Written by Sophie Bebeau on Thu Jun 26 2025.
A leaky bladder isn't usually a comfortable topic, and it can make us feel self-conscious when we're out. But it might help to know that urinary incontinence is actually quite common.
In fact, over 25 million Americans experience temporary or chronic urinary incontinence. And while it's most common in women over 50 as a normal part of aging, urinary incontinence affects men and people at all different stages of life.
Fortunately, a wide range of incontinence products are available for all levels of incontinence and lifestyles. Incontinence pads are one of the simplest products that can help boost your confidence. They're made specifically for bladder leaks and are designed for various people and situations.
Take a look at Carewell's roundup of the best pads for bladder leaks, including our picks for pads, liners, overnight options, undies, products made for men,
Incontinence pads are small, multi-layered sheets designed to absorb bladder leaks. In this article, we'll focus on pads specifically for urinary incontinence. They work by drawing moisture away from your skin.
As technology advances, incontinence pads are increasingly customized to individual needs. Some users prefer lighter options, while others require a more heavy-duty pad. Most pads include an “acquisition layer” to allow leaks to enter the core material, where they can be safely stored. Odor prevention is another common benefit.
If you want to see how an incontinence pad absorbs liquid, you can check out this short demonstration video:
When creating our product roundups, we rely on thorough product research and feedback from caregivers and users. The products on this list are some of Carewell's best-selling bladder leak pads, backed by caregiver and user reviews, and insights from our customer care team.
Best Overall Pad for Bladder Leaks: Prevail Daily Pads
Best Ultra Thin: TENA Intimates Ultra Thin Pads
Best Maximum Absorbency: FitRight ActivEdge Bladder Control Pads
Best Men's Guard: Depend Male Guards
Best Overnight: Poise Overnight Pads
Best Knit Undies: Cardinal Wings Knit Pants
Best For Extra Secure Fit: Prevail Belted Shields
Best Heavy Duty Liner: Prevail Pant Liner
Prevail Daily Pads are a great overall choice for women with frequent light to moderate daily bladder leakage. Their special AirMax layer allows air to pass into the core, keeping skin cool and dry. They also boast pH-balancing Odor Guard technology, which uses a special enzyme to neutralize urine acidity and quickly eliminate odors.
Key Features & Benefits:
Made for women with frequent light to moderate bladder leakage
Neutralizes odors
Adhesive back keeps it in place
Customer Review of Prevail Daily Pads: "Love the length. Not visible when wearing form fitting pants. Absorption is fine for daytime wear. I feel confident and protected while wearing the moderate, regular length pads." - Juanita E.
Price: $6.28 - $55.38
TENA Intimates Ultra Thin Pads are the best choice for those with light incontinence who need a super discreet, thin pad. They are 100% breathable to help protect sensitive skin and feature triple protection, defending against bladder leaks, odor, and wetness.
Key Features & Benefits:
For women with light bladder leaks
Individually wrapped
Control odors and wetness for maximum comfort
FitRight ActivEdge Bladder Pads provide ultimate absorbency with a contoured design for comfortable and dependable coverage for heavy bladder incontinence. These pads have a fabric-like back sheet that doesn't crinkle or bulk up and irritate the skin.
Key Features & Benefits:
For women with bladder leaks
Adhesive back secures it in place
Extra long for added protection
Customer Review of FitRight ActivEdge Bladder Control Pads: "Great product and great service! I purchased these for my mom and she said they are the best she's ever used! And they were here in two days. Amazing! Thank you for great pricing too!" - Pat R
Our pick for the best men's bladder leak guard is Depend Male Guards because of their contoured, cup-like design that offers protection exactly where men need it. These guards are worn with regular boxer briefs or briefs and have a strong adhesive backing, so they stay in place even when the wearer is active.
Key Features & Benefits:
For men with moderate to heavy bladder leaks
The cup-like design offers protection exactly where it's needed
Gel-lock core provides odor control
Most people who experience urinary incontinence need a little extra protection at nighttime. It's especially important to find a nighttime pad you feel secure in so you can get uninterrupted rest each night. Poise Overnight Pads feature ultimate absorbency with extra features for nighttime use.
Key Features & Benefits:
Back of the pad is 75% wider to keep user dry throughout the night
Leak-blocking sides offer added protection
Gel core draws in moisture
Customer Review of Poise Overnight Pads: "The design of the overnight pad gives increased coverage without bulk and allows easy use as extra protection. The quality is excellent, providing reliable assistance without bulk." - Betty B
Cardinal Wings Knit Pants have been designed with an anatomically profiled crotch seam that strengthens pad security; high material burst strength to reduce risk of tearing, and maximum absorbency with enhanced dryness.
