Introducing Prevail Per-Fit Gender Specific Protective Underwear

Prevail Per-Fit Underwear for men and women are specifically designed for customized protection, comfort and discretion. These all new disposable underwear look even more like regular underwear while providing moderate incontinence protection. Since they look, fit and feel like regular underwear men and women that are on the go can securely and discreetly maintain their own protection and independence! 

Prevail Per-FitGender Specific Protective Underwear Features:

• Pull on and off just like regular underwear
• Odor Guard protection with targeted absorbency zones to rapidly pull and lock away moisture and neutralize ammonia odor
• Breathable waist area with ventilated waist allows to freely migrate to the wearer
• Cloth like fabric and design that looks and feels more like regular underwear. Fabric has QUICK WICK with MaxSoft Technology that provides softness and rapid liquid acquisition speed

Per-Fit for Women are designed and fitted specifically for women. They are lavender in color and feature a form fitting shape and stretchable waist for the ultimate in comfort and discretion. They provide a superior and inconspicuous fit. Available for waist sizes ranging from 34” up-to 64”. 

Per-Fit for Men are made just for men and are form fitted with a stretch material for the ultimate in cool and comfortable protection. The branded elastic waistband and printed stitching make them look and feel just like regular man’s underwear. Available for waist sizes ranging from 34”-64”.

Prevail Per-Fit Gender Specific Protective Underwear are shipping now. Click here for men and here for women.

Bath and Shower Safety

The bathroom can be a very dangerous room in the house for accidental injuries according to the CDC Report Nonfatal Bathroom Injuries Among Persons ≥15 Years — United States, 2008* found that there were over 234,000 nonfatal bathroom injuries. Of those 81.1% we caused by falls with the highest rate of injury happening in or around the tub or shower. 37.3% of injury accidents happened while getting out of the tub or shower and 2.2% occurred while getting in. The report also showed that injuries and accidents increased with age.

There are many great products to help reduce and/or eliminate accidents in and around the tub and shower. There are grab bars that can be installed in the area to help provide support, chairs and seats to use to to avoid slipping and falling and handheld shower heads that allow the bather to brig the water to them. The following information is provided to help understand some of the key items available to help make the tub or shower a safer place.

Grab Bars and Tub Rails

Grab bars are hand rails that are installed in the tub or shower area on the wall to provide a person a handle to hold on to while getting in or out. There are options available that include permanent bars that are screwed or bolted into the wall as well as suction cup products that can be moved or taken with you while traveling. The permanently mounted bars are considered more secure as they won’t become accidentally unattached to the wall if there is a problem with the suction cups.

Tub Rails are bars that attach to the side of the tub to provide a handle to help the individual steady themselves when getting in or out. These are clamped on to the side of the tub.

Shower Chairs and Transfer Benches

A shower chair is a waterproof chair that is designed to sit in the tub or shower to give the user a place to sit while bathing. Shower chairs come in a number of configurations and are made of a number of different non-rusting materials. Shower chairs may have a seat only or may include and backrest and/or arms. Some are even designed to be folded for easy storage or transport. 

A transfer bench is like a long shower chair that has two legs that sit in the tub and the other two legs sit outside of the tub. The user can sit on the bench, swing their legs into the tub and then slide over on the bench to position themselves to bathe. 

Handheld Shower Heads

A Handheld Shower Head mounts to the spout where water comes out of the regular shower head. There are many features that make this an easy way for the user to bring the water to them, rather than move around in the tub or shower to get under the water. Many Handheld Shower heads allow the user to switch the water flow with a valve so that water comes out of the handheld unit and not the regular shower head. Some also include a button to allow the user to only allow water through the handheld shower head when they want it. The shower heads normally include a long nylon hose to allow the user plenty of range in the tub or shower. 

In addition to these products there are items such as the Carex Bath Mat that provides a slip resistant surface in the bottom of the tub. Since these use suction cups to adhere to the tub or shower floor they can be easily removed for cleaning or transport. 

Some people may find that use of some no-rinse cleansers and wipes might help clean ups between baths or showers a safe and convenient option. Click here to go to our previous article to learn more about in-bed bathing techniques and products - Tips on Sponge Bathing - also known as In-Bed Bathing. 

