Verified by Kiera Powell, R.N. and written by Chad Birt on Mon Jan 06 2025.
Medically Verified
With hundreds of incontinence products on the market, choosing the best adult diapers can feel overwhelming. Whether you're managing urinary incontinence, bowel incontinence, or both, selecting the right diaper is essential for comfort, confidence, and protection. In this updated 2025 guide, we break down the different types of adult diapers, their features, who they're best for, and how to choose the correct size. Read on to discover our top 10 best-selling and highest-rated adult diapers for every level of incontinence.
Choosing the right type of adult diaper can significantly improve comfort, hygiene, and independence for those managing incontinence. The two main categories of adult diapers include pull-ups and tab-style briefs—each designed to meet different levels of mobility, absorbency, and caregiver involvement.
Adult pull-up diapers, also called protective underwear, are thin, discreet, and made of soft, cloth-like materials that resemble regular underwear. They're ideal for individuals who are still mobile and only mildly or moderately incontinent. If your loved one can occasionally make it to the bathroom on their own and is able to pull their pants up and down without assistance, pull-ups offer a convenient and comfortable solution. These products are especially popular for active adults seeking a low-profile option under clothing.
Tab-style briefs are designed for maximum absorbency and provide secure protection against heavy voids or frequent accidents. These adult diapers wrap snugly around the abdomen and fasten with adjustable tabs, making them easy for caregivers to apply and remove. Briefs are a great choice for individuals who are wheelchair users, bed-bound, or require full-time assistance with changing. Their thick absorbent core helps wick away moisture and control odors, making them reliable for both urinary and bowel incontinence.
If you’re still unsure which option is best, our guide, Adult Pull-Ups vs. Diapers: What’s the Difference, breaks down each product type in more detail to help you choose with confidence.
Choosing the right adult diaper is essential for maintaining comfort, preventing leaks, and supporting skin health. With so many options available, focusing on key features like size, absorbency, backing material, odor control, comfort, and gender-specific design can make the decision easier.
Fit is one of the most important factors when selecting adult diapers. A poor fit can cause leaks, skin irritation, or discomfort. Since sizing varies by brand, it's important to measure the waist and hips and compare them to the manufacturer’s size chart. Proper sizing ensures better protection and all-day or overnight comfort. Bariatric adult diapers are also available. Need help with sizing? Check out How to Choose The Right Size Adult Diaper.
There are two common types of backing materials: cloth-backed and plastic-backed. Cloth-backed adult diapers offer better breathability, which helps reduce heat, moisture, and odor. Plastic-backed options, while less breathable, generally provide more absorbency and are ideal for managing heavy incontinence.
Different products offer varying levels of absorbency, from light to heavy protection. Consider when the diaper will be worn—during the day, overnight, or both—as well as the type of incontinence involved (urinary, fecal, or both). High-absorbency adult diapers are especially useful for nighttime protection or extended wear, helping keep the skin dry and minimizing the risk of leaks or irritation. Discover our best overnight adult diapers for maximum absorbency.
Urine and fecal matter can produce strong odors, which can be both unpleasant and harmful to skin health. Many adult diapers now include odor-locking technology or moisture-wicking layers to neutralize bacteria and keep unwanted smells at bay. Discover our collection of deodorizing sprays and cleaning supplies Look for keywords like “odor control,” “bacteria-neutralizing,” or “moisture-wicking” in product descriptions.
Comfort depends on the materials used and the overall design of the diaper. Some people prefer a thinner, more discreet option that fits easily under clothing, while others may need a bulkier, more absorbent style. Trying a few different styles can help determine which option feels best for everyday use.
Some adult diapers are specifically designed for men or women, while others are gender-neutral. Male adult diapers often have extra absorbency in the front, while female adult diapers provide more coverage in the back and bottom. Unisex or gender-neutral options provide balanced absorbency for a wide range of needs.
Whether you need protection during the day, overnight, or while traveling, there’s an adult diaper that offers the right combination of fit, absorbency, and comfort. Browse our full selection of adult diapers and incontinence supplies to find the best solution for your needs.
