Washable Incontinence Underwear
The Center for Baby and Adult Hygiene Products is the only U.S.-based organization dedicated to advancing the personal absorbent hygiene products industry in North America
Overview
Washable incontinence underwear (sometimes marketed as pee-proof panties) are textile underwear designed to provide protection against bladder leaks. Quality products will look and feel just like ordinary textile underwear for women, men and children, but offer the reassurance of an absorbent and leak-resistant gusset or pouch.
The rise of period underwear during the early 2020s has led to a corresponding acceptance of washable incontinence underwear, as consumers experience the convenience of reusables and embrace the concept for different needs. Many brands of period underwear claim to also protect against bladder leakage, but in fact incontinence underwear is more challenging to produce, as urine is less viscous than menstrual fluid, and tends to be released in larger spurts.
For this reason, the absorbent textile technology currently available is only capable of reliably protecting against light-to-moderate bladder leakage. People with heavy leakage or lacking bladder control are best served by single-use diaper products, which contain super-absorbent polymers to deliver a higher absorbency capacity.
Consumer research indicates that people with incontinence may use a repertoire of products (including pads and disposable and washable underwear), depending upon whether used for day or night, at home or on-the-go.
Use
Washable incontinence underwear is worn just like ordinary underwear. Most brands provide a range of absorbency levels to suit the individual needs of the wearer. They can be worn day and night. The length of time they can be worn will depend on the absorbency of the underwear and on the level of leakage experienced by the wearer, but a general rule of thumb is that they should be changed when the gusset or pouch begins to feel damp and heavy.
Care
Most incontinence underwear can be hand or machine washed in warm water with an everyday laundry detergent. Many brands cannot be tumble-dried, which can be a pain point for consumers as their absorbent nature means they take longer than ordinary underwear to line dry.
What is washable incontinence underwear made of?
Just like ordinary underwear, incontinence underwear can be made from a range of fabrics, usually with a stretch component to provide a comfortable fit. The multi-layered gusset or pouch is usually composed of a polyester or cotton top sheet designed to wick away moisture, backed by an absorbent center layer of special fabrics designed to trap liquid inside the underwear, and a leak-resistant layer often made of polyurethane plastic.
Due to its more complex construction and technical challenges around fit, coverage and capacity, fewer brands offer incontinence underwear for the male body.
How long do incontinence underwear last?
Well-made incontinence underwear that’s washed and dried according to the care instructions should last as long as a pair of ordinary textile underwear without deterioration of its leakproof performance.
What are the advantages of reusable incontinence underwear?
Approximately one woman in three and one man in five will experience some level of involuntary bladder leakage, often later in life or following childbirth or medical procedures such as prostate treatment.
Many users are looking for a discreet and comfortable alternative to single-use pads, liners, shields and guards, and find that high-quality, high-performing washable incontinence underwear restores their dignity and their confidence. The lifestyle expectations of the baby boomer generation are a key driver in the growing incontinence underwear market, as more women and men seek to remain active and engaged until later in life and have high expectations around product aesthetics.
One pair of reusable incontinence underwear will replace hundreds of single-use pads, liners, shields or guards during its lifetime, making them an excellent choice for anyone who wants to reduce their environmental footprint.