6 Incontinence Questions People Ask Most

Incontinence can come with plenty of questions, especially when it comes to finding the right products, fit and level of protection.

To help make things a little clearer, we’re answering six common questions about adult diapers and incontinence care below! 

1. "My adult diaper keeps leaking at the legs, should I size up?"

If your adult diaper is leaking around the legs, sizing up may actually make the problem worse.

Here's what you should do if you're noticing leaks:

• Activate the product: Fold the brief lengthwise before putting it on to cup the core, helping it fit more securely against the skin.
• Check the leak guards: Ensure the inner standing leak guards inside the brief are fully unfolded and standing upright.
• Adjust the tapes: For tabbed briefs, angle and tighten the refastenable tapes to lock in a secure, gap-free fit.
  
• Pull the brief high enough: Ensure the product is pulled up securely so that the top of the waistband sits about level with the belly button.

Healthwick Tip: Always measure your waist and hips against the specific product's sizing chart, as sizing is not standardized across manufacturers.

2. “Can I add a pad or wear two adult diapers to get more absorbency?”

Wearing two adult diapers or placing a regular incontinence pad inside a brief does not provide double the absorbency.

Most pads and adult diapers have a waterproof backing. Once the first product becomes full, that backing will prevent urine from reaching the absorbent layer underneath.

Healthwick Tip: If your brief is regularly saturated when leaks happen, consider a higher-absorbency product or a properly fitted booster pad rather than layering two waterproof-backed products.

3. "When should someone transition from protective pull-up underwear to tabbed briefs?"

Pull-up underwear and tabbed briefs can both provide reliable protection, with the best choice depending on fit, absorbency needs, comfort and how the product is changed.

Consider which style best fits your needs: pull-up underwear may be preferred for a more discreet fit and underwear-like feel, while tabbed briefs can offer easier changes, greater adjustability and added support for heavier protection needs.

Healthwick Tip: Choose the product(s) that best fits the person's daily routine. Some people use pull-up underwear during the day and a more absorbent tabbed brief overnight.

4. "Should I choose plastic-backed (poly) or cloth-like (breathable) adult diapers?"

Both plastic-backed and cloth-like adult diapers can provide reliable protection. The better choice depends on comfort, fit and personal preference.

Plastic-backed briefs have a smooth waterproof exterior and often feel more structured as they fill. They are a popular choice for overnight or extended wear, although they may feel warmer or create more noise under clothing.

Cloth-like briefs have a softer, more fabric-like exterior and can offer greater breathability. They are still designed to prevent liquid from passing through the outside of the product.

Healthwick Tip: Don't choose based on backing material alone. Absorbency, fit, leak guards and fastening style usually have a bigger impact on overall leak protection.

 
5. "Why do I leak more while laying down?”

If your adult diaper works during the day but leaks while you are lying down, the problem may be where the urine is travelling, not simply how much the diaper can absorb.

When standing or sitting, urine tends to move toward the lower part of the absorbent core. When lying flat or on your side, it can travel toward the back or edges of the brief instead. Small gaps around the legs can also become more noticeable when your body changes position.

Healthwick Tip: For overnight use, look for a product with strong leak guards, secure leg elastics and absorbent coverage that extends well toward the front and back. Consider adding a booster pad if increased absorbency needs are required.

6. “Is incontinence a normal part of aging, or should I talk to a healthcare professional?”

 Incontinence becomes more common as we age, but it should not simply be considered a normal or unavoidable part of getting older.

Bladder leakage can be linked to many factors, including changes related to menopause or the prostate, medications, constipation, urinary tract infections and other health conditions.

If incontinence is new, getting worse or interfering with everyday life, it is worth discussing with a healthcare professional. Keeping a short bladder diary that records fluid intake, bathroom visits and when leaks happen can also help identify patterns

Healthwick Tip: Healthwick's Customer Care Team can help you find the right products for your needs, while a healthcare professional can help identify the cause of your incontinence.

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Navigating incontinence care can be confusing at times, but understanding the common questions around fit, absorbency and product options can make choosing the right protection easier.

If you still have questions, Healthwick’s Customer Care Team is always here to help. Click here to get in touch.

Take Care!