The Best Incontinence Products for Caregivers of 2024

Nate Birt

Written by Nate Birt on Thu Dec 21 2023.

Family laughing together.

Bladder leaks caused by incontinence are a common medical condition for millions of people. If you, or a loved one, need help finding products to manage incontinence, Carewell is here to help. 

In this article, you’ll find a roundup of everything you need to know to make the best incontinence product decisions. We break down what incontinence products are, how they work, and a list of the best incontinence products available. Toward the end of the article, you’ll find a comparison chart with quick and helpful information on each product, plus tips on how to find the right incontinence products and answers to commonly asked questions. 

Let’s get started so you’ll know exactly what you need to manage incontinence confidently and discreetly. 

What Are Incontinence Products? 

Urinary incontinence is the most common type of incontinence, so many incontinence products are designed to soak up urine and keep it from leaking onto the body or clothes. Some incontinence products can be cleaned and reused, but many – especially popular ones – are one-time-use products that can be disposed of when dirty. There are also options available for people with bowel incontinence that provide extra holding capacity. 

Incontinence products can be worn as a substitute for underwear or in addition to underwear or another type of protective clothing. 

There are a number of other incontinence products that make life more enjoyable for people managing the condition. They include underpads, which can help keep furniture and surfaces clean and dry. They also include washes, wipes, and gloves. These can be used together to keep the body clean and help caregivers provide support to people with incontinence while staying healthy.

How We Chose the Best Incontinence Products

We selected these products based on feedback and reviews received from Carewell customers. We also included a variety of products that illustrate the many things available to people managing incontinence. Used together, these products can keep you and your loved ones clean and comfortable, maintain safe and sanitary spaces, and save time and energy during cleanup. 

The Best Incontinence Products for Adults

1) Prevail Per-Fit 360 Daily Adult Diapers with Tabs, Maximum Plus

Designed for people with heavy incontinence and frequent leaks, this unisex adult diaper with tabs locks in moisture while keeping the wearer comfortable and dry. This diaper includes a highly absorbent core, 360 Breathable Zones and clothlike backing for optimal comfort, Omni Odor Guard, and tabs that can be fastened again and again.

Key Benefits & Features: 

  • Available to all genders

  • High-quality design is easy to put on and take off

  • Best for daytime use for heavy incontinence needs

Hear it from a caregiver

“These are another excellent product that I order on a regular basis for my mom. The fit and absorbability are very good. I also feel that they are reasonably priced.”

- Arlene U.

2) Tranquility Premium Overnight Disposable Absorbent Underwear

This pull-up underwear comes in a variety of sizes and is ideal for people with heavy incontinence or for use at bedtime. Elastic Kuffguards direct liquid into the absorbent core. Fabric limits odor and wicks moisture away from the skin to keep the body dry.

Key Benefits & Features: 

  • Tear-away seams for easy disposal

  • Design keeps loved ones dry without interrupting nighttime sleep

Hear it from a caregiver

“This Tranquility product has outperformed expectations and saved many mishaps. Very dependable!”

- LG K.

3) TENA Intimates Overnight Incontinence Pads, Maximum Absorbency

These bladder pads keep loved ones with heavy incontinence dry at any time of day or night. They include a soft top layer and discreet individual wrapping.

Triple protection from leaks, moisture, and odor, plus ProSkin™ Technology that keeps the body comfortable and dry.

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Designed for loved ones with heavy incontinence, including women with postpartum incontinence 

  • Around-the-clock protection

Hear it from a caregiver

“These pads are very absorbent. Comfortable. Good sticky side. Edges comfortable. I will buy it again.”

- Joan M.

4) Depend Male Guards, Maximum

The cup-shaped design of this product makes it a perfect fit for men with heavy incontinence and large surges of urine.Powerful adhesive keeps these guards in place inside of the underwear, and an absorbent design limits odor and makes disposal easy

Key Benefits & Features: 

  • Specially designed to comfortably fit men with heavy incontinence

  • Individually wrapped for discreet use

Hear it from a caregiver

“Coverage is great quality and price is very reasonable. I wear the guards at night along with an overnight brief and it works well for me.”

- L B.

