Click on Product Advisor for help choosing between the different types of pads and devices.

If you are unsure how heavily you leak and would like some help and advice, go to bladder leakage.

Small Disposable Pads

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Small disposable pad

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Small disposable pad

What are small disposable pads?

These are small, simple disposable absorbent pads worn inside close-fitting underwear. They are sometimes called insert pads, liners or shields. Many brands are designed and marketed for women, while some are unisex.

The pads are usually shaped to fit the body (although some are simply rectangular). Most have an adhesive strip on the back to help secure them to underwear. The top layer, which is in contact with the skin, is made of a non-woven material that allows urine to pass through easily to keep the skin dry. The absorbent core of the pads is made from fluffed wood pulp fibres, usually combined with super-absorbent polymer powder, which turns to gel and retains the urine in the pad. Most small absorbent pads have a waterproof outer backing.

When do small disposable pads work best?

Research has shown that small disposable pads provide good absorbency and protection for women with light bladder leakage.¹

It is important that they are worn in pants that will keep them securely in place against the body.

They may be less effective at absorbing leakage when in bed, because gravity may cause urine to flow away from the pad. A larger pad design that provides more coverage may be more effective.

What about fitting?

Most women find small disposable pads easy to put on and change, as they just need to be inserted into close-fitting underwear.

If you do not have good use of your hands, you may find this difficult. You may also find it hard to remove the covering of the adhesive strip on the back of the pads.

Pads tend to be hard to change in a sitting position unless you can lift your bottom off the chair and move from side to side, lifting one buttock off the chair at a time.

They can also be put on or changed easily by a helper. If you need a helper to change your pads, you will need to find a product that suits you and is also easy for your helper.

What other products could ‘mix and match’ well with small disposable pads?

Some women manage their bladder leakage successfully using only small disposable pads. However, others find using different product types at different times works best.²

For example, some women use disposable pads designed specifically for incontinence when they go out, but use sanitary towels, which tend to be cheaper, while they are at home.

A larger pad, pull-ups or all-in-one pad may work better than small disposable pads when in bed.

Selecting small disposable pads

Disposable pads are available in a range of absorbencies. Generally, as the absorbency increases, so does the size and bulkiness of the pad. Choosing which will work best for you involves finding the right balance of absorbency and discretion. It may be a good idea to start with a thinner, less absorbent pad and then increase the absorbency if necessary until you find one that works for you.

If you need help determining how light or heavy your leakage is, click here.

Women have reported considerable differences in the performance of different brands of pads.³ If one brand doesn’t suit you, it may be worth trying a different one before moving on to a different product type. Some manufacturers of disposable products will send you free samples in the post for you to try.

Look out for advertisements in magazines and on the internet.

Research has shown that more expensive brands do not always perform better than less expensive ones.⁴

Disadvantages of small disposable pads

It can sometimes be difficult to keep a small disposable pad securely in place. Close-fitting pants with good all over elasticity will hold the pad in place more securely than standard underwear.

Some women experience chafing or rubbing from raised or elasticated parts of pads. Adhesive elements of pads can become stuck to the skin accidentally and can hurt when removed.

Some people find that they are allergic to some of the materials that disposable pads are made of and find that they have to stop using them.

Where can I get small disposable pads?

Many types are available through retail outlets such as pharmacies and supermarkets, the internet or direct from suppliers. Not all products are available worldwide. See below for links to suppliers and products in your part of the world.

Small Washable Pads

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Small washable pad

What are small washable pads?

Small washable pads are re-usable versions of small disposable pads.

They may be shaped or rectangular. They usually have a waterproof backing unless they are to be used in combination with other products. They are designed to be worn close to the body and secured in place by close fitting stretch pants or underwear.

When do small washable pads work best?

Small washable pads may provide adequate absorbency during the day for some women with very light bladder leakage, ¹ or those who experience only occasional light leakage and want some form of protection “just in case”.

They are unlikely to be effective at absorbing leakage when in bed, because gravity may cause urine to flow away from the pad. A larger pad design that provides more coverage may be more effective.

What about fitting?

Small washable pads are easy to put on or change as they are simply inserted into close-fitting underwear.

Small washable pads do not have an adhesive strip or wings, so they need be securely held in place by close-fitting underwear if they are to stay in place.

What other products could ‘mix and match’ well with small washable pads?

Many women with bladder leakage find using different product types at different times works best.² A small washable pad might be a useful and economic product for use whilst at home, whereas other products such as disposable pads or other absorbent products may be more reliable when out or doing something more active.

Disadvantages of small washable pads

Some women have found that they are difficult to keep in position. A product which can move around is more likely to leak.

They require washing and you have to be prepared to carry wet products when out.

The layer in contact with the skin is generally made out of polyester, a material regularly used in other clothes. However like any fabric, you could have sensitivity to it.

