More about T-shape pads

• T-shape pads are a unisex pad (for men and women) similar to all-in-one products. They are designed to be an easy to put on alternative to all-in-ones when standing. They have a belt that is secured around the waist first before the pad part (attached to the rear portion of the belt) is pulled forwards between the legs and secured to the front portion of the belt. Like other all-in-ones, they are secured in place with re-sealable adhesive strips and do not require any separate underwear.

• T-shape pads are available in a range of sizes and absorbencies. You will find that as the size of the pad increases (Small→ medium→ large etc.) so does the manufacturer’s stated absorbency level. However, you may also find that they become increasingly bulky.

• You will need your waist/hip measurement to find the right size pad. To give the T-shape pad the best chance of working well, they need to be comfortable and fit well.

• They often have a wetness indicator on the waterproof backing on the back of the pad so you can see if the pad needs to be changed. This is useful if you need a helper to change your pad and reduces the risk of the pad becoming overfull and leaking onto clothing.

• Most of the T shaped products have a breathable waterproof backing which is soft to the touch and tends not to rustle.

How well do they work?

• T-shape pads are designed for moderate/heavy leakage and are very absorbent. Men tend to find them acceptable for use during the day, but a little less so at night possibly because of the lack of padding at the sides (see: ‘All-in-ones – How well do they work?’).

• Although T-shape pads are designed to be easy to put on when standing up, they have been found to take longer than other designs to put on ¹

• It is hard to say if a T-shape pad will work well for you without trying it. There may be circumstances in which you would prefer a different pad with better leakage performance and be more willing to compromise on appearance e.g. when at home or at night.

• For maximum cost effectiveness and flexibility, some men choose to use these products whilst they are away from the home or at work and use alternative products such as a large disposable insert (that they can change important to find the right combination of products that will work for you. There may be circumstances in which you would prefer a more frequently) whilst at home. It is all about finding the right combination of products that will work for you.

• Where possible ‘try before you buy’; some manufacturers of disposable products will send free samples in the post for you to try. Look out for advertisements in magazines and on the internet.

Other FAQ’s

Which absorbency pad do I need?

• This depends on how much you leak, which can be quite difficult to determine.

Click on Amount for help estimating how much you leak.

• The absorbent capacity of T-shape pads is generally linked to the size – the larger the pad the more potential it has to hold leakage. It is a good idea to start with the lowest absorbency pad, increasing absorbency / size until you find the pad that works for you.

• As the more absorbent pads tend to be bulkier than less absorbent pads, you will need to find the right balance of absorbency and discreetness that works for you.

I have bowel leakage, can I use T-shape pads?

• T-shape pads may be suitable for you if you have bowel leakage or combined bladder and bowel leakage.

• They generally provide good cover over the bottom, are secure in position and absorbent. They therefore have the potential to work well for combined bladder and bowel leakage.

Click on Pads for guidance about pads for bowel leakage.

Click on Faecal Devices for information about other products for bowel leakage.

Will I have difficulty putting them on or taking them off?

• Men with good use of their hands are able to put T-shape pads on. They are designed to be easy to put on when standing even if you can only stand briefly. If you have impaired hand control, you may find them easier than standard all-in-ones.

• When lying down, T-shape pads can be put in place by a helper if you are able to roll from one side to the other.

• Like other all-in-one designs, T-shape 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 with you and your helper to find a system that works for you.

• Guides to fitting pads are usually available on the manufacturer’s website.

• If you need help fitting your pads, you might have to consider both your preferences and those of your helper when selecting an all-in-one.

Are there any disadvantages to using T-shape pads?

• 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.

• Occasionally men also find that they can experience chafing or rubbing from raised or elasticated parts of the pad. If you accidentally stick the adhesive tab to your skin then you could cause a sore patch.

• There is always the possibility of leakage from the product onto clothes.