How to Choose the Right Bed Pads for Incontinence - Tranquility Products

When it comes to managing incontinence, selecting the right bed pad is essential for ensuring comfort, protection and peace of mind. A bed pad, also known as an underpad, provides an effective barrier to protect your mattress from urinary leakage, while keeping you or your loved ones comfortable throughout the night. With so many options available on the market, knowing which features to prioritize can help you make the best choice.

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This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the right bed pads for incontinence, including key factors like absorbency level, material and additional features to fit your specific needs.

The Importance of Bed Pads for Managing Incontinence

Bed pads are an essential product for anyone dealing with incontinence. They not only protect bedding and furniture but also provide a clean and hygienic environment for sleeping and resting. Whether you’re looking for reusable bed pads or disposable ones, the ultimate goal is the same — providing comfort and protection as well as easy cleanup.

The right bed pad can:

• Protect your mattress and furniture from damage.
• Minimize skin irritation and discomfort by wicking away moisture.
• Reduce nighttime disturbances, so you can experience quality sleep.
• Simplify daily clean-up routines.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Bed Pads

Absorbency Level

Absorbency is one of the most critical factors when purchasing incontinence bed pads. Some bed pads are designed for light leakage, while others can handle heavy voids or overnight leakage.

Look for options with superabsorbent cores, which trap moisture effectively and keep it away from the skin. For example, Tranquility® Air-Plus® Extra-Strength Breathable Underpads made with absorbent material hold and lock in up to 34 ounces of liquid, ensuring maximum protection.

Size and Shape

Bed pads come in various sizes and shapes. For full bed coverage, consider a larger bed pad that can extend across the entire mattress, such as 30” x 36” pads. For smaller surfaces, compact options may be sufficient. Be sure to select a bed pad that fits well and provides adequate protection for your specific situation, whether it’s for a bed, chair or wheelchair.

Material and Breathability

Materials play a big role in both comfort and quality. Opt for a bed pad with a soft quilted top layer that is gentle on the skin and made with breathable materials. This allows air to circulate, reducing the chance of irritation, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin.

Washable bed pads are usually made from durable fabrics that can withstand multiple washes, while disposable pads offer the convenience of easy cleanup.

Odor Control

Many brands design bed pads with odor-neutralizing technologies to trap smells along with moisture. If odor control is a major concern, look for products specifically designed to minimize odors, such as those with moisture-wicking features or high-absorbency layers.

Additional Features to Look For in a Bed Pad

Some bed pads come with extra features that can enhance your experience:

Waterproof Backing

For reliable protection, look for bed pads with a waterproof backing. This feature ensures that no moisture leaks through the pad and onto your mattress or furniture, keeping surfaces dry and free of damage. Waterproof layers are especially important if you’re looking for overnight protection or if you are managing heavy leaks.

Secure Fit

Some bed pads come with adhesive strips or fasteners to hold them securely in place. This helps prevent the underpad from shifting during use, providing secure coverage and preventing unnecessary messes. Pads without these features may shift, which can make them less effective.

Hypoallergenic Options

If you or your loved one has sensitive skin or allergies, look for hypoallergenic bed pads. These products are made without irritating chemicals and dyes, so they’re gentle and safe for extended use.

Washable vs. Disposable Bed Pads

Like other incontinence products, you can choose between washable bed pads and disposable versions. Here are some key benefits of each to help you decide what will work best for you.

Washable bed pads

Washable bed pads are reusable and environmentally friendly. They can be more expensive initially, but cost-efficient over time. They’re ideal for people who prefer sustainable options or want to cut costs.

Disposable bed pads

Disposable pads are convenient and easy to dispose of, making them a preferable option for busy caretakers or during travel.

Making the Right Decision

Selecting the best bed pad is an empowering step toward managing your incontinence with confidence and ease. By focusing on the factors mentioned above, you can find the perfect bed pad to protect your bedding, simplify cleanup and improve your overall quality of life.

For more helpful insights on finding the right bed pad for your incontinence needs, check out this article that provides more tips for finding the right bed pad.

A good night’s sleep can feel especially elusive when you have incontinence concerns.

