Frequently Asked Questions

Why is C.U.P. important?

Absorbent products absorb more fluid under “free-swell” (no pressure) conditions than they retain under pressure. People using incontinence products are sitting, standing, walking and lying down – all of which exert pressure on the product. Concerned caregivers and end-users are acutely aware that retention is a key factor in incontinence management. We use this testing method to provide our customers the most accurate and transparent expectation of our products absorbency.

Why the color peach?

The peach-colored core assures you that the product is Tranquility brand. The patented composite structure of tissues, superabsorbent polymers, cellulose, and liquid-dispersing materials provide unparalleled performance. We guarantee unsurpassed overall performance in the areas of skin dryness, odor reduction, urine pH neutralization, and inhibition of bacterial growth.

How do Tranquility Incontinence Products promote a healthy skin environment?

Eliminating shear, friction, moisture, and heat can provide an ideal, healthy environment for skin. The soft, highly absorbent Tranquility peach core provides exactly that environment: it quickly absorbs fluid (urine and moisture) and wicks it away from the skin – locking it into the core. The surface feels dry and comfortable (not damp and cold). Skin pH is critical, and Tranquility products rapidly neutralize urine pH to provide the best environment to preserve skin integrity.

What is the difference between Tranquility and Essential?

Both Tranquility and Essential products have the same features and superabsorbent polymers. However, there is more superabsorbent polymer in the Premimum product than the Essential, which will support additional wear time. Instructions for use (guidelines) are the same for both products.

Do Tranquility Incontinence Product really help reduce odor?

Yes. The superabsorbent polymers neutralize the pH of ammonia in urine, thereby neutralizing urine odor. This improves the living environment and personal dignity.

What does an extended-wear incontinence product mean?

Typical incontinence products may need to be changed as often as every 2 hours or with every check. Tranquility is an extended-wear product because of the special superabsorbent polymers which wick fluids away from the skin and absorb 10 times their weight in liquid. This patented technology allows the product to be worn for longer periods of time, allowing residents to participate in activities and sleep longer with fewer interruptions. In addition, Tranquility products feature Kufguards®, which channel urine in the center and allows dispersion of liquid throughout the product, allowing all the superabsorbent polymers to be utilized before capacity is reached.

What is a booster pad and when should they be used?

Tranquility Booster Pads provide extra wetness protection that can assist in cases of heavy incontinence, where a diuretic medication is present, or more time is needed in between changes (to ensure a full night’s rest, or to take an outing, etc.).

How do I find the right size for my resident?

Use the weight-based sizing chart located on this website or the one provided to you by your Tranquility rep. If the product seems too big or small, or if you unsure, follow these directions:

Step 1: Identify the widest part of the hip area (not the belly, but the hip area).

Step 2: While your resident is lying down, start the tape measure touching the bed on one side of your resident

Step 3: Pull the tape measure over the widest part of the hip area to touch the other side of the bed.

Step 4: Read the inches and double it to identify the correct size.

Step 5: Locate the number on the sizing chart on the side of the bag or on our website

• If it is in-between sizes, start with the smaller size first to help prevent leaking. Here are additional tips:
• On a brief: if the tape tabs touch each other or overlap, the brief is too big.
• If the tape tabs only reach the sides of the resident, the brief is too small. Look for the tape tabs to fasten about where you feel the hip bones.

Which product should my resident be using?

In general, use a brief with tabs for your non-ambulatory residents. Use the pull-on disposable underwear (DAU) style for your ambulatory residents. They can also be used for residents with dementia that may be prone to taking off product themselves, as they require a little more effort than the tape tab style brief. Pull-on disposable underwear also work well for residents who are used to putting on and wearing traditional underwear.

When do I need to change my resident’s incontinence product?

The products are designed to hold more than one urine void. On a brief, look at the blue wetness indicator and wait to change until the line is about three fingers from the top of the yellow line (dry), on either side. If either the front or back wetness indicator is three fingers from the top, change the brief even though the other side says there is still capacity. If your resident shows signs of discomfort or asks to be changed, you should always adhere to their request. Make sure to give good peri-care with each change and inspect the skin for any breakdown. Please tell your supervisor if there are any changes to the skin.

