The word “pads” can refer to several different health products. These products include menstrual pads (also known as period pads or sanitary napkins) primarily used by women, and also incontinence pads that both men and women use for bladder leaks.
Most companies make incontinence pads for small or medium accidents. Tranquility Incontinence Products, however, makes pads in several different styles with different protection levels from light to maximum-duty options that hold a lot of urine and can even help manage bowel accidents.
In this article you will learn about different types of incontinence pads, and discover expert tips to find the perfect incontinence pads for you. Stay comfortable and confident with this comprehensive guide.
Are Menstrual Pads and Incontinence Pads the Same?
Menstrual pads and incontinence pads are not the same. Because they are designed to manage different types of bodily fluids, they are made from different absorbent materials and have different product features that help them absorb their intended fluids more effectively. Menstrual pads are typically designed to be smaller and thinner, with more discretion in mind to stay hidden and conform to the body. Incontinence pads tend to be designed with more functionality in mind, and may be larger and more conspicuous, but have the ability to absorb larger amounts without leaking.
Styles of Incontinence Pads
Some brands, like Tranquility, make many different kinds of incontinence pads. Tranquility’s line of Personal Care Pads most closely resemble the design of menstrual pads. Tranquility also makes a product designed to fit a man’s anatomy called a Male Guard, as well as a larger, more heavy-duty type of incontinence pad called Adult Liners.
Finally, Tranquility offers a whole line of products known as booster pads, which are altogether different from other incontinence pads. Booster pads are designed to be used inside of another disposable absorbent product, with a flow-through design that captures and holds a certain amount of urine before allowing additional liquid to pass through it, to be absorbed by the brief or pull-on below. This extends the wear time of incontinence garments, so wearers can change less often and experience greater peace of mind against leaks and accidents.
It’s important to understand the difference between personal care pads and booster pads. Personal care pads have a waterproof plastic backing and are designed to be worn inside of normal underwear. Boosters must be worn inside another absorbent disposable garment, or leaks will occur.
Tips for Choosing the Best Incontinence Pads for You
Here are some features you may wish to look for in an incontinence pad:
- Soft and breathable material for optimal comfort, extra noise discretion and a reduction in rashes or skin breakdown
- Larger oval or hourglass shape or long length of the pad to provide extra coverage
- Adhesive strip that fastens to the underwear and keeps the pad from sliding around and causing discomfort or leaks
Some incontinence pads, like the personal care pads, shields and liners made by Tranquility, also feature superabsorbent polymers with advanced technology that neutralizes pH and inhibits the growth of bacteria. This helps keep skin healthy and control odors.
Learn more about incontinence pad options in this comprehensive guide, “The 5 Best Incontinence Pads for Heavy Leakage.”
Incontinence Pad Absorbency Levels
Incontinence pads offer a range of protection needs:
- Very light absorbency
- Light absorbency
- Moderate absorbency
- Overnight absorbency
- Ultimate absorbency
Read below for some specific Tranquility product recommendations to match your absorbency needs.
Which Incontinence Pad Offers Light Absorbency?
Tranquility Male Guards are some of the best incontinence pads for very light to moderate absorbency needs with coverage where it counts.
Male Guards provide Maximum Leakage Defense™ for men with gentle side elastics that form a cup shape to securely and comfortably move with the body, creating a barrier against leakage. The soft, absorbent core quickly draws and locks in up to 9.5 oz of fluid, for odor control and protecting sensitive skin from rash and breakdown.
The clothlike, moisture-proof material combined with an adhesive strip allows the guard to be securely worn in snug-fitting underwear, for quiet, rustle-free movement with no uncomfortable sliding, awkward adjusting or leaks.
Offering 12.25″ x 5.25″ of coverage area, Male Guards can handle the movements of an active lifestyle while providing leakage protection and eliminating urine odors.
Is there a difference between daytime and nighttime protection?
Yes, the main difference between daytime and nighttime protection is the amount of fluid that urinary incontinence pads can hold. Daytime pads tend to be a bit smaller in size and hold less, so they can be designed with a bit more discretion in mind to blend in under clothing. Nighttime pads typically have more fluid capacity, so they can resemble more thick incontinence pads.
Tranquility Personal Care Pads come in two levels of absorbency. The Ultimate version is 13.5″ x 6.5″ in size and holds 9.5 oz/282 mL, making it an ideal option for daytime protection. It’s even individually wrapped for hygienic protection and easy portability in a purse or pocket. The OverNight version (16.5″ x 7.5″) holds 12.5 oz/370 mL for the extra absorbency you need to avoid the need to change during the night.
What incontinence pad holds the most urine?
In addition to the two Tranquility Personal Care Pads options detailed above, Tranquility also offers the Tranquility Adult Liner for maximum absorbency and extra coverage. Offering a larger surface area than retail pads, these liners offer a sense of confidence that you will be protected against heavy urinary incontinence. For added protection, the plastic outer material gives you security that fluid cannot leak through. Finally, the liner has 24″ x 9″ of coverage and 15.5 oz (458 mL) of fluid capacity, to provide enhanced confidence combined with the freedom to wear this product in your regular underwear.
How often should incontinence pads be changed?
Like with all incontinence products, incontinence pads should be changed when the skin is exposed to fluid or liquid for an extended time (over 10-15 minutes) or immediately if the skin is exposed to bowel or feces.
If you need help selecting the right products for your needs, please call a Tranquility Care Center representative at 1-866-865-6101, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. EST or email CustomerService@pbenet.com.
Robert Recker
Robert is a Senior Manager of Content Marketing for Principle Business Enterprises, parent company of Tranquility Incontinence Products. He has 15 years of experience creating online educational content in the healthcare industry, specializing in medical supplies.
For more information or questions about this article, please call 1-419-352-1551 or email CustomerService@pbenet.com.
