Bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and there is not one singular continence aid design that will suit every body type. 

Since many have to navigate through a variety of options, traditionally without much guidance, it can require a bit of trial and error to find out which product works the best for your needs and situation.

ConfidenceClub ambassador and continence nurse, Jane Clarke, shares what signs indicate that your incontinence product may not be right for you. So read on to find out more!

The product slips down when wet, leaks or gapes at the leg

If you experience any of the above when wearing your incontinence aids, it can be a sign that the product is too big. Incontinence products perform their best when the fit is snug to the body (without being uncomfortable or restrictive), so they can effectively lock in and absorb any liquid without unwanted leaks.

Make sure to measure your waist and hips and check the size guide to get an idea of which size would be the best fit for you before purchasing. Remember that we have our It Fits or It’s Free 100% money back guarantee, too, so if you order the wrong size from us, simply contact us and we can exchange the item for the right size.

The product irritates or leaves marks on the skin

On the other hand, if you notice the product is quite uncomfortable or tight to wear, or you have irritation or marks on the skin after removal, this is a sign the product is too small.

While you want the product to be snug, it should never leave marks on the body - this is especially important to remember if you’re caring for someone else who experiences incontinence. Be sure to measure your waist and hips and cross-check your measurements against the size guide to help you choose the right fit.

However, if you find the skin feels irritated despite the product being the correct size, make sure to change your products as soon as they are wet. Having your skin in extended contact with wet incontinence aids can increase the risk of skin irritation or incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD), so changing them as soon as possible when wet can help reduce the risk.

The product isn't the correct absorbency level for your needs

As well as making sure your product is the right size and fits snugly, it's equally important to choose an option with the correct absorbency level for your needs.

For example, if you have light leakage, a pad or guard should be sufficient so you don’t need a pull-up or slip - which are larger products and therefore more expensive.

If you have a moderate amount of leakage and are still mobile, a pull-up is a comfortable option that can look and feel like normal underwear - as well as coming in different sizes and absorbencies.

If you do lose large volumes of urine, have limited or no control, and/or have difficulty with mobility (or care for someone who does), an all-in-one slip is a great option that contains more urine and is easier to change. 

There are also large capacity pads that can be used inside disposable pants, known as a pad and pant system, these can also be suitable for ease of changing.

It’s also important to remember that doubling up the product doesn’t provide double the protection, either - so if you need to increase absorbency capacity, consider looking for a product with a higher maximum capacity or adding a booster pad to a pull-up or slip.

The product isn't suitable for your type of incontinence

Some people only experience urinary incontinence, while others can experience faecal incontinence or double incontinence (both urinary and faecal incontinence at the same time).

Not all incontinence products offer suitable protection for faecal incontinence and should have good coverage at the back to contain any soiling, so make sure you read the description of the product to see if it mentions suitability for bowel incontinence. Otherwise, you could consider adding a booster pad inside of a pull-up or slip.

We know it can sometimes be tricky to find the product that works for you - but that’s where we come in! If you need any assistance or guidance, you can contact us and speak to our friendly customer service team who are here to answer any questions or queries.