How Often Should You Change Incontinence Pads?
-
Change your incontinence pad either when it’s wet or every three to four hours, whichever comes sooner.
-
Wearing wet incontinence products for too long can lead to an unpleasant smell, uncomfortable skin conditions, infections, and chafing.
-
Following a simple hygiene protocol can help ensure that you don’t experience discomfort or bad odors when using incontinence products.
Here’s a topic you’ve probably wondered about but weren’t sure who to ask: How frequently are you supposed to swap out your incontinence products? Even though it may feel a little uncomfortable to talk about, knowing the answer to this question is important to helping you live a stress-free life with bladder leakage. It can also help you feel more confident and comfortable as you go about your daily life!
When It’s Wet or Every Three to Four Hours
So how often should you change your incontinence pads? A good rule of thumb is to change yours every three to four hours — which usually translates to around four to six times a day — or whenever your pads become wet. If you’re using good-quality bladder leakage pads, you may not feel wetness the second you experience a minor leak, but keeping the bathroom visits at regular intervals can help.
What Happens When You Wear Incontinence Pads for Too Long?
Though most incontinence products for women are made with gentle, non-irritating materials that are safe for sensitive skin, some skin conditions can occur if worn for too long. Prolonged wear, especially of damp or wet pads, can cause a skin condition called incontinence associated dermatitis. This causes inflammation and irritation when the skin is exposed to urine, but keeping the area as dry as possible can help prevent it.
On top of incontinence associated dermatitis, wearing incontinence products for more than the recommended amount of time can lead to fungal infections, redness, irritation, itchy skin, chafing, and bad odors. If you suffer from sensitive skin or have an underlying condition, such as eczema or psoriasis, wearing a pad for too long could worsen it, so make sure you stay on top of changes.
Have wet pads more often than not? Read our blog Why Do I Pee So Much? for some information on why this may be happening.
Tips for Incontinence Hygiene
-
Never reuse an incontinence pad. Even if it appears to be dry, used incontinence pads won’t absorb moisture as well as new ones will, which can leave your skin vulnerable to developing dermatitis. Reusing wet pads can also contribute to a bad odor and physical discomfort.
-
Keep the area clean. It’s important to keep the area as clean as possible. Certain bacteria — including candida, the bacteria that causes yeast infections — can worsen skin conditions, especially in those with incontinence. Take preventative measures against yeast infections and consider carrying vaginal wipes with you to help get rid of bad bacteria and control odors.
-
Go up in absorbency. If you’re wearing pads for drips but frequently experience gushes, there’s a good chance you’re exposing your skin to wetness that can lead to rashes and discomfort. Choose products that are specifically designed for your incontinence flow to prevent exposing the skin to urine.
-
Use moisturizing cream. Your pelvic region needs a skin care routine, too! Make sure you take good care of the sensitive skin down below, frequently applying a high-quality moisturizer to ensure that the skin doesn’t become dry, itchy, or flaky, which could worsen with the use of pads. If you have a rash, creams containing zinc oxide and petroleum jelly may help.
Change Pads Early and Often
Changing your incontinence pads is like voting — you need to do it early and often! Consider setting a reminder on your phone or building changes into your daily routine, such as when you wake up, refill your coffee, go to lunch, or do your daily stretches. Following these simple tips will help ensure that you stay dry and comfortable in everything you do!