If you or a loved one is experiencing incontinence, finding the best absorbent products can significantly improve your quality of life. When it comes to shopping for adult diapers, there are many options available and it can be overwhelming to figure out where to begin.
A question we often hear is: “What is the difference between cloth diapers and disposable diapers, and how do I know which is right for me?”
This article explores the key differences between cloth and disposable adult diapers, breaking down the most important factors to consider, including cost, convenience, environmental impact, comfort and lifestyle. We’ve also gathered the pros and cons of each type to help you make the most informed choice.
Please Note: The term “reusable diapers” is sometimes used interchangeably with “cloth diapers.” Both refer to diapers that feature an absorbent inner layer made of cotton, bamboo or other durable material that can be washed and reused. The outer layer is typically a waterproof material designed to keep moisture and fecal matter contained. In this article we will refer to these types of products as “cloth diapers.”
Factors to Consider
Cost
Cost is often the first concern for individuals and caregivers when choosing incontinence products. On average, a person managing moderate to heavy incontinence might use five to eight adult diapers per day. This number can vary significantly depending on the severity of the individual’s incontinence and how often changes are needed.
Disposable diapers have a lower initial cost and are widely available online and in drug stores. These costs can add up quickly, especially if you are using multiple diapers per day. Conversely, cloth diapers will require a more significant investment up front, but can be more cost-effective in the long run since they can be reused once clean.
As you are researching prices, it’s wise to check with your insurance provider and Medicaid incontinence product benefits in your state as well. Some private insurance plans or government-run programs (often called “waivers”) may cover the costs of adult diapers if they are considered medically necessary.
You may also want to explore nonprofits or local government programs that provide assistance for adult diaper services and supplies.
Environmental Impact
Another significant factor to consider is the environmental impact of cloth diapers vs. disposable diapers. While cloth diapers may seem like a more environmentally friendly option, it’s important to consider the resources required to clean and reuse cloth diapers, such as water, laundry detergent and energy.
Still, disposable diapers contribute more to landfill waste while cloth diapers tend to have a smaller ecological footprint over time.
Convenience
Incontinence can disrupt daily activities, so it’s crucial to find products that are convenient and easy to use without too much disruption to your typical daily routine. Many people base their buying decisions primarily on convenience, especially individuals with mobility challenges or caregivers assisting loved ones.
Cloth diapers need to be washed and dried regularly, and finding options for cloth diaper laundering services can be challenging in some areas. Keeping up with cleaning soiled diapers on your own or for your loved one can be a time-consuming task, particularly for people with more severe or heavier incontinence.
For many people managing incontinence, disposable diapers are often the more convenient choice. Some high-quality disposable diapers feature superabsorbent cores that can hold over a quart or more of fluid, which may allow them to be worn all day or all night before a change is necessary. Other advanced features include a wetness indicator that can be useful for caretakers to know when a change is needed; odor control technology and leak guards.
Comfort and Health
Cloth diapers are generally known to be more comfortable and made from natural fibers like cotton or bamboo, making them gentler on sensitive skin and less likely to cause irritation.
However, many of today’s leading disposable diapers are made with soft, clothlike materials designed to quickly wick moisture away and feel gentle against the skin. They often feature superabsorbent cores that keep the wearer dry and reduce the risk of diaper rash and other causes of incontinence-related skin breakdown.
Finding the best diaper for you depends strongly on your personal preferences, and you may need to try a few options to determine what feels most comfortable. Many disposable diaper brands offer free samples so you can try different types and sizes before buying in bulk.
Lifestyle
Ultimately, managing incontinence involves finding the products and routines that best fit your lifestyle. If you are active and frequently spend time outside your home, or require fewer diapers on average, disposable diapers may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if cost is a concern and you have time for laundry in your daily routine, you might prefer reusable cloth diapers. Some people find success in combining both — using cloth diapers at home and disposable diapers overnight or while traveling.
