult diapers have tabs that are fastened at the sides, says Zeldes. A caregiver can place a tabbed diaper directly underneath the person who’s wearing it, then fasten the tabs. This style often works well for people who aren’t very mobile, he says, since putting them on doesn’t require removing the wearer’s pants.
Meanwhile, pull-ups are—as their name suggests—pulled up like normal underwear. They’re usually best for more mobile patients, says Zeldes, since putting them on requires taking off pants.
Finding adult diapers that are the right size and fit is crucial, says Zeldes. Otherwise, “it’s almost worthless” and will cause leakage, he adds. Diapers with tabs are a bit easier to fit because you can loosen or tighten them to fit a person. Pull-ups are slightly more difficult to size correctly, as they can’t be adjusted, he says.
When it comes to absorption level, some diapers are more absorbent than others, says Zeldes. There are generally four levels of absorbency:
There are two main types of backing material: cloth and plastic. Plastic-backed diapers are typically more absorbent, says Zeldes, but they may be less comfortable than cloth diapers.
Some adult diapers have built-in odor control. Check the brand’s packaging to see what it offers. Many products utilize odor-control technology that neutralizes the pH of urine, adds Zeldes, which can help prevent a strong scent.
Some diapers are intended for day use while others are absorbent enough to work well overnight. “The nighttime ones are obviously more absorbent because during the night, there’s less control,” says Zeldes. He notes that the more absorbent an adult diaper is, the more expensive the product tends to be.
If you or a loved one uses adult diapers, there are a number of additional products you should consider keeping on hand, says Zeldes, including:
Adult diaper rash, also known as adult diaper dermatitis, happens when urine or feces irritate and inflame the skin due to incontinence and adult diaper use.
“I typically recommend that patients start with a good barrier cream as prevention,” says Daniel Grabell, M.D., a dermatologist at Princeton Dermatology Associates in New Jersey. “If there’s itching, seeing a dermatologist can help determine if there’s a fungal component,” which might necessitate prescription medication.
In many cases, diaper rash can be treated successfully at home. Try applying a zinc oxide diaper cream, especially if the skin remains red throughout the day. Frequent changing of diapers and changing diapers quickly after incontinence can also help prevent adult diaper rash[1]. If a diaper rash worsens or becomes infected, speak to a doctor immediately.
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