Pull-On Underwear

Pull-on diapers are more discrete

Pull-on disposable underwear styles, also known as pull-ups, look similar to adult briefs without the tape or Velcro fasteners. Reviewers say pull-on styles are easy to pull up and down, making them much more convenient to use and a good choice for those who sometimes, or usually, are able to use the bathroom instead of relying on a diaper. On the other hand, although manufacturers often rate their pull-on underwear to be as absorbent as full adult briefs, most reviewers disagree.

All the major adult brief manufacturers also make disposable pull-on underwear, and those that perform well in the brief category do well here too. XP Medical describes Abena's Abri-Flex (*Est. $16 for a package of 14) as "perhaps the finest pull-up available anywhere," saying the high elastic thread count and elasticized crotch contribute to a good fit with less chance of leaking. MoliCare Mobile (*Est. $70 for a case of 72 large) gets mixed reviews on the Depend incontinence message board. While one user rates it an A+, another says it leaks badly. As one poster points out, the issue with pull-on disposable underwear is that, unless it fits snugly enough to contain leaks, even the most absorbent core will be less effective.

Depend Adjustable Underwear (*Est. $22 for a package of 18 small/medium) gets around the fit issue by adding tapes that can be either left closed or refastened for a more snug fit. Several users on Yahoo! Health's Incontinence Support Group say they use Depend Underwear, which one user calls "good daytime protection." Reviewers posting to Amazon.com give the Depend Adjustable Underwear style good marks for absorbency and comfort.

Attends makes two styles of disposable underwear: Attends Underwear Super Plus Absorbency with Leakage Barriers (*Est. $70 for a package of 80 medium) and Attends Underwear Extra Absorbency (*Est. $55 for a package of 80) . While both products have the same basic design, the Super Plus style has inner leg cuffs, which act as an additional liquid barrier. XP Medical says the Super Plus provides "excellent leakage protection at an affordable price." Its comparative tests rate Attends Underwear at just over half the absorbency of the Abena Abri-Flex, though, meaning that while it's a good budget choice, it may not be as appropriate for severe incontinence or extended wear.

Tranquility is another brand that uses inner leg cuffs to increase absorbency in both their Premium Overnight Disposable Absorbent Underwear (*Est. $80 for a case of 72 medium) (*est. $80 for a case of 72 medium) and their Premium DayTime Disposable Absorbent Underwear (*Est. $72 for a case of 72 medium) . Magic Medical puts Tranquility at the top of its disposable underwear chart, rating its protection level as "heavy" compared to the "moderate" rating they give Depend Underwear.