A few simple products can help make the bath tub or shower more safe. We hope that you find this information about bath tub and shower safety beneficial. 

* Center for Disease Control, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), Nonfatal Bathroom Injuries Among Persons Aged ≥15 Years - - - United States, 2008, June 10, 2011 

Male Incontinence Causes

Male incontinence may occur for many reasons. Essentially, incontinence is when there is an accidental leakage of urine and may happen when the sphincter is too weak, the bladder muscles contract too strongly or the bladder is too full.

The male urinary tract consists of the kidneys that produce urine, the urinary bladder that stores urine, and the urethra tube that leads urine from the bladder through the prostate and out the penis. The urinary sphincter is a ring of muscle around the urethra that controls the flow of urine. Nerve signals tell the sphincter to stay squeezed shut to prevent. The nerves and the muscles work together to prevent urinary leakage.

Incontinence in men may result from a number of issues ranging from conditions such as constipation, infections, and prostrate issues. Prostate issues and treatments are a major cause of urinary incontinence in men. Any disease, condition, or injury that damages nerves can lead to male urinary incontinence.

The prostate gland is a male gland about the size and shape of a walnut. It surrounds the urethra just blow the bladder where it adds fluid to semen before ejaculation. It commonly becomes enlarged as a man ages. This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH.  As the prostate enlarges it may squeeze the urethra, which affects the flow of the urinary stream. 

Prostate Treatment Related Incontinence Issues:

• Short-term incontinence caused by prostrate surgery. This may go away with time. In some cases this may last up to a year.
• Stress Incontinence – often a result after prostate removal (radical prostatectomy) or radiation being used as treatment for prostate cancer. Improvements in surgical techniques are helping make this type of incontinence less common.
• Some treatments for an enlarged prostrate can cause incontinence. These treatments are for conditions such as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

There are also many causes of Urge Incontinence. These conditions include:

• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Constipation
• Painful infection of the prostate gland known as Prostatitis
• Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease or stroke
• Kidney or bladder stones
• Blockage from prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Overflow Incontinence in men may be caused blockage of the urethra from BPH or prostate cancer. 

Other causes may include:

• Stricture – narrowing of the urethra
• Medicines such as antihistamines and decongestants
• Diabetes, multiple sclerosis or other nerve conditions

Many people, men included, may have more than one type of incontinence and each type may have an additional cause. There are many products available that are designed specifically for use with Male Incontinence. Click here to see all products specifically designed for men that are dealing with incontinence.

Supplies Needed in Addition to Incontinence Garments or Adult Diapers

Many individuals and new caregivers ask us what kind of products are needed for caring for incontinent adults in addition to their adult diapers or incontinence garments. While everyone may have different needs a few of the more common items include skin cleansers, skin care lotions and creams, room deodorizers and disposable gloves. All of these items will help maintain a healthy and pleasant environment for all people involved.

Skin Cleansers

Skin Cleansing products specifically used for incontinence are designed to be gentle on skin while cleaning away urine and feces. This is the basis of continued skin health and comfort. There are many varieties of skin cleansers to help fill this need including:

• Body Wash & Shampoo - these are available as no-rinse cleansing solutions to use all over the body for clean up. They can be used with regular washcloths to disposable washcloths. Simply use the cleansers as directed and gently dry skin with a clean cloth. This will help keep skin smooth, soft, non-irritated and healthy. 
• Skin Cleansing Foams - Similar to body wash & shampoo except that these cleansers are foam which make them easy to apply and spread on skin for cleansing. 
• Wipes & Washcloths - these disposable cloths allow the user to easily and gently cleans the skin and then dispose of the cloth after use. Adult sized wipes help with adult sized clean up. Disposable washcloths are thicker than wipes and are generally used for all over body in-bed bathing, although many people use them specifically for incontinence skin cleansing because they prefer the thicker cloths.

