When shopping for incontinence briefs, you’ll often have to choose between side-taped diapers and adult pull-ups.
Pull-ups sport an underwear design, making them remarkably discreet. They’re ideal for active seniors who may often need to use public bathrooms.
Adult pull-ups are also relatively easy to wear. Simply pull them up like you would regular undies, unlike tab-style diapers that may need you to roll them.
But if you’re looking for adult diapers for a bedridden loved one, side-taped tab-style briefs would suit you better.
Here’s a look at side-taped diapers and what makes them ideal for homebound seniors.
Introducing Side-taped Diapers
Side-taped diapers are precisely what the term suggests – incontinence briefs featuring adhesive tapes on their sides. The adhesive enclosures provide an easy way to open and close the diaper, streamlining diaper changes.
Side-taped adult diapers can be a thoughtful gift for seniors with incontinence.
Unlike pull-ups, these diapers are easier to wear and remove. They’re particularly beneficial for bedridden individuals, such as those with mobility impairments or debilitating conditions.
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Why Choose Side-taped Diapers?
Ease of Wearing
Side-taped adult diapers are remarkably easy to wear. They can be worn from a lying, sitting, squatting, or even standing position.
To put on a taped diaper, spread the brief next to your bedridden senior.
Ensure the front side faces outwards and the back side rests against the bedding. Also, orient the diaper accordingly.
Gently roll your loved one onto the diaper. Finally, use the adhesive closures to secure the brief snugly to the individual’s waist.
Ease of Removal
Many may contend that adult pull-ups are equally easy to wear, especially for people who require little assistance putting on their incontinence briefs. But when it comes to ease of removal, side-taped briefs are the clear winner.
Changing a taped diaper is as easy as pulling off the adhesive closures at the waist.
Have your bedridden loved one in a comfortable position, preferably on their back. Remove the tapes and gently roll the diaper in the opposite direction.
To maintain proper hygiene, remember to wash your hands with soap and clean water after every diaper change.
Ease of Monitoring
The adhesive tapes on side-taped diapers let you track the brief’s fullness with remarkable efficiency. Simply remove the tapes, visually inspect the diaper, and decide whether to change it or not.
Adhesive enclosures are particularly invaluable for briefs without wetness indicators.
Besides, modern side-taped adult diapers utilize high-quality materials for their adhesive enclosures. You can open and close the diaper multiple times before the tape wears out.
In contrast, you’ll probably need to draw a pull-up to thigh-length to monitor its fullness. This can increase the risks of contamination and diaper damage.
Superior Absorbency
As side-taped adult diapers are inherently designed for immobile users, you’d expect them to offer superior absorbency.
Most taped diapers have their absorbency cores made from superabsorbent polymers (SAPs).
SAPs are incredibly absorbent. The materials can absorb up to 1000% water relative to their mass, making them efficient for bedridden seniors.
However, always research a patient’s incontinence levels to find a taped diaper of the correct absorbency rating. Note that a thicker absorbency core may adversely impact the wearer’s comfort.
Ideal for All-time Use
Pull-up diapers are designed almost exclusively for busy seniors.
However, side-taped briefs are ideal for different incontinence patients. That includes bedridden individuals.
The incorporation of adhesive closures makes side-taped diapers excellent for seniors who need help changing their nappies.
Besides, most taped diapers feature high-absorbent cores for daylong and overnight protection.
Sure, you’ll still have to keep up with routine diaper changes. But with the right product, a side-taped brief can offer up to six hours of dryness.
Ease of Sizing
Side-taped diapers come in different sizes. You can select from Small (S) all the way to Extra-Extra Large (XXL) options, depending on the intended wearer’s size.
It’s also exciting to know that many diaper brands maintain sizing charts on their websites.
This provides extra convenience, helping you quickly hone in on a brief that aptly suits your bedridden loved ones.
To pick the right diaper size, always take the intended wearer’s body stats before shopping for these briefs. That includes waist, thigh, hip, and belly measurements.
Custom Fit
Not only do side-taped diapers come in diverse sizing options. The briefs are also incredibly customizable, thanks to their elastic adhesive enclosures.
Note that people have different body stats. Therefore, you may not always find an adult diaper modelled after your loved ones’ waist, thick, hip, and belly measurements.
But there’s no need to fret.
With side-taped diapers, simply choose a brief whose size is closest to the intended user’s measurements but on the higher side. You can then adjust the adhesive tapes accordingly to achieve an adjustable fit.
Summary
Pull-ups may excel other diaper styles in being easier to wear and more discreet. However, side-taped tab-style diapers are more reliable for bedridden incontinence seniors.
Side-taped briefs are particularly effective for individuals who require assistance changing their diapers. Whether your loved ones are down with a debilitating illness or a mobility impairment, getting them a side-taped brief can help boost their hygiene and confidence.
Side-taped incontinence briefs also provide a more customized fit. That makes them ideal for different wearers, including those with unique waist contours.
But style alone doesn’t determine a diaper’s suitability for incontinence management. Always consider other factors like comfort and absorbency while shopping for side-taped diapers for your vulnerable seniors.
