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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?

Washable incontinence pants provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to disposable options. Due to the fact you’re only buying a few pairs, they offer significant long-term cost savings. With proper care, they can be used over and over again, unlike disposables. By reducing waste generation, washable pants contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle, aligning with a conscientious approach.
 
Washable incontinence pants are best suited for eco-minded people who experience light-mid levels of urine leakage. They look just like regular underwear, so they’re perfect for those who want to maintain a high level of discretion. If you’re new to incontinence and not sure where to start, these are a good choice. Transitioning from your normal pants to a heavy-duty nappy can be overwhelming. Washable pants can be the ideal solution for someone dipping their toes in the water. 
 
Generally speaking, washable incontinence pants have a lower absorbency than their disposable counterparts. These are definitely a solution for people experiencing light leaks, if you have chronic incontinence or heavy leakage then you’ll be better off with a higher absorbency alternative. 

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. 

Cost-effective & a good long-term investment

They 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 a washable, 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. 

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. 
 

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. The washable pad sits 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. 

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. They 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.