Trying a New Incontinence Brand? Your First-Sample Checklist

Changing your incontinence brand can feel like a big decision. Whether you are choosing protection for yourself or someone you care for, you want to feel confident that the product will be comfortable, discreet, and suitable for everyday life. 

Perhaps your current pads feel bulky, your pants do not fit quite right, or you simply want to explore an alternative. Trying incontinence samples lets you check the fit and feel before committing to a full pack. 

But what should you look for when your sample arrives? 

Use this straightforward checklist to make your first trial more useful and take the next step with confidence. 

Ready to explore your options? Try a Sample of Novamed.  Samples are free; delivery charges apply and are calculated at checkout. 

1. Start with what you need from your protection 

Before opening your sample, think about what you would like it to do for you.

Ask yourself: 

• Am I looking for protection for occasional leaks or heavier leakage? 
• Will I mainly use it during the day, overnight or when going out? 
• Can I put it on and change it independently? 
• What would I like to improve about my current product? 
• Am I choosing for myself or supporting someone else? 

2. Choose the right product style 

A useful sample trial starts with a product that matches your need and routine. 

Novamed's sample collection includes: 

• Pull-up incontinence pants 
• All-in-one incontinence slips 
  
• Bamboo Light Incontinence Pads 
• Disposable bed pads with adhesive tabs 

A bed pad protects a surface, while a body-worn product serves a different purpose. Think about whether you need protection for clothing, bedding or both. 

If you are unsure where to start, read our guide to incontinence pads, pull-up pants and all-in-ones, or contact the Novamed team for product guidance. 

3. Check your measurements before choosing a size 

Do not assume that the size you wear in one brand will be the same in another.

Read the size guide for the specific product and take the measurements it requests. If you fall within overlapping size ranges, ask for help choosing a suitable starting point. 

When you put the sample on, check:

• Does it sit securely without feeling restrictive? 
• Are there noticeable gaps around the legs? 
• Does it stay in position when you sit, stand and walk? 
• Can you move comfortably without repeatedly adjusting it? 

Choose your size for fit, rather than selecting a larger size simply for a higher absorbency figure. 

4. Follow the fitting instructions 

Take a moment to read the instructions before your first use. Different product styles need different positioning and fastening. 

Check that the product is facing the correct way, sits evenly and is not folded or bunched where it should lie smoothly. For products with adjustable tapes, follow the fitting guidance to achieve a secure, comfortable fit. 

If something feels awkward, pause and check the instructions rather than assuming the product is unsuitable. 

5. Try it during a familiar part of your day 

For your first trial, choose a time when you are comfortable and can change easily if needed. 

Wear your usual clothing and carry on with an ordinary activity, such as sitting at home or moving around the house. Keep spare protection available. 

Notice how the product feels during movement, rather than judging it only when standing still. 

There is no need to push a sample to its limit. Continue your usual toileting routine and change when needed, following the product instructions and any individual care plan. 

6. Assess comfort, protection and discretion 

During and after the trial, consider three simple questions. 

Was it comfortable? 

Did the material feel comfortable against your skin? Did the waistband or leg opening rub? Did the product bunch up or move out of position? 

Did it meet your protection needs?

Note whether you experienced leakage and what you were doing at the time. Was the product visibly out of position, or did it seem to have reached its capacity? 

These observations can help you explain what happened if you need advise. 

Did you feel confident wearing it? 

Consider how it felt under your usual clothes. Could you sit and move comfortably? Were you able to focus on your day without constantly adjusting your protection? 

One sample offers an initial impression. A successful daytime trial does not automatically show how the product will perform overnight or during a different activity. 

7. Check how easy it is to change 

Ease of use matters just as much as the first fit. 

Think about whether you could put the product on, remove it and dispose of it conveniently. If someone helps with changing, ask for their feedback too. 

A product may feel comfortable but still be difficult to manage within your daily routine. That is useful information when deciding whether to try a different style. 

Your quick first-sample checklist

Before ordering a full pack, ask: 

• Is the size and fit suitable?
• Does it feel comfortable while sitting and moving? 
• Did it provide suitable protection during the trial? 
• Does it feel discreet under my usual clothing? 
• Can I put it on and change it easily? 
• Would I feel confident using it again? 

If the answer to any question is "not quite", contact us before buying larger quantity. A different size or product style may be worth considering. 

What if your first sample does not suit you? 

Finding suitable protection can take a little adjustment. Let us know which product and size you tried, what worked well and what you would like to improve. 

The Novamed team can help you understand the options in our range. 

Call 0808 196 2070, use the chat at novamedpads.co.uk, or email us at info@novamedeurope.com. 

Incontinence products help manage leakage, they do not treat underlying cause. The NHS recommends speaking to a GP if you experience urinary incontinence. 

Frequently asked questions 

Can I try Novamed before buying a full pack? 

Yes. Visit our Try a Sample collection to see the available products and size options. Samples are free, with delivery charges calculated at checkout.

How long should I wear an incontinence sample?

There is no single trial duration suitable for everyone. Follow the product instructions, your usual changing needs and any care plan. Do not delay a necessary change to test how long a sample lasts. 

What if I am unsure which sample to choose?

Contact Novamed for help understanding the product styles and sizes. For advice about your symptoms or clinical needs, speak to a healthcare professional. 

Take the first step towards a more confident routine 

You deserve protection that fits comfortably into your life. Trying a sample gives you the opportunity to explore a different product and decide how it feels for you before ordering a full pack. 

Try a Sample of Novamed ->

Free samples. Delivery charges apply and are calculated at checkout.

Live Comfortably. Live Confidently.