Continence Aids

FAQ

• What is urinary incontinence and how common is it?

  Urinary incontinence—the unintentional loss of urine—affects millions of adults worldwide and is especially common after childbirth, prostate surgery, and with ageing. The good news is that modern continence care products and routines can dramatically improve comfort, confidence, and skin health.

  
• What types of incontinence products are available?

  The main categories are pads/guards, pull-up pants, all-in-one briefs (tape/slip style), and bed/chair protection underpads. Each serves different needs based on mobility, absorbency, and ease of changing.

  
• How do I choose the right absorbency level?

  Match absorbency to when and how much you leak. Lighter pads suit drips and stress leaks; moderate absorbency for urge/mixed incontinence; higher absorbency for overnight or heavy output. Aim for “just enough” absorbency—too much bulk can reduce comfort and fit.

  
• What’s more important—absorbency or fit?

  Fit first, always. A well-fitted product with leak guards and a snug leg seal prevents leaks better than an oversized, ultra-absorbent option. Measure hips/waist and follow the brand’s size chart.

  
• How do I measure for a proper fit?

  Use a soft tape to measure the widest part of the hips (standing) and the waist. Pick the size that matches your largest measurement. If between sizes, choose the smaller size if your measurements are close and you want a snug leg seal.

  
• Pull-up pants vs tape-tab briefs—what’s the difference?

  Pull-ups (like regular underwear) are great for active users and easy self-changes. Tape-tab briefs open flat, making caregiver changes simpler, and often provide higher maximum absorbency and a customizable leg/waist fit.

  
• Pads vs pull-ups—when should I use each?

  Pads/guards are ideal for light to moderate leaks and work well with well-fitting underwear or fixation pants. Pull-ups are better for moderate to heavy leaks when you want 360° coverage without tapes.

  
• How do I prevent leaks and “gapping”?

  Choose the correct size, ensure the leg cuffs are untucked and sitting in the groin crease, and avoid wearing two products on top of each other (double-padding). For nighttime, consider a higher level or a different style (briefs) for a tighter seal.

  
• Do incontinence products cause odour?

  Quality products use fast-dry cores and odour-neutralising technology to lock away moisture and reduce smell. You don’t need heavy fragrance—in fact, fragrance can irritate sensitive skin. Good fit and timely changes are the best odour control.

  
• How often should I change an incontinence product?

  Change whenever the product feels heavy, the wetness indicator shows saturation (on taped briefs), after bowel episodes, and before bedtime. For skin health, don’t “stretch” wear time beyond what the product is designed for.

  
• What are common mistakes when buying incontinence products?

  Going up a size “for safety,” stacking pads inside other products, chasing the highest absorbency for daytime wear, and ignoring leg seal and body shape. Prioritise correct size, style, and comfort over sheer capacity.

  
• What should I look for if I have sensitive skin?

  Seek breathable backsheet materials, fast-dry topsheets, latex-free design, and skin-friendly, dermatologically tested ranges. Pair products with a gentle pH-balanced cleanser and a barrier cream if needed.

  
• Are there products designed specifically for men or women?

  Yes. Male guards target the front where men typically need protection, while female pads are shaped for female anatomy. Unisex options exist, but gender-specific designs can improve comfort and leak security.

  
• Can these products be worn discreetly under clothes?

  Absolutely. Modern, slim-profile pads and pants are low-rustle with body-contouring shapes. Correct size and underwear with a firm waistband help keep everything invisible under everyday clothing.

  
• What if I also have bowel incontinence?

  Choose all-in-one briefs with strong leak guards and consider booster pads specifically designed for fecal containment. Follow a diligent skin-care routine (cleanse, dry, protect) to prevent irritation.

  
• What is the ABENA incontinence range?

  ABENA offers a full continence care portfolio: Abri-Flex (pull-up pants), Abri-Form (tape/slip briefs), Abri-San (shaped pads), Abri-Man (male guards), Abena Light (discreet female pads), and Abri-Soft (bed/chair underpads), covering light to very heavy needs.

