You’re probably asking “what are the best adult diapers?” if you care for someone with urinary incontinence or bowel incontinence. The top adult diapers are listed below with the best overall, best budget, and best for men and for women.
In the past ten to twenty years, adult diapers have advanced significantly. It can be challenging to determine what you need with the wide variety of brands, styles, absorbencies, etc.
If someone experiences bleeding after giving birth, menopause, urine, or stool, they may want to wear an absorbent undergarment. It will be much easier to feel at ease and have peace of mind if you can find a product that is cozy, fits well under clothing, allows for movement without leaking, and keeps the skin as fresh and dry as possible.
With everything else you have going on, we know that the research process can seem overwhelming. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the five best products available.
Best Adult Diapers
Below, we’ve listed our top 10 recommended adult diapers:
- Best Overall: BetterDry Adult Diapers W/ Plastic Backing
- Best Budget: Tranquility ATN (All-Through-the-Night) Adult Diapers
- Best Cloth Backed: Seni Super Quatro Adult Diapers
- Best Plastic Backed: Abena Abri-Form Comfort Level 4 Adult Diapers W/ Plastic Backing
- Best for Daytime: NorthShore GoSupreme Pull-on Underwear
- Best for Overnight: Tranquility Premium Overnight Disposable Absorbent Underwear
- Best for Postpartum and Postmenopausal Incontinence: Always Discreet Underwear
- Best Adult Diaper for Men: Depend Real Fit Incontinence Underwear for Men
- Best for Women: TENA Women’s Super Plus Protective Underwear
- Best for Light Leaks: McKesson Adult Pull-Up Underwear, Classic
Best Overall: BetterDry Adult Diapers W/ Plastic Backing
For many years, our best-selling underwear has been the BetterDry tab style. These are among the most absorbent adult diapers on the market right now, and for good reason—they are made in Italy from the best materials.
These are top sellers for a reason—they have a ton of features, including wide, resealable tabs, front and back elastic waistbands, extra-high leg cuffs, and much more. With these incredibly thick and absorbent adult diapers, you can stay dry all day and night.
Best Budget: Tranquility ATN (All-Through-the-Night) Adult Diapers
All Through the Night is the Tranquility ATN acronym. They’re popular for a reason: they can hold more than a quart of liquid, enabling the wearer to get six to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep without worrying about leaks or rashes on their skin.
The peach mat construction ensures that the user’s skin will remain dry, that odor will be controlled, that urine will be neutralized, and that bacterial growth will be inhibited. Micro-hook tabs offer a secure and re-adjustable fit.
This product is our top pick for a low-cost adult diaper because of these features and the low price per the brief.
Best Cloth Backed: Seni Super Quatro Adult Diapers
Designed for incontinence, these Super Quatro briefs are made of comfortable yet sturdy materials.
The exterior material, which resembles cloth, provides front and back incontinence protection.
To ensure a tight fit, use the double elastic combi-tape fasteners. Additionally, it lessens irritation and keeps the body dry.
Best Plastic Backed: Abena Abri-Form Comfort Level 4 Adult Diapers W/ Plastic Backing
The Abena L4 and M4 Abri-Form Comfort Incontinence Briefs are soft and comfortable and are made for moderate to heavy incontinence. The exceptional Top Dry system in these premium Abena diapers with a wetness indicator provides quick absorption that keeps skin dry and comfortable.
The Abena Abri-Form diaper’s reliable leakage barriers at the edges and the integrated cross barriers at the back offer the best leakage protection for active wear. In order to stop wet bedding and dirty laundry, adult diapers with plastic backing act as additional barriers.
Best for Daytime: NorthShore GoSupreme Pull-on Underwear
The GoSupreme Pull-On is a great option for active adults who require the highest level of protection because it is designed for both fecal and urinary incontinence.
The GoSupreme is suitable for both men and women and is available in a wide range of sizes, from small to XXL. The distinctive design makes it possible for a tight fit around the legs, which helps stop leaking. You can travel for up to 8 hours because of the maximum absorbency.
