Incontinence Guide

8 Traveling Tips for People with Incontinence

Many sufferers of incontinence may feel like traveling the world is a pipe dream and instead stay home bound instead of experiencing this wonderful planet. This can create a fear of embarrassment that can prevent travel instead of simply wearing diapers when traveling. Wearing a diaper while traveling can help those with incontinence maintain their independence and continue traveling. All it takes are some helpful tips that we here at HPFY can provide.

What are the different types of Incontinence?

As those who suffer from incontinence can attest, there are different causes of incontinence that affect each individual differently. Incontinence can be broken down into two major types: urinary and fecal. As we age, the most common type of incontinence is urinary incontinence, but there are a few different types of urinary incontinence that are common. These include:

• Stress Incontinence: Weakened pelvic floor muscles cause urine to leak.
• Urge Incontinence: Also referred to as overactive bladder (OAB).
• Overflow Incontinence: Caused by incomplete emptying of the bladder.
• Functional Incontinence: This can because by mental/physical problems such as dementia.
• Mixed Urinary Incontinence: Means you have two or more types of incontinence.

No matter what type of incontinence you may suffer from, it can lead to anxiety when out in public and possibly limiting travel.

Helpful Tips While Traveling With Incontinence

It may take a little forethought and planning, but traveling with incontinence can be a successful endeavor. All you need to do follow 8 simple tips for a carefree trip and they include:

1. Train Your Bladder: When you have a trip planned you can do Kegel exercises. This can help strengthen the muscles we urinate with so you can control your incontinence.

2. Ship Your Supplies: If you need to travel with many adult diapers, undergarments, or bed pads try calling your hotel to see if you can have the supplies delivered directly to them before your arrival. This can make packing simpler and easier.

3. Keep Supplies in Your Carry-On: Who hasn’t had luggage lost by the airlines? By keeping some of your incontinence supplies with you, you can overcome any lost luggage and delay. Also, if there is a need on an airplane you are prepared.

4. Use GPS When Driving: Those suffering with incontinence may feel some trepidation of being lost on a road trip and GPS can solve this. You can safely navigate traffic delays and construction with the right GPS unit to minimize time in the car. Also, it can alert you to where restaurants and rest stops are in case you need a bathroom.

5. Bring Odor Free Trash Bags: Soiled incontinence products can smell. Let’s face it, you may not wish to have a smelly, soiled diaper or bed pad violating the olfactory senses of you or your family in your hotel room. Pack some travel diaper disposal bags to help with disposing of soiled diapers. You can even try to ask and see if housecleaning can remove the trash more frequently.

6. Diet: Those who suffer from incontinence have a pretty good grasp on what may increase the frequency of their incontinence. Salt, caffeine, and even alcohol can all increase the need to find a bathroom quickly. Try avoiding any liquids 3-4 hours before traveling.

7. Bring Wipes: Skin that is exposed to urine or fecal matter runs the risk of skin breakdown and potentially serious skin problems down the road. Adult wipes are made for perineal skin and may be alcohol free so as to not dry out sensitive skin.

8. Have a Plan: You should familiarize yourself with whatever destination you are headed to. Whether it’s near your home or overseas, by scouting your location you will be better equipped to handle any potential problem that may arise. For instance, different countries have different public toilets that may require coins or even your own toilet paper. Learn before you go!!

Incontinence should not deter you from getting out and traveling. Whether it’s for leisure or a family function, you have the tools to travel and minimize the worrying that comes with traveling with incontinence.

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