Incontinence Information : Bowel Incontinence : Underwear Supplies : Reusable Briefs Aids : DependableAdultDiapers.com

Incontinence is defined as the loss of bladder or bowel control. It is a common medical condition that is estimated to affect almost 25 million Americans. Contrary to popular belief, incontinence is NOT a disease, nor is it a "normal" part of aging. There are several common causes of incontinence and the first step in determining the type of incontinence you may be experiencing and the proper treatment is to consult with a medical professional.

Once the type, or combinations of types, of incontinence is determined you are on the road to a successful treatment, cure or effective management of the condition. Diet modification, behavioral therapy, exercises, medications, supportive devices, surgery, and disposable absorbent products may be determined by your health care professional to best meet your individualized needs.

Disposable absorbent products are also an effective and convenient way to manage incontinence. Today's superabsorbent technology eliminates embarrassing odors, leakage, and skin breakdown. Absorbent products come in a variety of sizes, styles, and absorbency levels to meet each man's and woman's individualized protection needs. Pads worn in underwear, pull-on style protective underwear, undergarments, and full briefs are all designed to address light, moderate or heavy levels of incontinence. Identifying the type of incontinence coupled with the amount of urine flow and mobility level will assist in determining which product is right for you.

It is very important to note that not all disposable products are created equal. Low performance products comprised of cotton fluff or products manufactured for menstruation are not effective in the management of incontinence. Bladder control products comprised of superabsorbent polymers offer the highest level of performance and will quickly absorb and neutralize urine. High performance products retain large volumes of urine, prevent leakage, control bacterial growth, eliminate odor and improve the quality of life. In addition, they also offer a cost-saving advantage.

Super absorbent technology can make a world of difference for incontinent residents and for you as their caregivers. The goal of today's high performance super absorbent products is to help you manage incontinence more effectively.

Skin safety should be a top priority in choosing an absorbent product. Moist skin is prone to irritation, breakdown and the formation of pressure sores. High-performance products retain larger volumes of urine and will not "squeeze out" even under pressure. The result is dryer, healthier skin.

Leakage of urine can be prevented. The common belief that the larger the brief the more urine it will hold is really a myth. It is essential you are measured for a proper fitting brief. Wearing the wrong size brief, a large when itshould be in a small, only leads to leakage. High performance products contain super absorbent polymers that will absorb large amounts of urine. These products perform at their maximum capacity to prevent leakage when you wear the correct size brief.

The smell of urine is very unpleasant and yet it is very common in a facility that uses low performance products. High performance products eliminate urine odor as their technology neutralizes the bacteria responsible for creating the odor. Odor elimination results in a more pleasant environment for everyone.

Neutralization of bacteria is important for many reasons. Unabsorbed urine is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and other organisms. These can easily lead to complications, including urinary tract infections. High performance products neutralize the pH in urine and inhibit the growth of bacteria, creating a safer skin environment. At-risk residents remain dry and protected. Exceptional levels of skin integrity are achieved through the use of super absorbent products.

A product with a lower absorption capacity needs to be changed more frequently, using more units. A high performance product does lasts longer between changes because it absorbs and neutralizes much more urine than a low performance product. Even though the product may have a higher unit price, it reduces not only the number of units used, but related costs such as laundry and skin care lotions, and can actually result in significantly lower total daily cost.