The sizing appears to run a little differently from other brands, but if you are unsure which size to order, you can ask NorthShore’s customer service department for some free samples.
Best for Overnight: Tranquility Premium Overnight Disposable Absorbent Underwear
The most absorbent overnight pull-on diaper available for adults is Tranquility Overnight Disposable Absorbent Underwear. Superior protection is provided by this pull-on adult diaper to promote sound sleep. They come in a variety of sizes, ranging from X-Small to X-Large.
Adults weighing 65 pounds to more than 250 pounds can use them thanks to the variety of sizes. Small and X-Small can hold up to 20.3 oz. of liquid, while the larger sizes will hold up to a quart (34 oz) of liquid due to the patented Building a peach mat.
While protecting delicate and sensitive skin from the damaging effects of moisture, the absorbent Peach Mat Core offers maximum protection by locking away liquid, resulting in dryness, urine pH neutralization, and odor reduction.
Tranquility Overnight Adult Diapers are regarded by caregivers and medical professionals as top-rated overnight adult diapers due to the Peach Mat Core’s superior performance.
Best for Postpartum and Postmenopausal Incontinence: Always Discreet Underwear
A leaky bladder can develop in women who are approaching menopause or in women who have recently given birth due to hormonal and structural changes. This is annoying, but there are other options for coverage that won’t require you to change a pad every hour or two (trust me, leaking blood and urine at the same time just feels like too much).
Underclothing, Always Discreet Underwear blends in seamlessly and is absorbent enough to handle both daytime and nighttime moderate urinary incontinence. They also aid in absorbing bleeding that may happen after childbirth or during perimenopause.
They fit like underwear thanks to their contoured fit, which is made to hug your hips. They also come in a range of sizes, from small to XXL, which is advantageous for the postpartum period.
Best Adult Diaper for Men: Depend Real Fit Incontinence Underwear for Men
One of the most popular brands of adult diapers and absorbent undergarments is Depend. For men who require moderate coverage but need maximum comfort and mobility to fit a busy lifestyle, their new style, the Real Fit Incontinence Brief, is a great option.
The pull-up style undergarment is made of a soft, yet sturdy, cotton-like fabric. Additionally, the stretch waistband ensures a snug fit, and the breathable fabric makes it perfect for daytime wear.
Best for Women: TENA Women’s Super Plus Protective Underwear
The women’s heavy protection underwear from TENA® feels and looks like everyday underwear. It is a covert, cozy, and safe pull-on protection with Super Plus absorbency for moderate to heavy bladder weakness.
Additionally, TENA® Women’s Heavy Protection Underwear moves comfortably with you, ensuring that your protection is both secure and concealed by clothing. Aside from offering advanced leakage protection, it also has advanced odor protection technology.
Best for Light Leaks: McKesson Adult Pull-Up Underwear, Classic
These McKesson Classic Underwear are an inexpensive and excellent option for minor incontinence leaks. With a cloth-like stretch waist for a discrete fit, they offer premium comfort. They pull on and off like regular underwear and have tear-away sides for simple removal. They are unisex and made to fit all patients.
These pull-up diapers by McKesson are an excellent choice if you have mild incontinence and need something affordable.
Which Factors Should I Consider When Buying Diapers?
It’s crucial to conduct some research to find the best diaper for the needs of your care recipient. We advise concentrating on six factors: size, backing material, absorbency, odor elimination, comfort, and gender specificity because online product listings can be perplexing.
Size
The diapers you use must precisely fit the body of your loved one. Leaks, overflow accidents, rashes, and infections are more likely to occur when a diaper is too small or too big.
Pro tip: Size specifications vary depending on the diaper manufacturer. Make sure to compare your measurements to the sizing details listed on the product packaging.
Backing Material
There are two different kinds of backing materials: cloth-backed and plastic-backed. Diapers with a cloth backing are made of materials that resemble fabric and have lots of airflows. These characteristics reduce the likelihood of odors and guarantee comfort while wearing.
