Caring for someone who struggles with urinary incontinence and bladder control? With a variety of incontinence products, protective underwear and adult diapers to choose from, don‘t forget about a good-quality, highly absorbent bed pad, which can protect mattresses, bedding and chairs from moisture and staining as easy as presto chango.
But you don’t have to spend hours analyzing the quality and effectiveness of each option. We’ve rounded up the most comfortable and protective urinary incontinence pads available. Read our reviews below, and see our comprehensive buying guide for things to consider before purchasing.
The best incontinence pads
Epica Premium Quality Bed Pad
Check Latest PriceYou can’t beat the Amazon price for a bed pad of this quality. At 34″ by 52″, this waterproof pad is extra-long to fit lengthwise on a single or twin mattress or crosswise for protection on larger beds. It’s not fitted, which makes it easy to put on and take off. The quilted three-layer fabric, made of 50/50 polyester and cotton, feels comfortably soft. It’s gentle enough on sensitive skin to place it over or under a fitted sheet without causing anyone to overheat as they sleep.
The non-slip backing is immune to tossing and turning, ensuring the pad does not bunch up, which can create major discomfort for a sleeper. Plus, the backing is made of polyester-backed vinyl—not plastic—which means no annoying crinkling sounds! The pad’s inner core draws in and locks moisture away from the skin. Its absorbent layer holds an awful lot of liquid and won’t break down, even after continuous washes.
Pros
- Quilted comfort for sensitive skin
- Easily wash and dry
- Stays put
- Won’t cause night time overheating
- Can be put over or under a fitted sheet
Cons
- May not be absorbent enough to be the only line of defense against leaks
Key Features
- Extra-long for full coverage
- Not fitted
- Protects sensitive skin
- Washable and dryable
- Non-slip backing
- Quilting absorbs wetness, inner core locks in moisture
Specifications
- Brand: Epica
- Weight/Dimensions: 52 x 34 x 0.5 inches, 1.61 pounds
Medline Sofnit 300 Washable Underpads
Check Latest PriceThese best-selling reusable incontinence bed pads come in a pack of four through Amazon. If you wanted to, you could lay all four down and peel them up as necessary. The pink pads are generously sized, providing for a few feet of protection in either direction. Their soft, quilted cotton/poly twill surface is comfortable yet durable enough to withstand washing and drying repeatedly. These waterproof pads have a vinyl-knit, leak-proof barrier that protects bedding and resists staining. Plus, they come with a convenient resealable bag for travel.
Pros
- Good price for a four-pack
- Washable and dryable
- Stain-resistant
Cons
- Some may not care for the pink color, which may not feel unisex for some seniors
Key Features
- Attractive pink color
- Come in a pack of four
- Soft, quilted cotton/poly twill surface
- Vinyl-knit waterproof/leakproof barrier
Specifications
- Brand: Medline
- Model: MDTR1227073AZ
- Weight/Dimensions: 17.1 x 6.7 x 2.3 inches, 3.52 ounces
RMS Washable and Reusable Incontinence Bed Pad
Check Latest PriceThese reusable waterproof bed pads feature four layers of protection. The polycotton top layer is quilted, ultra soft, comfy, and wicks moisture away. The second layer of polyester fiberfill provides extra cushion, while the inner layer quickly absorbs and locks in moisture so it won’t irritate the skin. The non-slip bottom layer is waterproof to protect the mattress and sheets from stains. Plus, it’s latex-free for those who are allergic. The oversized (34″ x 54″) pad goes over the fitted sheet for maximum protection and heavy absorbency. These absorbent pads are washable, noiseless leak guards and won’t make any sleeper hot or sweaty overnight.
Pros
- Oversized
- Cushioned
- Provide cool, comfortable protection
- Comes in multiple sizes
Cons
- Some users say these pads don’t stand up to repeated washing
- May bunch up despite being advertised as non-slip
Key Features
- Four layers
- Washable
- Soft, quilted top
- Noiseless
- Latex-free
Specifications
- Brand: RMS Royal Medical Solutions, Inc.
- Weight/Dimensions: 54 x 34 x 0.2 inches, 1.8 pounds
Dry Defender Washable Waterproof Mattress Pad
Check Latest PriceDry Defender’s super-absorbent waterproof bed pads are available in many sizes, designs (flat or tuck in), and quantities. Here, we review the three-pack of flat, 24” x 36” underpads. Like the RMS pads above, these pads also offer four layers of protection and absorption. The blue bottom layer serves as a slip-resistant waterproof barrier. Sandwiched between the soft absorbent padded layers, the vinyl layer is 100 percent waterproof and woven into the fabric to block liquid softly and silently (read: no crinkly sound). Another inner core layer is made of a super-absorbent polyester and rayon blend. Finally, the top layer’s stain-resistant twill facing is made of quilted polyester for comfort. A high-absorbency option, these pads can hold six cups of fluid, which is three times the amount an average adult bladder can hold.
The quilted top is soft enough to sleep on the pad directly or place under a fitted sheet (waterproof side facing down). No matter how much the pads are washed and dried, the knit barrier will stay soft and leak-proof. Plus, these washable waterproof mattress pads come with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee for a risk-free purchase.
