Types of incontinence products

January 25, 2018

Val DuVernet

Equally important to understanding your patients’ incontinence levels and needs is knowing the various types of incontinence products available. This incontinence product guide explores common characteristics of:

Liners
Pads
Guards
Belted Shields
Pants Systems
Protective Underwear
Fitted Briefs
Underpads

	Liners	Pads	Guards	Belted Shields	Pad & Pants Systems	Protective Underwear	Fitted Brief
Also known as	Pads, Guards	Pads, Liners	Pads, Liners	Belted pads, Belted liners	Pads	Disposable underwear, Pull-ups	Disposable briefs, Adult diapers
Incontinence level	Light – moderate	Light – moderate	Light – moderate	Moderate	Moderate – heavy	Moderate – heavy	Moderate – heavy
Sizes available	Varied lengths	Varied lengths	Varied	Varied	XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL	XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL	XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Worn with/as	Underwear; Mesh pants; Protective underwear	Underwear; Mesh pants; Protective underwear	Underwear; Mesh pants; Protective underwear	Worn in place of underwear	Worn in place of underwear, with reusable knit pants	Worn in place of underwear	Worn in place of underwear
Adjustable?	Location adjustable	Location adjustable	Location adjustable	Adjustable belt	Comes sized	Comes sized	Adjustable by adhesive, elastic or hook and loop closure
Odor control?	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Discrete?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes and No	Yes	No
Appropriate for limited mobility?	No	No	No	Yes, for easy removal and low profile but only moderate incontinence need	No	Yes, with tear-away sides for easy removal	Yes, for maximum absorbency, skin protection and easy removal

Liners

Incontinence liners are generally used for moderate and light incontinence. They come in varied levels of absorbency and lengths and are usually used with, and held in place by, absorbent briefs or protective underwear. There are options with or without adhesives to keep the incontinence liners in place.

Pads

Incontinence pads are primarily designed to provide discrete protection from moderate or light incontinence. They are often worn with regular underwear or with reusable incontinence briefs. Pads come in a variety of absorbencies and are designed to protect the skin from moisture. Pads come with and without adhesive.

Guards

Incontinence guards are often gender-specific for men. These absorbent, contoured incontinence pads are often grouped with liners or pads as they are also secured in underwear or reusable incontinence briefs and are used for light to moderate incontinence protection. Guards are contoured to the male anatomy to provide improved incontinence protection.

Belted Shields

Belted shields are usually pads or liners with the added feature of an adjustable belt for improved security and positioning. Offered in varied absorbencies, they can be used for light to moderate incontinence. Belted shields can be worn beneath regular underwear and are typically a little less bulky then protective underwear. They are also easy to remove and change.

Pads and Pants Systems

Some brands offer pants "systems" which are comprised of reusable underwear that holds a disposable incontinence pad designed for moderate or heavy incontinence protection. The pads are specifically designed for those systems but are often sold separately.

Protective Underwear

Protective incontinence underwear is a one-piece garment using elastic for easy pull on and off. These are also referred to as pull-ups. Protective underwear offers various levels of absorbency to meet the needs of moderate to heavy incontinence. They are used for both day and night and some brands incorporate odor control elements.

Fitted Briefs

Fitted incontinence briefs are generally used for moderate to heavy incontinent and are sometimes referred to as adult diapers. These are one-piece garments that come with and without elasticized legs, with waistbands that are adjustable with adhesive, elastic or hook and loop closures. Fitted briefs are also available with outer materials of cloth or plastic for added protection.

Underpads

In addition to wearable incontinence products, disposable underpads can be used for backup protection, though are not recommended for use as a sole protection against incontinence. Available in a variety of absorbencies, underpads offer bed and furniture protection and can also be used during general procedures and wound care.

The product information contained in this document, including the product images and additional product materials, was collected from various supplier sources. All product claims and specifications are those of the product suppliers, not McKesson Medical-Surgical or its affiliates (“McKesson”) and have not been independently verified by McKesson. McKesson is not responsible for errors or omissions in the product information.

The properties of a product may change or be inaccurate following the posting or printing of the product information in the document, either in the print or online version. Caution should be exercised when using or purchasing any products from McKesson’s online or print documents by closely examining the product packaging and the labeling prior to use.

Due to product changes, information listed in this document is subject to change without notice. This information is placed solely for your convenience in ordering and McKesson disclaims all responsibility for its completeness and accuracy, whether or not the inaccuracy or incompleteness is due to fault or error by McKesson.

Be advised that the information contained herein is intended to serve as a useful reference for informational purposes only and is not complete clinical information. This information is intended for use only by competent healthcare professionals exercising judgment in providing care. McKesson cannot be help responsible for the continued currency of or for any errors or omissions in the information.