Common Mistakes while using Continence Pads
In this blog we try to list the most common mistakes that people make while managing continence with continence pads.
- Wearing an incontinence pad for too long
Many users of incontinence products think they need to wear them for as long as possible. As a rule, most continence pads are designed to be efficient for up to 3 – 5 hours. Although the average number of incontinence pads used is between 4 to 6 hours. Most of the incontinence pads come with wetness indicator which allows for better monitoring of pads and once the blue colour writing disappears it means it is time to change the pads. It is important to remember that wearing incontinence pads for too long can lead to poor skin hygiene and may cause leakage.
- Cutting Up or Modifying Incontinence Pads
To manage incontinence often people will cut or modify their incontinence pads to use a single pad twice or more times. Cutting or modifying continence pads affects the even distribution of fluff and super absorbent polymers which leads to the containment pads not being able to retain or absorb. It is always recommended to find a containment pad which is a snug fit to provide protection from leakage and manage your levels of continence.
- Using Sanitary Pads in place of continence pads
Adult incontinence pads have super absorbent polymers that turn liquid into gel. This allows incontinence pads to absorb quickly and due to the fluff, the liquid is retained within the pad. The sanitary pads are designed to absorb blood and the flow of the menstruating blood is slower than the urine. The urine flows at a faster rate than menstruating blood leading to leakage.
- Wearing double incontinence pads
All adult incontinence containment pads have a hydrophilic top layer for easy and fast absorption and a hydrophobic bottom layer which will prevent leakage. A lot of times people will buy lower absorbency pads and double them up thinking that they will provide them double absorption and protection. Once the top pad has reached it maximum absorption it will lead to leakage. It is also recommended to wear a product which is true to your size and offers an absorbency to manage your level of incontinence and is situated to your body type.
- Wearing incorrect continence pad and for too long
It is always recommended to discuss with Medical Advisor which containment product to wear to manage your level of incontinence. Always follow the instructions on the continence pads packaging on how to wear them and dispose them. Most of adult All-in-ones / Pants have wetness indicator once the blue writing disappears it means that it is time to change the pad. Sitting on a soiled incontinence pad will lead to poor skin hygiene.