WEN

Washable products are increasingly available, and there is a range of options out there, in different shapes, sizes, materials, absorbencies – and colours! Who said continence products have to be white? Many pant styles look the same as ordinary underwear and are easy to care for, they can simply be washed with the rest of your laundry.

Pads to be worn with own underwear
(from around £1.50 each)

Pads Made of absorbent fabrics with or without a waterproof backing. Pads are available for both men and women. These pads can be worn with your own underwear as long as the pants are a snug fit.

Pouch pants for use with separate pads
(from around £6 per pant)

Pouch pants are also styled to look like ordinary underwear. Rather than having a sewn in pad there is a pouch sewn into the gusset. You are able to choose the type of pad you need (or prefer) which may be important if you require a more absorbent pad for a larger amount of urine. Once wet, only the pad needs to be changed. Some pants have a pouch with a waterproof lining and can be used with pads that do not have their own waterproof backing. In other pants the pouch does not have a waterproof lining and for these you must choose a pad with a waterproof backing. It is important to use the right combination of pouch pants and pads.

Pants with built in absorbent pad
(from £4.29 each)

Pants with built in absorbent pad These are probably the most widely used of washable products for light incontinence. These pants look like ordinary underwear but have an absorbent pad sewn into the gusset. There are a wide variety of styles. There are full pants, high cut, bikini, thong style and floral and lace versions for women; and both Y front and boxer short versions for men.

For all types of pants getting the right size is extremely important as continence pants need a snug fit to feel secure. The size is determined by hip measurements for women or waist measurements for men. When in doubt, it may be best to choose a slightly smaller rather than slightly larger size, as a close fit helps to prevent leakage.

Whilst washable products may be difficult to find on the high street they are readily available via mail order or the internet. (See suppliers).

Some women find that washable products designed for menstruation are also suitable for coping with light incontinence. For details of suppliers of washable sanitary products and information on how to make your own click here.