A Brief Discussion of Common Incontinence Aids
Urinary incontinence or incontinence is the medical term used for loss of bladder control. This problem is mostly observed among elderly people, but younger individuals suffering from diabetes and neurological disorders might also develop incontinence. In this article, we will be discussing a few of the more commonly used incontinence aids that that can prevent being embarrassed in public.
The first item we will be discussing is the incontinence brief. Incontinence briefs are also often referred to as protective underwear. There are many different types, each of which will service the same purpose i.e. offering you protection against accidental urine leakage or urination. Which type of brief to use will depend on the level of incontinence; both light and heavy options are available. Consideration should also be given to activity level of the person wearing the brief.
There are reusable and disposable briefs; both are available in a large range of sizes. Those designed for one time use often looks like infant diapers. You will also come across briefs that are reusable and possess a more sophisticated look; these pieces are usually better options for people with chronic incontinence. The cost difference between disposable and reusable briefs can be significant. There are pros and cons to each type. Disposable briefs though cheaper initially, are used quickly and must be constantly replaced. Reusable briefs, although often more expensive to initially purchase pay for themselves after multiple wearing. Don’t forget to factor in the cost and time to wash reusable briefs, perhaps consider having some of each type on hand.
Regardless of the brand, you must ensure that the protective underwear or brief you are using are made of a breathable material. This will not only take care of your skin health, but will also make sure that you feel comfortable while wearing them.
Now, let us discuss another often used incontinence aid; it’s called leg bag. Like the briefs, the leg bags are also available in a range of designs and sizes. You can choose based on your personal preference or a physician’s recommendation. However, there are a few features that get rated as most important qualities of a leg bag by users. They are as follows:
- They must contain taps. This is important for simplifying the process of opening the bag and preventing issues such as leaking of urine when trying to empty the bag.
- These bags must come equipped with straps. Preferably soft, fabric straps. The ones that don’t have any straps are not as comfortable as those that do.
- When purchasing a leg bag the buyer should make sure that the bag itself or the connector is devoid of any fault. Fault in these parts will lead to leakage. A reputable medical supply store will always have units with flawless connectors and bags.
There are certain leg bags that can be attached with handheld urinals of some types. This option helps in increasing the urine holding capacity of these bags. For individuals experiencing light loss of urine, on the other hand, there are smaller bags designed specifically for being attached to a sheath. Either option can redirect urine in a discreet manner for those with incontinence.
If you are not sure about the kind of incontinence aid you should pick, give us a call!