Adult Diapers - About Incontinence ProductsAdult Diapers - About Incontinence ProductsOver 13,000,000 men and women in the U.S. alone are diagnosed with urinary incontinence. While more prevalent in women than men, the condition often affects the elderly, causing frustration, inconvenience, and embarrassment for many.Understanding the basics of incontinence and the availability of products such as adult diapers that may help make the life of your loved one a little easier offers seniors and caregivers options to make wiser, more educated decisions regarding bladder and bowel health. Causes and Treatments of IncontinenceIncontinence is caused by a variety of factors which may include side effects of medications, urinary tract infections, bladder muscle weakness, blocked urethra's, or any injury to the brain or spinal cord, as well as several nerve disorders that prevents individual control over bladder or bowel. Managing urinary incontinence may include but is not limited to performing Kegel exercises every day, practicing double voiding, which means urinating, waiting a few moments, and then urinating again, and/or training the bladder, which means only going to the bathroom every 3 to 6 hours. Urinary Incontinence Products - Adult Diapers One of the most commonly purchased urinary incontinence products are called, (unfortunately) adult diapers. Incontinence pads and liners, cloth briefs, and disposable pull up briefs or disposable briefs with side tabs are some of the most popular incontinence products on the market today. Incontinence briefs, pants or adult diapers offer light, moderate, to heavy protection, and can be placed inside regular underwear, depending on style, or worn alone. The level of protection is determined by the individual’s levels of incontinence, and provides varying degrees of absorbency depending on need.Disposable under pads may also be placed on top of bedding to help protect sheets and mattress liners for overnight protection. Reusable under pads are also available, which may be removed and washed as needed. Urinary incontinence briefs and so called adult diapers are available for both men and women, in different sizes and design, depending on need. Some of the most common brands of disposable diaper products include Attends, Tena, Depend, Poise, Prevail and Serenity. Design of such products offer peace of mind to many seniors, and many models and styles are nearly impossible detect under regular clothing. Incontinence bed sheets, chair pads, and bed pads offer the ultimate in protection for sofas, recliners, wheelchairs, and beds that meet most needs. Incontinence chair pads may range in cost between $10.00 and $120, depending on product, dispose ability, and function. Other common urinary incontinence products include odor eliminator spray and disposable wipes and washcloths. Be careful about using disposable wash clothes or wipes all the time, as the chemicals contained in them may cause irritation to tender skin of the genitalia over time. Incontinence products or adult diapers are designed for either urinary or bowel incontinence, and sometimes both. Commonly known as rectal incontinence, adult diapers are offered in moderate to heavy styles, offering the ultimate in protection.For individuals diagnosed or experiencing urinary and rectal incontinence, it is essential to protect the skin as much as possible, especially for individuals who cannot care for themselves. In such cases, personal skin care products may help reduce irritation from urine and fecal matter in the form of skin protection ointments. Skin protecting ointments are typically white in color, and offer an effective waterproof barrier between the skin and urine contained in the pad or brief. Using protective skin creams not only helps to moisturize and protect the genital area, but may help prevent skin breakdown due to constant exposure to urine and fecal matter. Purchasing Incontinence Products In some cases, seniors may be able to access their health or medical insurance policies to help pay for incontinence products. Because of the embarrassment factor, many seniors and caregivers today order incontinence supplies online, with delivery right to your front door. Packages are marked with manufacturer brand name, but sometimes just a return address, but don't specify contents, saving embarrassment.Incontinence products offer seniors quality of life and maintenance of dignity, as well as provide a very valuable service in overall health and wellness. Incontinence products offer seniors more mobility and access to indoor and outdoor activities that might otherwise be missed. Adult Diapers back to Assessing Needs Page
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