Skin Care Products

Skin care products include lotions, creams, ointments and powders. Lotions are more liquid and absorb rapidly in skin to replace moisture and protect from irritation. Skin Care Products include:

• Lotions - low to medium thickness and can be easily spread over large areas of skin.
• Creams- thicker than lotions and leave a thin film to help moisturize and protect sensitive skin.
• Ointments are thicker and generally do not absorb easily into the skin. They tend to be greasy and stay on the surface of the skin to help promote healing 

Moisture barriers are available in these products lines to soothe irritated skin and provide maximum protection from damaging moisture.

Room Deodorizers

Room deodorizers help keep the air fresh and clean which keeps everyone more happy. They are available in unscented or scented varieties. Quality room deodorizers will actually absorb odors rather than cover them up with other fragrances.

Gloves

Gloves are available to act as a barrier between caregiver and patient. Many varieties of gloves are available, but the most common used disposable glove for incontinence care are the vinyl variety. They are inexpensive and available in sizes to fit virtually all hand sizes. 

These are just a few examples of the most common items needed by caregivers when caring for incontinent adults to ensure comfort and health. 

Drugs that Contribute to Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is often the result of medicines being taken for other health issues. These medicines may cause incontinence or worsen existing incontinence. If you suspect you are experiencing incontinence or worsening incontinence it is very important to consult your physician to determine next steps. Never stop taking medicine without consulting your doctor.

When considering medication induced incontinence be sure to think of both prescription medicines and any over-the-counter medicines you may be taking. 

Here are some common drugs that may worsen or cause urinary incontinence:

High Blood Pressure Medicines

These drugs include alpha-adrenergic antagonists or alpha-blockers including Cardura, Minipress, Hytrin, doxazosin mesylate, prazosin hydrochloride and terazosin hydrochloride. These drugs work by dilating blood vessels to reduce blood pressure. In doing this they may also relax the bladder along with the blood vessels. 

They are some times prescribed to men to help with urinary problems such as enlarged prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Alpha-blockers help relax the muscles in the bladder neck which allows urine to flow more easily and improving symptoms of BPH.

These drugs may lead to stress incontinence, which is leakage that occurs during strain such as sneezing, laughing, coughing, or physical exercise.

Antidepressant Drugs 

Antidepressant drugs may worsen incontinence in some people. These drugs include Nopramin, Cogentin, Haldol, Risperdal, Elavin, Prolixin (fluphenazine), Hadol (haloperidol), nortripramine, amitriptyline, desipramine, benztropine, halperidol, and risperidone.

These drugs can impair the ability of the bladder to contract resulting in an inability to empty (or void) the bladder completely. This may lead to overflow incontinence. Some antidepressant drugs may decrease your awareness of the need to go to the bathroom until it is too late to get to the toilet.

Diuretics

Diuretics are also known as water pills. They work in the kidneys to reduce blood pressure by flushing excess water and salt out of the body. Essentially, they cause the body to produce more urine. This translates to more trips to the toilet and possible worsening of incontinence. 

These drugs include any medicine prescribed as a diuretic including Bumex, Lasix (Furosemide), Aldactone, bumetanide, Hyrdodiuril (Hydrochlorothiazide HCTZ), Maxzide (HCTZ - triameterene), spironolactone, furosemide, theophyline and hydrochlorothalizide (and other “thalazides” which are common medications for hypertension).

Sleeping Pills 

Sleeping pills may create a problem for those with incontinence at night because the user don’t or can’t wake up when their bladder is full. These drugs include any sedative or sleeping aid that relaxes muscles and make you sleeping including Ativan (lorazepam), Valium (diazepam), Lunesta, Ambien, Librium (chlordiazepoxide), diazepam, flurazepam, lorazepam, eszopiclone and zolpidem. 

These drugs slow reflexes which may result in not recognizing the signal that it is time to go. They may put you in such a deep sleep that you miss the body alert to get up and use the toilet. Bed wetting effects approximately 10% of people with incontinence. 

Hormone Therapy Drugs

Hormone therapy including oral estrogen-only or combination estrogen and progesterone pills may cause or worsen urinary incontinence. At one time it was thought that these medicines helped incontinence symptoms, but they are now known to trigger or worsen both stress and urge incontinence. 

