Adult incontinence remains one of the most stressful medical conditions in modern times. Even with the high prevalence of this condition in contemporary society, there is still a lot of stigmatization of people experiencing its symptoms. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) says over 50% of adult Americans suffer from some form of incontinence. This highlights how serious this problem has become. A similar report by the American Urology Association (AUA) says over 33 million people suffer with an overactive bladder (OAB) and this later leads to urge incontinence in seniors. If you are taking care of a loved one suffering from this condition, it is important to learn how to find the best adult diapers in the market. This not only helps you provide better quality care but also cuts the cost of incontinence protection.
Adult Incontinence in Brief
The best adult diapers in the market provides protection either for your own urinary problems or for a loved one struggling with bowel or urinary incontinence. Women are more at risk of both forms of incontinence with 75-80% of people affected by urinary incontinence being female. However, the impact this problem has on an individual’s social and professional life is the same despite the gender.
Some of the main causes of this problem include:
Urinary tract infection
Pregnancy and childbirth
Bladder weakness due to age
Menopause
Enlarged prostate / prostate cancer
Hysterectomy and other forms of reproductive system surgery in women
Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, a stroke, Multiple sclerosis and others
Of course, there are other causes of this condition and seeing a doctor is the first thing a patient should do. Among the risk factors include obesity / being overweight, old age, female, neurological disorders and diabetes, smoking and family history. These factors lead to different types of incontinence in adults. The types are:
Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): Occurs when pressure is exerted on the bladder
Overactive Bladder (OAB): Where bladder muscles are too active
Overflow incontinence: Where more urine than your bladder can hold is produced
Mixed incontinence: Combined stress and urge incontinence
Urge incontinence: When a sudden, intense urge to urinate leads to involuntary loss of urine
Understanding these facts is crucial when shopping for the best adult diapers in the market. There are diapers designed for different types of incontinence and when you understand the condition better, it becomes easier to find the best products to manage it.
How to Buy the Best Adult Diapers
The prevalence of adult incontinence has led to a proliferation of care products in the market. However, these products are not equal, and you need to be cautious so that you buy the best adult diapers available. Some of the features to look out for include:
1. High Absorbency Levels
Don’t just go for a brand or the aesthetics of incontinence protection products. Many adult diapers look very effective but when used, they fail the test terribly. This is the reason you need to go for a diaper that can hold as many cups of fluid as possible. Take time to assess the continence level of the one under your care before hitting the stores.
2. Size
Whether you are buying an adult diaper to suit your active lifestyle or you are buying one for an elderly loved one, make sure it fits. If a diaper does not fit, it will simply fail its purpose. The last thing you want is an embarrassment in public when an oversized diaper leaks. While adult diapers are very effective, you need to choose the right size for them to serve the purpose.
3. Odor Control
Go for something more than leak control when shopping for the best adult diapers in the market. Odor control is a good feature in some products in the market and it helps keep your house fresh. This is an important feature when you have an elderly or a mobility impaired person under your care at home.
4. Comfort
You should never compromise on comfort when shopping for an adult diaper. Anyone suffering from uncontrolled bowel or bladder movement has a tale to tell about uncomfortable diapers in the market. The material used to make the best adult diapers is comfy and should not affect the skin. Look for slim padding, stretchy waistbands, snug fit and flexible design when shopping for these products.
The company behind the product is also important because you want to buy only from recognized brands. Also look for customer reviews and testimonials before shopping for an incontinence protection product.