Bladder Control

Urinary Incontinence and Bladder Control Products

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common but not a normal part of aging. Many do not discuss this with their doctors because of embarrassment. Finding the cause and seeking treatment would solve the incontinence problem. For those that don’t or those that cannot be treated, many products have been created to help with this embarrassing health condition.

UI can affect people differently, based on the type of UI you suffer from. Some dribble small amounts while trying to get to the bathroom. Others can lose several ounces at a time. Yet others leak urine with activity, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting. So how do you know what type of product is best for your situation?

Absorbency, odor control, and maintaining skin integrity are top priorities. Some products are disposable while others are reusable and washable.

Health Products For You carries a vast variety of products to help manage your incontinence.

1. Liners and pads

Liners and pads are made to wick away moisture, locking it into the core and keeping the skin dry. They also lock odor into the core. These are available in light, medium, or heavy absorbency. Pads are contoured for men or women. They need the absorbency core in different areas of the pad.

1. Depends on Incontinent Shields for Men- Light Absorbency - These pads are made for drips and dribbles of wetness
   • Ultra-thin
   • Offer odor control
   • Individually wrapped for easy pocket carrying
2. Poise Daily Bladder Control Incontinence Panty Liners - Very Light Absorbency
   • Rapid dry and odor lock features
   • Individually wrapped, reseals for discreet disposal
   • Thin and flexible
3. Prevail Male Guards – Maximum Absorbency for men
   • Dry fit has a max-sorb gel that wicks away moisture
   • Contoured for comfort and fit
   • Breathable
   • Adhesive strip hold pad in place
4. Tena Intimates Maximum Absorbency Regular Pads for women
   • Heavy stress or surge bladder leakage
   • Odor control
   • Keeps skin dry

2. Briefs and diapers

Briefs and diaper products are designed for heavy incontinence or overnight protection. They are a perfect choice for anyone that has a full loss of urine. They are highly absorbent and protect against leakage through the outside. It is recommended to try different styles for fit and protection. Each brand offers different fit characteristics and one may fit or work better than others.

1. Attends Premier Brief Overnight Absorbency
   • 8-hour protection
   • Max absorption keeps skin dry
   • Wetness indicating strip that tells when the brief needs to be changed
   • Unisex
   • Resealable tabs to adjust the fit
2. Depend Silhouette Incontinence Briefs for Women Maximum Absorbency
   • Looks fits and feels like real underwear
   • Cotton fabric that’s breathable
   • Locks away wetness and odor
   • Ultra-smooth fit under clothes
   • Elastic legs and waistband
3. Attends Protective Underwear
   • Moderate to heavy leakage
   • Channels and locks liquid in core for dryness
   • Breathable airflow material for dryness
   • Cloth-like material
   • Stretch waistband
4. Depend Real-fit Incontinence Underwear for Men
   • The soft, comfortable, cotton-like material
   • Tailored elastic legs
   • Stretch waistband

3. Reusable panties

These products are reusable and reduce the cost of care. They can be used for light to moderate incontinence.

1. CareActive Ladies Reusable Incontinence Panty
   • Has a wicking layer that draws away wetness
   • Holds and locks away fluid
   • Made of waterproof, reinforced vinyl to prevent spillover
2. Salk HealthDri Men's Breathable Reusable Briefs
   • A breathable outer shield prevents liquids from penetrating clothing
   • Hold 6 ounces of liquid
   • Washable over 300 times
3. Medline Reusable Light Incontinence Pants
   • Can be washed 100 times like normal underwear
   • Light bladder control pants in options for both men and women

4. Moisture barriers and skin hygiene

Skin that comes in contact with urine regularly can irritate and increase the risk of rashes and infection. Cleaning the genital area when changing pads, guards, liners, or briefs is recommended. Cleansing with warm water or using pre-moistened wipes is helpful. Be sure the skin is dry before placing clean protection. For those with moderate to heavy incontinence, consider applying a moisture barrier to keep the skin protected. Here are a few products to try:

1. Attends Washcloths Convenience Pack
   • Gentle on the skin, pH balanced
2. 3M Cavilon Durable Barrier Cream
   • Resists wash off
   • Latex free
   • Protects at-risk skin
   • Hypoallergenic
3. Sage Comfort Sheild Barrier Cream Cloth
   • Dimethicone to seal out wetness
   • All-in-one skin cleansing, moisturizing, deodorizing, and barrier protection

5. Underpads or furniture protectors

These pads are available in disposable or reusable. They are absorbent on one side but prevent leakage through the pad, keeping the mattress or chair dry.

1. Abena Essentials Washable Incontinence Under Pad
   • Breathable for better skin conditions
   • Looks and feels like a normal sheet, discrete, noiseless and comfortable
   • It can be washed a minimum of 300 times
2. Attends Dri-Sorb Underpads
   • Available in a variety of sizes and absorbencies
   • Latex Free
   • Disposable

6. Devices for men

There are a few devices for men to help with UI. Condom catheters are external catheter that covers the penis and drains urine into a bag. A penile clamp controls leakage by compressing the urethra and preventing urine flow. This can be worn for a few hours at a time. It is not meant for long periods.

1. Coloplast Freedom Cath Male External Condom Catheter- Self-adhering latex male external catheter
   • Easy to apply
   • Double-thick bulb and stem prevent kinking and twisting of the catheter
   • No straps that constrict
2. Wiesner Incontinence Clamp
   • Soft silicone cushions offer patient comfort
   • Fully adjustable with 4 different settings
   • This clamp can be worn during any activity

7. Devices for women

Women have the option of using internal devices (tampons or vaginal sponges) that go into the vagina, putting pressure on the urethra. This reduces urine leakage from stress incontinence (leakage that occurs when laughing, coughing, sneezing, and exercising.)

8. Pelvic floor strengthening

Kegel exercises can be done by men and women to strengthen to muscles of the pelvic floor. To tighten the muscles, try clenching to stop the flow of urine once you’ve started. Doing these exercises daily will help.

All in all, many products can help you cope with UI and lead a normal, active lifestyle. If you are dealing with UI, discuss it with your doctor. The cause can be something that is easily remedied.

 

Author Profile: Christine Kijek, Registered Colorectal Nurse

 

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