Many adults who are coping with incontinence rely entirely on disposable products and are hesitant to even give adult cloth diapers and incontinence pads a try. But those who are willing to experiment may discover that reusables have some significant advantages.
Comfort
Fabric, whether cotton, flannel, terry, or gauze, is soft and non-abrasive, making it an excellent choice for anyone with sensitive skin.
Fabric incontinence pads and diapers also remain intact and in place even when wet, eliminating the breakdown and clumping that can be a problem with disposables and helping to prevent rashes, chafing, and other skin problems caused by wetness.
Economy
The initial cost of reusables may be higher than that of disposables, but they can be more economical in the long run. Even figuring in laundry costs, using cloth products at least part of the time can create significant savings. Though reusable products for adult incontinence can be difficult to find in retail outlets, products in every style, shape, and material can be purchased online and in many cases, quantity purchases are eligible for sizable discounts.
Reusable incontinence products make it easy to custom-tailor your garments to your exact needs. Reusables are available in an extensive variety of shapes, materials, forms, and sizes, ranging from traditional flat or folded diapers to contoured diapers and even pull-ons that look very much like ordinary underwear.
Using cloth diapers in combination (for example, using a flat diaper as a liner under a contoured or pull-on style) allows the wearer to fine-tune the exact amount of protection needed.
Absorbency and leak protection
Reusable products are highly absorbent, and many find that the right layering of cloth products worn under waterproof pants provides an outstanding leak protection they never achieved with disposables, particularly overnight or in other extended-wear situations.
For many people, one of the main disadvantages of incontinence underwear is “noticeability”, mainly in the form of unwanted bulk that is hard to disguise and can even make outer clothing fit poorly. In addition, the waterproof outer covering of many disposables can create an audible “rustle” that many find embarrassing and objectionable. Adult cloth diapers and other reusable products can be purchased in styles that are almost indistinguishable from ordinary underwear, and using the right combination of pads and liners minimizes bulk and eliminates rustling.
