Adult Diapers

Introduction to adult diapers

The best review of adult diapers comes from XP Medical, an online retailer specializing in adult incontinence supplies. Owner Gary Evans and a small staff perform thorough testing on the diapers they sell, and their ratings have a good reputation in the online adult incontinence community. Diaper reviews here are detailed and specific, and information on each style includes wet and dry measurements, features, results of wetting and rewetting tests, cost per diaper and comments on overall quality and effectiveness. The downside is that some supermarket brands, including Depend, are not tested.

Another useful review comes from the Incontinence Resource Center website. While information on this site doesn't appear to have been updated recently, it does include detailed ratings of several adult diaper brands. Reviews here focus on fit, ease of use, comfort and absorbency.

The New Diaper Primer website is an introduction to wearing diapers aimed at newly incontinent adults or those who have been housebound due to incontinence and are ready to consider using diapers. Although the authors don't specifically test and compare diapers, they do give users some advice on which brands work best and which to avoid. Consumer Reports magazine is usually an excellent source of product ratings, but unfortunately, editors haven't yet covered adult diapers.

Because everyday use is the best judge of a diaper's effectiveness, user-review sites and forums, such as Amazon.com and Yahoo! Health's Incontinence Support Group, should provide good information on which brands and styles work best. Unfortunately, however, there are still very few user reviews for this product category, perhaps because some consumers may be reluctant to discuss incontinence and diaper use. As the authors of The New Diaper Primer point out, however, product quality and variety have improved significantly in the past decade, as have information and support.

According to The New Diaper Primer, most people start with either Depend or Attends, both of which are commonly available in pharmacies, as well as grocery and department stores. Most user reviews say these popular brands work well for mild incontinence or when changed after each wetting, but they aren't as effective for those with more severe problems.

Store brand diapers are the least expensive choice, but reviewers say the savings comes with a price -- less comfort and a greater risk of leakage. According to The New Diaper Primer, another drawback of inexpensive diapers is that their absorbent material tends to clump and shift to the center of the diaper, reducing the coverage area and causing bulk and discomfort.

If you have a mild problem, or only expect to use adult diapers for a brief time, then Depend (*Est. $17 for 16 diapers) or Attends (*Est. $17 for a package of 22) disposables are easy to find in stores and should be find for short-term use. However, if you or a loved one has a more chronic problem, reviews indicate that other brands are better overall.