Choosing the Right Incontinence Pads for Your Wheelchair
March 19, 2025
By Robert Recker
Navigating life with incontinence as a wheelchair user can be particularly challenging. Finding the right incontinence supplies can help you be more comfortable, boost your confidence and give you the protection you need. Whether you’re dealing with urinary or fecal incontinence, making an informed choice about your products is crucial for maintaining skin health, minimizing leaks and improving your overall well-being.
Whether you are a caretaker, a healthcare professional or experiencing incontinence yourself, this guide aims to equip you with valuable insights to help you choose the best incontinence pads for your needs.
Understanding the Incontinence Challenges Faced by Wheelchair Users
For wheelchair users, managing incontinence involves specific considerations, including:
- Skin Irritation and Pressure Sores – Sitting on a wheelchair cushion for extended periods of time can cause a buildup of moisture and lead to irritation or pressure sores if the skin isn’t properly cared for. This can be avoided by finding the right products and using them correctly.
- Mobility and Independence Concerns – For many wheelchair users, changing incontinence products may require assistance, making it particularly important to find products that fit properly and are easy to use.
Types of Incontinence
Understanding the type of incontinence you’re managing will help determine the best pad for your needs:
- Urinary Incontinence – This involves involuntary urine leakage, which can range from minor to complete loss of bladder control. There are various subtypes including stress incontinence, urge incontinence and others that you can read about in our Incontinence Guide.
- Fecal Incontinence – This refers to the inability to control bowel movements, requiring highly absorbent products with effective odor control technology.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Incontinence Products
When selecting incontinence pads, there are countless options, including personal care pads, liners and booster pads to pair with protective underwear or disposable briefs – to name a few. (We cover all of this in our guide: The Most Popular Types of Pads for Urinary Incontinence. It explains everything you need to know to determine which type is best suited for you.)
Whichever you choose, be sure to consider these important factors for wheelchair users:
Absorbency Level
Different levels of incontinence require different absorbency levels. Light protection works well for minor urine leaks, while heavy-duty versions are designed for complete bladder or bowel control loss.
Size and Shape
The right fit ensures comfort and prevents leaks. Look for pads designed to contour the body, especially for extended periods of sitting. Pay attention to the length of the pad as well. A longer pad can significantly reduce the risk of leakage.
Material and Breathability
Incontinence products made with breathable materials help regulate moisture and reduce the risk of skin irritation, which is particularly crucial for wheelchair users. Opt for products labeled as “latex-free” or “hypoallergenic” to prevent rashes and skin breakdown.
Odor Control Technology
It’s common to be concerned about odor when dealing with incontinence in your daily life, especially if mobility issues prevent you from changing your pads frequently. Quality brands use advanced technology to neutralize odors, helping you stay fresh throughout the day.
Additional Features
- Secure fit and fasteners – While most pads come with adhesive strips, some feature wings or tabs to keep them in place, which prevents shifting during movement.
- Leakage protection – Look for styles with leak guards or extra absorbent cores to keep fluid contained
Tips for Using Incontinence Pads Effectively
Proper Application
As mentioned above, applying the product with care is crucial for preventing leaks and discomfort. Your product should come with specific instructions, but in general, these are the steps to follow in order to apply an incontinence pad correctly:
- Clean and dry the skin before applying a new pad.
- Remove packaging and adhesive backing.
- Fold the pad lengthwise, forming a cup-like shape, to engage leak guards.
- Position the pad securely inside the underwear.
- Adjust fasteners or adhesive strips to keep the pad in place.
- Pull the underwear up, ensuring the pad fits to the body’s contours securely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not changing frequently enough. Everyone has different needs depending on bladder control, fluid intake and frequency of urination or bowel movements. A good rule of thumb is to change the pad anytime it becomes wet. If you know that may be a challenge at times, consider lining the wheelchair cushion with an underpad for an added layer of protection.
- Using a product with the wrong absorbency level. Pay attention to the capacity level of the incontinence product and choose according to the amount of urine that you typically release. Given that it may be more challenging for wheelchair users to change a pad, consider opting for a higher absorbency level. If a pad is not sufficient, you may benefit from protective underwear or disposable briefs, which can offer higher absorbency.
- Incorrect placement. Depending on your gender and the type of incontinence you are managing, it’s important to place the pad in the best position for your needs. For example, men will want to place it closer to the front of their underwear, whereas women should place it further back.
- Incorrect pad type. Selecting the right pad can be confusing if you do not know the difference between a regular, plastic-backed pad and a “booster” pad. A regular pad or liner had a poly or plastic, waterproof back that does not allow liquid to pass through. This type of pad is meant to be used in regular underwear. regular underwear.
Skin Care Routine
For wheelchair users managing incontinence, maintaining healthy skin is essential. The pressure from sitting in a wheelchair for long periods of time, combined with exposure to moisture, can lead to irritation or infections. A proper skincare routine helps protect your skin, ensuring comfort and quality of life.
Importance of Regular Cleaning
The first step in preventing irritation is keeping your skin clean and dry. Here are a few products we recommend as well as tips on how best to use them.
Recommended Skin Care Products
Gentle cleansers – Harsh soaps can interrupt the pH levels in your skin, leading to dryness and irritation. Instead, choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleansers designed for sensitive skin.
Cleansing Wipes – Look for alcohol-free, fragrance-free wipes. This gives you a quick and effective way to cleanse the skin between pad changes, especially at a time when a full shower or bath isn’t possible.
Daily Moisturizer – Use a light, non-greasy moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. Look for natural ingredients like aloe vera or shea butter.
Managing Odor
Odor-Neutralizing Products
High-quality incontinence products usually feature odor-lock technology that helps neutralize odors before they become noticeable. You can also use deodorizing sprays as long as they aren’t too harsh for your skin. Look for dermatologist-approved, alcohol-free formulas.
Air Circulation
Another way to manage odor is to make sure you have sufficient air circulation, especially as a wheelchair user. Here are some tips
- Wear breathable, cotton undergarments and clothing.
- Slightly shift your sitting position when possible.
- Try using a vented wheelchair cushion to promote airflow.
- When possible, give yourself brief periods of time without a pad or protective undergarment.
Choosing the appropriate incontinence pad can lead to more comfort, enhanced dignity and greater freedom for wheelchair users. By considering factors like absorbency, fit and skin health, you can find the perfect product to support your lifestyle. With the right care routine and high-quality supplies, managing incontinence can become a less stressful experience.
Need Help?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, don’t worry. Our dedicated customer service representatives are just a phone call away.
Ring us at 1-866-865-6101, and we’ll help you find that perfect overnight adult diaper that’ll give you the sleep you’ve been dreaming of. We’re always here to make your nights better and your days brighter!
You may also complete a brief survey for a free product sample here.
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