Introduction
There are literally hundreds of different types of Bladder Control Pads both in stores (at higher prices!) or online. Some are small, some are large, some are narrow and some are wide. How the heck is the average person supposed to know which is the right choice for their own situation???
We get questions about this every day and that is why we are providing you with an easy guide to help make the selection that works for you.
Important Reminder Before Choosing
Before we get into the different categories, we wanted to remind you of one thing: Most Bladder Control Pads are designed for a partial release from your bladder. In other words, if your entire bladder is emptying without your permission… the Bladder Control Pad is likely not the best option. Fortunately, we offer a wide selection of both Pull Ups or Tabbed Briefs/Diapers that are better suited for those of you managing full bladder releases.
Category 1: Bladder Control Pads with a Moisture-Proof Backing
These type of pads are designed to be worn in your own (washable) underwear
The Moisture-Proof backing prevents the fluid from soaking through to your outer clothing
You would not want to use a Bladder Control Pad with a Moisture-Proof backing inside of another disposable incontinence product (such as a Pull Up or a Tabbed Brief)
Most of these types of pads have an adhesive strip located on the backside of the pad to help position and secure the pad in place so it doesn’t shift around in your underwear
You can choose the size that is best for you based on the amount of fluid that is escaping (Ex. A small amount of fluid can generally be managed with a smaller pad, a larger amount of fluid will often require a larger pad)
While using a Bladder Control Pad, if leakage continues to occur (and is making it to your outer clothing), you can experiment with larger pads to help achieve containment. If larger pads are still not handling your fluid output… it’s time to consider either a Pull Up or a Tabbed Brief to serve your needs
Category 2: Bladder Control Pads WITHOUT a Moisture-Proof Backing
These type of pads are often referred to as “Flow-Thru” or “Booster Pads”
These pads are designed to be placed inside of either Pull Ups or Tabbed Briefs/Diapers. They are not to be used inside your own underwear!
The lack of a Moisture-Proof backing allows the fluid to first be absorbed by the pad and then ultimately flow down into the Pull Up or Tabbed Brief once the pad is fully saturated
As with all Bladder Control Pads, you can select the size of the “Flow-Thru” or “Booster Pad” based on the amount of fluid or leakage you are trying to address (Ex. If the Pull Up or Tabbed Brief is only having a small amount of leakage, a smaller pad should address this)
The primary purpose of the “Flow-Thru” or “Booster Pad” is to add absorbency to the Pull Up or Tabbed Brief that you are wearing. At IronMed, we strongly recommend choosing a more absorbent Pull Up or Tabbed Brief vs. using a lower performing product that requires an additional pad to handle your specific situation
Gender Considerations
As you’ve probably already noticed from our vast selection of Bladder Control Pads, many of these pads are gender specific. Often this has more to do with the packaging than the product, but there are some products that feature a unique shape more appropriate for the male anatomy.
Placement Tips
One last thing, given the difference between male and female anatomy, we do have a couple of tips:
For our male customers, we suggest placing these pads more towards the front of your underwear or Pull Up/Tabbed Brief. Additionally, it is always helpful in getting the most out of your Bladder Control Pad to center and tuck your male anatomy so it is aimed based on the pad position
For our female customers, we suggest placing these pads a bit more towards the rear of the product to better accept the stream of fluid directly
We are Here to Help
We hope this helps you make the selection that is right for you… but we are always here to help you. Just call us at 845-202-9807 to talk to one of our product specialists, or you can use our Chat option if you prefer.
You are not alone in dealing with these challenges. Millions of people have some level of incontinence, and we are here to help all of you!