Pros
- Non-slip knit backing holds pad firmly in place
- Four layers of protection
- Quilted top for comfort
- Satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Not as breathable as other pads
Key Features
- Non-slip knit backing
- Holds up to six cups of liquid, leak-free
- No crinkly sound
- Machine washable and dryable
- Satisfaction guarantee
Specifications
- Brand: Dry Defender
- Weight/Dimensions: 24 x 36 inches, 1.9 pounds
KANECH Bed Pads for Incontinence Washable
Check Latest PriceKANECH’s washable, waterproof pads are also available in different sizes and quantities. This review covers the single 44- by 52-inch pad, which fits a queen or king-size mattress. This bed pad has five layers of high-quality hypoallergenic materials. Unlike the rest of the products in this review, this pad has a silky soft microfiber surface. An extra wadding layer helps wick liquid to dry the surface fabric more quickly than other products. The absorption layer provides an absorbent core and is made of high-density polyester/rayon felt that can hold up to 10 cups of liquid. The blue polyester backing is laminated with a waterproof polyurethane film to make it durable, slip-resistant, and leak-free. Even the edges are designed to prevent leaks.
Pros
- Silky soft microfiber surface
- Slip-resistant
- Comes in multiple sizes
Cons
- Not as breathable as other pads
Key Features
- Five layers
- Hypoallergenic
- Lab-tested to hold up to 10 cups of liquid
- Washable and dryable
Specifications
- Brand: KANECH
- Model: New Pad Protector 44″x52″
- Weight/Dimensions:13 x 9.8 x 3.6 inches, 1.2 pounds
Our best incontinence pads guide
Before rushing out to purchase any incontinence pads, take the time to reflect on what you need from this product. With this incontinence pad buyer’s guide, you and your loved one can ensure the best care and protection.
No more late-night worries and bed changes when you consider:
Type of incontinence pad
There are many incontinence products on the market. While an incontinence pad could refer to a flat sheet that tops your bed to capture urine spills, it could as easily be a pad that fits in your underwear to absorb leaks and sudden voiding.
Choose an incontinence pad that best suits your unique requirements. Wearing a pad and using a bed pad can provide extra protection and absorption at night, while you may just need a wearable pad for minor leaks.
Disposable vs. reusable
Bed pads for incontinence protection come in reusable and disposable types. Obviously, disposable ones are cheaper for a single purchase, but the costs add up as these are single-use items.
Save your wallet and the planet by choosing reusable pads. However, remember that reusable means you have to wash and dry them (often by hand), so you’ll need several pads to get you through a week.
Care
While disposable incontinence pads are the easiest to care for since you need to place the soiled pad in a bag for disposal, reusable pads require some finesse.
Ensure the product you choose has care instructions for the washing and drying of reusable pads. Follow the manufacturer’s guide to ensure the pads don’t disintegrate if you use harsh cleaners.
If you live in a small apartment, remember that reusable pads often need to be air-dried flat, and limited space or traveling may make a disposable pad a better option.
Size
When it comes to incontinence pads, size matters; bigger bed pads may cost more, but they will retain more waste, reducing the risk of a spill. While using two smaller bed pads may be cheaper if you need more protection, the risk of urine leaking between the pads is a big problem.
Upsize the incontinence pads – you won’t regret it. A bigger one is also better if you’re a restless sleeper.
Material
The material of the incontinence pads is vital to health and restful sleep.
A crinkly bed pad will make a noise each time the sleeper turns, and if the material is too rough, it will also cause discomfort and skin allergies.
You can fit the pads under the fitted sheet for extra comfort, but this means you’d have to change the sheets with each spill. Rather, choose a pad with a soft upper layer so you can place it on the fitted sheet for comfort and convenience.
For wearable pads, it’s essential to choose a hypoallergenic pad with a protective upper layer to keep your skin healthy and happy. The pad should also lock moisture away from your skin and ensure dryness. Choose a pad with highly absorbent materials to ensure it is up to securing a full bladder void.
Non-slip
Every senior fears slipping while getting into and out of bed. Worse, if you’re already dealing with a soiled nighttime diaper, you don’t want the bed pad sticking to you as you get out of bed. Instead, opt for a non-slip pad with one side specially treated to keep the pad securely layered on the fitted sheet.
This feature also means the pads won’t move when the sleeper turns over, reducing the risk of spills onto the bed sheet.
Placement
Ensure the bed pads are large enough to be placed across the mattress, not down the length of the bed. This placement provides enough space for the absorbent pads to be where they need to be to absorb the most moisture.
Absorbency
Choose an incontinence pad known to hold its liquid. Maximum absorbency helps keep the bed dry during accidents. But, while some pads claim to hold several cups of water, you should instead rely on common sense and change the pads frequently, even if they’re only slightly soiled. A wet pad may not leak, but it’s uncomfortable for the sleeper.
If you need higher absorbency for heavy voiding, consider special ordering incontinence pads and underwear, like those from Carewell to take better care.
Cost
Taking care of a senior with incontinence is costly, but it’s not fun and games to change and replace bed sheets all the time. Factor in the cost of purchasing incontinence pads, and remember that your senior will likely need several pads per week (even more than one per night).
Washing and caring for reusable bed pads also means you need more pads per week as the drying time is lengthy. Ultimately, your budget will decide which pad to choose, as you can’t buy what you can’t afford.
Availability
Seniors don’t like changing things, especially if they find a product that works. So before you buy a new brand, consider whether the product is widely available. You may need to replace pads, even reusable ones, which can require frequent purchases.
Final Pads
An incontinence pad is a useful and practical addition to your care routine, helping keep your senior healthy, happy, and dry at night. Choose an incontinence pad that will offer you the best service, reliable supply, and affordability as a carer and your senior patient or family member. Use the buyer’s guide to help you choose the best pads on our list for an option that suits your unique needs and budget. And if you’re not sure whether it’s time to switch to adult diapers, read our handy guide.