What are Adult Diapers & Adult Pull-Ups?
An adult diaper or adult pull-up is a disposable garment worn instead of underwear to help alleviate leaks from urinary or fecal incontinence. Sometimes adult diapers or pull-ups are only worn while sleeping but this is not always the case. They can be worn during the day or night and they can be worn by anyone regardless of age or gender. There are many different incontinence garments on the market today. How can you determine how well an adult pull-up or adult diaper will work for you? The labels on incontinence garments are confusing because it seems like they all use different standards. What does "super" or "supreme" even mean? Adult diapers and adult pull-ups are something that if you need them, you need them to work. No one wants leaks or accidents because they accidentally chose "super" or "extra" and you should have picked the one that said "super extra great". Thankfully, there is a company that organizes their incontinence products in a way that makes sense. Tranquility: Premium Protection uses an easy to read and easy to understand method to label all of their incontinence products.
Adult Incontinence and Absorbency
Absorbency is all about capacity. There are a couple of different tests that incontinence companies use, one is called ISO or the International Standards Organization. The other is called C.U.P. or Capacity Under Pressure. ISO measures capacity by recording the amount of fluid a product can hold without any pressure applied. For instance, the product would be placed in a tub of saline solution for a set amount of time and then it is removed from the saline. The product is then allowed to drip for five minutes. After that five minutes, the level of fluid that is retained without applying pressure to the product is the product's ISO capacity. The C.U.P. method works differently. The incontinence product is immersed in a synthetic urine and then pressure is applied to simulate the same kinds of pressures people using and wearing the product would cause. People wear adult diapers and while wearing them they sit, walk and they know that any movement exerts pressure on the incontinence garment. The fluid that is retained by the incontinence product after pressure is applied is measured as the Capacity Under Pressure. So with the C.U.P. method, only the fluid that remains in the product is measured. Tranquility doesn't use the ISO measuring system. They use the C.U.P. method because they know retention is what matters because that is how you avoid leaks.
Are all Adult Diapers & Adult Pull-Ups the Same?
Adult diaper absorbancy is one thing that sets adult incontinence products apart. It is important that you are able to trust that your adult diaper isn't going to leak all the time. For instance, if your adult incontinence product works through the night that means you will be able to get the sleep you need. Your body needs rest and a reliable adult pull-up or adult diaper is a great way to insure you get the sleep your body needs. Adult diapers that are dependable will also help your caregivers. You need sleep and your caregivers need sleep as well. With the proper products such as an "All Through the Night Adult Brief" you both will be well rested which can combat caregiver burnout. Another bonus is that there will be less sheets and bedding to change each day which cuts down on laundry. Not all adult incontinence products are created equal, some do not have the structure or absorbancy to last through the night.Adult diapers need to be absorbent and they also need to be comfortable to wear. Not all adult diapers are made with quality products, they can be ill-fitting and uncomfortable. Having to use an incontinence product can be frustrating. Finding an adult pull-up or adult diaper that fits well, doesn't leak, and is comfortable can cut down on that frustration. There are a lot of choices when it comes to adult incontinence. I would recommend choosing one that is clearly marked when it comes to absorbency. After that, every person is different. It is a good idea to buy a small amount of an adult diaper or adult pull-up at first so you can try them and see if they work for you. After you have found the one that works best for you, you can order by the case and benefit from bulk discounts. The best way to order in bulk is to order from an online medical supply company. Adult diapers delivered right to your door, complete with discreet shipping can make shopping for incontinence easier.
What is the Difference Between Adult Diapers and Adult Pull-Ups?
Adult diapers have sticky tabs on the side that attach to the diaper to hold it closed around the body. Some adult diapers have tabs that can be adjusted and reattached again. This is preferable because it will allow you or your caregiver to check your skin as well as check to see if a new adult diaper is needed. "Re-fasten-able" tabs are easier to use than tabs that stick once and only once. Adult pull-ups do not have tabs. They pull on and off like standard underwear. Adult pull-ups are a great choice if you are caring for yourself and you are able to sometimes make it to the restroom. Remember, adult pull-ups are meant to be pulled up and down to remove them but if needed, you can rip down the sides to remove the pull-up if that is preferable during a pull-up change. Many people will use an adult diaper with tabs during the night for sleeping and then use an adult pull-up during the day. However, it is simply personal preference, there is no one "right" way for everyone.