Many people experience occasional urinary incontinence following a sneeze or laugh or cough. Others develop more serious bladder control issues as pelvic muscles lose tone or a medical condition affects their urinary system. Prescription medications or exercises may address the underlying cause, but not necessarily treat the symptoms of leakage and odor. This is why many people turn to bladder control underwear and other products to protect their clothing and reduce social anxiety.
Most bladder control underwear is designed specifically to perform as much like regular underwear as possible. The elasticized briefs contain several layers of protection, including quilted cotton or cotton-like material for moisture wicking, absorbent chemical gels for retaining fluids, and waterproof linings for leakage prevention. Odor control is also a good feature, as well as a designer fit for comfort. One of the best examples of disposable bladder control underwear is Depend Incontinence Protection with Tabs, Maximum Absorbency, a reliable brand that offers a custom fit and more.
What to know before you buy bladder control underwear
Design and fit
Disposable bladder control underwear may sometimes be categorized as “adult diapers,” but this description is a bit misleading. Most manufacturers design their products to resemble traditional underwear styles, but without sacrificing functionality. Women can usually find bladder control underwear with a contoured fit similar to panties, while men can find a fit similar to briefs. While bladder control underwear designed for overnight use or chronic incontinence may be bulkier than regular underwear, it is still designed to fit under clothing comfortably.
Some bladder control underwear features an elastic one-size-fits-most waistband or a leak-resistant outer shell, along with elastic leg openings for leakage control.
Level of performance
One important consideration when choosing bladder control underwear is the level of performance, especially when it comes to absorption and odor control. Some brands are noticeably more absorbent than others, and this is often by design. Protective underwear for chronic incontinence sufferers needs to be more absorbent than panty liners used for occasional stress-induced urinary accidents. The level of absorption is often included on the product’s packaging information, as well as any odor-controlling ingredients.
Ease of use
Although many brands of disposable bladder control underwear are considered eco friendly or biodegradable, they are not always recyclable or flushable. This can be a consideration if users anticipate making several changes a day. Reusable fabric-based incontinence underwear may be a better alternative for some users, and the right brand can be just as absorbent as disposables with the addition of bladder control pads.
Noise can also be a consideration, because many brands of bladder control underwear have a plastic or vinyl outer shell as a leakage barrier. For lack of a better term, some brands of disposable incontinence underwear are “quieter” than others during use.
Bladder control underwear features
Style options
When adult bladder control underwear first appeared on the market, it was primarily modeled after infant diapers in form and function. Today, users have a much wider array of style choices, from briefs to thongs to even high bikini-style cuts. For the most part, the style of underwear has little effect on the functionality, but users can now choose a style that best matches the fit of their clothing.
Colors
Color selection is another positive feature of modern bladder control underwear. Some brands are still only offered in white or light blue, but others offer users a wider palette to choose from. Men’s disposable briefs can be found in darker hues such as deep blue, gray or black. Women’s panties are commonly available in pink, but bolder colors are also available, especially in higher-end designer-inspired lines.
Multipacks
Reusable bladder control underwear is usually sold as single pairs or a pack of three. Disposable brands, on the other hand, may be available in economically appealing multipacks containing 20 or more pairs. While the up-front cost of a multipack may be higher, buying in bulk does translate to a much lower cost per pair. Caregivers working with incontinent patients may want to consider this option.
Bladder control underwear cost
Basic disposable bladder control underwear can retail for as little as $10 a pack on store shelves, but brands featuring a more discreet profile or designer fit will cost $15-$25 per pack. Reusable cloth incontinence underwear is generally more expensive than disposables, retailing for as much as $30 for three pairs.
Bladder control underwear FAQ
Is there really a difference between “daytime” bladder control underwear and “overnight” underwear?
A. The same brand of incontinence underwear can be used 24 hours a day, but many manufacturers offer an option between “daytime” and “overnight” designs. Daytime bladder control underwear is a little less absorbent, since users tend to change it out more frequently. Overnight bladder control underwear is thicker, because changes are less frequent and more urine is produced during overnight hours.
I wear bladder control underwear, but I still experience some leakage. Are there other products I could use to improve the situation?
A. If you are experiencing frequent urinary leakage, you may want to consider switching to a different brand of bladder control underwear. Some brands are noticeably more absorbent or leak-resistant than others. You can also add a disposable or reusable incontinence bed pad to your mattress, wheelchair or other furniture for additional protection.
Which bladder control underwear should I get?
Best of the best bladder control underwear
Depend Incontinence Protection with Tabs, Maximum Absorbency: available at Amazon
Our take: With Six EasyGrip tabs for a custom fit and soft fit, this bladder control underwear from a well-known manufacturer is the one to consider first.
What we like: Maximum fluid absorption. Wetness indicator line. Can customize fit, not bulky under clothing. Excellent odor control.
What we dislike: Some users report this underwear is not very breathable.
Best bang for your buck bladder control underwear
Solimo Incontinence & Postpartum Underwear for Women: available at Amazon
Our take: While overall performance may be an issue, these budget-friendly disposable pads are ideal for caregivers who need to make multiple changes throughout the day and night.
What we like: Very affordable price point for multipack disposables. Does not contain potential allergens such as latex. Enhanced with cotton for additional comfort. Easy to remove.
What we dislike: Outer layer is paper-like, noisy and not leak-proof. Some consumer complaints about a bulky fit in the crotch.
Honorable mention bladder control underwear
Depend Real Fit Incontinence Underwear for Men: available at Amazon
Our take: This disposable brand of bladder control underwear for men may not be suitable for chronic incontinence, but it is ideal for men who seek short-term protection for daily activities.
What we like: Cotton-like material provides breathability and comfort. Design is similar to standard briefs. Sold in two sizes (small/medium or large/extra large). Choice of gray or black.
What we dislike: Thin material, easily torn. Reports of leakage through leg holes. On the expensive side.
Michael Pollick is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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