Where can I get small washable pads?

These are mainly available direct from suppliers or the internet - see links below. Not all products are available worldwide. See below for links to suppliers and products in your part of the world.

Sanitary Towels

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Sanitary towels

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Washable sanitary towels

Sanitary towels (also called sanitary napkins, sanitary pads or menstrual pads) are used by many women for very light bladder leakage, as they can be a cost effective alternative to the more expensive small disposable pads that are designed specifically for bladder leakage.

Most sanitary towels are disposable. However, washable products are also available. They usually have wings with poppers to secure around the gusset area of underwear. There is no information about how they perform for bladder leakage. It is possible that they perform similarly to small washable pads, although the wings may hold them in place better. Advantages of these products include that they are often made from attractive materials and the wings can be used to roll them up for transport after changing when out and about.

When do sanitary towels work best for bladder leakage?

Because they are not usually designed to contain urine, disposable sanitary towels may be more likely to leak than products designed specifically for the purpose. However, if you have very light bladder leakage and want to use a cheaper product at least some of the time, then sanitary towels could be suitable for you. ¹

Sanitary towels are unlikely to be suitable for bowel leakage or a combination of bladder and bowel leakage, as they are unlikely to cover your bottom adequately.

What about fitting?

Disposable sanitary towels are usually shaped and have sticky strips on the back or adhesive wings to hold them securely in place inside close-fitting underwear.

Women generally find sanitary towels easy to manage - although the sticky strips on the back can be difficult to remove. If you find it difficult to remove the sticky strip, you might try pouch pants, which have a pocket in the gusset of the pant into which a pad can be fitted.

If you need a helper to change your pads, you might need to find a product that suits you and is also easy for your helper to change. If you can stand, even for short periods, then sanitary towels can be quite easily put in place by a helper. If you are lying in bed, sanitary towels can be put in place by a helper if you can roll from side to side.

All pads are very hard to change in a sitting position unless you can lift your bottom off the chair and move from side to side, lifting one buttock off the chair at a time. It might take some practice to find a system that works for you.

What other products could ‘mix and match’ well with sanitary towels?

Because they are inexpensive, some women use sanitary towels at times when they are less concerned about the products leaking, such as when they are at home, but use pads designed specifically for bladder leakage such as small pads or disposable pull-on pads when they go out.

Selecting sanitary towels for bladder leakage

Manufacturers often indicate the absorbency of their products using droplet symbols. Because sanitary towels are not usually designed to contain urine, only the most absorbent night time products are likely to be suitable for bladder leakage, and then only for very light leakage.

Some women have found that establishing the amount of urine they leak helps them to find products that suit their needs. If you are unsure how heavily you leak and would like some help and advice, go to bladder leakage.

Disadvantages of sanitary towels

It can sometimes be difficult to keep a sanitary towel securely in place. Mesh or stretch pants can be fiddly to use. More robust stretch pants are available – you may find these hold the pad more securely in place.

Some people find that they are allergic to some of the materials that sanitary towels are made of and find that they have to stop using them.

Occasionally, women also find that they can experience chaffing or rubbing from raised or elasticated parts of the sanitary towel. If they have adhesive wings, these can become stuck to the skin accidentally and can hurt when removed.

Where can I get sanitary towels for bladder leakage?

Many types are available through retail outlets such as pharmacies and supermarkets, the internet or direct from suppliers. Not all products are available worldwide. See below for links to some suppliers and products in your part of the world.

Disposable pull-on pads

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Pull-on pads - disposable pants with integral pad

What are disposable pull-on pads?

These are a disposable all-in-one product in which an absorbent pad and pants are combined. They are sometimes called protective underwear, pull-ons or pull-ups. They are available in a range of absorbencies, so that some are suitable for light bladder leakage.

The pants part of the product is made of a non-woven fabric and is elasticated all over to give a close fit and keep the pad in place. In recent years, newer designs have been introduced to the market that more closely resemble cotton underwear with the elastication concealed within the material. Some are designed specifically for women, with “feminine” prints and detailing.

When do disposable pull-on pads work best?

Little research has been done about how well these products perform for light bladder leakage. However, similar products for moderate to heavy incontinence perform well and are popular with the women who use them. ¹

They may be less effective at absorbing leakage when in bed, because gravity causes urine to flow away from the absorbent pad area. In this case, an all-in-one diaper-style pad that provides more coverage and protection from leakage may be more effective.

What about fitting?

Disposable pull-on pads are put on in the same way as underwear and so they are easy to use if you are able to dress yourself. However, changing the pants means removing outer clothing. Doing this once or twice a day may be acceptable but any more frequently might be an unacceptable inconvenience, and particularly difficult when away from home.

