Adult protective underwear may be helpful for a person who has incontinence. A person who has incontinence has trouble controlling urine or stool. This underwear helps absorb urine and catch stool.
There are different types of adult underwear. A washable type may be useful when a person has trouble using the disposable type.
When putting on adult underwear, make sure the tabs are in the back. Make sure the underwear is the right size so that it fits well. This is important for people who are very thin or overweight. The elastic at the legs should fit well and not be too loose. A good fit can help stop leaks. And it can keep the skin from getting sore.
What are the types for women?
Some types of adult underwear are a pull-up style (made of elastic or cloth), and some use adhesive tabs or an elastic band with buttons.
Elastic
slide 1 of 4
slide 1 of 4, Elastic,
An elastic pull-up style is made of a stretchy material.
Adhesive tab pull-up
slide 2 of 4
slide 2 of 4, Adhesive tab pull-up,
Adhesive tab styles have tabs to help adjust and secure the underwear.
Cloth
slide 3 of 4
slide 3 of 4, Cloth,
Cloth pull-up styles are made to look and feel like standard briefs.
Elastic bands or buttons
slide 4 of 4
slide 4 of 4, Elastic bands or buttons,
Elastic band and button styles use stretchy bands with buttons at the end to secure the pull-up on each side.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.