The Best Incontinence Bed Pads
The issue of incontinence is a sensitive one, but it is actually a very common problem. The symptoms can happen to anyone at any age so it is a subject that should be discussed more frequently.
Whatever the reasons for incontinence, during sleep is one of the times it can be most difficult to control. Bed protectors for incontinence symptoms are a practical and discreet way of protecting your mattress and bedding from damage.
A shopping guide to the best incontinence bed mats
Whichever type of bed protection you’ve decided on, here’s a useful guide to the best bed pads for incontinence on the UK market
Disposable bed protector pads
ID Expert Protect Plus disposable incontinence sheets
Pros
- These can be used to protect both your bed and other soft furnishings.
- The size of the pads (40x90cm) makes them perfect for both beds and chairs.
- At 30 pads per pack these are a great value product.
- The design of the material makes it super-efficient at absorbing and moving any liquids away from the skin.
- Anti-irritation, the fabric is soft and gives a lot of comfort.
- The polyethene back sheet provides robust protection for your mattress.
Readi disposable incontinence pads for bed protection
Pros
- Ideal disposable bed pads for elderly people or those with medical conditions.
- Soft on the skin – a very gentle feel.
- A high quality, impressively absorbent product.
- Prevents skin irritation
- The waterproof back sheet is effective at preventing leakage from the mat.
- Very cost effective.
- Easy to place and remove and can be disposed of without faff and mess.
Medokare disposable incontinence bed pads
Pros
- These are a fantastic quality, hospital grade option.
- Ultra-absorbent with four layers of material that can hold 1500ml of fluid.
- Sealed across each side of the mat.
- Multi use – for the elderly, adult patients, children, as a changing mat.
- A generous and useful size to suit all beds and furniture.
- The fabric is full of absorbent fluff that also feels soft and comfy on the skin.
‘Community’ absorbent washable waterproof bed pad
Pros
- Can be washed at 95 and tumble dried on a cool setting.
- These pads have ‘wings’ that sit under the mattress and keep secure and un-rumpled.
- Can effectively hold up to 4 litres of liquid.
- Robust fabric so it can be washed lots and lots of times.
- Users need to be aware that absorbency increases after a wash as the fluff is then where it needs to be in the pad.
- Soft, cosy material combined with an efficient waterproof barrier to protect the mattress or soft furnishings.
Washable bed protection pad
Pros
- A great value, simple reusable bed pad.
- Easy and quick to wash and dry.
- Can be hygienically washed at 95 and dried on a cool tumble dryer setting.
- Super simple to place. A pink soft top layer and a blue waterproof barrier bottom.
- Can hold an impressive 3 litres of liquid without any leakage.
- The wicking functionality will keep the user dry and comfortable all night.
- The fabric has a high resistance to stains.
- A useful size to suit most beds, sofas and chairs.
Bedecor breathable waterproof incontinence bed pad
Pros
- 100% cotton top layer which reduces the risk of the user getting too hot and sticky.
- Naturally hypo-allergenic so these mats are a wonderful choice for people with allergies or sensitive skin.
- Breathable fabric.
- Can hold 1600ml of liquid so it is highly absorbent.
- Machine washable at 60 and can be dried on a cool tumble setting.
- Generous sizing.
Who would benefit from bed pads and why?
Bed mats are usually used on top of the sheet you sleep on and a good incontinence bed pad will do the following:
- Protect your mattress from wetness and odour that can be very difficult to rectify.
- Shield the bedding from getting wet.
- Defend your skin from any leakage by keeping the fluid safely locked inside the absorbent core.
- Prevent infections and irritation to wounds or already sensitive skin.
- Allow you and your partner to have a restful night of sleep without worrying.
The symptoms of incontinence
Inco pads for beds are a marvellous invention that have changed the lives of millions of incontinence sufferers. So, what kinds of challenges are faced?
- Feeling the need to go for a wee frequently throughout the day and night.
- Suddenly having the urgent need to go to the loo and being unable to hold it in until you get there.
- Wetting the bed while you’re asleep.
- Leaking urine when you cough or sneeze.
- The feeling that your bladder is never empty.
- Enduring regular urinary tract infections
The types of incontinence and their causes
There is a misnomer that you will only ever need waterproof bed pads for elderly people, adult patients with medical conditions and small children. This is simply not true. Incontinence can be a problem at any stage of life and the purchase of inco pads is purely a practical way of taking control of the situation.
Here are some of the reasons why an individual might find themselves needing to invest in waterproof pads for their bed.
- Stress incontinence is caused by pregnancy, childbirth, being overweight or surgery on the prostate.
- Overflow incontinence is a condition where the bladder never empties efficiently and over fills. This causes subsequent leakage. An enlarged prostate, Diabetes or Multiple Sclerosis could all be a cause.
- Urge incontinence is when someone leaks because their urge to wee is sudden and urgent. You need to go and it’s NOW! Stroke, an enlarged prostate or Parkinson’s Disease can be the source of this. However, for some people it is simply an unexplained part of how their body works.
- Functional incontinence is when an individual is either unable or too slow to get to the toilet before leaking occurs. Physical disability, problems with memory, poor mobility and learning disability are just some of the possible causes.
Disposable incontinence bed pads, washable incontinence bed pads or incontinence bed sheets – the pros and cons of each
Incontinence doesn’t have to mean the constant replacement of expensive furniture, mattresses and bedding. With a can-do attitude, a plan and the right products it’s entirely possible for you, or your family member or friend, to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep or relaxing afternoon watching movies on the sofa.
Incontinence pads for beds suit most sizes of mattress and can also be used under a throw on a sofa or armchair. Here are the three main choices for you to consider.
Incontinence sheets
Inco sheets are designed to fit snugly over the top of the mattress. They are a waterproof barrier between any leakage and fabric and are a great first step towards managing the problem.
However, remember that these sheets are not absorbent so the liquid will be free to irritate your skin, wet the sheets and soil your bed clothes.
Waterproof sheets are great for occasional use (as a pregnant woman wanted to protect a fancy mattress from her waters breaking for example) but if they are needed on a routine basis then they should be used in conjunction with absorbent bed pads.
Disposal bed pads
Disposable bed mats with a high level of absorbency are perfect for offering peace of mind as you slumber. Some can hold an astounding 4 litres of fluid before they begin to leak.
The soft upper layer of fabric is comfy to sleep on and they can be placed directly underneath you so are fabulous for people who share a bed.
The fluffy mid layer keeps urine away from the skin and a waterproof bottom layer acts as a barrier to protect the mattress
If you’re a fidgety sleeper, they can ruck up and the creases may cause discomfort or even chafing in people who are unable to move themselves away from the wrinkle in the material. To fix this, look for a size that can be tucked in or inco pads that have ‘wings’ for a secure fit.
Washable bed pads
Adult bed pads that can be washed and re-used are an eco-friendly solution for those who don’t enjoy the ‘throwaway’ culture.
Washable bed mats are possibly more suited to people who only have occasional incontinence as the removing, washing and drying process can be time consuming and energy draining.
The top layer will have ‘stay dry’ technology to wick moisture away from the skin, a mid layer which is highly absorbent and a waterproof backing that acts as an impervious obstacle and safeguards the bed.
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