How do I know if my adult nappy is the right size?

Ever found yourself wondering if you're wearing the right-sized nappy? On the surface, it might seem like an obvious one "Of course I am!" However, it's not always that simple. At Vivactive, we find a lot of people who believe they're wearing the right size. But, when we hear about the problems they're experiencing, we can tell they've not got the right fit.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Getting a diaper that fits properly will save you all kinds of hassle. There’s a whole host of issues that come from wearing a size too big or a size too small. This quick guide will go through some of these issues and hopefully answer key questions like “Are my adult nappies the right size?” and clear up common issues such as “How to correctly fit my adult nappy”.

Over a third of people between 50 and 69 years old have some kind of incontinence, and adult nappies are a very popular solution for managing the impact of bladder weakness. Unfortunately, a large percentage select the wrong size, which can cause several issues.

Firstly, you’ll need to get some accurate measurements of your waist. You can do this by measuring your waist in line with your belly button. Once you’ve got a good idea of your waist measurements, you can choose the appropriate size to fit you. If you’re still unsure about which size is going to suit you, try buying a size up and a size down. This way you can give them all a try and you’ll know for sure which size is best for you. 

Adult nappies are similar to incontinence pants, although they do not lift quite as high above the waist. Likewise, they are tightened using tabs at the sides. Therefore, an accurate waist measurement will subsequently help you make the right choice.

Sizes are not universal and may differ slightly from one brand to the next, which is why it’s important to know your waist size rather than say “I’m a small”. If you shop online, finding the fitting dimensions is quite simple. Take Incontinence Choice for example, on our dedicated product pages, you’ll find a tab on every page that says ‘Product Specification’ - here you’ll find a whole host of product information, including measurements. 

Wearing the right sized adult nappies isn’t only a matter of comfort. The reality is that ill-fitting products will inevitably cause problems. Most notably, it can cause urine leakages, particularly from the cuffs near the leg holes but also from other exits depending on your positioning. 

Other potential issues include skin chafing, restricted movement, and general discomfort. It’s likely that you’ll also need to change more frequently, which also costs you money in the long run. A leaking odour of urine is sure to impact your daily life as well as your self-confidence.

Ultimately, adult nappies are designed to help people with urinary incontinence avoid any disruptions to their daily life. So, to get the most of them, you need the right size.

Issues that you might find if your adult nappies are too big:

Leakage from the leg holes: This is exactly what you don’t want. If urine leaks out of the sides, your clothes are going to get wet and you’ll have to find a way of changing your outfit. 

Rustling and discomfort: If there’s too much space around your waistline you might find they move around or even rub against your skin. Nobody wants chafing.

Visible bulges: If your diapers are too big, they could create visible bulges or sagging. This can be embarrassing if you’re trying to maintain a decent level of discretion.

Lapse in odour control: Good adult nappies are usually designed with odour control in mind. If you’re wearing a size that’s too large you might find that odour starts to seep out. Again, not a good look if you’re trying to keep a level of discretion. Not to mention, nobody likes the smell of urine!

Issues that you might find if your adult nappies are too small:

Skin irritation: This is probably the most prevalent issue facing people wearing slips that are too small. If they’re too small you might find that the edges dig into your skin, causing discomfort and in serious cases, even sores.

Restricted movement: If they’re too tight you might find moving around more difficult than usual.

Difficulty putting them on: You may find yourself faffing around trying to get them on, pulling them tight and making them more fiddly than they need to be. Generally, these nappies are designed to be easy to get on, so, if you’re finding it difficult, it may be because they’re too small. 

Vivactive has some of the best-value adult nappies, providing comfort and reliability. But even with the best products, you'll still need to get your sizing right. 

Leaking is a clear sign that your adult nappies are probably too big while chafing may suggest that they are too small (nobody wants chafing). Red marks on your hips or waist are another telltale sign. Of course, if the product slides down the body or is very visible under your clothes, you may find that another option is needed. 

If you continue to wear the wrong adult nappies, leakages and other complications will persist. Thankfully, with the right measurements and a brand like Vivactive, rectifying the issue couldn’t be easier.