Level of Protection

Light Protection

Light protection refers to products that protect against light incontinence, such as slight leakage or dribbling. A woman with stress incontinence might leak a small amount of liquid when coughing or sneezing. A man might experience light incontinence from an enlarged prostate. Whatever the cause, the most common protection used in these cases is a light pad.

Moderate Protection

Moderate protection refers to products that protect against moderate incontinence, which is more urine loss than dribbling but not full bladder loss. Moderate incontinence can be a steady stream of fluid or it can be urge incontinence, where the person has a sudden need to urinate. Moderate incontinence is usually managed with a heavier pad or pull-up underwear. A brief with tabs can also protect this incontinence level. Moderate incontinence is more common than most people realize.

Heavy Protection

Heavy protection refers to products that protect against heavy incontinence, which is a complete loss of bladder control or continuous drainage. At this level, a lot of liquid must quickly be absorbed by the incontinence product. There are many medical causes for this type of incontinence, from injury to prostate problems. The protection for this level is usually a heavy brief with tabs or pull-up underwear.

Overnight Protection

Overnight protection products work with overnight incontinence or heavy loss of liquid at night. Often, the incontinence product takes in a full bladder loss from the user. Overnight incontinence has caused similar to heavy incontinence, including weakening of the bladder muscle due to illness or injury. The product for this type of incontinence is usually an overnight level brief with tabs or pull-up underwear.