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Bed Pads for Elderly: Best Types, Brands & How to Choose

By Maurice

Bed Pads for Elderly

It’s hard enough to deal with the changes that come with growing older, but dealing with incontinence on top of it all can be incredibly frustrating. Luckily, modern technology has created some great bed pads specifically designed to help those who have trouble controlling their bladder or bowels.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the best types and brands of bed pads available for seniors, as well as how to choose the right one for your needs. We hope this information will make life a bit easier for you and your loved one.

What is a Bed Pad?

A bed pad, also known as a mattress protector, is an absorbent piece of material that is placed on top of a bed to protect it from moisture. Bed pads come in a variety of sizes and styles, depending on the needs of the user.

Bed pads are designed to absorb and hold moisture, keeping it away from the surface of the bed. This may prevent accidents from damaging the sheets or mattress. This helps to protect the mattress from stains and odors, as well as keep the sleeper dry and comfortable.

There are many reasons why seniors might struggle with incontinence and need to use a bed pad. For seniors, the most common reason is incontinence, which can be caused by a few different conditions.

  • Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
  • Nerve damage from diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and other degenerative issues
  • Weakening of the muscles of the pelvic floor
  • Mobility-impairing diseases that make it difficult to get to the bathroom quickly
  • Any other condition that causes urinary or fecal incontinence

Making use of incontinence pads can help seniors live independently longer and help make up for the needs of their bodies.

Types of Bed Pads

Stack of disposable bed pads

The two most common types of bed pads are disposable and reusable. Disposable bed pads are made to be used once and then thrown away, while reusable bed pads can be washed and used again. Depending on if your parent is experiencing short-term incontinence from surgery or another temporary issue vs. long-term incontinence that isn’t expected to go away, you may have different needs in terms of what type of bed pad you choose.

Best Brands & Models of Bed Pads

There are many different brands and models of bed pads available on the market. It’s important to choose a pad that is comfortable, absorbent, and easy to use, and your quality of bed pad will depend on which brand and type of incontinence pad you buy. Here are a few of our favorite bed pads:

Medline Quilted Fluff/Polymer Underpads – These pads are some of the best in terms of discreet protection. They’re soft and gentle on sensitive skin, so they’re unlikely to cause injuries due to friction. These pads are generously sized, very absorbent, and available in disposable and washable varieties. In addition, they are sold in bulk in pre-folded and discreet packaging, which makes it easy to store some pads in a suitcase or bag for travelling.

  • Dry Defender Washable Waterproof Mattress Pad – These pads feature four layers of protection, including a slip-resistant waterproof barrier on the bottom and a layer of quilted, stain-resistant polyester on top that remains soft even after multiple washes. It isn’t as breathable as other pads due to its material makeup, but for guaranteed protection and absorption (advertised to hold up to 6 cups of fluid), this pad is an excellent choice.
  • Vive Reusable Incontinence Pad – For versatile, breathable protection, Vive’s pads provide excellent coverage. Made of a cotton and polyester blend, these pads offer three layers of comfort and protection. Machine-washable and durable, these pads are super absorbent and very soft. Its waterproof bottom layer keeps the pad in place while in use, and the pad can easily been used on surfaces such as easy chairs and car seats as well as the bed.
  • Brosive Disposable Incontinence Bed Pads – If what you need is a dependable disposable pad, look no further than these. These pads have a diamond-quilted design to ensure that moisture is kept locked away, and its inner absorbing layer can hold up to 5 cups of liquid at a time. After use, simply remove the pad from the bed and dispose. The pads are available in a variety of bulk packs, depending on how many you need to have.

These are just a few bed pads that should help your senior parent with nighttime incontinence.

Where to Buy Bed Pads

There are a few different places you can buy bed pads, depending on your needs and preferences. You can purchase them online, at a local pharmacy or medical supply store, or even at some grocery stores. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend checking out Amazon.com or your local Walmart.

How to Choose the Best Bed Pads for your Needs

Now that you know a little more about bed pads, let’s discuss how to choose the right one for your needs. If you’re caring for a senior who is dealing with incontinence, there are a few things to take into consideration.

First, consider the level of absorbency you need. If your loved one is struggling with moderate to heavy incontinence, you’ll want to choose a bed pad with a high absorbency level. For light incontinence, a less absorbent bed pad may be sufficient.

Next, think about the size of the bed pad. When choosing a bed pad, it’s important to keep in mind the size of the pad, the absorbency level you need, and the type of fabric you prefer. You’ll want to make sure that the bed pad is large enough to cover the entire sleeping area, as this will help to prevent leaks.

You’ll also want to make sure that the pad is comfortable and won’t slip around on the bed.

Finally, think about the type of bed pad you want to use. If your loved one is dealing with long-term incontinence, a reusable bed pad may be the best option. These can be washed and used again, which can save money in the long run. However, if your loved one is dealing with short-term incontinence, a disposable bed pad may be a better solution.

No matter what type of bed pad you choose, make sure to read the instructions carefully before use. This will help you ensure that the bed pad is used correctly and that your loved one is getting the maximum benefit from it.

Conclusion

Bed pads are a necessary addition to any incontinence care routine. They provide an extra layer of protection against leaks and spills and keep you feeling comfortable and confident during the day or night. Buy a bed pad today and start enjoying peace of mind tonight!

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