Decongestants and Antihistamines

These drugs may contain pseudoephederine which may tighten the urinary sphincter causing urinary retention. These drugs include Sudafed, Contac, Benadryl pseudoephedrine, and diphenhydramine.

For women this is frequently followed by sudden overflow incontinence. However, men who have leakage after prostate surgery may be using these drugs to temporarily clamp down on the bladder muscles to help prevent bladder leakage. 

Narcotics and Painkillers

These drugs are opium based painkillers that may interfere with the bladder’s ability to contract fully. This can lead to urine retention and overflow incontinence. They may also cause constipation and studies show that constipation desensitizes the bladder and worsens urge incontinence. These drugs include any opium-based pain medicine including OxyContin, MS-Contin, Oramorph, Percocet, Demerol, codeine, morphine and oxycodone.

Understanding that these types of drugs may cause or worsen incontinence is a key to opening a dialog with your doctor. Under the doctors supervision changes to drugs, behavior or physical activity amy help improve your condition. Being prepared for this conversation will help the dialog be open and beneficial as it is often uncomfortable. Keep in mind the following when speaking with your doctor:

• How long ago/ when did the incontinence begin?
• Did you have incontinence before taking these medicines? Was there a change? 
• What drugs are you taking (prescription and over-the-counter) and when did you start taking them? 

Please realize that there are many drugs that may not have been included on this list that may cause or contribute to urinary incontinence. It is very important to speak with your doctor about all medications you take in order for them to identify best options for your optimal care. 

What is Incontinence?

Incontinence is the involuntary loss of bladder and/or bowel control. Loss of bladder control is also known as urinary incontinence and loss of bowel control is also known as fecal incontinence. It is a common problem the effects both men and women of all ages. 

There are many causes of incontinence including surgery, child birth, menopause, birth defect, injuries to areas such as pelvic area or spine, disease, infection, certain medications, and chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes or arthritis. Certain beverages including alcohol or caffeinated drinks may also contribute. In this article we will focus on urinary incontinence.

Urinary incontinence is almost always a result from an underlying medical condition. Incontinence can occur when any part of the urinary system malfunctions or is compromised. Urinary incontinence can range in severity from drops or small leaks to complete loss of bladder control. This system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, sphincter and urethra. In the normal situation the bladder will store urine until it is time to urinate or void the bladder. Urinary incontinence can happen when any part of the urinary system is not functioning correctly.

Voiding or void is a medical term often used to describe the process of urination i.e. voiding the bladder. Some individuals may not be able to void completely which can also cause problems such as bladder infection. This is often found with people that have certain diseases or spinal cord injuries. 

The types of urinary incontinence are - stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, & functional incontinence. Here is a brief description of each:

Stress Incontinence - may happen when there is an increase in abdominal pressure from situations such as laughing, exercising, sneezing, or coughing. The urine leaks due to weakened pelvic floor muscles and tissue. This may be caused by childbirth, being overweight or obese (bariatric), having had prostate surgery, and certain medications. 

Urge Incontinence - also known as overactive bladder. This is the incontinence that describes when there is a sudden urgent need to urinate and not having time to get to the bathroom or toilet. This type of incontinence is often caused by damage to the bladder’s nerves, damage to the nervous system or damage to muscles. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and stroke can affect nerves resulting in urge incontinence. There other other conditions that can lead to urge incontinence such as bladder infections, bladder stones, and use of certain medications. 

Note: some women have both stress and urge incontinence which may be referred to as “mixed urinary incontinence”

Overflow Incontinence - this type of incontinence that describes when a person is not able to empty their bladder completely and as a result may experience leakage when the bladder is full. This is something that many men experience in the form of frequent dribbling of urine.  Overflow Incontinence is caused by weak bladder muscles, blockage of the urethra cause by situations such as an enlarged prostate, tumors and constipation. 

Functional Incontinence - incontinence caused by physical problems such as arthritis or cognitive problems. The problems such as dementia may prevent a person from getting to the bathroom in time. 

