Enhancing Comfort and Cleanliness: The Ultimate Guide to Utilizing Disposable Bed Pads

There are many reasons why you may need to invest in disposable pads for beds. This could be due to cognitive issues, surgery, or age-related ailments. About 1 in every 14 people aged 65 and over (7.2%) and nearly 1 in 4 people aged 85 and over (24.5%) experience severe incontinence.

Whatever the reason, these pads are a godsend to those wishing to protect bedding, clothing, and sensitive skin. They’re also an asset to those wishing to avoid embarrassment or inconvenience.

Bed pads are available in various styles. The two most prevalent styles are reusable and disposable. In this article, we discuss the latter option. We detail their benefits, how to use them, and how to correctly dispose of them. Read on to learn more.

Home and Away

Whether used in the comfort of your home or when on vacation, disposable bed pads are easy to use and easy to dispose of. As well as ensuring sheets, mattresses, and clothing are protected, these pads promise to keep moisture away from the skin. The result? Less irritation, sores, and infections.

Incontinence can lead to inflammation and damage the skin. This can cause adverse symptoms of discomfort and pain, including itching, burning-like sensations, and secondary fungal infection. These are all ailments you want to avoid.

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Bed Pads

When investing in bed pads for the first time, research different brands and thicknesses. The better the quality of the product, the softer it will be on your skin, and the more liquid it will hold.

When picking a product, consider whether you require low or high absorbency. Details are indicated on the packet and differ from person to person.

How do incontinence bed pads work?

Just like nappies and pull-ups, disposable incontinence bed pads work by absorbing moisture and urine, ensuring your bedding stays dry. This not only assists with a good night’s sleep, but it also keeps your skin free from irritation by removing moisture from the skin.

How to Fit Them to Your Bed

Just as you would a bed sheet, disposable pads boast generous mattress tucks, which keep them in place and prevent them from moving around during the night, irrespective of how restless a sleeper you are.

They can be placed underneath or on top of bed sheets. The placement is down to personal preference. If unable to visit the bathroom, due to mobility issues or cognitive ailments, it is recommended that you place your bed pad on top of your bed sheet. This not only protects your bedding, it makes life easier the next morning. Soiled bed pads can be removed in minutes and disposed of without you having to remove bed sheets.

Like your standard sheets, disposable pads are made from soft, breathable fabrics, which feel luxurious to sleep on. Most styles boast an absorbent front sheet with waterproof backing. As well as beds, these pads can be used on other household furniture if required.

How to Choose the Correct Incontinence Bed Pads

Not all incontinence issues are equal. Thankfully brands cater to individual ailments rather than offering one product for all. Below we give insight into the options available:

• Different absorbency options: Bed pads boast various absorbency rates, ranging from light to moderate to heavy. To ensure you pick a product that works for your needs, check the absorbency rating on the packaging before purchasing.
• Size: Again, not all of us have the same size bed. Some will sleep in single beds, others in queen beds, and some in king-size beds. When buying disposable pads, check the sizing and pick the one that promises to fit your furniture. Too small a pad can mean it will come loose overnight, especially if you move around a lot in your sleep. This can cause both skin rashes and leakage, as well as inconvenience. Instead of removing the bed pad in the morning and disposing of it, you’ll need to remove all sheets and wash them.

How Often Should Incontinence Bed Pads Be Changed?

Disposable incontinence bed pads need to be disposed of regularly. If using overnight only, this will be every morning. If bed-bound, and using throughout the day, you should change them every few hours or whatever time limit the packaging recommends as all vary. When disposing of them, place them into a nappy bag or an external trash can.

Even if they’re not saturated, change your bed pad regularly. Why? This helps to ensure skin hygiene. In addition, you should bathe your skin immediately after an incident and use medicated lotions to soothe irritation. These are available in your local chemist. If unsure, you can always ask your doctor for advice on what products to use.

The Bottom Lin

Not all bed pads are equal. Some boast low absorbency rates. Others are suited to those unable to visit the bathroom due to being immobile. The latter boasts high absorbency rates and can remain on your bed for longer.

Provided you follow the above tips and choose incontinence pads that are the correct size for your bed and match your lifestyle or current ailments, you’ll protect both your skin and your bedding. This avoids embarrassment and ensures a great night’s sleep. It also promises the utmost comfort, especially if you opt for high-quality disposal pads fashioned from soft, breathable fabrics.