Depend Male Guards, Maximum
Depend Male Guards, Maximum

Price: $14.92 - $29.99

5) Tranquility TopLiner Booster Pads

These pads provide extra absorbency to limit the number of changes needed. They can be adjusted as needed and fastened to underwear or briefs with tabs. A wide range of sizes to fit people’s bodies just right adds absorption capacity to existing underwear and a liquid-absorbing core. 

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Place this booster pad anywhere you or your loved one need it for maximum comfort and effectiveness.

  • Fasteners fit snugly to prevent leaks while side sleeping

Hear it from a caregiver

“I have tried almost every pull-up for my handicapped mother. This is the product that gives me the most confidence that she will stay dry until her next changing and/or all through the night until morning!!!😊”

- Tammie H.

Tranquility TopLiner Booster Pads
Tranquility TopLiner Booster Pads

Price: $8.99 - $70.76

6) Cardinal Wings Quilted Premium Comfort Underpad, Heavy

Use this product to keep bedding and furniture dry, creating a comfortable environment for loved ones with incontinence. A soft top sheet and an absorbent core bring comfort and effective incontinence management. 

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Multipurpose product for beds, furniture, wheelchairs and more

  • Keeps odors away even when accidents happen

Hear it from a caregiver

“These are the best bed pads I have used to date! They hold up well and make sure everything is contained. I will definitely be buying again.”

- J.B.

7) McKesson StayDry Disposable Washcloths or Personal Wipes

These moistened wipes clean urine and bowel voids off of the skin. They are mild and alcohol-free to keep them gentle on the body.

Key Benefits & Features

  • Includes Vitamin E and aloe for a comforting touch

  • Can be used along with other incontinence products between changes

  • Easy to dispense lid 

  • Light scent 

Hear it from a caregiver

“Nice feeling cloth. Large, soft, and can cover a lot of real-estate. Stays fresh with the closure on the top.” 

- Tim J.

8) Aloe Vesta Perineal Wash, Liquid

This product lets you clean sensitive areas of the body while keeping the skin moist and masking odors. 

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Fresh citrus scent 

  • Easy to apply before bed or after waking up in the morning

  • Keeps the user comfortable and feeling fresh

Hear it from a caregiver

“Works great for my husband who is always in a pull-up.”

- Dawn L.

9) Calmoseptine Ointment, Skin Protectant

This product guards the skin against irritation that urine sometimes causes. It also cools and comforts the user. It can also be used to provide relief from conditions including hemorrhoids and rectal itch.

Key Benefits & Features:

  • Antiseptic ointment prevents infections from bacteria and fungus

  • Its anti-itch features help people with eczema and psoriasis

Calmoseptine Ointment, Skin Protectant
Calmoseptine Ointment, Skin Protectant

Price: $7.28 - $77.31

10) McKesson Vinyl Exam Gloves, Clear

These single-use products make incontinence cleanup easy and convenient. 

Key Benefits & Features: 

  • Gloves fit on either hand and feature a smooth texture. 

