Why Premium Brand Diapers are Better Than Mass Market Brands
If it's your first time shopping for incontinence products, you might assume all brands are equal. While it’s true that all tab briefs and pull ons have similar features, the difference between premium and mass-market brands is significant. Here, we explain what sets premium diapers apart, and highlight four of our favorite premium diaper manufacturers.
4 Reasons To Buy Premium Diapers Instead of Mass Market Brands
Premium brand diapers offer several advantages, including:
1. Higher-quality construction
Mass-market diapers are often a lower price-point, but they’re also more likely to rip, sag, or leak. For many caregivers, that means more frequent diaper changes and an increased risk of accidents or stains.
Premium diapers, on the other hand, are made with sturdy, high-quality materials. They’re designed to prevent leaks, absorb excess moisture, and prevent bacteria and chemicals from irritating the skin.
Many have built-in technology to improve the quality and experience. Examples include moisture-proof backing and barriers to help contain leaks, odor guards for discretion, and highly-constructed absorbent cores that have innovative moisture-wicking technology. These features both keep the wearer comfortable and reduce the frequency of diaper changes.
2. Stronger, more reliable absorbency
Premium brand diapers hold multiple voids. Some models support urinary incontinence, some models support bowel incontinence, and others support both. There are even premium-brand diapers for overnight use. These provide between 8-12 hours of incontinence protection, letting you and your loved one sleep soundly through the night.
3. Softer fabrics
Mass-market diapers are typically made from plastic polymers. These materials provide adequate leak protection, but they aren’t skin-friendly. More specifically, they trap moisture and prevent airflow, so wearers are more likely to experience diaper rash, chafing, and other skin problems.
Premium brand diapers are made of soft, clothlike materials that feel like regular underwear and are silent, breathable, and comfortable. Further, many premium diapers have elastic leg cuffs that hug the inner thighs. This feature helps channel liquid to the diaper’s core, keeping the wearer clean and dry for hours - even when lying down on their side or back.
4. Better fit & more sizes available
Mass-market diapers typically have fewer sizing options. To keep costs low, manufacturers focus on the three most common sizes –– small, medium, and large. If your loved one is over six feet tall or has a larger body, finding a diaper that fits properly can be difficult.
Here, too, premium diapers provide an advantage. Manufacturers like Tranquility and Prevail understand incontinence affects people of all sizes. They offer the three most common sizes but also have product lines for bariatric patients that run XL- 5X. Bariatric diapers have extra fabric at the back that hugs the body and prevents leaks. They can accommodate waist sizes between 62-106 inches.
Likewise, premium brand diapers typically fit better than their mass-market counterparts. Features like elastic waistbands, inner leg cuffs, and clothlike fabric help hold the diaper or pull-up in place and prevent it from tearing, bunching, or crinkling. Premium diapers also have built-in features that channel urine and feces to the core. That means fewer accidents and cleaner bedding and clothing.
5. They’ll end up saving you money
Higher quality materials and construction in premium brands mean fewer changes are needed throughout the day. Instead of going through 3 or 4 or more diapers per day, you can expect to need around 2 premium diapers for moderate to heavy symptoms, meaning you’ll go through a pack or case at a slower pace. Less changes = fewer products needed = less money spent overall.
Our 4 Favorite Premium Brand Diapers
Here’s a shoppable list of our four favorite premium diaper brands:
1. Tranquility
Tranquility has been a leading manufacturer of incontinence products for more than 30 years. The company is best known for its high-quality, highly absorbent diapers and pull ons. But it’s also carved out a niche for bariatric patients. Tranquility is one of the few premium diaper brands offering 4X/5X tab-style briefs.
Tranquility products contain zero latex so they’re great for folks with sensitive skin. They have innovative moisture-wicking technology that keeps the wearer dry. Similarly, a wetness indicator lets you know when a diaper change is needed.
Try: Tranquility Premium Overnight Disposable Absorbent Underwear
Hear it from a caregiver
“True to size, true to quality. [I] used to have to line my grandmother's diapers with a padded insert to hold the moisture and prevent leaks. These save me from doing so and [they] save [me] money not buying two different products!”
- Marion S.
Price: $21.99 - $83.00
2. SENI
SENI began manufacturing premium incontinence products in 1997. The company uses an elastic, latex-free yarn in all its diapers and pull ons that hugs the skin and reduces the risk of allergic reactions. The elastic fabric is breathable, comfortable, and great for folks with sensitive skin.
SENI products have a built-in ‘extra-dry system’ (EDS). The EDS absorbs moisture quickly, locking in wetness and odors at the core.
Try: Seni Super Quatro Adult Diapers with Tabs
Hear it from a caregiver
“Amazing! I have been looking for an undergarment that would prevent leaks. We have tried so many different brands, but this is THE ONE!! I have been going through so many underpads, changing sheets and outfits because all other undergarments have not worked. If you are looking for something that’s dependable, look no further. I wish I could give it 10 stars.”
- Nicole W.
Price: $16.09 - $59.98
3. Prevail
Prevail has manufactured premium incontinence products for more than 25 years. All Prevail products are designed with four features in mind –– comfort, absorbency, skin health, and discretion.
Other factors that set Prevail premium incontinence products apart include:
100% breathability
Unisex design
Extended-use design (fewer diaper changes)
Ventilated side panels that reduce heat buildup and let the skin breathe
An AirMax™ breathable poly layer that traps wetness, while allowing heat, humidity, and air to escape
MaxSorb™ technology that locks up wetness, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable
An OmniOdor Guard that reduces the amount of ammonia produced by urine. Families who switch to Prevail products report fewer odors
Try: Prevail Incontinence Underwear for Men & Women, Maximum Absorbency
Hear it from a caregiver
“We are so happy to have found this product. I am actually ordering more today as it has made such a difference for our guy who needs them. Not only great protection but also comfort. Very important.”
- Geraldine D.
Price: $12.99 - $52.22
4. Abena
Try Abena premium diapers if you need a unisex incontinence product with extremely high absorbency. They’re a good choice if you’ve tried everything and your loved one still experiences leaks.
Abena diapers are made of breathable materials and have comfortable, stretchy side panels that support movement. They contain advanced odor guards that prevent unpleasant smells and can support heavy urinary and bowel incontinence. In fact, Abena is the only premium diaper brand with a diarrhea-specific product.
Another thing that sets Abena apart is its commitment to Mother Earth. The company has more eco-certifications and uses more environmentally friendly materials than any other premium diaper brand.
Try: Abena Pants Pull-Up Underwear, Level 3s
Hear it from a caregiver
“I finally found a leading adult underwear pull-up that is super absorbent, comfortable, and lightweight. It doesn’t look like you are wearing adult underwear because of its design. I’ve tried several other brands and they did not hold up like Abena. I would give them 5 stars because this product deserves a 5-star rating. If you don’t believe me, it can’t hurt you to try it out!!”
- Gwendolyn H.
Price: $26.49 - $139.99
Save Money With Autoship
We know premium brands can cost a little more than a mass market brand, which is why we have our Autoship & Save program. You’ll get 30% off your very first Autoship order, and get 5% off all future orders of many of the brands mentioned above. Plus, the convenience and reliability of recurring deliveries ensures you never run out of what you need the most.
Our Care Team Can Help You Choose a Premium Brand Diaper!
Premium brand diapers can save you money and provide peace of mind. But if you have product or sizing questions, get in touch! Our friendly Care Team speaks English and Spanish and is available 24/7. Call (800) 696-CARE or email 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.