From frequent wake-ups to needing to change your sheets — incontinence pads are one solution that can help you protect your bed linens and mattress. You traditionally place these pads over your sheets to keep fluids from reaching your sheets and mattress.

We’ve compiled a list of the best incontinence bed pads and other options to help you sleep better (and drier) at night.

As a nurse who has cared for patients from a few days old to 100, I’ve also used many incontinence bed products to help my patients stay dry. I’ve used many of the products on this list and ruled out some that did not work as well in terms of protection and skin integrity.

• Discreet: Medline – Heavy absorbency underpads
• Ulta-absorbent: Medline Ultrasorbs premium underpads
• Best for larger-area protection: Extra-large waterproof mattress pad
• Reusable, washable bed pads: PharMeDoc reusable bed pads for incontinence
• Waterproof, reusable bed pads: Cardinal Health essentials reusable underpad
• Best breathable bed pad: Incontinence washable bed pad
• Best positioning bed pads: Bed positioning pad with reinforced handles

You can use incontinence bed pads any time you’re worried your bed linens may be soiled due to incontinence (urine or stool) or bleeding. Some examples include:

• For a child who has frequent bedwetting episodes.
• After a surgical procedure, like a prostatectomy.
• In the recovery period after childbirth.
• For a loved one who has periods of bladder or bowel incontinence.

There are a number of conditions, including dementia and post-stroke, that can result in incontinence. Using incontinence bed pads can help keep linens clean.

Some are washable while others are disposable. What’s most important is that you choose a bed pad that protects your skin and linens.

We kept in mind that pads may be used for urinary or bowel issues and looked for a mix of disposable and washable options to enable you to pick the one you most prefer. We took into account factors like:

• absorption
• material comfort (for example, smoother and softer surfaces are better for skin integrity)
• size
• components
• construction when selecting the best options

We scoured medical supply sites and some of the country’s largest retailers to identify the best incontinence bed pad options.

As a nurse, I’ve used many of the products that made the list, and I was able to rule out some that didn’t work as well for protecting bedding or skin.

Want more information on incontinence bed protectors? Feel free to contact us.

Pricing guide

Incontinence pads come in a variety of options and price points. Remember to consider how many pads you get when evaluating disposable options. Here’s how we broke down pricing in this article:

• $ = under $25
• $$ = $25 to $50
• $$$ = over $50

Most discreet

Price: $$ for a box of 50

When I worked in a busy intensive care unit, these disposable pads were always our top choice for those who were bed-bound and had thin skin or pressure ulcer concerns. These pads are super-soft, so they’re less likely to cause friction and shear injuries.

In addition to the soft benefits, they’re very absorbent. I also like that they’re pre-folded, which makes it easy to stash a few in your suitcase when you’re traveling. If I can say one drawback, it’s that those who toss and turn end up with some of the soft “fluff” on their backside. So if you’re a restless sleeper, you may want to check out the next option in the odor-reducing category.

Ultra absorbent

Price: $$$ for 70

These disposable, ultra-absorbent pads were what the nursing team at my hospital affectionately called “the good pads.” They’re soft, ultra-thin, and have a backsheet that’s impermeable to liquids. As an added benefit, because they’re so absorbent, they offer odor-controlling properties.

The main drawback for these pads is they’re slightly smaller than some other pads. Most of the sizes I reviewed were 36 by 36 inches. But these are 23 by 36. If you need a larger-sized pad, consider some I recommend in the oversized category.

Best for larger-area protection

Price: $

If you’re constantly tossing and turning in bed, finding a protective pad that spans most of your bed can prove difficult. This mattress pad comes in an extra-large size of 34 by 54 inches (a queen-size mattress is usually about 60 inches in width).

As an additional advantage, the darker color is less likely to show stains than some of the lighter-color pad alternatives. This can serve as an advantage because you’ll likely need to frequently wash and re-use the pad.

Reusable, washable bed pad

Price: $

This washable, super-absorbent bed pad can hold up to 8 cups of fluid. When I was reviewing all the options, this pad was the best all-around option because it was absorbent, oversized (34 by 52 inches), and built to withstand 300 or more washes.

