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5 Adult Diaper Alternatives For Men

As you become older, your body goes through a lot of changes. One of the most prevalent issues is urinary incontinence, also known as the sudden leakage of urine. You are not alone in this; it is estimated that five to fifteen percent of males over the age of 60 suffer from this condition. There are several types of incontinence, and the severity can range from leaking urination on occasion to experiencing a sudden desire to pee that is so severe that you can't make it to the bathroom in time.

Overly active bladder muscles, injuries to nerves that control the bladder, weakened pelvic floor muscles, and obstruction from an enlarged prostate in males are some of the most prevalent reasons for urinary incontinence. Wearing adult diapers can provide a sense of relief and security but not everyone prefers this option. Thankfully, there are adult diaper alternatives that provide another solution to those facing incontinence problems. Whether you experience discomfort wearing an adult diaper or your condition isn’t that severe, these alternatives to adult diapers may work for you.

External Urinary Catheters

One alternative to adult diapers you can consider is an external urinary catheter. This is a medical device inserted into the urinary tract in order to drain urine from the bladder. External urinary catheters are placed on the outside of the body and held in place with a strap or adhesive pad. They are available in various shapes and sizes to ensure you can find the perfect fit.

The most widely used type of male external catheter includes a flexible sheath that fits over the penis like a condom. It is simple to use and an excellent alternative to adult diapers for bedwetting at night.

Advantages of Using External Urinary Catheters

A proven alternative that helps to control male continence, external urinary catheters can actually be less intrusive to your daily activity than diapers. Although everyone has a different preference, there are multiple advantages to using external urinary catheters. Some of them are:

  • Non-invasive as they don’t need to be inserted into the urethra
  • Skin-friendly and prevents odor because the collection bag reduces contact between your skin and urine
  • Can be worn discreetly and easily
  • An easier way for caregivers to handle as the urine is drained to a collection bag that can be attached to your leg, wheelchair, or bed frame
  • Greatly reduce the risk of infections in the urinary tract
  • Latex-free devices are available for individuals who have a latex allergy
  • Can choose between reusable or disposable options
  • More discreet than diapers and does not limit movement

Important Things to Note About External Urinary Catheters

External urinary catheters come with many advantages but there are some important things you should take note of to prevent discomfort:

  • For uncircumcised males, it is important to keep the foreskin over the head of the penis when inserting the external catheter to prevent tearing.
  • Finding the external catheter in the right size and wearing it properly will reduce skin irritation
  • An external catheter of the wrong size can cause urine leakage, skin allergies, or come off easily

Men’s Disposable Incontinence Briefs

Aside from external urinary catheters, disposable briefs is another alternative you can consider. They are designed to contain urine leakage safely until you reach a location where you can change. They are easy to wear and remove and can be disposed of after use. We recommended the following men’s disposable incontinence briefs:

Tranquility AIR-Plus Bariatric Disposable Briefs

  • Made of stretchable material to fit waist lengths from 70 to 106 inches
  • Designed using breathable material to allow air circulation and comfort
  • Features a cloth-like outer layer with microscopic pores to allow air in and let heat escape
  • High absorbency capacity: can hold over a quart of liquid
  • Gentle on the skin
  • Multiple openings 
  • Made with Kufguards® protection, inner leg cuffs are created to channel liquid and keep large volumes of void
  • Wetness indicator makes it convenient to know when a change is required

ATN All-Through-the-Night Disposable Briefs

  • Maximum absorbency: can contain up to a quart of liquid
  • Cloth-like back sheet for better comfort
  • Kufguards® protection to prevent leakage
  • Wetness indicator to signal you when a change is needed
  • Latex-free
  • Available in various sizes (X-Small to XX-Large)

ComfortCare Disposable Briefs

  • Soft and breathable sides which allows air circulation to keep your skin healthy
  • Absorbent polymers that effectively lock moisture and prevent odor
  • Micro-hook closure tabs that can be refastened
  • Wetness indicator

Smartcore Disposable Briefs

  • Latex-free
  • Antifungal and antimicrobial protection to prevent odor
  • Soft, cloth-like outer material
  • Available in five sizes

Men’s Washable Incontinence Briefs

Washable incontinence briefs tend to be thinner and more discreet compared to diapers. They are an ideal option if you want something that can fit snugly. Plus, they can be washed many times and save you money in the long term. But there are some drawbacks to take note of.

For one, you’ll have to spend more time cleaning the briefs. Next, some wearers may feel that disposable briefs are more hygienic as they won’t be wearing briefs that were previously soaked. Ultimately, it boils down to your own preference and health requirements.

Swim Diapers

Swim diapers vary from other types of diapers in that they are not made to be absorbent. In that case, are they any good at all? The answer is yes, they can still work well to contain solid waste. They are designed to lock solid waste such as stool sticks to the material while you are swimming. Plus, the outer layer of swim diapers is waterproof so you have to dive into the pool with peace of mind.

While swim diapers are not the best for urinary incontinence, it’s a great product if you are an active swimmer and need a versatile product for your swimming routine.

Guards for Men

If your incontinence is not serious and you only experience minor leaks, diapers might be unnecessary. Guards for men may work better for you. They are designed to protect against light leakage so you can feel comfortable and fresh every day. They can be worn comfortably inside your underwear and provide protection when you require then. Just slot them into your underwear and you’re ready to go! You can feel more at ease knowing that protection is in place.

Treat Male Urinary Incontinence (UI) with Lifestyle Changes

Besides looking for diaper alternatives, you can work on improving your incontinence problem. It can help you become less reliant on diapers. Try these lifestyle changes to eliminate or reduce your problems of urinary incontinence:

  • Changing your diet: Acidic and spicy food can cause bladder irritation, worsening your condition
  • Weight management: Losing weight and lessen the pressure on your bladder, improve your continence problem
  • Control intake of fluids: Time your intake of liquids so your bladder won’t feel overwhelmed. Reducing your alcohol intake also helps.
  • Urinating two times within a few minutes to clear your bladder thoroughly
  • Work on the stress: Chronic stress is a factor that leads to urinary incontinence
  • Stop smoking: Smoking can also exacerbate urinary incontinence
  • Try Kegel exercises that are good for improving your pelvic floor muscle and bladder function

Bear in mind that not all kinds of urinary incontinence can be improved with lifestyle changes. When in doubt, speak with your doctor. Provide as many details as you can about the patterns and symptoms you experience so your doctor can evaluate your condition and give you the best advice.

You May Still Need Adult Diapers

Exploring different alternatives is a good way to see which option works for you. Depending on your condition, you may find these alternatives useful or ineffective. If you are frequently disrupted at night or have severe incontinence, then diapers may still be the best solution.

Whatever your reasons for rejecting adult diapers, there are some ways to improve the situation. If discomfort is the issue, try changing your diaper more frequently and use a barrier cream to reduce skin irritation. Wearing loose-fitting clothes helps too.

CWI Medical carries a wide range of adult diapers from the top brands in the industry. They are available in various sizes and at different levels of absorbency. Confused about which one suits you best? If you have a question about which is the most appropriate product, our friendly customer service will help you find the right products that match your needs. Experiment with different adult diaper brands and it won’t be long till you find the perfect pair!

  • Alco-Screen
  • EnteraLite Infinity
  • First Quality Products
  • Janibell Disposal Systems
  • LiquaCel
  • Stryker