Adult incontinence is one of the major issues that most seniors have to grapple with. It not only causes emotional stress, but it can also bother them physically. The good news is that it's possible to live a normal and healthy life despite this. Diapers for adults are the most effective solution to adult incontinence.
However, they tend to leak sometimes and can be quite embarrassing. Here are tips to prevent and minimize adult diaper leaks.
#1 Choose The Right Fit
Wearing an oversize diaper or one that barely leaves room for ventilation is a major cause of leakage. An oversize diaper is known to be notorious for failing to hold liquids for very long.
Likewise, a tiny diaper is not any better as it tends to get soggy too quickly and leaves the wearer in an embarrassing and uncomfortable situation. Most seniors can agree that choosing a perfect diaper fit is not a walk in the park.
A viable way to solve this problem is by taking the measurements of the wearer's thigh and waist. While shopping for the diapers, compare the sizes by looking at the manufacturers' size charts.
To be on the safer side, the user may want to stay home for a day or two as they try them out. Doing this will let you know how effective your choice of diapers is.
#2 Check The Brand Of Diaper
Not all diaper brands are the same as some are of better quality than others. To get a head start, you may want to go through the reviews posted online for a better experience.
This should be a continuous procedure that allows you to try out as many brands as possible before settling for a specific one. Your guiding factors should be diaper leaks and poor absorption technology.
Look out for multiple layers intended for maximum absorption of leaks and comfort. A lighter and thinner brand may not be an excellent choice because of the embarrassing leaks and foul smells.
Modern brands mean that they are centered on technology, and the manufacturers are only keen on their customers' comfort. Rather than settle for older brands, try the newer ones.
#3 Try The Sample Diapers
Sample diapers will cushion you from wasting money on diapers that don't suit you. Offering sample diapers is a marketing strategy by diaper companies to win customers.
Taking advantage of this move will ultimately lead you to quality brands that you probably didn't know existed. During this testing period, pay attention to how your skin reacts to the diapers.
Discontinue the use of the samples in case you discover a major reaction on your skin. In case the reaction begins immediately, get some skin rash cream prescribed by a certified physician. It will also help to find out how long the diaper company has been in operation.
It would be a shame to get comfortable with their products only for them to go out of service sooner than you imagined.
#4 Buy According To Gender
Diapers manufacturers now produce gender-specific incontinence products and are therefore more effective in preventing leaks than regular diapers.
To be more specific, the male adult's diapers have an absorbent core fitted on the front part while female diapers have an absorbent part in the lower area. Gender-specific diapers target the specific problem areas, thus ensuring the user's comfort.
#5 Buy Overnight Incontinence Diapers
In most cases, most diaper leaks happen when you're asleep. This may probably leave you feeling devastated and confused when you wake up.
Diaper companies are aware of this situation and have developed incontinence products to give the user peace of mind. Overnight incontinence diapers assure you of a good night's sleep full of comfort.
These diapers are fitted with layers of absorbent cores to ensure no leakages throughout the night.
These products are also designed for those who tend to move around a lot during their sleep. Be sure to put them on correctly to avoid any leakage loopholes.
#6 Check Your Diet
Having meals and snacks that are mostly centered on fluids before bedtime is a disaster. This will only mean that your bladder becomes stimulated, and things may end up getting out of control.
Consult your doctor for a supervised bathroom schedule that would work for you as you take fluids before night falls. This trains you to keep your bladder in check even when you plan to leave the house.
However, don't steer clear of diapers just yet. Keep them close by as you continue your schedule.
You should also be intentional about your diet in the evening. Avoid drinks as much as possible before bedtime to make things easier for yourself when you fall asleep. Only take a limited amount of fluids to be safe.
Stay away from things like yogurt, cheese, caffeinated drinks, honey, and juices. Alcoholic drinks right before bedtime will only make matters worse as they tend to stimulate the bladder.
#7 Exercise Regularly
Exercising your pelvic muscles makes them strong enough to hold urine for longer hours.
Incontinence in adults is usually as a result of the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. In ladies, this weakening comes about after episodes of normal childbirth. In men, the pelvic floor muscles weaken as an inevitable result of aging.
Kegel exercise is the number one way of gaining control of your bladder and rectal tissues. Regular sessions of this exercise assure you of less leakage of urine during at whichever time of the day or night.
Final Thoughts
If you've been experiencing diaper leaks, this shouldn't stop you from living your best life. You can manage and bring it under control through all the tips mentioned above.
Also, keep in mind risk factors that worsen incontinence like acidic foods, smoking, and obesity. Doing this will help you take charge of your life without any embarrassing incidents that may eventually lower your confidence levels.
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