Incontinence: Heavy Absorbency - Carewell's Best Products for Managing Heavy Incontinence
If you care for a loved one with urinary incontinence, you’ve probably noticed that their symptoms get worse during the winter. This happens for two reasons. First, cold weather causes a drop in body temperature. That makes the muscles around the bladder tense up, increasing the risk of bladder spasms and urinary voids. Second, less sweat is produced during the winter, so more liquid is processed by our kidneys instead of our pores.
You can’t stop these normal bodily processes, but incontinence products for heavy absorbency can help. To help save you time, we’ve compiled this shoppable list of our 8 favorite products. These items reduce the severity of accidents and keep your loved one, bedding, and furniture clean and dry.
Carewell’s Best Products For Managing Heavy Incontinence
The products featured below are some of our top-rated and best-selling products for managing heavy incontinence. When possible, we’ve included real customer feedback under the heading “hear it from a caregiver/user.”
1) Tranquility Premium Overnight Disposable Absorbent Underwear
Tranquility Premium is our best-selling overnight pull-up underwear. It’s designed for heavy incontinence and provides up to 8 hours of leak protection. Each pull-up is made from soft, premium fabric that’s breathable and comfortable. The Peach Mat Core keeps skin dry, reduces odors, and prevents bacterial growth. These support both urinary and bowel incontinence, so you and your loved one can sleep soundly through the night.
Key Benefits & Features
Inner leg cuffs prevent leaks
Built-in odor reduction technology
Latex-free and hypoallergenic - perfect for people with sensitive skin
Hear it from a caregiver
“These diapers were perfect for my grandmother. She had tried other brands, but there was always an issue. They were either too small, uncomfortable, [or] not enough absorption. However, the Tranquility premium overnight diapers were perfect. Great fit, comfortable, quality material, [and] excellent absorption. The best part was the price. These premium diapers tend to be very expensive, but Carewell offered many first time buyer discounts, which was lovely!”
- Rose M.
Price: $21.99 - $83.00
2) TENA Intimates Overnight Incontinence Pads, Maximum Absorbency
These TENA overnight incontinence pads are designed for women. They’re made of breathable, ProSkin technology that protects the sensitive skin of the genitals and perineum. The top layer features 3D technology that wicks away moisture, reducing wetness, odor, and leaks. Customers tell us these pads are perfect for post-pregnancy recovery, but they can also be used to support any woman who experiences urinary voids at night.
Key Benefits & Features
Super absorbent core ideal for heavy bladder leakage
Enriched with a SkinComfort formula to help protect intimate skin
Provide triple protection from urinary leaks, odors, and wetness
Hear it from a caregiver
“The Tena overnight incontinence pads [are] so much better than any of the other pads I’ve tried. They’re soft, comfortable, VERY absorbent, and minimize odor.”
- Patricia B.
Price: $13.77 - $37.03
3) Prevail Male Guards, Maximum
These Prevail incontinence pads are designed for male anatomy. They fit comfortably inside briefs or boxers and have a strong adhesive that holds them in place. Each pad contains an Omni Odor Guard which neutralizes the pH of urine and minimizes odors. Even better? They’re made of cotton-enhanced Dri-Fit technology that feels cool and comfortable on the skin.
Key Benefits & Features
Each guard contains MaxSorb technology that turns urine into a gel
Odor guard technology eliminates unpleasant smells, ensuring your loved one feels fresh and clean
Designed for men with urinary incontinence
Hear it from a caregiver
“After using Depends pads for years I needed a more absorbent product. I found Prevail Daily Mens Guards gave me the peace of mind I needed. The polymer core adds extra absorbency.”
- Howe A.
Price: $14.99 - $37.72
4) Tranquility TopLiner Booster Pads
Sometimes pull-ups and disposable underwear don’t provide adequate leak protection. Enter the booster pad. Booster pads can be inserted into any protective underwear, providing an extra layer of absorbency. These Tranquility TopLiner booster pads are a customer favorite. They come in a range of sizes and prevent the need for changes after every void.
Key Benefits & Features
Peach Mat Core absorbs liquid quickly, preventing skin irritation
Adjustable design allows you to place the pad wherever you need it most
Supports heavy urinary and/or bowel incontinence
Hear it from a caregiver
“[My loved one’s] overnight underwear leaked through to the bed pad almost every night. With the extra padding from the [TopLiner booster pads], there have been almost no problems with leakage.”
- Sandra S.
Price: $8.99 - $70.76
5) Cardinal Wings Disposable Underpads, Heavy Absorbency
Consider a disposable underpad if you need broader leak protection. For example, if you’re trying to protect your loved one’s mattress, favorite chair, or car seat. Simply open the package, unfold the pad, and spread it out on whatever surface you want to keep dry. The soft, quiltlike design wicks away moisture from the skin and makes it easier to clean up accidents no matter where they occur.
