There are many reasons why you may need to use a diaper pad, one of them being incontinence.
Incontinence is a prevalent condition characterized by a lack of bowel or bladder control. When you have this condition, a diaper pad helps you stay fresh and dry for a long time, whether you’re sleeping or having fun outside.
Diaper pads also provide a great solution when you just had surgery and cannot make many movements in the washroom. They wick off the moisture well and offer the comfort you need to recover well.
However, the comfort you get highly depends on how well you use them. Our guide discusses simple practices you can follow to get maximum comfort and protection from diaper pads.
What Are Diaper Pads?
Diaper pads help protect against urinal leaks. They are also known as absorbent or booster pads and come with an extra layer of cloth, cotton, or bamboo, which wicks off the moisture and increases comfort.
The pads offer maximum protection for people with severe incontinence, allowing them to enjoy more peaceful sleep and even play. They come in varying designs and sizes, so you should be keen on picking a fitting one. You should also consider the quality, as high-quality diaper pads will keep you dry for a longer time.
How to Use Diaper Pads for Maximum Comfort and Protection?
Getting diaper pads for you or your loved one is a significant step. However, you should use them right away in order to enjoy the benefits they offer. Here are practical tips for using diaper pads.
1. Pick the Right Diaper Pad
The buying process is quite crucial when using diaper pads. Remember, there are many options in the market, but not all suit you. Here are essential aspects that you should consider when buying a diaper pad.
Size: Diaper pads come in many sizes to accommodate varying user needs. Knowing your sizing needs is essential to avoid getting a small or baggy pad. If the pad is huge, it will leave space on the sides and likely leak. If you buy the pad for someone, get the correct measurements beforehand for the best results.
Material: Cotton is the most common material used in diaper pads, but it is not the only one. When you buy the pad, be sure to confirm the type of absorbent material. The material should be comfortable and soft to prevent possible irritations.
Level of absorbency: Some diaper pads have thick absorbent material, which makes them ideal for people with severe incontinence or those who urinate frequently. Check the level of absorbency to confirm that it will be the most suitable for your condition.
2. Place the Diaper Pad Well
Assuming you’ve already got the right diaper pad, you should also learn how to use it well. Proper placement means that the fecal waste or urine won’t get outside the pad. Instead, it will be contained there until the next time you change.
If you don’t know how to place the diaper pad, ask your seller for proper guidance to enjoy maximum protection and comfort.
3. Change the Diaper Pad Regularly
A diaper pad is highly absorbent and can last long if you don’t have severe incontinence. However, you should also change it regularly to avoid possible odors. The more you change, the less you prevent the risk of developing rashes. Clean your skin or wipe it with a clean towel and moisturize it well before wearing another diaper pad.
4. Maintain Hygiene
Your overall body hygiene is essential when using incontinence products, and you must enjoy maximum protection. You should take a bath at least once daily and apply skin-friendly oil. Avoid heavily scented skin oils or those with harsh chemicals, as they may easily irritate your skin.
If you have sensitive skin and are unsure of the soap and oil to use, consider the basic mild one or consult your healthcare provider for helpful advice.
5. Use Highly Breathable Clothes
The clothes you wear can significantly impact the comfort you get after wearing a diaper pad. For the best results, you should wear breathable clothes that are also a bit loose. Tight clothes will most likely increase pressure on your body, hinder your movements, or affect your sleep.
To prevent this, ensure the clothes are pretty loose and offer you the proper allowance when wearing regular clothes to enjoy utmost protection and comfort.
6. Use Alongside other Incontinence Methods
Sometimes, you may feel like a diaper pad won’t be enough when you wear it alone. This scenario may be pretty common when you have severe incontinence. In such a case, you should be free to use the pad alongside other protectors. For instance, you can use a booster pad or a bed protector when sleeping. That way, you will be sure you won’t get wet even when some urine spills.
Conclusion
Diaper pads provide an excellent solution for people with poor bowel and bladder control. They are effective when used well and affordable. The above are the most common usage basics that you should consider for maximum protection.
If you experience any challenges with the diaper pads, you can always change it or consult your health provider for helpful insights.