  • Easy to put on and remove for efficient cleaning of urine and voids

  • Made without rubber latex

McKesson Vinyl Powder-Free Exam Gloves
McKesson Vinyl Powder-Free Exam Gloves

Price: $6.31 - $83.49

Compare All of the Products In This Article

Incontinence ProductWhy Customers Love ItFeatures
Prevail Per-Fit 360 Daily Adult Diapers with Tabs, Maximum PlusBest Daytime Diaper For Heavy IncontinenceHighly absorbent core, 360 Breathable Zones, clothlike backing, Omni Odor Guard and tabs
Tranquility Premium Overnight Disposable Absorbent UnderwearSuperior Nighttime Incontinence ProtectionElastic Kuffguards direct liquid into the absorbent core, fabric limits odor and wicks moisture away
TENA Intimates Overnight Incontinence Pads, Maximum AbsorbencyTop 24/7 Incontinence ProtectionTriple protection from leaks, moisture, and odor, plus ProSkin™ Technology that keeps the body comfortable
Depend Male Guards, MaximumBest Absorbency Support For MenPowerful adhesive keeps these guards in place inside of underwear, and an absorbent design limits odor and makes disposal easy
Tranquility TopLiner Booster PadsTop Option For Capturing More Moisture Between ChangesWide range of sizes to fit people’s bodies just right, adds absorption capacity to existing underwear, and a liquid-absorbing core
Cardinal Wings Quilted Premium Comfort Underpad, HeavyBest Choice For Keeping Your Furniture And Air Clean Soft topsheet plus an absorbent core
McKesson StayDry Disposable Washcloths or Personal WipesFreshest Pick For Clean SkinEasy to dispense with a conveniently designed lid, plus a nice fragrant aroma
Aloe Vesta Perineal Wash, LiquidBest Choice For Cleaning Delicate AreasPump bottle enables easy application of liquid product with a citrus scent
Calmoseptine Ointment, Skin ProtectantTop Guard For Sensitive SkinMultipurpose product can also be used to provide relief from conditions including hemorrhoids and rectal itch
McKesson Vinyl Exam Gloves, ClearFast And Effective Cleaning ProtectionGloves fit on either hand and feature a smooth texture

How to Choose Incontinence Products

Several factors should guide how you shop for incontinence products. First, consider whether you are caring for yourself or someone else. If you’re purchasing products for yourself, consider getting pull-ups, bladder pads, or male guards, depending on the level of absorbency you need. 

If you’re shopping for a loved one, briefs with tabs can be convenient for making regular changes. Bladder pads or male guards can also be beneficial, particularly if your loved one experiences heavy incontinence.

Second, decide how much absorbency you need. If you anticipate less than one full elimination, also known as a void, per day, you’ll likely be OK with just bladder pads or male guards. Use a pull-up if you expect at least one elimination per day. Briefs are ideal for people with multiple daily voids or with bowel incontinence. If you or a loved one only experience bowel incontinence, look for a specially-made bowel pad for maximum comfort and protection.

Third, look for products designed for your gender or that of your loved ones, as well as for the features that mean the most to you. Men can benefit from male guards, pull-ups, and briefs. Women experience the best results with products such as bladder pads, pull-ups, and briefs. Study product descriptions to ensure the cut of the product, the size, and other features meet your needs. 

Commonly Asked Questions

1) Why is good hygiene important for those living with incontinence?

Even the tiniest of accidents can result in urine becoming trapped against the skin, which can lead to other problems, including irritation and infection.

2) Are there special cleansers for people with incontinence?

If you have a bladder accident, it is important to change your pad and underwear as soon as possible. You should also wash and dry the area to remove bacteria and prevent skin irritation. Special cleansers that have been designed for incontinence usually contain moisturizer and have been pH-balanced to reduce skin irritation.

3) Can exercise help incontinence?

The natural aging process causes muscle fiber to weaken, making it less able to tolerate stress. If pelvic floor muscles can’t support the internal organs, it’s difficult to control urination or the bowels. Regular exercise can strengthen the pelvic floor and improve muscle control.

Takeaways

Incontinence is perfectly normal and experienced by people of all ages. Get to know your own needs or those of the loved one for whom you provide care. Use those experiences - and reviews left by Carewell customers - to guide you as you purchase the best incontinence products to manage your unique health and well-being. 

Need Help?

If you have questions, Carewell’s Caregiving Specialists are standing by to help 24/7! Call (800) 696-CARE, and we’ll be glad to help you find the products that fit your situation best.

Did you find this article helpful?Share it, print it or have it mailed to you!

Other Articles You May Like

The Best Bariatric Diapers with Tabs of 2024

Finding the right incontinence products always takes some research, but it can be even more challenging if you or your loved one is over six feet tall or has a waist size greater than 62 inches.

Read More >

Baby Wipes vs. Adult Wipes vs. Wet Wipes: What’s the Difference?

When caring for someone with incontinence, always have a bag ready with adult diapers, adult wipes, and clean clothing. If your loved one experiences a urine or bowel void, the sooner you can...

Medically Reviewed by Kiera Powell, R.N.

See the difference >
Nate Birt
Nate Birt

Nate Birt is a healthcare writer with a journalism degree from University of Missouri. He lives with his wife and their four children on a small farm in Missouri.