Many more women experience urinary incontinence than men, but it does still effect men. Since there are many possible causes of incontinence it is important to obtain a medical diagnosis to determine possible treatment options. Many times urinary incontinence can be cured or improved so it is important to consult with your doctor. For example, sometimes changes to diet, behavior, or medicines or diet can help improve the situation. Any changes that are made to any of these, especially medicine should be done only under the care and supervision of your doctor. 

In some cases surgical treatment may be performed after receiving a medical evaluation and exhausting nonsurgical treatment options. 

During evaluation and treatment there are many options for products to help manage and maintain comfort, health, dryness and dignity. These products include garnets such as adult diapers, protective pull up underwear and underwear pads and liners. Click on this link of you would like to check out any of the large variety of incontinence products available on our web site. 

Incontinence Products Selection Guide

In order to select the best incontinence products for your needs it is important to understand what types of incontinence products are available, the strengths and weaknesses of the products and how they are used. It is important to ensure the balance between protection and overall health are managed as well a building confidence and improving the quality of life for the wearer.

After getting an understanding of this information you can then start looking at the product details to fit your needs even more specifically for size and fit, absorption, bladder and/or bowel incontinence and pricing. 

This article is intended to provide information by incontinence product type to help you narrow down your decision process. Within each product type are many variation - both large and small - that will help you fine tune your product selection process.

Adult Diapers

Adult Diapers are also known as adult briefs, disposable briefs and adult nappies. Diapers are incontinence garments that are a folded piece of material with absorbent qualities that is placed between the wearers legs, drawn up and then fastened at the sides on the waist. Fasteners may be of a taped variety or hook and loop products (like Velcro). They are designed to be worn comfortably, but snug to ensure best leakage protection. 

Good for use when: wearer is bed ridden or immobile, wearer is large sized or bariatric, for use with bowel incontinence

Not as good for use when: Wearer is changed when standing, wearer would like to change themselves easily

Protective Underwear

Protective underwear are also known as disposable underwear, pull-ups and pull ons. They are essentially pull up style undergarments that have absorbent material built into the garment. Available in gender specific or unisex styles. Many protective underwear brands have easy tear aways sides to make removal easier and cleaner. It important to have a comfortable, yet snug fit to help ensure that no leaks occur. These garments have elastic or similar materials built into the waist to provide fit and comfort without having to use tape or fasteners to "snug" the fit. 

Good for use when: Wearer is mobile and able to dress themselves and manage their own incontinence, wearers that want ease and discretion in managing their own incontinence and users that need protection for either bladder or bowel incontinence. 

Not as good for use when: wearer is bedridden or immobile. 

Pads and Liners

Bladder control pads and liners are also known as urinary pads, pant liners, panty liners, underwear liners, or shields. These pads are designed to be worn inside underwear or special incontinence garments to provide absorption where it is needed. Some pads have adhesive strips to hold in place. Designed with various configurations, shapes and absorptions to help avoid embarrassing leaks.

Good for use when: Absorbency for urinary incontinence is needed, wearer would like to maintain maximum discretion, wearer wants to continue to wear their regular underwear or when extra absorbency is needed in a diaper or protective underwear.

Not as good for use when: dealing with bowel incontinence, complete bladder incontinence with large void volumes

Underpads

Underpads are also known as chux, chucks, bed pads, seat pads or chair pads. An underpad is an absorbent material with a waterproof backing that is designed to absorb fluids and protect surfaces from undesirable leaks. This product is often used in conjunction with other incontinence products as a last layer of protection for the mattress or seating surface. Available in many absorbencies, sizes and types (disposable or reusable).

Good for use when: leaks sometimes cause extra linen changes at night, leaks are ruining seating and bedding surfaces, leaks are causing undesirable skin wetness exposure.

Not as good for: use as an only product when large volumes of leakage or frequent leakage occurs, user wiggles or moves around frequently causing pad to shift and not provide protection where needed. 

Belted Undergarments

Belted undergarments are sort of a hybrid product similar to an adult diaper and an incontinence pad combined. It is essentially a large pad that has band(s) that attach to the side of the garment to hold in place. 

