Incontinence can turn life upside down.
It crushes self-esteem, strains relationships, and creates endless frustration for both clients and caregivers. If you're taking care of someone suffering from continence issues, then we don't have to tell you.
For clients, it’s the fear of leaks at the worst possible moment, the discomfort of dampness, and the constant worry about odours. For caregivers, it’s the frustration of managing accidents, washing soiled clothes, and watching someone they care for lose confidence.
It’s exhausting, emotionally and physically, for everyone involve
That’s why getting the right fit for adult incontinence pads is so important. When incontinence products are too loose, leaks become harder to contain, and urine can escape through gaps. Nobody wants to ruin bedding or good clothes, especially when it's due to incontinence.
And it's not just damage to clothes and furniture or constantly changing pads that you have to worry about. A poor-fitting piece of incontinence clothing is also dangerous to your loved one's or patient's health.
Loose fits can also cause chafing, irritation, or damp environments where germs can fester.
Our advice: Keep it snug!
The #1 problem we see when it comes to shifting underwear is that the caregiver or client did not buy the right type of briefs or panties to begin with.
If it's not the right fit, then there's not much that you can do.
Read: GET THE RIGHT FIT THE FIRST TIME.
Here's how to do that...
Every fit is different. Someone with light, occasional bladder leaks needs a very different product than someone managing heavy nighttime incontinence. So, you need to know what to look for to get this right.
Here are the key factors to consider when choosing incontinence underwear:
Now that we've got that out of the way, it's time to talk about sizing. To get the right size for incontinence underwear, measure the waist and hips, using the larger measurement if you're in between sizes. And another thing, always check the brand’s size chart, since sizes vary between brands (and they're NEVER accurate anyway!).
Pro Tip: Trial packs are a great way to test the fit, and adjustable options like elastic waistbands offer flexibility for added comfort.
Before we move on, we want to talk about why material and design are so important.
The truth is, the right materials and thoughtful design can make all the difference in keeping reusable underwear stable and reliable throughout the day. Whenever people complain about rashes, leaks, or itching, it's almost always due to the material or fit.
Here's what you need to know...
High-quality materials, like cotton blends or bamboo, help incontinence underwear stay put. They provide the right balance of comfort and support while keeping the fabric from stretching or sagging after a few wears. Stability matters because when the fit shifts, leaks happen—and that’s the last thing anyone wants.
At Ontex, we’ve completely changed the game for managing incontinence.
Some of our top innovations have been our absorbent cores, breathable fabrics, and discreet designs. These new technologies pull moisture away from the body, help you stay dry and comfortable all night, and fit right to the body, so nobody will know you're even wearing them.
You can’t overstate how important it is to get the fit of incontinence underwear just right. When the fit is snug and secure, leaks are far less likely, and the wearer can go about their day with confidence and comfort. They'll even forget they're wearing incontinence pads!
But if the fit is off—too loose or too tight—it can cause leaks, discomfort, and even irritation.
Here’s how to ensure a proper fit:
Don’t forget to check the fit regularly throughout the day, especially for active wearers. A quick adjustment can make a big difference in preventing leaks and keeping everything comfortable.
Pro Tip: Always have a backup size on hand if you’re unsure. Some brands offer trial packs so you can test different fits before committing to a full pack.
We just want to give you some tips for adjusting incontinence underwear to match different levels of mobility and activity.
Why?
Because a good fit helps patients stay comfortable, confident, and focused on their day, no matter their situation.
Here are the common levels of mobility for patients:
One more thing...
Stability during walks or outings is also a big deal.
Elastic waistbands keep underwear snug and secure, even during extended movement. Adding a snug-fitting outer layer, like leggings or supportive garments, can further reduce shifting and provide extra confidence for clients on the go.
At Ontex, we’re always looking for ways to make life easier for anyone managing an overactive bladder. And sadly, it's not always possible to get the perfect fit.
Sometimes a little extra support can go a long way. That's especially true for caregivers like you who are most likely juggling multiple responsibilities.
Supporting products can help keep incontinence underwear stable, reduce leaks, and make day-to-day life much smoother for everyone. For example, if your client or loved one is active and loves getting outside to walk, a support belt can make sure his or her pants stay up while they're walking in the park (and that's better for everyone!).
Here are a few helpful tools we provide:
Using these additional products can give both patients and caregivers peace of mind, knowing the underwear will stay secure no matter what the day brings.
The truth is that most fit issues can be avoided.
That’s why giving some guidance to patients and caregivers is so important.
At Ontex, we’ve got you covered with simple, easy-to-follow resources. Our product guides walk you through getting the right fit and keeping everything in place. There are also online videos and care guides around the web that show you exactly what to do, no matter your patient’s situation
If you’re in Australia, there are even more options to help you out. The Continence Foundation of Australia is a national organisation that offers workshops, helplines, and plenty of tips to make managing urniary incontinence (and other conditions) less overwhelming.
A little extra knowledge can make a big difference. It’s all about helping patients stay comfortable and confident while making life easier for their caregivers. You’ve got this!
Last up, let's cover monitoring and changing routines for your loved ones or patients.
Regular checks and proper changing routines are key to keeping incontinence underwear secure, preventing leaks, and making sure your loved one stays comfortable all day long.
It doesn’t have to be complicated.
Just check the fit after long periods of sitting, walking, or other activities to ensure the underwear hasn’t shifted. If adjustments are needed, make them right away—don’t wait for a leak to happen.
With your changing routines, we recommend going for safety and comfort.
Always wash your hands and have fresh supplies within reach before you start. For patients who are less mobile, roll them gently to one side to avoid pulling or tugging too much. Make sure the new pair is snug and positioned correctly before helping them back to a seated or standing position.
Pro Tip: Try using elastic waistbands or pull-up styles—they make adjustments and changes quicker and easier for both patients and caregivers.
