We get a ton of questions about protecting mattresses, seating surfaces and sheets from urinary incontinence. This line of questions come from people that may or may not already be using an incontinence product such as a diaper or protective underwear. Many of the questions come from people that are looking for a solution that would allow them the ability to make it through the night without having to change the bed sheets. The answer to this this question is yes, there are many great bed pads and underpads specifically designed for this purpose.
In addition to using bed pads it is also a good idea to first make sure that the incontinence diaper or protective underwear fits properly without loose cuffs and if they are using the correct protective level. There are many overnight and extended wear adult diapers and protective underwear that may be sufficient to keep beds and linens dry all night.
Once evaluating the incontinence product fit and absorption level and determining there is still a need for additional surface protection there are many products available. These products differ from a sheet made of plastic, vinyl or other similar material. Here is a rundown of the underpads for incontinence protection are made and how they might help you provide a better and more comfortable night of sleep.
Bed pads are known are technically known as underpads. They are also known by many in the caregiving profession as chux or chucks. These products are designed to lay between the bottom bed sheet and the user. A bed pad features a top sheet bonded to an absorbent core which is then bonded to a waterproof bottom sheet. The top sheet will whisk urine away from the skin and into the core. The core will absorb, retain and distribute liquids in the mat. And lastly the waterproof backing will protect the sheet, mattress or seating surface from urine or other fluids.
Bed Pads come in many sizes to match the needs of the user and the surface that is being protected. Here is a chart to provide a basic idea of suggested uses by size. Individual uses may vary.
Size Suggested Use
17"x24" Wheelchairs, Chairs, Car Seats, Couch & Pets
23"x24" Partial Bed Coverage or Larger Seating Areas
23"x36" Partial Bed Legth w/ Full Hospital Bed* Width
30"x30" Long Length & Partial Hospital Bed* Width
30"x36" Long Length & Full Hospital Bed* Width
36"x36"+ Long Length & Full Hospital Bed* Width
* Standard Hospital Bed Dimensions = 36.5" x 80"
The absorbency of a bed pad is determined by the size of the pad and the materials that make up the core (or mat). Lighter absorbency pads will generally use a fluff filler and heavier absorbency pads will incorporate super absorbent polymers and/ or cellulose fibers to provide maximum fluid absorption and help control odors.
Since bed pads lay between the bottom bed sheet and the user they may move around if the person is moving in bed. There are bed pads such as the Attends Tuckables that provide side wings that tuck under the mattress to help hold the pad in place. There are also pads that incorporate adhesives to “tape” the pad to the sheet.
Bed Pads are available in disposable varieties or washable reusable varieties. Disposable are convenient and require little maintenance, while reusable bed pads need to be washed and dried between uses but will save the user money over time. One of our most popular selling items on our web site is the high quality, made in the USA bed pads from Beck’s. This product is designed extremely well to stand up to being washed and dried over-and-over again without damaging the pad or reducing the efficiency or effectiveness of the pad. It is also available in a number of different sizes to help match it to the users specific needs.
Bed pads are a simple and effective product to help keep mattresses, sheets, chairs, couches, car seats and other seating surfaces dry and protected from being damaged by urine.
This product is also popular with pet owners that are potty training pets or have animals that have to be indoors for lengthy periods of time. Many of the disposable bed pads are the same products that are purchased from pet store with special packaging at much higher prices. Dog owners also use the reusable variety of pads as they are able to better withstand the claws that may scratch and tear the disposable pads.
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