Incontinence, or the loss of control over urination and bowel movements, can cause inconvenience and discomfort for the sufferers. The most common hurdles include drenched underwear, clothes, and beddings. Not everyone has the time to constantly wash their sheets and bed cushions.
If you know someone who may need incontinence bed pads, here are some tips on how to preserve the quality of these specialized waterproof beddings and mattresses.
Check whether the bed pads are reusable or disposable
There is a clear line that separates disposable from reusable bed pads. Always check the label of your incontinence bed pad before proceeding to purchase it. Reusable bed pads can be washed and dried repeatedly and used once again.
However, disposable variants are only usable for a limited time. The reason is that the material used to create the pads can only absorb a specific amount of urine or fluids. The continued use once it reaches its absorbing capacity may lead to other serious infections.
Determine the severity of the condition
Some incontinences are still manageable, while some have reached a severe level that it becomes even more challenging to control and monitor. Have the patient seek medical consultation first to assess the health of their urinary tract.
The doctor may recommend using specialized devices or performing specific exercises to revitalize the urinary bladder pelvic floor muscles. Otherwise, should the patient already be suffering from a severe case, surgery might become the only option.
Don’t depend on the bed pads alone
Some caregivers make the mistake of leaving all the work to the bed pads. Indeed, these products are designed to be waterproof and control the spread and leakage of urine.
However, for practicality and sanitation, they should be used together with other products designed to help regulate incontinence. Patients should wear incontinence pads or waterproof undergarments and pants before sitting or resting on the incontinence bed pad. By doing so, it helps keep the pad clean and sanitized for a longer period.
Keep it dry and well-ventilated
When the bed pad is damp, it is best to air it out or wash it right away. Failure to eliminate the moisture and remove the urine stains can lead to the propagation of disease-causing bacteria. As such, the patient may even develop skin allergies and other health conditions.
Use non-abrasive antibacterial soap
Avoid using harsh detergent or cleaning agents to wash incontinence bed pads. It might affect the quality of the pad and even speed up the deterioration of its absorbent materials.
Stick to antibacterial detergents that are gentle to most fabrics, which may help retain the pad’s quality for a longer period and keep the users comfortable. Some soaps tend to strip off layers upon layers of the pads or protective fabric, leaving a rough and uncomfortable texture after a couple of washes.
Buy from trusted brands
It is better to be more cautious with where you purchase your health or wellness tools and devices. Search for trusted brands that provide or manufacture reliable incontinence bed pads. Check online reviews to determine whether the quality is top-tier or not. Better yet, consult your doctor if they have any specific products or brands to recommend.
Use the tips listed in this article to keep your bed pads and other incontinence tools in tiptop shape.