The products featured in this list are a mix of our “highest-rated” and “best-selling” adult diapers. We also did hands-on testing with one of our caregiver partners, Alma Valencia. Alma is a dedicated caregiver, supporting her mom through the challenges of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Embracing the family caregiving lifestyle, she shares her experiences and insights on social media, offering a glimpse into their journey and the realities of dementia care. You can find her at @thecaregivercomadre.
Here's our list of top adult diapers:
This disposable pull on underwear is meant for heavy urinary incontinence and/or overnight symptoms. Each pair absorbs up to 4.5 cups of liquid, which is approximately two overnight voids. An extra-wide core and innovative fluid absorption layer quickly draws liquid away, preventing leaks and maintaining skin health. Specially designed anti-sagging threads prevent the underwear from sagging, offering a snug and secure fit.
Key Benefits & Features:
Pull on style locks away up to 4.5 cups of liquid for all-night comfort
Extra-wide absorbent core protects against leaks for side, back, and stomach sleepers
Odor technology helps protect against smells for up to 8 hours
Ultra-soft, comfortable, and hypoallergenic fabric
Sticky tab on back makes disposal easy and compact
Customer Review of Carewell Incontinence Underwear Overnight & Heavy Full Coverage Fit: "I'm really impressed with this product! It holds up overnight without any leaks, which has been a huge relief. It’s soft, comfortable, and stays in place, even through the night. The odor control is great, and disposal is super easy with the sticky tab. Definitely a solid product I’ll keep coming back to!" - Cecilia
This premium gender-neutral tab brief from Seni is a customer favorite. The product features a super-absorbent core, fully breathable outer layer, and elastic leg cuffs to protect against leaks.
Key Benefits & Features:
Best diaper for severe or overnight incontinence protection
Double wetness indicator
Unisex, with an elastic waist and adjustable tabs for a great fit
Urine and bowel incontinence
Customer Review of Seni Super Quatro Adult Diapers with Tabs: "The quality of these diapers is awesome. Perfect fit. The tab tape is strong and really holds up, even with tossing and turning at night. Great absorbency. Great nighttime diaper. Overall I would highly recommend these." - Jeff
These gender-neutral pull-ups from Prevail look and feel like normal underwear. The only difference is they offer heavy absorbency, allowing for protection against mild or moderate voids. Each pair contains proprietary QUICK WICK with MaxSoft technology that pulls moisture away from the skin, keeping your loved one comfortable and dry.
Key Benefits & Features:
Best adult pull-ups for daily wear
Offer a tight but comfortable fit around the waist and legs
Maximum absorbency
Soft
Easy to size
Customer Review of Prevail Pull-Up Underwear, Maximum "Prevail pull-ups are our go to Adult Briefs for our outings. Even though Mom has dementia, we enjoy being out and about. I appreciate the gel technology for maximum absorbency. Mom wears leggings when we are out and about therefore having an everyday underwear appearance is valued. My only concern is the sizing does run on the smaller end. Normally Mom wears a size L in most brands but she is in between sizes with Prevail. Factoring one more inch in between sizes would be very helpful." - Alma
When searching for the best adult diapers, look no further than Carewell Overnight Underwear, Leak Resistant, for maximum performance and comfort. This premium option is designed for heavy incontinence, offering an impressive capacity to hold up to four cups of liquid for up to 12 hours of dependable overnight protection. Its body-forming core and quick-absorption channels rapidly draw moisture away, ensuring essential skin dryness and excellent odor control. Made with soft, breathable fabrics and secure leg cuffs, this underwear delivers a confident, comfortable fit that truly earns its top-tier status.
Key Benefits & Features:
Pull on style absorbs up to 4 cups of liquid (Small absorbs 3 cups)
Innovative larger body-forming core with rapid-absorption channels
Available in sizes Small through XXL
Made in the USA with U.S. and imported materials
Customer Review of Carewell Overnight Incontinence Pull-Up Underwear, Leak Resistant: “ Great new product! My husband used another brand name overnight pull-up day and night for the past 2 years, which worked well but very expensive. The new Carewell overnight underwear is just as absorbent, but seems easier to put on and gives a more comfortable fit - very soft. You also can't beat the price! Well done Carewell!" - Vern R.
