Disposable Underpads, Incontinence Bed Pads, Adult Bed Pads

How Does and Underpad work?
Incontinence pads offer several levels of absorbency, referred to as a “working capacity” of either light and heavy grades that informs the user what the true absorbency value is during use.  Not only does an underpad catch leaks and flows, but it will also wick moisture away from the user's skin, distributing it deep into the absorbent material and away from the user's skin.  All underpads have a different saturation point and can hold a specific volume of fluid, therefore it is best to try another brand if not satisfied with the absorbency protection of your current underpad. 

Who Uses Disposable Underpads?
Users of underpads can include any individual, from infants to senior citizens, who may experience incontinence.  There are varying estimations that between 7 and 25 million people have experienced, or are currently having issues with, some degree of incontinence.  Individuals dealing with incontinence problems may include some special needs children, people who have had strokes, prostate issues, dementia, multiple sclerosis, or a spinal cord injury, people with mobility issues, or as a side effect of numerous other medical problems.

The varying levels of incontinence range from a simple “dribble” that could be invoked from lifting a heavy object or even from sudden or prolonged laughter, to a person experiencing a soaked bed, chair, or clothing when not able to reach a bathroom in time.

Different Types, or Precursors, of Incontinence

Incontinence, or the loss of bladder or bowel control, is not a disease, it is a medical condition. There are five basic types of incontinence that can be experienced separately, or in a variety of combinations.

• Stress - A sudden stress or pressure on the bladder can produce a leakage of a quick, small amount of urine derived from coughing, laughing, lifting a heavy object or from exercising.
• Urge – This is when a sudden, strong urge to urinate will abruptly come upon a person, too quickly to make it to a bathroom in time.
• Overflow – In situations where the bladder becomes filled beyond capacity, excess urine starts to be forced out. One example of this happening is on a long car ride.
• Reflex – This happens with an involuntary urination even when there is no sensation of a full bladder.  The individual may be totally unaware of the need to urinate during this reflexive incontinence situation.
• Functional – Incontinence resulting from recovery after surgical procedures, taking medications, from certain mental disorders, or a person’s restricted mobility.

There are a number of treatment options for incontinence, such as behavioral therapy, diet modification, drug therapy, pelvic floor exercise, supportive devices such as a bladder neck support prostheses, or surgery when all other therapies have failed.

A disposable underpad can meet a person’s individualized needs in protecting both the person’s skin, and the time and effort involved with changing and washing bedding, or cleaning furniture.  When choosing a disposable underpad, here is what individuals should look for to achieve the best results for their own individual and unique requirements:

Leak-proof protection to avoid bed, linen or furniture damage.

• Liquid absorption and retention capacity, along with capabilities to wick moisture away from the user's skin.
• Bacterial growth control to prevent infection and other health issues.
• Odor elimination of the urine smell.
• Cost effectiveness for the length of the person’s use of the product.

Where are Disposable Underpads Used?

Disposable incontinence underpads can be used anywhere.  Due to the inexpensive cost of disposable underpads, they are often used in nursing homes, hospitals, child care facilities, in the home, in the car, and because they are easy to carry, they can be utilized in any place where a person may need this extra protection.  Disposable underpads can also be used as a “puppy pad” when house-training a pet, or put to use in places where wet objects must be kept away from dry areas.

To find out more information about incontinence, the following website may be helpful.

The National Association for Continence (NAFC) is a site dedicated to enhance and improve the quality of life for individuals with incontinence.

The National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) helps educate and support caregivers.

Rehabmart offers a large selection of disposable underpads, also known as incontinence pads, from manufacturers and suppliers such as Tranquility Incontinence Products, PharMedCo, McKesson Medical, and Salk Inc.

Written by:  Hulet Smith, OT 

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