Written by Carewell Team on Tue Sep 23 2025.
Booster pads are often called diaper doublers or topliner pads, and they're an essential tool for managing incontinence. If you wear pull-ups or adult diapers, you've likely experienced the frustration of leaks or the need for frequent changes. Booster pads are designed to solve that problem by providing an extra layer of absorbency and protection.
In this guide, we'll explain exactly what booster pads are, how they work, and why they can make a significant difference in your daily life.
A booster pad is a disposable, absorbent insert designed to be worn inside another incontinence product, like an adult diaper or pull-up. It acts as an absorbent layer that captures leaks, extends the life of your primary product, and provides extra peace of mind.
Unlike standard incontinence pads, a booster pad has a flow-through or permeable backing. This unique design allows any excess fluid to pass through the booster pad once it reaches maximum absorbency and into the main diaper. This prevents leaks from overfilling the booster pad and keeps the primary product working as intended.
Purpose: To be worn on their own with regular underwear.
Design: Feature a waterproof or plastic backing to prevent leaks from passing through to your clothes. They are a primary absorbent product designed to contain all liquid within the pad.
Best for: Individuals with light to moderate incontinence who want a discreet, standalone product to manage leaks.
Purpose: To be worn inside another incontinence product, like an adult diaper or pull-up.
Design: Have a flow-through or permeable backing. This unique feature allows liquid to pass through the booster pad and into the primary incontinence product once the booster is full.
Best for: Individuals with moderate to heavy incontinence who need to add extra absorbency to their primary product, extend its use, or get better protection for overnight use or long periods of travel.
In short, never wear a booster pad by itself with regular underwear. Without a waterproof backing, it will not prevent leaks and will simply cause the liquid to pass straight through to your clothing.
Using a booster pad is simple and can save you from frequent changes.
Step 1: Choose the right size. Booster pads come in various lengths and absorbencies. Choose one that fits comfortably inside your adult diaper or pull-up.
Step 2: Place the pad inside. Lay the booster pad inside the primary product, ensuring it sits in the area where you need the most absorbency. Most booster pads have an adhesive strip on the back to keep them securely in place.
Step 3: Wear as usual. Put on your diaper or pull-up as you normally would. When the booster pad becomes full, you can simply remove and replace it without needing a full product change.
Using booster pads for adults offers several key benefits that can improve your quality of life:
Fewer Changes: By adding extra absorbency, booster pads can significantly reduce the number of times you need to change your incontinence product throughout the day or night. This is especially helpful for caregivers, as it saves time and money.
Leak Protection: The extra layer of absorbency acts as a powerful barrier against leaks, giving you the confidence to go out, travel, or sleep through the night without worry.
Improved Skin Health: Fewer changes mean less moisture on your skin, which can help prevent rashes, skin irritation, and urinary tract infections.
Cost Savings: Extending the life of your primary incontinence product means you'll buy fewer diapers or pull-ups over time, leading to significant savings.
When shopping for incontinence booster pads, consider these two factors to find the best fit for your needs:
Absorbency: Booster pads range from light to heavy absorbency. Choose a level that matches your needs, whether you're looking for light protection during the day or maximum absorbency overnight.
Fit: Booster pads come in various shapes and sizes, from rectangular to hourglass. Check the dimensions and shape to ensure the pad fits well inside your primary product.
At Carewell, we offer a wide range of booster pads. Two of our most popular options are from Tranquility, a leading brand in incontinence care.
Price: $8.71 - $64.94
These pads feature a polymer core that locks away liquid while protecting your skin. They are designed for a comfortable fit inside diapers or briefs and have an adhesive backing to prevent shifting.
Price: $8.99 - $66.94
These contour pads have a unique hourglass shape to accommodate both urinary and bowel incontinence. They're ideal for those who need extra protection or have a larger body type, as the contour design can help fill gaps and prevent leaks.
Still have questions about booster pads? Our dedicated team of family caregivers is here to help. Whether you need more information about a specific product or want personalized advice, don't hesitate to reach out by calling (800) 696-CARE or emailing us at support@carewell.com. We're here to help you find the right products for your needs.
Caring for someone who experiences urine or bowel incontinence requires extra time and energy. You want your loved one to live an independent and rewarding life, but without risking damage to furniture or having to do extra laundry. Adult diapers and booster pads can certainly help, but sometimes additional materials like underpads (or chux) are necessary. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between disposable vs reusable underpads.
See the differences. >
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