  
• Who are ABENA Abri-Flex pull-up pants best for?

  Abri-Flex suits mobile, independent users who prefer an underwear-like feel and quick changes. They’re ideal for daytime confidence and moderate to heavy urinary leaks without managing tapes.

  
• Who are ABENA Abri-Form tape-tab briefs best for?

  Abri-Form is great for heavy to very heavy incontinence, overnight protection, and assisted changes. The refastenable tapes and wetness indicators support caregivers and help tailor the fit.

  
• When should I choose ABENA Abri-San shaped pads?

  Pick Abri-San for light to heavy leaks when you want a slim profile with targeted absorbency. Always use them with snug fixation pants or firm underwear to maintain the pad’s shape and leak guards.

  
• What are ABENA Abri-Man guards?

  Abri-Man are male-anatomy guards that focus absorbency up front where it’s needed most. They’re discreet, easy to change, and ideal for post-prostate surgery recovery or stress drips.

  
• How do ABENA Light pads differ from sanitary pads?

  ABENA Light pads are purpose-built for urine, which is faster-flowing and lower viscosity than menstrual fluid. They feature rapid-lock cores and odour control for continence, not periods—leading to better dryness and fewer leaks.

  
• What is ABENA Abri-Soft used for?

  Abri-Soft are disposable underpads for beds, chairs, and car seats. They provide an extra layer of protection during changes, overnight, or when travelling—useful as a backup, not a substitute for a well-fitted primary product.

  
• How do ABENA absorbency levels work?

  ABENA products are available in “levels” that increase with capacity (e.g., 1–4+). Higher numbers generally mean more absorbency. Match the level to your needs—lighter by day, heavier for overnight or longer wear times.

  
• How do I pick my ABENA size?

  Measure hips and waist, then choose the size that fits your larger measurement. ABENA lists size bands (e.g., Small, Medium, Large, X-Large) with guidance in centimetres—don’t convert from another brand; re-measure for accuracy.

  
• Do ABENA products have wetness indicators?

  Most ABENA tape-style briefs include wetness indicator lines that change colour when saturated. This helps time changes, protect skin, and manage care plans.

  
• Are ABENA products breathable and skin-friendly?

  Many ABENA lines feature breathable backsheets and fast-dry topsheets to keep skin drier. Look for mentions of dermatological testing and latex-free construction if you have sensitivities.

  
• Which ABENA option is best for overnight?

  For heavy night-time needs, consider Abri-Form in a higher absorbency level or Abri-Flex in an upper level if you prefer pull-ups. Pair with an Abri-Soft underpad as backup if you move a lot in sleep.

  
• Can I use an ABENA pad inside a pull-up for extra protection?

  It’s not recommended. “Double-padding” can cause channeling and leaks. Instead, choose a higher level within Abri-Flex or switch to Abri-Form for maximum capacity, and consider an underpad as a backup.

  
• What should I check on the product label before buying ABENA items?

  Verify size (in cm), absorbency level, style (pad, pull-up, brief), and features like wetness indicator, breathability, and odour control. If available, compare ISO absorbency ratings to match your needs.

  
• Are there eco or sustainability considerations with ABENA?

  ABENA prioritises responsible sourcing in many of its ranges. If sustainability matters to you, look for references to eco-labels, certified pulp, and reduced-plastic packaging in product descriptions.

  
• What’s the best way to start if I’m new to ABENA?

  Begin with your measurements and typical leak patterns (day vs night, light vs heavy). Choose the style you prefer (pad, pull-up, or brief) and pick an absorbency level that matches. If possible, try a small pack or sample to confirm fit and comfort before buying in bulk.

  
• Any final tips to avoid common misconceptions?

  Bigger is not better; correct size seals leaks. Highest absorbency isn’t always the most comfortable for daytime. Don’t stack products; choose the right single product. Prioritise breathability and skin care. And if symptoms change or worsen, consult a GP or continence nurse for personalised advice.