Continence wear for older children and adults
Types of absorbent products
Washable absorbent products have been developed to a high
standard over the years. Continence underwear is available in sizes from age
3 to adult. Various styles are available to choose from which vary in their
level of absorbency from slight, light, moderate or heavy urinary incontinence.
However, washable continence products may not be suitable for those with heavy
urinary loss. The following are available:
- Pads that are slim and unobtrusive, and can be slipped
inside your usual pants. (From £4). Pads have a surface layer worn
next to the skin, usually made from a ‘feel-dry’ material, which
allows urine to pass through to a soaker layer of absorbent material. Most
have a waterproof backing or under layer to minimise leaks. Some women find
that washable pads designed for menstruation are also suitable.
- Pants with built in absorbent pads. Pant styles are more
like ordinary underwear. Styles include high cut, bikini, thong, floral
and lace versions (from around £6)
- Pouch pants for use with a pad, inserted into a pouch
sewn into the gusset. Once wet, only the pad is changed (from around £6
per pant)
- Other styles take the form of wrap-around-all-in-one nappies
(about £35) or terry squares with waterproof over pants
(from £10)
- Washable pads and products are also available for your car, the
sofa, to protect your mattress etc.
Benefits of using washable products
- Washable pads and pants can save
you money. For the amount you would spend on disposable pads in
8 weeks, you could buy all the washable pads you need to last a year or
more. There are no additional washing costs when pads or pants are included
in your normal household wash. Don’t use fabric conditioners as these
can reduce absorbency.
- Prevents waste. There’s a booming market in disposable
continence products that’s adding to Britain’s waste mountain.
In 2001 alone, nearly £24 million was spent on continence products
alone and that doesn’t include all the sanitary towels and panty liners
that some people use instead. 90% of this ends up in landfill.
It is extremely important to seek medical advice!
For anybody - children, young people, adults or older people
experiencing any form of continence issue, it is extremely important to seek
medical advice. For example, nearly 17% of women (an estimated 3.8 million)
over 18 experience stress incontinence when they laugh, cough or sneeze. Stress
incontinence occurs in men too. Stress incontinence is frequently preventable,
can be significantly improved, can often be cured and can at least be managed
without loss of dignity.
Your GP and NHS Continence Advisor can help.
Contact your GP or the following local Continence
Advisory Services:
- Bexhill Hospital
Bexhill
East Sussex
TN40 2DZ
Tel 01424 755 255 ext 5332
- Brighton General Hospital
A Block
Elm Grove
Brighton
BN2 3EW
Tel 01273 693 600 ext 3398
Suppliers of washable continence products
- Synergy Healthcare Ltd, Lion Mill, Fritton Street, Royton, Oldham 0L2
2JX.
Tel. 0161 624 5641 Email patientcare@synergyhealthcare.plc.uk
www.synergyhealthcareplc.com
- Robinson Healthcare Ltd. Waterside, Walton, Chesterfield,
Derbyshire S40 1YF
Tel. 01246 505 450
- Vernacare care shop, Slater Street, Bolton BL1 2HP
Tel. 01204 38 48 58 Email careshop@careshop.co.uk
www.allaboutinco.com
- Tyco Healthcare, Continence Care, 154 Fareham Road, Gosport,
Hants, PO13 OAS
Tel 01329 224 335
- In Confidence, Perfectly Happy People Ltd, 93 Bollo Lane, Chiswick, London W4 5LU
Tel. 0870 1202 018
www.in-confidence.co.uk
- Incosan, Eden House, PO Box 44339, London SW19 3WQ
Tel 0870 442 5676 Email info@incosan.co.uk
www.incosan.co.uk
Sources of information and support
