Pads and liners are absorbent and impermeable sheets made up of multiple layers to protect the skin from moisture and bacteria due to both urine and fecal incontinence. These products are typically attached or inserted into underwear, whether it’s regular underwear or mesh underwear made for liners, to trap the fluid. Most pads and liners are perfect for individuals with mild to moderate bladder control problems but now there are brands that produce pads and liners for more severe cases.
What are the kinds of pads and liners?
Pads and liners are either attached to underwear or diapers. The main difference between pads and liners are the size and width of the product. Liners are typically used for people dealing with lighter incontinence as the material is thinner and less absorbent when compared to pads, which come in varying thickness.
Pads come in different shapes and sizes. Some are inserts into regular underwear to help with leakage. These kinds of pads work like thinner diapers and come in a variety of absorbency levels to accommodate your needs. Some other pads are boosters, which are designed to double up on a diaper or an absorbent brief. Moreover, booster pads are good for those who need an extra layer of protection because they may find themselves frequently filling up their other incontinence garments. Another type is the underpad. Underpads help avoid leakage and prevent the soiling of mattresses and seats.
On the other hand, liners, as mentioned above, are usually ideal for light urinary leakage. Most liners come as an insert and are ideal for those who live a more active and mobile lifestyle.
When choosing between a pad or liner, it’s important to know what kind of lifestyle you are living and the level of absorbency you need. This will affect the overall benefit that the absorbent garment will give you and the comfort you will get out of using it.
Form and Absorbency: Why do they matter?
Choosing the right pad and liner equates to maximum comfort and protection. Two factors stand out to guarantee these qualities: form and absorbency.
Form
Form is the shape and length of the pad and liner. It plays a vital role in how the liquid will be absorbed and how comfortable the overall product will be. Some pads and liners are specifically designed for men because of their fit and outer linings that counteract stress and urge incontinence. Comparatively, the pads and liners designed for men are more streamlined and long to provide freedom of movement, discreetness, and a high level of containment. There are also other kinds of pads and liners available that are designed to stick more comfortably to the body for less leakage. Matching your needs with the right form guarantees a perfect fit without sacrificing its effectiveness.
Absorbency
Absorbency is how much a material can soak up a form of liquid to keep moisture away from the body. This quality will depend on the amount of water-absorbing polymers present in the pad or liner. Intuitively, the higher the amount of polymer, the higher the absorption capacity. As such, it is crucial that you choose a pad and liner that correspond to the right absorbency for you. Instead of having to rely on layering the products, you can just have the pad or liner if it gives enough containment and security you need.