Key Features & Benefits:
Unisex design
Ability to pull up and down like regular underwear
Flexible knot-woven fabric can accommodate up to 100-inch waist
Like other Prevail products, these belted shields also feature soft, highly absorbent materials, odor-fighting technology, and a clothlike, breathable backing. If you're particularly active or find your pads or guards moving around too much, switching to a belted option could be the right option for you.
Key Features & Benefits:
Unisex design
One size fits most
Useful for those that lead an active lifestyle
Customer Review of Prevail Belted Shields: "Ships fast. So I never have to worry about running out. Does the job. Belts hold tight, and the package is sturdy when wearing it, not flimsy. Using this package gives me a bit more freedom to get further from a toilet. However, I carry an extra pair in my pocket just in case. With incontinence, we can never be sure when it will strike. These help avoid embarrassment." - Gerald M
Prevail Pant Liners offer discreet, reliable protection for light to moderate bladder leakage. The cloth-like outer fabric and full-length adhesive strip provide a secure, comfortable fit within regular underwear or mesh pants. These liners are engineered for maximum absorbency, transforming liquids into a gel to maintain dryness and promote skin health. The breathable, silent backing ensures discretion, and the product's manufacture in the USA reflects a commitment to quality.
Key Features & Benefits:
Discreet and comfortable fit with cloth-like backing and full-length adhesive.
Reliable overnight protection and skin-friendly design.
Best for those that are between pull-up sizes and want a more secure fit
| Product | Gender | Absorbency |
|---|---|---|
| Prevail Daily Pads | Made for women | Moderate absorbency |
| Tena Intimates Ultra Thin Pads | Made for women | Light absorbency |
| FitRight ActivEdge Bladder Control Pads | Made for women | Maximum absorbency |
| Depend Male Guards | Made for Men | Maximum absorbency |
| Poise Overnight Pads | Made for women | Overnight absorbency |
| Cardinal Wings Knit Pants | Unisex | Moderate absorbency |
| Prevail Belted Shields | Unisex | Extra absorbency |
| Prevail Pant Liner | Unisex | Light to moderate absorbency |
As with many incontinence products, you may need to try a few different styles before you find what works best for you. Start by listing the basic things you need from your incontinence protection. Some questions you can ask before purchasing an incontinence pad or liner are:
What level of absorbency do I need?
Do I need something for daytime, nighttime, or both?
What size/length do I need?
Will I be changing and disposing of the product myself, or do I need help?
Do I want a pad, belted liner, or knit pants?
These questions are a good jumping-off point for selecting the right product. From there, you can experiment with different brands and styles to find what best suits your needs.
The advice on this will depend on the frequency and severity of your incontinence. Most pads are efficient for 3-4 hours, so the general guideline is to change them 4-6 times a day. This may seem like a lot, but staying dry is vital for maximum comfort. Always err on the side of caution and make sure to change before a pad becomes too wet.
Incontinence pads and menstrual pads have different purposes and, therefore, different designs. Each has its own absorbency levels, odor control, and skin-protecting features that make them uniquely positioned to tackle their distinct purposes.
Yes, improper use of incontinence pads can sometimes lead to painful symptoms such as itching. The itching is often a result of exposure to bacteria found within urine and stool. High levels of ammonia can increase the skin’s pH level and lead to skin erosion over time. There is a condition called incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD), which occurs when your skin’s protective layer is damaged. The upper thighs and genital regions are particularly vulnerable areas among incontinence sufferers.
Millions of people deal with bladder leaks, and it's nothing to be embarrassed about. Finding the right incontinence pad to help you feel comfortable, confident, and secure may take a few tries, but once you find the perfect one for your lifestyle, you'll be glad you did.
We know that navigating the world of incontinence products can sometimes be overwhelming. If you have questions, we're here to help! Our Caregiving Specialists are available to help. Call (800) 696-CARE, email support@carewell.com.
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Read More >Sophie Bebeau is a writer, graphic designer, poet, and multidisciplinary artist living in Green Bay, Wisconsin. When she’s not writing or making things for the internet, she can be found cross-stitching, writing poetry, and snuggling on the couch with a cup of tea and her husband, son, and dog, Buttercup.