Good for use when: wearer is bedridden or immobile and / or frequent changes are needed 

Not as good for: users that need wider protection and bowel incontinence

This information is provided as a general guide. It is important to note that products are always evolving and changing as new technology and designed become available. For example - pads are now available in larger sizes and can accommodate heavy as well as bowel incontinence. It is important to understand the type of product and then review the detailed product information about a specific item to ensure it meets your needs for sizing, absorption and type of incontinence. 

We would like to also point out that we often receive questions about using women's monthly period pads as incontinence pads. The materials and technologies used in the designs of these pads are different as they provide different protections for different fluids. It is always recommended that incontinence products are used to manage and protect for urinary incontinence. 

New McKesson brand of Incontinence Products

Introducing the all new McKesson brand of incontinence products - well sort of. McKesson has recently switched over their brand name of “StayDry” product to simply be known as McKesson incontinence products. At the time of this change they also added some additional new products including completely new lines of pant liners and pads as well as new sizes in the existing adult diaper and protective underwear lines. 

The McKesson incontinence products are value/economy price for exceptionally high quality incontinence products. 

Here is more information to help make the transition to the existing line a bit easier and to provide information on the new products:

McKesson Adult Diapers

McKesson Lite Adult Diapers 

• McKesson part #’s BRPLMD, BRPLLG, BRPLXL
• Light incontinence protection
• Replacement for StayDry Poly Adult Diapers (27-BRPLMD, 27-BRPLLG, 27-BRPLXL)

McKesson Regular Adult Diapers

• McKesson Part #’s BRCLMD, BRCLLG, BRCLXL
• Moderate incontinence protection
• Replacement for StayDry Breathable Adult Diapers (27-BRCLMD, 27-BRCLLG, 27-BRCLXL)

McKesson Ultra Adult Diapers

• McKesson Part # BRULSM, BRULMD, BRULLG, BRULXL, BRULXXL
• Heavy incontinence protection
• New size added for small waists from 22” up-to 36”
• Replacement for StayDry Ultra Adult Diapers (783-BRULMD, 783-BRULLG, 783-BRULXL, 783-BRBLXXL)

McKesson Ultra Plus Bariatric Adult Diapers

• McKesson part # BRBAR
• Heavy incontinence protection
• Replacement for StayDry Bariatric Adult Diaper (783-BRBAR)

McKesson Ultra Plus Stretch Adult Diapers - ALL NEW

• McKesson part # BRSTRMR, BRSTRLXL
• Heavy incontinence protection
• New product line

McKesson Protective Underwear

McKesson Regular Protective Underwear 

• McKesson part # UWGMD, UWGLG, UWGXL
• For moderate incontinence protection
• Replacement for StayDry Protective Underwear (783-UWGMD, 783-UWGLG, 783-UWGXL)

McKesson Ultra Protective Underwear

• McKesson part # UWBSM, UWBMD, UWBLG, UWBXL, UWBXXL
• For moderate to heavy incontinence protection
• New size added for small waists from 25”-32”
• Replacement for StayDry Ultra Protective Underwear (783-UWBMD, 783-UWBLG, 783-UWBXL, 783-UWBXXL)

McKesson Bladder Control Pads

McKesson Regular Absorbency Bladder Control Pads - NEW

• McKesson part # PADLT
• Moderate incontinence protection
• 8.5” long pads
• New product line

McKesson Long Ultra Bladder Control Pads - NEW

• McKesson part # PADHV
• Heavy incontinence protection
• 14.5” long pads
• New product line

McKesson Pant Liners

McKesson Lite Pant Liners - NEW

• McKesson part # LINERLT
• Light incontinence protection
• 24.5” long
• New product line

McKesson Regular Pant Liners - NEW

• McKesson part # LINERMD
• Moderate incontinence protection
• 24.5” long 
• New product line

McKesson Ultra Pant Liners - NEW

• McKesson Part # LINERHV
• Heavy incontinence protection
• 24.5” long
• New product line

McKesson incontinence products are an excellent option for somebody that is looking for high quality and comfortable incontinence products. Please visit our product pages by clicking here if you would like to get more details or pricing on any of these exception new products. Thank you.