Dignity. Comfort. Security. Ways to Address Incontinence at Any Age

By: Shira Manne

Incontinence is not something that only affects the elderly; in fact, almost 10% of the U.S. population, or 25 million Americans, face some level of incontinence in their daily lives. Take a look at some of these statistics:

• 1 in 4 women over eighteen experience involuntary leakage
• 1 in 5 adults over forty are affected by an overactive bladder
• More than half of nursing home residents are incontinent to some degree

Since incontinence is a symptom, not a disease in itself, it can be caused by numerous factors, some which are temporary or can be cured, and some which must be addressed on a more permanent basis. If you struggle with incontinence, for whatever reason, at whatever age, these issues can include:

Beyond these issues, while there are treatment options - 80% of incontinence cases can be successfully overcome - this is not possible for everyone. And, since the different treatment options can take months, you are left to ask these two fundamental questions:

What do I need to do to manage my incontinence while maintaining my lifestyle with confidence?

How can my family relative or I be assured of the highest possible quality of life while living with this challenge?

If you live an active life and just want the comfort of knowing that you are secure, in the most discreet manner, then you may want to consider protection pads, which fulfill the purpose with no one else the wiser. Each type offers varying levels of absorbency, depending on your individual needs.

If you seek light to moderate coverage, several pad choices are available, each offering different benefits. The Dry Comfort Light Pad provides light to moderate protection, and goes into regular undergarments for a close fit. The Depends Guards for Men is a quickly absorbing pad which focuses on comfort, with a breathable outer cover and softer liner; it has a wide front end for a better fit, with absorbent locks that keep skin drier and reduce odor. They are also individually wrapped for easy portability. The Serenity Ultra Pads have the fastest possible fluid acquisition, and the added appeal of being latex free.

For some of you, more heavy protection is necessary, especially at night, when incontinence can be even more of a struggle. Two options which have added absorbency for both bladder and bowel control protection, a contoured design that ensures maximum comfort and security, and a wetness indicator, are the Dry Comfort Day Heavy Pad and the Dry Comfort Night Pad.

When mobility is a concern, either due to temporary illness or recovery or a degenerative, permanent state, what experts call Functional Incontinence can often result, and means that you or your loved one might require more consistent coverage. There are many briefs which have been created with your comfort in mind, while providing the greatest possible protection. Some of these include:

Wings Choice Plus Adult Brief -

• For heavy to complete loss of bladder control
• Polyfresh polymer liner for maximum absorbency
• Wetness Indicator
• Extra strong tape tabs for secure fit

Prevail Night-Time Brief-Extended Use -

• Cloth-like outer fabric
• Frontal refasten zone, breathable zones
• Ensures maximum leakage protection
• Maintains skin dryness

Attends Brief w/ Waistband -

• Superior leakage control and skin dryness
• Perma Dry patch technology
• Maximum flexibility

So many other products are also available which are designed to make your life more comfortable, including washcloths and wipes, underpads for use under your bed linens, and room deodorizers. One phenomenal product for use if you are trying to control incontinence is a bedwetting alarm. The D.V.C. Bedwetting Alarm, for example, is worn on the body, and has a moisture-sensing device which activates with only 1 - 2 drops of urine. On the other hand, the Wet Call Bed Wetting Control Device is a moisture sensing bed pad attached to a mini alarm box. Batteries are included with both items.

For children especially, who often need to acquire the reflex action needed to control night bedwetting, studies have shown that with the use of an alarm for 30 days, 87% of children will learn to control themselves. One product designed specifically for youth is the Enuretic Wrist Watch Alarm, which offers several child-specific benefits:

• 1 or 2 drops of moisture will set off the alarm before the bed gets wet
• Weighs only 8 ounces
• Completely portable, no attachment to child-absolutely safe
• Made in the U.S.A., FDA approved

For so many Americans, incontinence has become a way of life, and while it can be challenging, The Medical Supply Depot is always trying to find ways to make daily living that much easier for those who struggle with this common issue.