Types of Adult Diapers banner

You might be asking "What the heck is the difference between all of these types of adult diapers?" This article outlines each of them...

First, we cover many types of briefs. If you look below, there are descriptions of pull-ups, swim diapers, reusable adult diapers, and more.

Briefs - A brief means that it has tabs on the side. There are many more choices of pull-ups, which pull on like underwear. Brief types include cloth-like backing, plastic backing, refasten able, non-refasten able, overnight, and day-use briefs. Briefs are excellent if the person has odd-shaped legs, like big thighs or small thighs. Briefs can also catch that fastening around the legs to be really snug, whereas a pull-on would be a little looser.

Briefs with cloth-like backing – most briefs fit this category. They make less noise than briefs with plastic backing. Cloth-like backing simply means quiet and discreet.

Briefs with plastic backing - More briefs used to be in this category. These usually make more noise when used. Some people prefer this type of product. An example of this is some sizes of the Tranquillity Slimline Briefs.

Briefs with refasten-able tabs – Briefs with refasten-able tabs have tabs that can be removed and refastened over and over again. Many higher-quality briefs have this characteristic.

Briefs with non-refasten-able tabs -These briefs can only be fastened once, and work well for some people. These briefs are usually more economically priced.

Briefs for Overnight – Briefs labeled overnight are made to be worn at night, and are the most absorbent type of briefs. Most people don’t wear an overnight briefs for the day, but if a person is very incontinent, then sometimes they do for the extra absorbency.
Overnight briefs are usually bulkier. An example of an overnight brief is the Prevail Air Overnight Briefs.

Briefs for Day Use – Briefs labeled ‘Heavy’, ‘Moderate’, or ‘Light’ are made for daily use. These products are usually less bulky and absorb less, and are made to be worn during the day. An example of a ‘Heavy’ absorbency diaper for day use is the Tranquillity SlimLine Breathable Brief (Heavy)

Bariatric Briefs – These briefs are for plus-sized individuals, and come in a variety of very large sizes and many brands. Some of these briefs go up to very large waist sizes. An example is the Attends Underwear Extra Absorbency that goes up to a 94” waist.

Pull-Ups – Standard pull-ups are a different style than briefs. They pull on like underwear and have no tabs. This is ideal for taking on and off to go to the bathroom, and for people with conditions like dementia. Many people prefer this style of incontinence product. A popular pull-up is the Tranquillity Premium Disposable Underwear (Overnight).

Pull-Ups With Refastenable Tabs - a new type of product that is pull-ups, but has tabs on the side if you want to use them. An example of this interesting product is the Tranquility ATN Disposable Brief.

Reusable Adult Diapers – These products come in a variety of different types and are made to be washed and dried like regular clothing.
There are light incontinence products like men’s underwear-like products with a pad inside – an example of this is the Men's Reusable Briefs, and there are different levels of absorbency all the way up to products for overnight incontinence like the MIP Ultra Fit Med-i-Brief. Reusable products are more expensive, but for a long-term solution, they are much cheaper. A person can realize this by adding up what they will spend on disposable products for one full year.

Belted Undergarments – These are a product that is held on by a belt and has an absorbent area that is attached to the belt. They are for differently shaped or bariatric users.

Fecal Incontinence Products – These products are made to protect against fecal incontinence as well as urinary incontinence. A good example of this is the Tranquillity Slimline Disposable Brief (Heavy).

Swim Diapers – These products are for adults and older children, and protect against fecal incontinence while the person is swimming. An example of this product is the Containment Swim Diaper, which can be custom-made to fit.

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