Categories of pad
Pads for moderate / heavy bladder leakage in women come in five main designs:
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Large disposable pads
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Large disposable pants
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All-in-one pads
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T-shape pads
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Large washable pads
More about pads
There are differences in how well each of these five designs of pad performs. All-in-ones are the most absorbent design and, as men tend to leak more heavily than women, all-in-ones are more popular with men (54 Fader).
Men tend to prefer:
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Disposable all-in-ones for day use 1
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Traditional terry towelling products for night use, followed by disposable all-in-ones 1
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Disposable all-in-ones are one of the most expensive of the disposable designs. If a washable all-in-one alternative can be used for at last some of the time, the overall cost reduces.
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Using a mix of pad designs may work best for you for a combination of security, discreetness and cost. For example, try using washables whenever practical during the day (when at home) or night; if you are away from home and managing washable pads is inconvenient or you need a more discreet product, use the more expensive disposable options.
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Try mixing product types; for example, you may find using a sheath and a leg bag gives you more freedom than a pad for certain activities. Using a variety of products can be a cost-effective solution and give you more flexibility in everyday life.
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Products for moderate/heavy leakage are frequently used in care homes for people who require more help. The performance of these products has been evaluated recently in this environment. Disposable pads and large disposable pants were most popular particular with caregivers who found them the easiest designs to manage 1
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When choosing one (or more) pad designs to try, you will need to consider a range of factors including frequency and severity of leakage, whether the product is for day or night time leakage, how easily you can change the pad and your personal preferences and lifestyle.
How to get help
Click on the pictures below for detail about each type of pad.
Click on Product Advisor for help choosing between the different types of pads.