Posted by Brianna Maguire on Nov 13th 2020
Bowel incontinence pads are a special kind of pad that are heavy-duty enough to protect against bowel leakage. Specially shaped to capture bowel incontinence, these are contoured to fit around the buttocks and have deep inner pockets that hold everything in. Plus, they’re built with special odor guards that help you feel confident.
Learn about:
What are bowel pads?
Bowel pads are specially shaped to protect against bowel incontinence. Each side has a long, deep pocket that captures even high-pressure bowel incontinence. Bowel pads are longer than traditional pads, and are also suitable for light urinary incontinence.
Who should use them?
Bowel pads are ideal for:
- Those with accidental bowel leakage but no (or very light) urinary incontinence
- Unique body shapes that are uncomfortable wearing a waistband
- Those with a stoma or some other type of protuberance that makes traditional pull-up underwear or diapers with tabs uncomfortable
- Those who are post-colon surgery
- Those with irritable bowels, Clostridium Difficile Colitis (C. Diff Colitis), or severe diarrhea
Who shouldn't use these products?
Bowel pads are likely not a good fit for:
- Those with heavy urinary incontinence
- Those who prefer a more secure, all-around fit
How do they work?
When bowel incontinence occurs, the deep inside pockets capture and trap even high-pressure voids. If there’s moisture or light urinary incontinence, polymers (tiny absorbent beads) in the core trap it away, so the top feels dry against your skin.
After each bowel movement, you’ll want to change the pad to prevent damage to the skin.
How to put a bowel pad on yourself
- If you prefer standing:
- Fold the pad lengthways and pass it between your legs, from front to back
- Fan out the back of the pad, then the front
- Pull your underwear up over the pad, making any adjustments so the core of the pad stays in line with the center of your body
- If you prefer sitting:
- Sit down on the toilet, with your pants pulled down
- Place the pad into your underwear, lining the center of your pad up with the center of your undergarments
- Pull your underwear up over your body, with the pad inside
- Make necessary adjustments to the pad to ensure it's centered
How to put a bowel pad on someone else
- Start with the wearer laying on their side
- Fold the pad lengthways (back sheet turned out) and slide it between the wearer’s legs, from front to back. It can help to rest a towel between the wearer’s knees
- Spread out the back of the pad
- Gently roll the wearer onto their back and fan out the front of the pad
- Put the wearer’s underwear on over the pad, making any adjustments so that the pad stays in the center of the body
What features exist?
Odor guard
Bowel pads have a built-in odor guard that works by neutralizing the ammonia in incontinence, eliminating odors.
Inner pockets
Deep pockets frame the inside of the pad, holding any bowel incontinence
Wetness indicator
These pads come with wetness indicators that change color when the pad has reached capacity. These are especially helpful for caregivers that need to know when it’s time for a change.
Plus-size fit
Bowel pads feature wide panels that cover the rear and belly and are large enough to fit almost all bariatric users.
Carewell's recommendations
Our customers and caregivers love:
With a built-in odor guard, deep inner pockets, and a breathable cloth-backing, it’s no wonder our customers love this product.
Brittany's pro-tips
If you’re using a pad for bowel incontinence, we recommend wearing full-coverage underwear so that the pad doesn’t poke out the sides. Look for something with a high-rise fit!
