Why Double Diapering Is Not the Best Solution for You

This is NOT true! When you use double diapers, each of these absorbent products contain a moisture barrier, which does not allow fluid to flow through. When a product does not provide the proper absorbency, more leaks may occur and using two diapers instead of one diaper does not fix this issue.

When a leak occurs it is important to identify the cause. Improper size and product choice are the leading reasons for leakage, so before you consider a double diaper, let’s help you find the right product.

What does the right adult diaper fit have to do with doubling diapers?

When leakage occurs, it is common for individuals to try a larger size of adult diaper to increase the absorption capacity and protection. While you might gain a few more ounces in absorption, the larger size will create more problems with leaking because of the improper fit. Moving up to the wrong size increases not only the waist and hip measurement, but also the leg openings. Leg openings that are too big will create gaps and cause leakage. Properly fitting adult diapers should have snug leg openings and the tape tabs should secure to the abdomen halfway between the hip and belly button for ideal protection.

How can I resolve this issue?

Measure the largest part of the body that falls between the waist and hip.  This is the measurement needed to make sure you are in the proper size of your incontinence product.

If sizing is correct and leaking is still occurring, additional absorption can be added by using TopLiner® Booster Pads or TopLiner® Booster Contours. These specially designed flow-through incontinence products are made to be placed inside briefs and pull ups. They will increase the absorption of the diaper or other incontinence product they are placed in.

• For more information on the right fit, see our Size Guide for Adult Diapers and Briefs
• For help selecting the right product, see our Product Finder

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can You Double Adult Diapers?

No. You should never double up on disposable adult diapers or other incontinence products. Adult diapers are designed with an inner layer absorbent side and a waterproof plastic backing material that keeps moisture and fluid from leaking out.

So when you place a second diaper inside of this waterproof backing, the fluid and moisture from that second incontinence product will not transfer to the outer diaper. Instead, because of this protective backing, it’s very likely the fluid from the inner diaper will spill out the leg holes or waist area.

Diaper doubling can also trap in warm air, fluid and moisture against the skin, which can be very harmful and cause serious rash and skin irritation.

Does Doubling Diapers Cause Skin Irritation?

Yes it can. “Doubling up” by wearing two adult diapers does not actually add any additional absorbency or leakage control, and can instead lead to more accidents and skin irritation. It also can result in wetness trapped against the body, potentially causing bacterial growth that can lead to urinary tract infections, pressure ulcers and skin breakdown.

A better idea is to use a booster pad, which is designed to go inside of a single diaper, disposable brief or protective underwear. This will cost effectively stop leaks to save you from spending more money than needed.

Is it All Right to Double Up on Incontinence Pads?

Yes, but only if you are using a booster pad, and not a personal care pad.

Similar to “double diapering,” “double padding” with a personal care pad (also known as a period pad, menstrual pad or a feminine hygiene product) can lead to leakage and skin irritation. Like adult pull-on diapers and disposable tape-tab briefs, personal care pads have a moisture barrier on one side that’s designed to keep wetness and moisture from leaking through. This is why you should never double up personal care pads; they should only be used one at a time, in regular underwear. When you try double padding by using two personal care pads at once, the fluid will not pass through from the inner pad to the other.

However, you can do double padding with multiple booster pads or “boosters” at the same time. Boosters are designed like very strong sponges, in that they absorb an initial amount of liquid before allowing additional liquid to pass through. This is why booster pads must be worn with a secondary incontinence product that has a moisture-proof backing, preferably tab style briefs or pull up protective underwear, so that it catches this fluid passing through the booster.

Make sure to securely tuck the pad inside the host garment; if part of the booster is sticking outside the host garment’s absorbent area, it could cause more leakage around the leg areas or the waist.

Booster pads are made to provide an extra layer of absorbency for extra protection and to stop leaks, especially if you have heavy incontinence. They also extend the wear time of the incontinence product if someone is planning a walk, a long drive or will simply be away from a restroom for a while.

If you are not sure what size is best for you or for another individual’s absorbent product, call Tranquility Customer Care center at 1-800-467-3224 ext. 7 or request a sample.

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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.