Now that we’ve discussed the important factors to consider when choosing between cloth and disposable diapers, let’s look at the pros and cons of each type.
Pros and Cons of Disposable Diapers
Pros
- Convenience: Disposable diapers are easy to use and simple to dispose of, even when you are away from home.
- Highly absorbent: Disposable diapers are made with highly absorbent materials, which help prevent leakage and diaper rash.
- Features: There are certain product features that can be unique to disposable diapers and are unlikely to be replicated in a cloth diaper. A couple of these features include:
- Elastic leg cuffs that provide a secure fit. Tranquility® brand has an exclusive Kufguard® feature that helps contain surging urine and guide it into the core, where it can be better absorbed.
- Wetness indicator, which is a line or image that may appear or disappear to let the wearer and/or caregiver know that a product is nearing its fluid capacity and it’s time for a change.
Cons
- Costly: Disposable diapers can be more expensive over time, especially for frequent users.
- Environmental impact: Disposable diapers contribute to landfill waste.
Pros and Cons of Cloth Diapers
Pros
- Cost-effective: While the initial expense may be higher, cloth diapers can save you money in the long run since they do not need to be replaced as frequently.
- Eco-friendly: Cloth diapers are reusable, making them a more sustainable choice compared to disposable options.
Cons
- Less absorbent: Cloth diapers usually do not absorb moisture as well as disposable versions, which can lead to more frequent need to change, more leaks and potential diaper rash or incontinence-related skin irritation.
- Discretion: Depending on their design, cloth diapers tend to be bulkier than disposable diapers, making them less discreet in many cases.
- Hygiene: Cloth diapers may begin to feel uncomfortable, especially if the wearer is away from home for an extended amount of time and does not have a spare, dry garment for changing. Storing a soiled garment until it can be thrown in a hamper could also feel unsanitary.
- Water usage: While they may have a lower impact in the landfill, cloth diapers do require the use of a lot of extra water and energy for washing.
- Time expense: It can take a lot of time out of one’s schedule to have additional loads of laundry to wash, dry and fold.
Types of Cloth Diapers
If you decide to explore cloth diapers, there are numerous types to choose from. We’ve broken down the different types of cloth diapers below.
Prefolds and Covers: These are flat pieces of cloth, usually made from cotton, that are pre-folded into three panels with the highest absorbency in the middle panel. Prefold cloth diapers need to be fastened with pins or clips, as well as a diaper cover to help prevent leaks. A diaper cover is usually made with waterproof material as an extra layer of protection.
Pocket Diapers: A pocket diaper is constructed in the shape of a disposable diaper, with elastic waist and leg openings to help prevent leaks. Inside is a pocket for an absorbent insert to be placed. Many people prefer pocket diapers over prefolds because they don’t require additional materials for fastening.
Fitted Diapers: Similar to prefolds, fitted cloth diapers require a diaper cover, but the inner piece is constructed with snaps and elastic for a better fit. This provides full coverage absorbency, which can be great for overnight use.
All-in-Ones: As their name suggests, all-in-one cloth diapers feature all the elements you need — an absorbent inner liner and a moisture-proof outer cover — sewn together in one piece. There’s no need to worry about complicated folds or fasteners, or remembering to use a diaper cover. When it comes to cloth diaper use, all-in-ones are arguably the simplest and most convenient option on the market.
Making the Best Choice for You
There is no obvious answer when choosing between cloth and disposable diapers. The best option is the one that suits your preferences, budget and daily routine. You may even find that you prefer to have both on hand — cloth diapers for days spent at home, and disposable options for traveling.
Regardless of which type of adult diapers you choose, it’s most important to make sure they fit properly and provide sufficient absorbency for your needs. If you are considering disposable diapers, check out this detailed guide, How to Buy Adult Diapers, for additional insights to help you in the process.
Managing incontinence doesn’t have to be stressful — with the right products and knowledge, you can find a solution that works for you and helps you maintain comfort and peace of mind.
