Incontinence bed pads are good to have in your arsenal when managing nighttime incontinence. Read on for more tips on using them.
If you struggle with incontinence at night, you aren’t alone. Millions of middle-aged and older adults struggle to get a good night of quality sleep due to incontinence issues.
The good news is there are products to help you enjoy a better night’s sleep without worries about incontinence. One of the most important tools available to you is high-quality incontinence products. Products like underpads, a washable bed pad, and other incontinence pad options help you avoid leakage and other problems.
Many of the commercial pads available in stores aren’t as absorbent as the ones you can find online. Some pads are designed for just small leaks or specific temporary situations, such as the weeks following childbirth. These pads often don’t offer the protection, absorbency, and peace of mind you need.
You can also double your protection by wearing absorbent underwear while you sleep. Not everyone feels comfortable enough to sleep in this type of underwear, but it’s a great option if you travel or stay overnight at someone else’s home. The double overnight protection helps you avoid any unexpected accidents.
In addition to using these incontinence bed pads and absorbent underwear, you can do several other things to make the nighttime less stressful. For example:
Empty Your Bladder Right Before Bedtime
Whether you deal with mild or heavy incontinence, using the washroom right before bed is a good idea. This should give you ample time to fall asleep and get at least a few hours of sleep before having to go again. It can also help to go if you awaken, even if you don’t feel like you really need to go. This avoids accidents and helps you sleep with fewer interruptions.
Limit Fluid Intake in the Hours Before You Retire
One of the best ways to cut down on the nighttime need to use the washroom is to limit or cease fluid intake within a few hours of bedtime. Usually, two to three hours is enough time to allow you to empty your bladder and not worry about your body continuing to evacuate overnight. You don’t want to risk dehydration, so make sure you drink enough throughout the day that your body can handle not drinking for about eight to ten hours.
Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
A bedtime routine ending with a final washroom break is a great way to wind down the day and signal to your body that it’s time to sleep. Nighttime routines can look however you want, but many people enjoy quiet activities near bedtime. It can also help to stop looking at screens an hour or two before sleeping.
If you’re helping someone with dementia, a bedtime routine is essential for making the transition easier. Knowing what to expect each night is comforting, and doing the same activities helps relax and feel at ease about bedtime.
A few things to consider including in a bedtime routine include:
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Washing up (tooth brushing or rinsing with mouthwash, face washing, hair brushing)
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Soothing music
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Reading
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Oil diffuser/atomizer with relaxing scents such as chamomile or lavender
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Lotion application and/or a massage
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Changing into sleepwear
Make the Trip to the Washroom Safe and Free of Obstacles
If one or more trips to the washroom are part of the overnight routine, ensuring the path from bed to toilet is safe, and obstacle-free is important. Installing a night light or two along the way is also a good idea.
Consider a Bed Wetting Alarm
Sleeping in wetness after a leak is uncomfortable and can be unhealthy. A bed wetting alarm ensures that any wetness and moisture are cleaned quickly, and skin problems aren’t allowed to flare up overnight.
Prepare in Advance for Bedding Changes
Even if leakage is rare, it’s a good idea to have everything needed for a change organized and nearby should there be an incident. You can set up a basket near the bed with a change of sleep clothes, fresh sheets, and spare, dry incontinence bed pads.
Choosing the Best Waterproof Bed Pad
You’ll want to consider several things when choosing an incontinence bed pad for your mattress. For example:
Odour Control
Some absorbent pads have odour guards and are pH balanced. They work by eliminating the ammonia in urine.
Adhesive Backing
Some pads, especially smaller ones, feature an adhesive and waterproof backing. This keeps them from sliding out of place. Larger pads might not have adhesive but usually stay in place even without it.
Thickness
Thinner pads tend to be more discreet, but thicker ones are more absorbent and offer more protection.
Size
Pads come in large and small sizes. Most people choose the best size for them based on their bodies and the size of their beds.
Unfortunately, finding a waterproof bed pad that works for you or a loved one can be a matter of trial and error. Even the best quality mattress pad available might take a bit of sampling to find the right size or comfort level.
If you aren’t sure, it’s usually better to err on the side of caution by choosing a larger, thicker incontinence bed pad. This guarantees you’ll reduce or eliminate wetness and moisture, so you’ll only need to adjust for comfort going forward.
SCI Supply offers incontinence bed pads and other incontinence support products. We understand first-hand how vital these products are to your everyday life. This has enabled us to design our business with the customer as the focal point.
Customers receive better support than shopping at big box stores with little to no knowledge about these products. Customers enjoy fast shipping across Canada and the United States and can order from a large inventory of leading brands and products.
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