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The benefits of reusable incontinence items


Not a lot of people know that washable incontinence products actually exist. For the most part when people think of bladder weakness, they go straight to disposable pads, pants and nappies. It makes sense, they’re typically the most popular. But, did you know we hold a range of washable incontinence items too? They’re cost-effective, a good long-term investment, comfortable, discreet and more environmentally friendly. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into washable incontinence pants (for men, and women) as well as washable bed pads. 
 

What are washable incontinence pants?

Reusable incontinence products offer an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and discreet alternative to traditional disposable options. These products, including reusable incontinence pants, reusable incontinence underwear, and reusable incontinence pads, are designed to provide reliable protection while reducing environmental waste.
 
Unlike disposable products, which need to be replaced frequently, reusable incontinence items are built to be used multiple times, making them a great long-term investment. Whether you’re looking for daily protection or something suitable for overnight use, reusable incontinence products can be a perfect solution.
 
Reusable incontinence pants and reusable incontinence underwear are especially beneficial if you want the comfort and familiarity of regular underwear. They are discreet, soft, and absorbent, making them ideal for light to moderate bladder leakage. Since these items can be washed and reused, you don’t need to worry about constantly purchasing new products, offering significant savings over time.
 
If you require additional absorbency, reusable incontinence pads are an excellent choice. These pads work similarly to disposable liners but can be reused after washing, providing a sustainable option for managing incontinence.
 
Whether you're seeking comfort, cost savings, or environmental benefits, switching to reusable incontinence products is an effective way to manage incontinence while reducing waste and improving your quality of life.
 
  • Reusable incontinence products include options like reusable incontinence pants, underwear, and pads, all designed to be used multiple times.
  • These products are a great alternative to disposable incontinence items, offering both cost savings and environmental benefits.
  • Reusable incontinence pants and reusable incontinence underwear provide comfort, discretion, and absorbency, making them ideal for light to moderate leakage.
  • Reusable incontinence pads offer an eco-friendly solution for those needing additional absorbency, similar to disposable liners but washable and reusable.

Ladies

Our range of ladies' washable underwear is designed specifically to look and feel just like your usual underwear. You simply pull them up, and when you have a little accident, you take them off and pop them in the wash. There’s zero faffing around trying to get a pad to stick in the right place. 

Gents

Our men’s range has been created with men’s parts in mind. Just like the boxer shorts you’d usually wear, except these have a nifty absorbent pad in the middle. They look exactly the same as regular boxer shorts, so nobody would ever know the difference. 

What are the benefits of using reusable incontinence products?

If you’re managing incontinence, finding the right products can be a game-changer for your comfort and confidence. While disposable products may be the most well-known option, reusable incontinence products offer an array of benefits that go beyond convenience. 
 
They provide long-term savings, superior comfort, and a more eco-friendly alternative to disposables. Whether you’re looking for everyday protection or nighttime security, washable incontinence products can be a practical and effective choice.

Cost-effective  & a good long-term investment

Reusable incontinence items tend to have a higher initial cost, but this levels out very quickly as you don’t need to keep making repeat purchases. Disposable pants tend to come in packs of around 10, so if you use one a day, that's a pack every 10 days. Compare that to washable incontinence pants, where you can simply pop it in the washing machine and you’re saving money in no time. 
 
Our washable pants are good for roughly 250 machine washes. So, if you buy a few pairs to get started, you’re looking at some fantastic savings. Of course, to get the most out of them they do need a bit of looking after. It’s not recommended that you tumble dry them, or use fabric softener, as high heat can damage the absorbent materials and fabric softeners can reduce the effectiveness of absorbancy over time.

Comfort & discretion

They’re designed specifically to look and feel like regular underwear and with that, comes the comfort of a regular pair of pants. 100% cotton means you can go about your day in unrivalled comfort and security knowing that you’re covered for leaks. 

Some incontinence products look a bit like normal underwear, but not really. These however, look exactly like normal underwear. You’d have to look really, really hard to figure out that they’re incontinence pants. This makes them a fantastic choice for people who are still a bit embarrassed about the whole thing. 

Whilst society is becoming more and more open when it comes to talking about incontinence and bladder weakness, not everyone is a super-confident taboo-busting extrovert. Some people just want to discreetly go about their business with some comfortable support, and that’s totally fair enough. Our range of washable incontinence products are truly discreet, so nobody will know you’re wearing them. 