The pad features four layers, with the bottom layer having an anti-skid barrier to keep the pad in place as you sleep. The soft, top-most surface is also skin-friendly.

Waterproof, reusable bed pads

Price: $

This machine-washable, waterproof pad has PVC backing to offer protection for your mattress and sheets. What’s also great about this pad in particular is the PVC backing, which helps to make the pad non-slip.

The darker pattern will also help to conceal stains until you wash the pad. Its soft, quilted material will be skin-friendly (an added bonus).

Best breathable bed pad

Price: $$

If you always wake up sweating or need to use all-natural materials, this bed pad is an excellent option. While many bed pads are made with artificial fibers (like polyester or PVC), this option is made with cotton and bamboo.

The pad is made to be used on either side. So if it’s summer and you’re feeling the heat, switching the pad to the bamboo side may help you stay cooler.

Using natural fibers doesn’t mean you sacrifice absorption. According to the pad’s manufacturers, the absorptivity is up to 1 liter of fluid (that’s quite a bit). At 39 by 55 inches, it’s also a larger size. The main drawback is the pad is a little pricier than many washable options, but if it keeps you more comfortable, it could be worth the price increase.

Best positioning bed pads

Price: $$$

If your loved one requires total care, a positioning bed pad features handles to hold onto so you can assist your loved one in turning, pulling up in the bed, or for transfers from the bed to a wheelchair or stretcher. This positioning pad features 14 reinforced handles and is strong enough for re-positioning and absorbent enough to serve as an incontinence protective pad.

The pad can help you transfer a person up to 400 pounds and is made to withstand frequent washings.

An incontinence pad isn’t the only option for protecting your bed and keeping you dry. Other options include:

• Wearable pads. There are pads that fit in your underwear and are designed specifically for incontinence, like these options by Depend for Men.
• Incontinence underwear. The brief itself is made from absorbent fabric, like these options from Thinx.
• Waterproof mattress covers. There are water-repellant mattress covers designed like a fitted sheet. Or there are covers that fully enclose the mattress to repel moisture, like this non-vinyl option from SafeRest.
• Disposable fitted sheets. These PEELAWAYS fitted sheets are disposable and cover the entire bed. You can peel away the top fitted sheet layer to reveal another bed pad. The main catch with these is they’re only made for twin XL sizes, so you must have a bed that specifically fits this option.

When I was working as a bedside nurse, incontinence bed pads were something we put on all the beds over draw sheets (folded sheets we use to help pull up or turn a patient in bed). The biggest issues I saw with these pads, also called underbed pads, was their constant migration up to the upper or middle back — and not where you needed them to be, which is under the buttocks.

To combat this, I recommend:

• Placing the pad in a lower position in the bed. It usually only goes higher, not lower.
• Making an effort to pull the pad back down any time you or your loved one gets up.
• Doubling up on pads, if needed, to facilitate future bed changes. For example, if you know you’re likely going to have an overnight accident, going ahead and placing two pads means you can remove and dispose of the top one, and you have another ready to go.
• Placing one pad in the horizontal position and the other vertically. This positioning can be a “catch-all” for any messes.

Tips on changing used pads and sheets when the bed is occupied

If you’re changing pads for a loved one who’s bed-bound or has difficulty with transfers, you can also use some nursing tricks to replace the pad or linens without having your loved one get out of bed.

1. Turn your loved one to one side of the bed.
2. Roll up the pad/sheet halfway until it’s rolled along the length of your loved one, slightly tucked underneath them.
3. Placing the clean, new pad halfway on the bed, roll the pad to meet the part under your loved one. For example, if your loved one is turned on to the left side of the bed, the new pad will be flat on the right side of the bed with its other half rolled up behind your loved one.
4. Turn your loved one over the rolled edges of both pads on to their other side and the clean pad.
5. Finish rolling up the dirty pad/sheet and remove the dirty pad and any other dirty linens.
6. Continue unrolling the clean pad/ putting the clean sheets in place.

Incontinence bed pads can be one of several strategies you can utilize to protect your bed and sheets if you experience episodes of incontinence. You can use these pads alone or in combination with other incontinence products to help you or a loved one.

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