If you are dependent on a helper for putting on and changing your pants, you might need to find a product that suits you and is also easy for your helper to change. If you can stand even for short periods, then disposable pants can be quite easily put in place by a helper. If you are lying in bed, disposable pants could be put in place by a helper if you can roll from side to side. However, every time you change the pants you would need to take outer clothing off, which may be time-consuming. Disposable pants are very hard to change in a sitting position. It might take some practice with you and your carer to get a system that works for you.

What other products could ‘mix and match’ well with disposable pull-on pads?

Many women with bladder leakage find using different product types at different times works best.²

Disposable pull-on pads are a relatively expensive product. Some women use a more expensive disposable pull-on pad during the day and/or when out, but cheaper pad products when at home or a more absorbent all-in-one for night time.

Selecting disposable pull-on pads for light bladder leakage

Disposable pull-on pads are made in different absorbencies, the more absorbent products being more bulky.

If you have light bladder leakage it is probably best to start with the lightest absorbency available and see how it works for you.

If you need help determining how light or heavy your leakage is, click here.

Disadvantages of disposable pull-on pads

Disposable pull-on pads are a fairly expensive product, so if cost is a concern for you it may be best to consider using other products some of the time.

Some people find that they are allergic to some of the materials that the disposable pull-on pads are made of and find that they have to stop using them.

Where can I get disposable pull-on pads?

Many types are available through retail outlets such as pharmacies and supermarkets, the internet or direct from suppliers. Not all products are available worldwide. See below for links to suppliers and products in your part of the world.

Washable Pants

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Washable pants with integral pad

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Washable pants with integral pad

What are washable pants?

Washable pants are designed to look similar to normal underwear but have a built in absorbent pad.

They are available in a range of colours and designs, including high/low waist, bikini, thongs and lace panels.

When do washable pants work best?

Washable pants may provide adequate absorbency during the day for some women with very light bladder leakage, ¹ or those who experience only occasional light leakage and want some form of protection “just in case”.

Women tend to either like them a lot or strongly dislike them.⁵ They are good at staying in place and are a relatively discreet product, and so are most popular with active women with light leakage. In a recent study, women with light to moderate urinary leakage found washable products superior to disposable equivalents in terms of overall impression, discreetness, comfort when dry, comfort when wet, ability to keep skin dry, and kindness to skin. No difference was found between washable and disposable products in terms of their ability to hold urine without leaking.⁶

Washable pants may not be effective at absorbing leakage when in bed because gravity may cause urine to flow away from the absorbent pad. A larger pad design may be more effective.

What about fitting?

Washable pants are put on just like underwear. This means removing outer clothing. Doing this once or twice a day may be acceptable but any more frequently might be an unacceptable inconvenience.

If you are dependent on a helper for putting on and changing your pants, you might need to find a product that suits you and is also easy for your helper to change. If you can stand, even for short periods, then washable pants can be quite easily put in place by a helper. If you are lying in bed, washable pants could be put in place by a helper if you can roll from side to side. However, every time you change the pants you would need to take outer clothing off, which may be time-consuming. Washable pants are very hard to change in a sitting position. It might take some practice with you and your carer to get a system that works for you.

What other products could ‘mix and match’ well with washable pants?

Many women with bladder leakage find using different product types at different times works best.²

You might consider using disposable pads when you are going out and washable pants when you are at home or doing a particular activity. This way you may get the benefits of both designs when you need it with minimum additional laundry and maximum cost effectiveness.

It is possible to use a small disposable liner with these pants which may provide additional absorbency.

Selecting washable pants

As washable products generally do not perform as well as disposable products in terms of containing leakage, it is probably sensible to buy the most absorbent product. Remember that the absorbent capacity stated by the manufacturer will probably be a measurement of maximum capacity in laboratory testing and this may be far higher than the amount that the product will hold in use.

If you need help determining how light or heavy your leakage is, click here.

It is important to ensure a good close fit to give the product the best chance of working. Use your waist / hip measurement to select the correct size pant to ensure a good close fit.

Pants are often available in different designs and the size and absorbency of the pad part might be different depending on the design you choose. If one design doesn’t suit you, it may be worth trying a different one before moving onto a different product type.

Disadvantages of washable pants

Previously, research has found that washable pants do not perform as well at containing leakage as disposable pads for light incontinence. However, in a recent study women with light to moderate urinary leakage found no difference between washable products and disposable products in terms of their ability to hold urine without leaking.⁶

The cover stock material is generally made out of polyester, a material regularly used in other clothes. However, like any fabric you could have sensitivity to it.

These products have to be washed and reused so are only suitable if you are happy to do this. A washing machine is best as they have a tendency to discolour after regular hand-washing.

Where can I get washable pants?

These are available through retail outlets such as pharmacies and supermarkets, the internet or direct from suppliers. Not all products are available worldwide. See below for links to suppliers and products in your part of the world.