How do I choose the right Incontinence product?
There are quite a large variety of products available, each of which have been designed to help manage incontinence of different levels and for users with different needs, for example those with mobility issues. If you are trying to manage an Incontinence condition for the first time it can be quite bewildering, so here are a few guidelines which will hopefully point you in the right direction and the correct category of our site for the most appropriate products.
This is not intended to be an exhaustive guide as people often tell us that it can be overwhelming to be bombarded by too much information! There is inevitably some trial and error at the start of the process until you settle on a product that is most comfortable and works best in your circumstances.However, hopefully this gives you a starting point to work with. If you need any help or advice don't forget you can call us on 01279 912002.
Small amounts of leakage in between using the toilet, stress or urge incontinence - Usually a 'light' product will be sufficient so most of the pads in the Small Shaped Incontinence Pads category would be appropriate. There is still a range of absorbency levels within this category but all the products are intended to be discreet for light conditions.
I cannot always get to the toilet in time - This is not uncommon and the product selection will depend on how much is being lost before reaching the toilet. As a rough guide, if is only a little then one of the lower end absorbency pads in the Small Shaped Incontinence Pads should suffice. If it is more than a little, but nothing like a full bladder, then one of the higher end absorbency levels in the Small Shaped Incontinece Pads category should be ok (for Example Super or Maxi). If there is a chance that half to a full bladder could be lost then the Small Shaped Pads are unlikely to be able to cope and you should look at the Large Shaped Incontinence Pads category.
I need a product to see me through the night - We would recommend a high absorbency product, such as 'Super or 'Maxi' from any of these categories depending on personal preference - Large Shaped Incontinence Pads, Incontinence Pants, Diapers / All in Ones
When should I use Incontinence Pants instead of Pads? - We have Incontinence Pants on the website for most incontinence conditions, from the Molicare Light Discreet through to Lille Suprem or Tena Maxi for Heavy conditions. It is therefore down to presonal preference, they can be a little more expensive but are very popular as many users find them very comfortable and easy to use as they simply pull on and off like normal underwear.
I need a product to cope with severe incontinence and or faecal incontinence - The most absorbent product, that is also recommended for faecal incontinence if necessary, are the Diapers / All in Ones
Further general information about Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence is the unintentional passing of urine. It is a very common problem and is thought to affect millions of people worldwide. It is not clear exactly how many people are affected, but it is estimated that between three and six million people in the UK have some degree of urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence affects about twice as many women as men and becomes more common with age.
What are the symptoms of urinary incontinence?
The symptoms of urinary incontinence depend on the type of condition you have. There are several types of urinary incontinence, but the most common are:
Stress Incontinence – when the pelvic floor muscles are too weak to prevent urination, causing urine to leak when your bladder is under pressure, for example when you cough or laugh
Urge Incontinence – when urine leaks as you feel an intense urge to pass urine, or soon afterwards
These two types of urinary incontinence are thought to be responsible for over 9 out of 10 cases. It is also possible to have a mixture of both stress and urge urinary incontinence.
What casues urinary incontinence?
The causes of urinary incontinence depend on the type of condition. Stress incontinence is usually the result of the weakening or damaging of the muscles that are used to prevent urination, such as the pelvic floor muscles and the urethral sphincter. Urge incontinence is usually the result of overactivity of the detrusor muscles, which control the bladder. Certain things can increase the chances of urinary incontinence developing, including: pregnancy and vaginal birth, obesity, family history of incontinence and increasing age.
Recommended products for Urinary Incontinence include - Classic Incontinence Pads, Small Shaped Incontinence Pads, Large Shaped Incontinence Pads, Pull up Incontinence Pants.
Bowel Incontinence is an inability to control bowel movements, resulting in the involuntary passage of stools. It is also sometimes known as faecal incontinence. The experience of bowel incontinence can vary from person to person. Some people feel a sudden, urgent need to go to the toilet, and incontinence occurs because they are unable to reach a toilet in time. This is known as urge bowel incontinence. Other people may experience no sensation before passing a stool, known as passive incontinence or passive soiling, or they may pass a small piece of stool while passing wind. Some people experience incontinence on a daily basis, whereas for others the problem only occurs from time to time. Products specifically recommended for bowel incontinence are 'All in Ones's' (or diapers) such as the Lille Suprem Fit or the Tena Slip.
Who is affected?
Bowel incontinence is much more common than most people realise: it's thought 1 in 10 people will be affected by it at some point in their life. It can affect people of any age, although the problem is more common in elderly people. It is more common in women than men.
Why bowel incontinence occurs.
Bowel incontinence is not a condition in itself. It is a symptom of an underlying problem or medical condition. Many cases are caused by diarrhoea, constipation, or weakening of the ring of muscle that controls the opening of the anus. Bowel incontinence can also be caused by long-term conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis and dementia.
Recommended products for bowel incontinence include - Pull Up Incontinence Pants and All in Ones/ Diapers
On this site we are committed to providing people with the best solutions that can be used for all types of incontinence, whether transitory or permanent, to help you to continue to enjoy life to the full!
To assist you in finding the correct product for your needs please refer to this useful Product Selection Chart and Size & Fitting Guide