These overnight pull-ups from TENA offer complete protection for both urine and fecal voids. They’re woven with ConfioAir® technology, proven to balance and maintain the skin’s natural moisture. The wide backing and secure barrier system offer complete protection, no matter your favorite sleep position.
Key Benefits & Features:
Best overnight diapers for adults with sensitive skin
Unique backing offers increased absorbency and protection
Free of allergens, including rubber and latex
Customer Review of TENA ProSkin Overnight Super Protective Adult Incontinence Underwear: "TENA ProSkin are our favorite brand for incontinence adult briefs. I appreciate the wide soft pad and it’s absorption capabilities. Mom’s sleep is indispensable therefore the wick away feature is ideal to keep Mom dry through the night." - Alma
Consider McKesson ultra briefs if your loved one is bedbound or a wheelchair user with heavy incontinence. These premium diapers feature Dual Core technology that neutralizes the pH in urine and prevents moisture from pooling. Moreover, the adjustable, hook-and-loop fastening system allows for a perfect fit.
Key Benefits & Features:
Best diaper for adults with low mobility
Refastenable tabs for easy adjustments
Each diaper has a color guard that appears when wet
Gender-neutral
Customer Review of McKesson Ultra Briefs Heavy Absorbency: "Thank you for your continuous support. These are the best diapers out there. Perfect cut and fit for my 13 yr old daughter [with] Cri Du Chat syndrome.” - Kelly B.
Price: $12.99 - $60.91
These adult diapers are designed for women. They fit discreetly under clothing and contain QUICK WICK Maxsoft technology that immediately absorbs moisture. Because women need extra protection, these diapers hold absorbent beads in specific areas, preventing overflow.
Key Benefits & Features:
Best adult diaper for women with urinary incontinence
Made from cotton-enhanced dri-fit fabric
Convenient, tear-away sides that make changes easy and fast
Customer Review of McKesson Ultra Briefs Heavy Absorbency: "Thank you for your continuous support. These are the best diapers out there. Perfect cut and fit for my 13 yr old daughter [with] Cri Du Chat syndrome.” - Kelly B.
Bariatric briefs offer incontinence protection for people with larger waists. This Attends style is unisex and supports urine and fecal voids. The diapers are made from a comfortable, cloth-like material that absorbs moisture and reduces heat. They have tearaway sides, making for easy disposal.
Key Benefits & Features:
Best adult diapers for people with waists between 74-92" inches
New full belly elastics that is softer & body hugging for a more discreet fit
Confidence Cuff Protection leg guards to secure around the legs, trapping incontinence inside the product
Tear away side panels allow a wearer or caregiver to easily remove the product, without having to pull it down the legs
Customer Review of McKesson Ultra Briefs Heavy Absorbency "Very good quality, highly absorbent, locks odor away and easy to put on and off." - Darlene B.
At Carewell, we’re big fans of Tranquility and highly recommend their products. These All-Through-The-Night (ATN) briefs offer a full eight hours of protection, so your loved one can get a restful, rejuvenating sleep.
Key Benefits & Features:
Best adult diaper for people who want to sleep through the night
Refastenable tabs for easy adjustments
Peach mat core that pulls moisture away from the skin
Leg guards to prevent overflow
Customer Review of Tranquility Adult Diapers with Tabs, Disposable All-Through-The-Night, Maximum: "We are navigating the challenges of chronic UTI’s with Mom. That being said, we need tools that will provide extra protection for nighttime heavy incontinence needs. Thank goodness we found Tranquility Premium Overnights. They help absorb and lock in the liquid. No leaking which I appreciate. Delivery is excellent too. Quality product and one less thing I need to worry about." - Alma
These adjustable diapers with tabs are designed for people with larger builds. They’re heavy-duty, have a cloth-backing, and can hold urine or stool. The unique high-rise fit allows for extra protection whether your loved one is sitting or lying down.
