Incontinence Pants Types

Selecting the right type of incontinence pants is crucial to successfully managing incontinence. There are several standard types, each providing a different level of protection.

Stretch fabric incontinence pants
These garments, which look very much like normal underwear, provide discreet protection with a minimum of bulk and a maximum of comfort. Generally made of a stretchy lightweight knit, these pants may have an absorbent pad built in or may include a special pocket in the crotch area to hold a removeable, disposable pad. Pants and pads are often sold together in systems that offer the most secure fit.

• appropriate for: for light to moderate urinary incontinence

• inappropriate for: severe urinary incontinence or fecal incontinence

• useage: these pull up and down just like ordinary underwear, so may not be best for people with limited mobility

Drop Front Incontinence Pants
Like stretch fabric incontinence pants, this type is designed to be worn with a special incontinence pad. But unlike stretch pants, this style has a special front flap secured with either velcro or snaps. The front flap makes it possible to remove and change the pad without actually taking the pants down.

• appropriate for: people with light to medium urinary incontinence, who also have limited mobility

• inappropriate for: severe urinary incontinence or fecal incontinence

Waterproof  Incontinence Pants
This style is designed to be worn in combination with other incontinence underwear, such as briefs with an absorbent pad or adult diapers. Usually made of plastic, vinyl, rubber, or nylon, they provide the maximum in leak and wetness protection.

• appropriate for: people with medium to severe urinary incontinence, or for overnight use

• inappropriate for: people with light or intermittent incontinence, who need less secure protection.