Absorbency: Absorbency refers to the amount of fluid an incontinence product can hold, measured in fluid ounces. Understanding absorbency ratings helps consumers select the right product for their needs, reducing leaks and discomfort. For quick reference, a fluid ounce to cups to bladder size conversion chart is available here. Choosing a product with adequate absorbency ensures reliable protection against bladder leakage.
Adult Cloth Diapers: Adult cloth diapers are reusable products with tabs, capable of being washed 200-300 times depending on the brand. They offer a cost-effective long-term solution for managing urinary incontinence and function similarly to large cloth baby diapers. Many use snaps or Velcro for a snug, adjustable fit. Products like the Ibex Ultra-Fitted Briefs appeal to eco-conscious users who want to reduce landfill waste without sacrificing protection.
Adult Diaper: The term adult diaper encompasses pull-ups, diapers with tabs, incontinence underwear, belted undergarments, and swim diapers designed to manage urinary and/or bowel incontinence. These products typically feature breathable fabrics and advanced absorbent cores engineered to lock in moisture and minimize skin irritation. They are designed to offer comfort, discretion, and reliable leak protection for daily use.
Adult Diaper Cover: An adult diaper cover is a reusable garment worn over regular incontinence products to catch any excess liquid. Many users appreciate the added security and leak barrier it provides. Covers help extend the life of the inner product and are especially useful in managing heavy incontinence by providing an extra layer of protection.
Bariatric Products: Bariatric products, often referred to as plus-sized diapers, are designed to fit larger waist sizes comfortably while providing adequate absorbency. These specialty products ensure proper fit and leak protection for users who require larger sizes, supporting dignity and mobility.
Belted Undergarment: Belted undergarments combine a belt with a large incontinence pad and are often used by individuals with braces or medical devices. They are preferred by some users for the customizable support and ease of adjustment they provide. These undergarments are particularly beneficial for people with limited mobility who need a secure yet adaptable incontinence solution.
Bladder Size: Adult bladders typically hold about 16 fluid ounces when full. Knowing bladder capacity is useful when selecting incontinence products to ensure adequate absorbency. A comparison chart detailing fluid ounce to cups to bladder size can be found here.
Booster Pad: A booster pad is an accessory pad added inside another incontinence product to increase absorbency. Unlike regular pads, booster pads are not waterproof on one side—they absorb fluid and pass excess moisture to the main product. These are especially helpful for overnight use or heavy leakage.
Bowel Incontinence Product: Products designed to manage bowel incontinence are made to contain both urine and fecal matter. These specialized items provide enhanced protection and comfort. A dedicated section for bowel incontinence products is available here.
Brief
Also known as a diaper with tabs, a brief is an incontinence product that provides a customizable fit using tape or hook-and-loop fasteners. Briefs offer high absorbency and are commonly used for heavy or overnight incontinence.
Complete Incontinence: Also referred to as full incontinence, this denotes fluid loss of at least 16 ounces per bladder event. Products designed for complete incontinence offer maximum absorbency and protection.
Diaper with Tabs: Diapers with tabs feature side closures for a snug and adjustable fit. They are effective for heavy or overnight incontinence and can be removed without removing clothing, providing convenience and reliability.
Disposable Diapers: Disposable diapers are single-use incontinence products made for convenience and effectiveness. They come in various styles including briefs and pull-ups and are discarded after use.
Disposable Underpad: A disposable underpad protects bedding by absorbing fluids and preventing stains. Easy to use and dispose of, these pads are ideal for light leakage or additional protection.
Fecal Incontinence Product: Same as bowel incontinence products, these are specialized for managing bowel control issues with effective containment.
Fit: Fit describes how well an incontinence product conforms to your body and size. Proper fit is critical to preventing leaks and ensuring comfort.
Fluid Ounce: Fluid ounce measurement is used to rate absorbency in incontinence products. A helpful comparison chart is available here.
Full Incontinence: Also known as complete incontinence, it refers to fluid losses of 16 ounces or more per event, requiring high-capacity products.
Heavy Incontinence: Products designed for heavy incontinence usually hold up to 16 fluid ounces per leak during the day. More details and a conversion chart are found here. A dedicated heavy incontinence section is also available.
Incontinence Pad: Pads designed for light incontinence catch small leaks and are typically worn inside regular underwear.
Incontinence Panty: These are stylish incontinence products resembling regular panties, often with decorative details. They offer light to moderate leak protection with comfort and discretion.
Incontinence Product: A general term covering all adult continence supplies including diapers, pads, underpads, covers, and skin care items.
Incontinence Underwear: This term covers underwear-style incontinence products for men and women providing light to moderate absorbency.
Light Incontinence: Refers to products that absorb between 0-4 fluid ounces of urine. View the absorbency chart and light incontinence product options here.
Level of Incontinence: Indicates the absorbency level a product is designed for: light (0-4 oz), moderate (4-10 oz), heavy (up to 16 oz), or overnight (16 oz or more). Determine your need with the help of a fluid ounce to cups to bladder size chart.
Moderate Incontinence: Products for moderate incontinence hold 4-10 fluid ounces and include pads or underwear designed for daily use. Explore options in the moderate incontinence section here.
Nighttime Incontinence: Defined as urine loss of 16 fluid ounces or more at night, requiring products like diapers with tabs or high-absorbency pull-ups designed for overnight protection.
Odor Control: Refers to the technology used in incontinence products to neutralize or mask odors, enhancing user comfort and confidence.
Overnight Incontinence: Products targeting overnight leaks hold 16 fluid ounces or more per event. Highly absorbent briefs or pull-ups designed specifically for this level offer the best protection.
Plus-Sized Diapers: These diapers are specially sized for larger waist measurements providing comfort and security. Browse the plus-size category here.
Pull-Up: Pull-ups resemble regular underwear and are designed for heavy or overnight incontinence needs. They offer dignity and ease as they can be pulled on and off like normal underwear.
Puppy Pad: Pads designed for incontinent puppies or dogs undergoing potty training, offering leak protection during training periods.
Reusable Adult Diapers: Encompasses adult cloth diapers, incontinence underwear, and covers that can be washed and reused, offering a sustainable option.
Reusable Products: Includes all washable incontinence products such as adult cloth diapers, reusable pads, and reusable underpads.
Reusable Underpad: A washable, reusable pad used under bedding to protect from fluid leaks. It’s resistant to bunching and environmentally friendly due to repeated use.
Stress Incontinence: A mild form of incontinence where small leaks occur during coughing, sneezing, or exercise. Usually managed effectively with pads.
Swim Diaper: Designed for adults with bowel or light urinary incontinence who want to enjoy swimming. Products like the So Secure swim diaper also provide discreet protection when sized properly.
Tab: The tab is the side closure mechanism on diapers with tabs that secure the product snugly. Similar to baby diapers, these tabs come with tape or hook-and-loop.
Tear-Away Sides: A feature of pull-up style diapers where the sides can be torn open for quick removal without taking off clothing.
Urge Incontinence: Characterized by a sudden, compelling urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage. This can range from light to more severe cases requiring appropriate absorbency products.
Youth Diapers: Adult diapers designed specifically for younger users, providing the right balance of absorbency and size. The youth section offers tailored products.
