Who should wear absorbent briefs?

Someone who has a caregiver to help them

Someone with heavy incontinence or bowel incontinence concerns

Those with low mobility or who are bedridden

Those who need bariatric size (an 80-inch waist or above)

Adult Briefs with tabs absorb incontinence because of polymers (tiny absorbent beads) stored in the core of the brief. Polymers soak up moisture and turn it into a gel, leaving your skin dry. Some polymers are even pH balanced to counteract the ammonia in urine—that way, they guard against odors.

How to put an adult brief on yourself

1. Create the shape of regular underwear by fastening the side tabs to the brief.

2. Step into the diaper like you would regular underwear, pulling it up your legs

3. Refasten the tabs until they are snug

How to put disposable briefs on someone else

1. Rest your loved one on their side

2. Slide the incontinence brief from front to back, between the legs (it can help to rest a towel between their knees).

3. Spread out the back of the brief so that it covers the buttocks

4. Gently roll them onto their back

5. Lift the front panel over the belly

6. Fasten the tabs across the hips and onto the front panel, one at a time, ensuring the fit is snug but not too tight

7. Make any adjustments necessary to ensure that the disposable brief is centered and comfortable

What features exist?

Refastenable tabs

• If an adult brief has “refastenable tabs” that means the tabs that fasten to the front panel can be unstuck and restuck to ensure a snug fit. This is especially useful for caregivers

Sturdiness of the tabs

• If the description says the brief has “strong tabs” or “sturdy tabs,” that means they’re less likely to rip.

Stretchy sides

• If a description says the brief has “stretchy tabs,” that means the tabs will likely be more comfortable and secure

Amount of tabs

• Some briefs with tabs have two tabs on each side, and some have one. In general, four-tab briefs are sturdier, while two-tab briefs are easier to put on.

Leg gathers

• Leg gathers are strips of fabric that attach to the brief's leg holes and provide an extra layer of protection when wearing adult briefs.

High-rise fits

• If a brief features a “high-rise fit” or “full-rise fit,” it sits up higher on the back and belly than others—these are great for bariatric users or anyone that wants to have extra security.

Backing material

1. - Cloth-backed are soft, breathable, and don’t make noise, so they’re more discreet. Since harmful vapors from incontinence can escape, these tend to be better for your skin.

2. - Plastic-backed products are sometimes assumed to be more absorbent, but they can actually be harmful to the skin. Harmful vapors are trapped against the skin, leading to damage and breakdown.

• - Wetness indicators Wetness indicators are color-changing strips of fabric that help caregivers know when the diaper has reached capacity, so they know it’s time for a change

What are the different types of adult diapers?

1. Overnight briefs with tabs

For loved ones that experience incontinence throughout the night, overnight briefs with tabs boast ultra-absorbency that can help keep them dry and comfortable. Overnight briefs are also ideal for anyone who experiences severe incontinence throughout the day.

1. Plus-sized diapers with tabs

Also called “bariatric briefs with tabs,” these are ideal for anyone who needs a larger fit than traditional diapers can provide. Designed for waist sizes between 62 and 106 inches, these have high absorbency, meaning fewer changes and more comfort.

How do I choose?

- Decide if you need a specialized product, like a bariatric brief with tabs

- Think about which features are most relevant to you. Busy caregivers will want to look for features like wetness indicators, unisex styles, maximum absorbency, two-tab styles, and leg gathers

- Determine what absorbency you’re looking for. For occasional voids, a lighter absorbency should do the trick, but for large voids or overnight protection, look for something heavier.

Still not sure?  Reach out to our caring experts  717-781-2025