More environmentally friendly than disposables

Looking after the environment is a topic at the forefront of a lot of people's minds at the moment. Fair enough, right? The single-use aspect of disposables can't be a bit of a turn-off for some people. The world is turning more toward sustainable alternatives. The environmentally friendly nature of washables makes them a solid choice for people concerned about their environmental footprint. Washable incontinence pants are a much more environmentally friendly choice compared to their disposable counterparts. Instead of bundling them up and chucking them away after every use, you simply pop them in the washing machine as you would with any other clothing item. 

Big absorption capabilities:

If you’re struggling to find a nocturia solution that can handle big urine leaks, you might want to give washable bed pads a try. For example, the Vivactive King-Size Washable Bed Pad can absorb up to a whopping 5000ml of liquid. This is a much higher level than most disposable bed pads. 
 
Washable Bed Pads offer five layers of protection in one exceptional pad - giving you the confidence that your bedding will remain dry and protected throughout the night. Each layer is designed to keep you protected:
 
  1. Soft, fast-drying top layer: Rapidly wicks liquid into the pad
  2. Quilted layer: Works to draw liquid into the pad
  3. Super soaker layer: Securely holds liquid inside to prevent leaks
  4. 100% waterproof layer: Ensures your bedsheets and mattress are totally protected
  5. Stain-resistant bottom layer: For complete peace of mind

The pad features a soft and fast-drying top layer, ensuring you remain dry and comfortable whilst lying in bed. The liquid then passes into a quilted middle layer which quickly draws the liquid in, and then into a super soaker layer which securely holds the liquid and ensures it remains inside the pad. 

Save money in the long run

We touched on this in the pants section, but it's worth reiterating here too. Because they’re reusable, you won’t need to constantly be thinking about keeping on top of your stock levels. 
 
Reusable incontinence underwear come with a slightly higher initial cost, but you’ll soon see those costs level out as you’re no longer needing to keep buying new packs. You’ll probably need to buy more than one washable, as you’ll need one available while the other is washing and drying. 

A more environmentally friendly option

One of the most compelling reasons to switch to washable incontinence products is the positive environmental impact. Disposable incontinence products contribute significantly to landfill waste.
 
According to some estimates, millions of disposable pads are discarded daily, creating mountains of waste that take centuries to decompose. Washable products, on the other hand, can be reused over and over again, drastically reducing the amount of waste generated. By choosing reusable options, you can significantly lower your carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable planet.
 

What reusable incontinence products can you get?

Washable bed pads

Bed pads are a fantastic addition to any incontinence protection arsenal. If you’re concerned about nighttime leakage and want to keep your mattress protected, bed pads are for you. Washable bed pads sit on top of the mattress and bedsheet so that they’re both fully protected from leaks. Disposable bed pads are great, but they’re smaller and usually less absorbent. Washable bed pads cover a much larger area, and they come with the added benefit of being washed and reused. The pad features a soft and fast-drying top layer, ensuring you remain dry and comfortable whilst lying in bed. 
 

How to wash washable bed pads

Washing your reusable bed pad is simple:

  1. Pre-rinse: If the pad is heavily soiled, rinse it in cold water before placing it in the washing machine.
  2. Machine wash: Use a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach, as they can damage absorbent materials.
  3. Drying: Line dry or tumble dry on a low setting. High heat can affect the pad’s absorbency over time.

Reusable incontinence pads

Reusable incontinence pads are a great alternative to disposable liners and pads. They work similarly, but instead of throwing them away, you simply wash and reuse them. They’re an excellent option for people who need light to moderate protection.

How to wash reusable incontinence pads

  1. Pre-treat stains if needed.
  2. Machine wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
  3. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners.
  4. Air dry or tumble dry on low heat.

Reusable incontinence pants

Washable incontinence pants are an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to disposables. They look and feel just like normal underwear, with a built-in absorbent layer to keep you dry and comfortable.

 

How to wash reusable incontinence pants

  1. Turn them inside out before washing.
  2. Use a mild detergent and wash on a gentle cycle.
  3. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners.
  4. Air dry when possible, or use a low heat setting in the dryer.

Washable adult nappy covers

For those who need extra protection, washable adult nappy covers provide a waterproof outer layer that helps contain leaks. They are designed to be worn over reusable or disposable incontinence products for added security.

 

How to wash washable nappy covers

  1. Rinse off any residue before washing.
  2. Machine wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
  3. Do not use fabric softener or bleach.
  4. Air dry or tumble dry on low heat to maintain elasticity.

Browse reusable incontinence products today

If you’re in need of reusable incontinence underwear, then why not browse our range of products here at Incontinence Choice? We have washable incontinence pants for men and women, as well as washable bed pads, perfect for reusing. 

We also stock many other incontinence products, whether you need pull-up pants, adult nappies or pads. We have a selection of products from brands such as Vivactive, TENA, Always, Abena, Attends, and more.