If stool is present, change right away.

How often do I need to check my resident?

ALWAYS check with the protocol in your facility, or ask your supervisor. If the brief is not at capacity, as measured by the wetness indicator, then leave it on until it is checked again. Make sure your resident has a dry brief at the last check before sleeping so they can get more hours of restful sleep. Also, always turn your resident per facility protocols to prevent pressure ulcers.

How long can I leave a brief on my residents?

This varies between residents. It depends on variables such as: their oral (food and water) intake, diuretics, disease process, etc. Therefore, it is important to perform your routine checks and assess the wetness indicator. Change if there is evidence of a bowel movement or the wetness indicator shows that it has reached capacity.

My resident’s brief/diaper is leaking, why is this happening?

This may be due to one or more of the following reasons:

1. The product is too large. Disposable absorbent underwear (pull-on diapers) should fit like underwear briefs and not boxers. For briefs, the tape tabs should land just inside the hip bones towards the center of the front of the brief. If the tape tabs are too far in or overlap, the brief is too large.
2. Using too much barrier cream. With Tranquility, wetness is quickly wicked away from the skin, reducing or eliminating the need for barrier creams. Excessive use of barrier creams will rub onto the core of the brief and will block urine from being absorbed by the product. When applying barrier creams to areas of concern use a “pea” size amount to that area and don’t rub the excess on the inside of the Tranquility product.
3. The Kufguards®, inner leg cuffs, are not released. Be sure to tug at both ends of the brief and snap the Kufguards® open before applying. You should see the Kufguards® in an upright position prior to application.
4. Leaving a product on past capacity. Although Tranquility Incontinence Products are super absorbent and designed for extended-wear, when they reach capacity, they may leak. Refer to “When do I need to change my resident?”
5. If the problem persists, consider adding a booster pad for extra protection. This product adds extra absorbency and contains superabsorbent polymers which will wick the urine away from the skin to help keep the skin dry.

Is it true that using a larger product will provide more absorbency?

No. In fact, a product that is too large will not fit properly and therefore increase the chance for leakage around the legs and discomfort for your resident. It is critical that your resident is sized properly and the fit is correct.

Is it okay to use powders and creams if ordered?

Continue to use any creams and/or powders as ordered. These antifungals, etc. typically do not interfere with the performance of Tranquility products. Monitor the use and use your best judgement. Speak to your supervisor about any issues that may arise.

I have always applied a lot of barrier cream to protect my resident’s skin; will I need to continue with the barrier creams?

In most cases (when Tranquility Products are used correctly according to guidelines) the use of barrier cream greatly decreases or is eliminated completely. Heavy application of barrier cream can cause the cream to be transferred to the top layer of the product and clog the micropores that allow urine to be absorbed quickly by the layers underneath. Excessive barrier cream will make the resident feel cold and wet because urine beads on top of the product and will cause urine to leak out the sides of the brief.

In those cases where barrier cream may be appropriate for your resident, use a “pea” size amount to the affected area and rub it into the skin like you would hand lotion.

I have noticed redness in the groin area of a resident that was not present before. What could be causing this issue?

It may be related to the brief being too small or applied too tightly. When a brief is too small, it sometimes will cause too much pressure in the groin area. Please refer to the Brief Sizing Guide found in Resources to assess if the resident is in the appropriate size. Be sure to monitor the redness and adhere to your companies’ protocol.

What defines a meaningful “quality of life”?

A meaningful quality of life is a sense of happiness and peace of mind that stems from daily activities of wholesome living and caring. Tranquility products provide exceptional capacity and comfort. Needless/wasteful changes are eliminated and wearers can enjoy uninterrupted sleep and normal socialization – important factors of healing and wellness. In most cases, up to 6-8 hours of protection is provided before a change is needed. Caregivers and family members notice that when individuals sleep better, anxiety, irritation and agitation are significantly reduced. Tranquility products’ superior performance stops embarrassment, withdrawal, and social isolation while creating a more inviting atmosphere for family and friends.