Hello. My name is Anita Francis and I'm a Continence Nurse Advisor.
In this video I will outline the range of continence pads and pants available
for people with bladder and bowel control problems.
These products come in many shapes and sizes and can be disposable
or washable to reuse.
These products are different to women's menstrual products which do not absorb urine well.
Disposable continence products are available in many styles including pads,
pull up pants, belted design pad or pants,
and all in ones which have resealable tabs on each side.
These are all available in many different brands, sizes and absorbency levels.
The general features of disposable pads include a top layer which is the closest to the skin,
and designed to allow fluid to pass through but stays dry on the surface.
They also include a middle layer containing absorbent pulp
and super absorbent powder which forms a gel when fluid is absorbed,
and a waterproof outer layer.
The majority of pads feature an outer layer which is waterproof and breathable.
Some of the larger pads have a wetness indicator on the outside
to show when the pad has reached it's maximum absorbency
and needs to be changed.
Some pads have inner cuffs which are designed to prevent leakage around the leg area.
Manufacturers often have colour coding for sizing of the products,
but the system of colour coding vary between manufacturers.
Manufacturers also have different capacity or absorbency ratings on the products
which can be confusing.
These pads feature an adhesive strip designed to secure the pad to underwear.
Some pads specifically intended for men may be of pouch design
or a contour shape which is higher at the front.
There is also a disposable pad which incorporates charcoal,
in the middle absorbent layer, which is designed to help reduce odour of faecal incontinence.
These pads are designed to be held in place by stretch mesh pants or firm fitting underwear.
These pants generally feature a wetness indicator which is a colour indicator guide
to show when the pad needs changing.
These pads can be folded lengthwise before application to ensure the pads fit the shape of the body,
to provide a secure fit and prevent leakage.
These pads are designed to be positioned inside a more absorbent product,
such as a disposable pull up pant or larger pads,
to increase the overall absorbency,
or to prevent faecal smearing from staining underwear.
Booster pads do not have waterproof backing.
These pants look similar to ordinary underwear and are generally well tolerated by the user,
including people with dementia.
The pants feature tear-away side panels to assist with removal.
These pants are available in many sizes and absorbency levels
and some are gender specific,
with the absorbent panel located differently for men and women.
These belted pads and pants feature Velcro adjustable waist bands
and an absorbent pad that extends from the back of the waistband
and attaches by two Velcro fasteners to the waistband front.
These pad pants can be released for toileting and then refastened.
The pad pant can be adjusted in a standing, sitting or lying position.
Disposable all in ones is a term given to a nappy style disposable pad or pant
with resealable tabs on each side for fastening.
All in ones are designed for severe urinary and/or faecal incontinence
and are available in a range of day and night time absorbency levels
and a range of child and adult sizes.
All in ones are usually worn by a person who is not mobile and/or are put on by a carer.
Reusable pads are available in many brands, sizes and absorbency levels.
Some of these pads are made as inserts to a specific pant,
or some are worn as an absorbent pad with firm fitting underwear.
These pads have an absorbent layer and a waterproof backing.
There are some gender specific reusable pads available.
Reusable pants are available either as a holding pant, like a stretch mesh pant,
and can be used with a disposable or reusable pad,
or an absorbent pant with an inbuilt waterproof pad.
Absorbent pants are available in pull up or side opening styles,
in a range of absorbency levels and some are gender specific.
Swimmer pants are designed to contain incontinence while a person is swimming.
These pants feature an inner sling and a drawstring around the waist and both legs.
One style of swimmer pant includes absorbent booster pads placed inside the pants.
Swimmer pants are available in children and adult sizes.
All products should have laundering instructions and it is important to follow these
as the absorbency of the product may be affected.
The general rule is to wash the product before use and to avoid fabric softeners.
Follow the manufacturer guidelines for use of bleaches if products are soiled by faecal incontinence,
and for temperatures for washing and tumble drying.
Examples of pads can be viewed at Continence Resources Centres
and Independent Living Centres, located in most states.
Ring to make an appointment to visit your local centre.
For more information, phone the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66.
It's a free, confidential phone service staffed by continence nurse advisors
providing information and advice on continence management,
funding schemes, continence services, continence products and resources
to anyone in Australia.
The Helpline operates Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Australian Eastern Standard Time.
Thank you for watching this video.