Incontinence products are an integral part of the management of bowel and urinary leaks, whatever their cause. While they are not curative treatments, incontinence products are essential to a healthy skin and proper lifestyle management.
Because of the delicate nature of the topic of incontinence some patients jump to the conclusion that if they ignore it, it will go away. But burying their heads in the sand only complicates matters further. The product needs to be used after consultation with a physician. Not only because the underlying cause of incontinence needs to be addressed, but also because physicians are most equipped to help patients choose among the variety of products available on the market.
Its range in simplicity of use from pads to urinals and complex urinary collection systems. The needs of the patients, degree of incontinence, general activity and lifestyle usually dictate which products are most suited for each patient. The main factor though tends to be the degree of incontinence. Patients with moderate or severe incontinence and/or night time incontinence, tend to need more extensive measures or a combination of products.
Generally, Incontinence products fall under general categories: protection products, collection products and bladder training products. Bladder training products are a variety of kits and instruction manuals used to strengthen the muscles keeping the bladder closed, to prevent leakage. The incontinence products mostly used by incontinence patients, however, are the protection and collection products.
The concept is fairly simple. In order to effectively control urinary leakage, the patient has to either use incontinence products that absorb the wetness or that collect the urine away from the body. Obviously, the collection systems are only needed in case of severe or moderately severe affliction. Otherwise, absorptive products get the job done quite nicely.
Incontinence products most commonly used included urinary liners and pads, incontinence pants and briefs, bed and chair covers, along with a variety of body care products especially suited for the hygienic needs of the skin exposed to urinary dribbles and leaks. The absorptive incontinence products are available in washable, reusable cloth materials as well as the more convenient, but sometimes more expensive, disposable option.
Patients with severe incontinence, such as the leakage associated with quadriplegia, also need to consider protective bedding and furniture covers even after making full use of it available on the market.
There are a range of products available especially designed for the needs of both men and women with urinary incontinence. They are available in various sizes, shapes and designs to cater to the needs of all patients; those with mild, moderate or severe leaks.
Most incontinence products come in different sizes and some even have different male and female designs to suit the anatomical needs of both genders. Therefore, it is important to consult the appropriate guides and inserts when it comes to choosing the ideal product.