Key Benefits & Features:
Best adult diaper for people with waists between 70-108 inches
Protects against heavy incontinence
Breathable backing material keeps skin dry and healthy
Refastenable tabs grip and hold without being sticky
Customer Review of Tranquility Air-Plus Bariatric Disposable Adult Diapers with Tabs, Maximum: "“This product is excellent for fit and value. The patient that I care for is on the larger size and the tabs allow for a variety of fits. He finds them very comfortable.” - Mr. M.
Cardinal Sure Care absorbent adult diapers offer four different levels of absorbency—extra, plus, ultra, and super. The cloth-like top sheet offers protection from urine and bowel voids and the super-absorbent core quickly locks away fluids.
Key Benefits & Features:
Best adult diaper for active people with mild to moderate urinary or bowel incontinence
Tear-away side panels for easy removal
Odor protection
Back indicators for easy application
Customer Review of Cardinal Sure Care Protective Pull-Up Underwear, Plus: "Cardinal Sure Care Protective Pull-Up Underwear were great when Mom started using pull up briefs. They provided the protection and peace of mind we needed in case Mom had an accident. Considering the padding is thin, they absorb well. I also appreciate the color coded elastic stitching that marks the difference from front and back.” - Alma
| Brand | Style | Absorption | Leg Style | Sizes | Odor Control | Incontinence Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carewell Incontinence Underwear Overnight & Heavy Full Coverage Fit | Pull-up | Heavy absorbency | Inner leg cuff | 20”-65” | Odor control technology | Urine |
| Seni Super Quatro Adult Diaper with Tab | Tab closure | Heavy absorbency | Elastic gathers | 22-67″ | Odor Guard System | Urine and bowel |
| Prevail® MaximumPrevail® Maximum | Pull-up | Heavy absorbency | Elastic gathers | 34-80″ | MaxSoft Technology | Urine |
| TENA Overnight™ | Pull-up | Overnight absorbency | Inner leg cuffs | 34-66″ | Confio Air® | Urine and bowel |
| Carewell Overnight Incontinence Pull-Up Underwear, Leak Resistant | Pull-up | Overnight absorbency | Inner leg cuffs | 20-80" | Odor control | Urine |
| Prevail® Daily for Women | Pull-up | Heavy absorbency | Elastic gathers | 28-80″ | MaxSoft Technology | Urine |
| Attends Overnight Bariatric | Pull-up | Heavy absorbency | Elastic gathers | 74-92″ | Odor control | Urine and bowel |
| Tranquility® All-Through-the-Night | Tab closure | Heavy absorbency | Inner leg cuffs | 18-64″ | Peach mat core* | Urine and bowelUrine and bowel |
| Tranquility Air-Plus Bariatric Maximum | Tab closure | Heavy absorbency | Inner leg cuffs | 70-106″ | Peach mat core* | Urine and bowel |
Adult diaper rash is a type of skin irritation that develops from prolonged use of incontinence products. It’s often caused by friction, where the diaper or pull-up rubs against the skin, leading to chafing and redness. Other contributing factors include moisture buildup, infrequent product changes, and allergic reactions to materials or ingredients.
Adult diapers should be changed regularly to prevent diaper rash, yeast infections, and other skin problems. Most of the diapers on this list have built-in wetness indicators that change color once the diaper is full. Ideally, you want to change after every void.
You can reduce your loved one’s risk of diaper rash by regularly changing their diapers and keeping their skin clean and dry. A barrier cream can provide an extra layer of defense when applied after every change.
Choosing the right adult diaper can feel overwhelming, especially with so many brands, styles, and features on the market. If you're new to incontinence care, expect a bit of trial and error—every person’s needs and comfort levels are different, and finding the right fit often takes testing a few options.
Still unsure which adult diaper is best for your situation? Our friendly Care Team is here to help. Call us at (800) 696-CARE or email support@carewell.com for personalized support.
Finding the right adult diaper size is essential for comfort, leak protection, and healthy skin. This guide walks you through how to take accurate body measurements and explains what to do if sizing is a challenge—so you can confidently choose the best fit for your needs.
Read More >
Our Carewell Guide to Incontinence and Toileting is designed to answer the most common incontinence and toileting-related questions and challenges that family caregivers face. Because our Care Team often provides counseling on these topics, we’ve made sure to address some of the most common pain points.
Read More >Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.
