When dealing with incontinence, having the right products can make a big difference, and making sure those products are used appropriately is just as important.

Incontinence pads and supplies are a household need. However, due to the troublesome cultural "taboo" that remains surrounding incontinence, many people are still uninformed of the best practices for their health. Good bodily hygiene boosts self-esteem, which also benefits mental health.

Incontinence pads are designed to contain incontinence and allow people time to get to the toilet to pass their urine or faeces. They help prevent any leakage onto the person’s clothing, chair, or bed, and the proper use should reduce skin rashes, smell, and the risk of infections. They are not designed as an alternative to using a toilet.

There are many different types of pads, so the choice should suit the person’s incontinence needs, and they should be changed regularly to prevent skin problems.

The average amount of urine held in a person’s bladder is about 300-400mL's during the day and 500–800mL's during the night, so pads should be changed about every 4-6 hours or as soon as possible after they become wet or soiled.

Some older adults cannot hold these bladder amounts and can also produce more urine during the night. Pads should not be used for multiple “accidents” because re-used incontinence pads will break down and are more likely to leak. Most people use between 4 and 6 pads per 24-hour day.

When your incontinence pad becomes wet, you should always replace it since wearing it for an extended time can contribute to unpleasant smells, poor hygiene, and skin issues. Irritation and chaffing can also develop if you keep a pad on for too long, whether wet or dry.

Naturally, sleeping prevents you from changing your pad every 3-6 hours. As a result, it's preferable to use pads with a higher absorbency designed for night-time usage. We usually recommend using one of our Dailee Pants Super (Ultra) for the night and adding a booster pad for that extra protection if needed.
It's also crucial to replace your overnight pad as soon as you wake up.

If people are changing incontinence pads more frequently, it could be because they’re having problems with:

• Retention of urine, which makes the person think they need to pass more urine and can cause incontinence
• Physical activities such as lifting when the bladder is unable to hold on
• Poor fluid intake, which causes concentrated urine, which then irritates the bladder and can cause constipation
• Dementia, when some people “forget” to go to the toilet or experience confusion around toileting
• Nocturia, when the person needs to get up many times during the night to go to the toilet
• Constipation, which can upset the bladder and also cause faecal incontinence

If you suffer incontinence but have not seen a doctor, remember that seeking assistance is a sign of strength, not weakness. However intimidating at first, confiding in a friend or loved one may be a considerable relief. Finally, you'll be prepared to face everyday obstacles without fear of leaks by employing the correct products.

When it comes to how often to replace incontinence pads, keep in mind that you should always change them before they become too wet, and keep your intimate region dry and clean.