Although more airtight, diapers with a plastic backing are more absorbent. These diapers are therefore more likely to result in an infection or rash.
Absorbency
A typical adult’s bladder can hold about 16 ounces of liquid. When considering the absorbency of a product, ask the following questions:
- What time will the diapers be used? At night, urination tends to be more frequent.
- What kinds of gaps need to be filled? either feces or urine, or both? Make certain the product you choose provides the appropriate level of protection.
- Does your loved one have any allergies? You might get a rash on your skin from certain substances.
Adult diapers with a lot of absorbencies are best. It’s not just uncomfortable, but dangerous when feces or urine can pool.
Odor Elimination
The bacteria in feces and urine produce offensive odors and toxic vapors. Together, these elements raise the risk of skin conditions and uti. Consider purchasing a diaper with anti-bacterial features. Keywords to look for include “moisture-wicking” or “odor locked-in.”
Comfort
Different materials are used to make pull-ups and diapers. To find the one that feels the best on your care recipient’s skin, you might need to experiment with a few different types.
Gender Specificity
The gender sensitivity of products varies. Others are gender-neutral, while others are created with men and women in mind. Read the label and description of a product if you’re not sure which gender it’s intended for.
The designs of products for women vary depending on the brand, but generally speaking, the bottom of the diaper or pull-up has additional layers of absorbent material. In contrast, male hygiene products have additional layers of absorbent material in the front, close to the crotch. In both of these places, gender-neutral products use absorbent materials.
What Are the Different Types of Adult Diapers?
Pull-ups, reusable diapers, and briefs are the three main types of diapers.
Pull-ups
Pull-ups fit discretely beneath a dress or pair of pants and are made of materials that resemble cloth. For those who are still largely independent, they are especially useful.
Consider pull-up diapers for your loved one if:
- They only have minor or moderate incontinence.
- Sometimes they manage to get to the restroom.
- They can adjust the length of their pants.
Reusable Diapers
Various absorbencies of cloth are used to create reusable diapers. They can be safely washed, dried, and then worn once more.
Consider reusable diapers for your loved one if:
- They have sensitive skin
- It is light in their voids.
- They are still largely independent and mobile.
Adult Briefs
The rear, crotch, and abdomen of the briefs are all tightly fitted. The sides of them have flexible tabs that enable a snug fit. They have a thick core that wicks moisture and odors away, are highly absorbent, and are excellent at preventing overflow.
Consider briefs for your loved one if:
- To change, they require your assistance.
- They frequently have accidents or deal with large voids.
- They either require a wheelchair or are bedridden.
How to Avoid Diaper Rash?
Most people who wear absorbent underwear will eventually develop diaper rash. The good news is that there are ways to stop it from happening. Ingber advises changing diapers as soon as they become soiled, which is generally every 4 to 6 hours.
Another way to avoid diaper rash is to maintain healthy skin. Ingber suggests using gentle, mild soaps like Dove or even just rinsing the area with warm water and patting it dry. A mild diaper rash is typically treatable at home with over-the-counter medication.
Movassaghi advises using an antifungal powder to keep things dry and reduce the risk of fungal infections in addition to changing the diaper frequently, always when there is a stool, and frequently for diaper rashes.
Conclusion: Buy the Best Adult Diaper
It might take some trial and error to locate the ideal adult diaper or absorbent undergarment for your requirements. Finding your match makes it much simpler to stay dry both during the day and at night.
It’s difficult to pick the best adult diaper. Ask your doctor for product recommendations if you’re unsure of which diaper to pick or if you have any questions about how to make them work for you.
FAQs
What is a Bariatric Diaper?
Sizes such as 4XL and 5XL are available for bariatric diapers, which are made to fit larger adults.
Which Adult Diaper is the Most Absorbent?
The highest absorption capacity is typically found in adult diapers marketed for overnight use because these products are made to be worn for longer periods of time. The Tranquility SmartCore Brief was our top choice for daily use with the highest absorption.