Key Benefits & Features
Provides heavy absorbency for urinary and/or bowel incontinence
Ideal for overnight use. The extra-strong construction resists stretching and tearing even when wet
Top sheet is soft and comfortable, similar to a sheet or blanket
Hear it from a caregiver
“My mom loves these pads. [They’re] wide and strong and keep wetness away from the bed. [And] they’re really soft on her skin.”
- Brenda M.
Price: $5.87 - $39.78
6) CareFor Deluxe Reusable Underpad, Heavy
Try a reusable underpad if you want to save money or are worried about excess waste. This one from CareFor features three layers and is ideal for heavy incontinence. It’s made of PVC/polyester and has a special top sheet that wicks away moisture, preventing fungal and bacterial growth. It’s machine washable and designed to maintain a sturdy shape regardless of wear-and-tear.
Key Benefits & Features
Quilted three-layer construction
Reusable and machine washable
Can be used to cover mattresses, furniture, and car seats
Hear it from a caregiver
“The pad is lightweight and soft. It has held up well to washing and seems to stay flat with no edge curl. Best of all, it has kept the bedding dry.”
- Norman B.
Price: $28.04 - $59.15
7) Beck’s Classic Reusable Underpads, Heavy
This reusable underpad isn’t as large as the one above, but it provides a similar level of incontinence protection. It features a quilted cotton top sheet for comfort and a waterproof backing that prevents moisture from seeping onto furniture and bedding. Whenever an accident or leakage occurs, toss it in the washing machine. Caregivers tell us they’re able to use these time and time again, getting good value for their money.
Key Benefits & Features
This reusable underpad is extra durable and sturdy
The cotton top sheet is soft and gentle on the skin
Can be used to make wound care and enteral feeding tube changes less messy
Hear it from a caregiver
“Very nice quality and very absorbent. I have washed them a few times and the fabric is [still] intact.”
- Wilhelmy P.
Price: $8.80 - $282.26
8) Calmoseptine Ointment, Skin Protectant
Heavy bowel and/or urinary incontinence takes a toll on your loved one’s skin. The ammonia in urine and microorganisms in stool increase the risk of inflammation, irritation, and chafing. A skin protectant, like Calmoseptine Ointment, helps prevent skin rash and other similar issues. It provides a protective barrier that blocks moisture, reduces irritation, and promotes healing.
Caregivers tell us that this product is a lifesaver. It protects sensitive skin and can even aid in relieving cuts, hemorrhoids, and anal fissures.
Key Benefits & Features
Contains anti-itch, antiseptic, and cooling ingredients
Safe to apply 2-4 times daily
Protects and heals damaged, sensitive skin
Hear it from a caregiver
“Great product! My wife was suffering from some severe rashes in the groin area and this cream cleared it up within 48 hours!”
- Bruce P.
Price: $7.27 - $77.31
To browse even more products for managing heavy incontinence click here. Our website has an entire section dedicated to incontinence and toileting. It features wipes, catheters, disposable absorbent underwear, and more.
Get Fast, Free Shipping & 30% Off With Autoship
Caring for a loved one with heavy incontinence can be challenging, but the right products make all the difference. We offer fast, free shipping on orders $49+, and signing up for Autoship is an easy way to ensure you have everything you need when accidents occur. Enjoy 30% off your first Autoship order, and an additional 5% off each order of qualifying products.
Additional Tips for Managing Heavy Incontinence
The featured products above make managing heavy incontinence easier, but they won’t prevent accidents. Luckily, small changes can make a big difference. Our top tips:
Limit liquids before bed
If your loved one tends to have accidents at night, encourage them to cut back on liquids before bed. Specifically, The Urology Care Foundation recommends not drinking anything at least two hours before bedtime. That may not be possible, depending on your loved one’s hydration needs, but it’s a good rule of thumb to follow.
Cut down on or avoid these drinks altogether
Drinks that contain alcohol and caffeine are diuretics. In other words, they make you have to pee. Your loved one doesn’t have to deprive themselves, but it’s a good idea to drink these beverages earlier in the day.
Change incontinence products regularly
Incontinence products for heavy absorbency have increased capacity, but they aren’t necessarily accident-proof. To reduce the risk of leakage on bedding and furniture, change your loved one’s pull-ups and absorbent underwear regularly. Not only does this prevent odors and ensure your loved one stays clean and dry, but it also reduces the risk of diaper rash and other skin problems.
Keep extra supplies on hand
Author and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar once said “Hope for the best, plan for the worst,” and it's a great mantra for incontinence care. Accidents will happen, but preparedness makes the day-to-day less stressful. Keep a backpack or fanny pack nearby that contains all of your loved one’s incontinence products. That way, when an accident occurs, you’re prepared to manage leaks and protect your household.
Have Questions About Managing Heavy Incontinence? We’re Here For You!
If your loved one has heavy incontinence, you need absorbent products to protect their skin and your home. Even so, finding the right items for your situation can be difficult. With so many options to choose from, where do you begin? Don’t stress! Our Care Team is here to help. Contact them 24/7 by calling (800) 696-CARE or sending an email to support@carewell.com.
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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.
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.