Whether you’ve just returned home from surgery, you’ve recently given birth, or you’re struggling with mobility or cognitive issues, there are many reasons for incontinence. This condition is common in older adults but can also affect younger adults and significantly impacts your health and quality of life. Thankfully, there are a number of products on the market. All are designed to help you overcome this. The most prevalent being diapers and bed pads.
Designed to be discreet, they allow you to safeguard your clothes, bedding, and skin against leakage, meaning you stay dry, comfortable, and confident. They also aid in ensuring a good night’s sleep.
In this guide, we give insight into the products available, what to look for, and how they help you to stay dry and rested.
How Bed Pads Aid With Sleep
If you’re sick of waking up in the middle of the night due to incontinence, bed pads are a great solution. Aside from protecting your sheets and mattress from staining and damage, they keep you dry. If you require more protection overnight, you may want to double up with adult diapers. Having this barrier between you and the sheets can significantly improve your sleep. On top of staying dry and comfortable, you’ll have peace of mind. The fewer things you have to worry about before bedtime, the easier you will find it to fall asleep.
Both bed pads and diapers work by absorbing moisture. This means your skin remains dry and less prone to skin rashes or irritation. Another point to mention is both of these products improve your hygiene. Many boast odor-control technology and a soft, fabric-like feel.
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How to Use Bed Pads
Bed pads are easy to use. You can treat them as an additional sheet. Just remember to place them on top of your mattress cover and bed sheet to ensure optimal protection. For best results, make sure your bed pad is crease-free. This will ensure maximum absorbency. In addition, always tuck the sides of the covering under your mattress to avoid it becoming loose if you move around at night.
In addition to using them on your bed, you can also use them to protect furniture. Again, position the covering on the furniture you wish to protect, smoothing it out and tucking in the corners if applicable. Alternatively, invest in non-slip pads or use furniture clips to secure the cover.
1. Changing Your BedPad
Your bed pad should be changed daily. Try to get into a routine of changing it as soon as you wake up and make your bed. This will prevent odors from occurring and is more hygienic overall.
There are two styles of bed pads: reusable and disposable. If the pad is reusable, you can place the soiled bed sheet in the laundry and wash and dry it as you would your standard sheet. If it is disposable, you can remove it and place it directly into your bin.
2. Sizing
Size matters with bed pads and diapers. Too loose a fit will cause the item to slip or move around, allowing leakage to escape. Too-tight diapers will be uncomfortable to wear, and a bed pad will be uncomfortable to sleep on. If it doesn’t fit over your current mattress, it will prove to be of little use.
3. Fabric Choices
Most modern-day pads are available in soft, cotton-like materials. Some are even available in environmentally-friendly materials, such as bamboo fabrics. The softer the fabric, the better, especially if you have sensitive skin. In addition, look for pads that state they are manufactured from breathable materials. This will ensure a better night’s sleep and keep any odors at bay. The key is to avoid scratchy, harsh material. These can irritate your skin and make much noise when you move around at night.
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4. Absorbency
Another top tip for staying dry and rested when using bed pads is choosing the correct absorbency level. Lighter pads are a great choice if you suffer from the occasional accident or light incontinence. Heavy-duty pads are more suited if you suffer from significant incontinence or are bed-bound.
When shopping for incontinence products, always read the label. Most will have an absorbency rating measured by a water droplet diagram. If you’re unsure of which rating to pick, opt for the heaviest at first to avoid accidents. You can always change this for a lighter rating when you purchase new pads.
The Bottom Line
Incontinence affects more than 200 million people worldwide. With knowledge and the right products, you can safeguard yourself and others against the effects of this condition. By embracing diapers and bed pads, you can promote a restful night’s sleep. These nifty products promise to keep you dry all night long. Aside from protecting your sheets, they protect your skin. They also provide a certain level of dignity and independence, meaning you can continue your nighttime routine as normal.
When choosing incontinence products, remember they’re available in various sizes and styles. If diapers are the correct size, it will ensure a comfortable leak-free fit. If you have bed pads, you must opt for single, double, queen, or king, depending on your existing mattress size.
