Incontinence Aids: When Should you Use a Liner, Pad or Pant?
Incontinence affects roughly 5 million Australians, with up to 10% of men and up to 38% of women managing it nationwide (Continence Foundation of Australia, 2021). This condition impacts people across all age groups, including those in childcare, individuals with disabilities, and elderly populations.
Different types of incontinence—such as stress incontinence (one of the most common types), urge incontinence (often associated with prostate disease), drip incontinence (caused by medical conditions or operations around the bladder), pregnancy incontinence, and bowel incontinence (linked to conditions like constipation, hemorrhoids, or rectal prolapse)—each require specific product choices.
For community providers, carers, and individuals themselves, understanding the type of incontinence is key to selecting suitable continence aids to promote dignity and comfort.
Absorbency Levels
Selecting the right absorbency level for incontinence aids is critical for effective management. Absorbency refers to the amount of urine a product can retain without leaking, so matching absorbency to individual needs is essential.
Abena's "drop system" labeling may be useful in identifying the appropriate absorbency level for a product and thus selecting the ideal product to meet individual needs. Look for the colored drop symbols on the packaging to see the absorbency levels, ranging from 75 ml (lightest product) to 4000 ml (heaviest product).
For people dealing with light incontinence, liners or pads are often sufficient and can support active lifestyles. Always verify the absorbency level (listed on the packaging) to ensure it matches the user’s needs.
For moderate or heavy incontinence, pull-up pants may be a better fit, offering a snugger fit to reduce leakage risks. Pull-up pants (also known as briefs or slips) are tailored to retain more liquid, and some models are designed to contain odors, helping users and carers manage daily activities discreetly and confidently.
Be sure to select products that provide rapid urine absorption and keep the inner layer dry to minimize skin irritation and Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD), which can become an issue when moisture contacts the skin for extended periods.
Mobility and Lifestyle Affects Product Choice
Mobility and lifestyle are crucial considerations for both community carers and family members supporting loved ones. Incontinence products with adhesive strips on the sides are helpful for those who need assistance with changing, such as elderly or mobility-limited individuals. Carers in community settings and home environments can use these strips to make quick, hygienic changes.
For active individuals managing incontinence, pull-up pants or pads are convenient and discreet options that can be changed without assistance, providing independence and flexibility. Understanding the user’s mobility level and care needs will help determine whether pads, liners, or pull-up pants are most suitable.
Choosing the Right Products: Pads, Pull-Up Pants, and Liners
The primary distinction between pads, pull-up pants, and liners lies in the type and volume of leakage they are designed to manage.
Pads and Liners
Pads and liners are commonly used for urinary incontinence, with liners being smaller and thinner, suitable for light incontinence. Pads are generally thicker and offer higher absorbency levels, making them ideal for managing heavier types of urinary incontinence.
Both pads and liners are available in various sizes and absorbency levels to meet specific needs.
Check out our full range of Pads and Liners.
Disposable Pull-Up Pants
For moderate to heavy incontinence, bowel incontinence, or double incontinence, pull-up pants provide a secure fit with leakage barriers and odor-controlling padding.
Products designed for bowel incontinence typically feature high barrier edges and strong elastics to contain stool and prevent leaks. They come in numerous sizes, designs, and absorbency levels, ensuring suitable options for everyone, from those receiving funded support to individuals managing incontinence during recovery from health challenges.
Check out our full range of Pull-Up Pants.
Incontinence and Skincare
Skin sensitivity is often a concern for people with incontinence, especially for those receiving continuous care. Prolonged exposure to moisture and urine can lead to skin irritation, rashes, and IAD. Regular monitoring of the skin can help prevent such conditions from worsening.
Carers and healthcare providers can incorporate gentle skincare routines into incontinence care to protect against potential skin issues. Many incontinence skincare products are available to prevent irritation and maintain skin health, including cleansers, barrier creams, and zinc oxide sprays that require minimal friction to apply.
Routine use of skin care products helps protect delicate skin, maintaining comfort and preventing infections for those under regular care. Carers can support recipients by incorporating gentle cleansing and moisture protection as part of daily routines.
Selecting Incontinence Supplies
Various incontinence products are available to manage different incontinence types and personal needs. Our range includes pads, pull-up pants, liners, and bed protection products, such as absorbent under-pads and protective sheets.
For community service providers and carers, having access to the right combination of aids allows for comprehensive care and enables individuals to maintain dignity, whether living independently or with support.