Washable Incontinence Pants vs Disposable Incontinence Pants

Incontinence pants are the preferable choice for many users. In contrast to pads, they can be worn like normal underwear and are less bulky than some nappies and pads.

Incontinence pants are available in both washable and disposable designs. With various brands to choose from, the market offers a diverse range of pants to choose from. If incontinence pants are your chosen design, it is important to know which design is suitable for your severity level and lifestyle.

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Washable Incontinence Pants

Washable pants are available in a range of different designs, and are less absorbent than disposable pants.

Pros

Cost-effective. Washable pants last a long time, as they can be re-washed numerous times. This makes them a cost effective, durable solution.

Discreet. Washable incontinence pants are thinner, meaning they are often more discreet and undetectable.

Feel like Normal Underwear. This is a key advantage of washable pants. Washable pants have no bulk and are designed to feel just like your normal pants. This can help to “normalize” products for some people, causing discretion and increasing confidence.

Feature Anatomically Shaped Options. You can find washable pants in many designs specially for men and women. For example, there are men’s incontinence shorts and women’s knickers available in the market.

Maximum Comfort. Washable pants are often smaller and provide a close fit, making them more comfortable than a heavier product. Designed from materials similar to normal underwear, their soft feel on the skin ensures maximum comfort.

 

Cons

Less Absorbent than Disposable Pants. Washable incontinence pants are designed for people with lighter incontinence, and hold much less absorbency capacity than disposable pants. They are therefore unsuitable for faecal incontinence pants.

Money can be Spent on Washing. Washable pants are very cost effective. However, they do increase the amount of washing you have to do regularly

Disposable Incontinence Pants

Disposable incontinence pants are traditional pull up incontinence pants. They have much higher absorbency than washable pants.

 

Pros

Higher Absorbency. Disposable pants are designed for heavier incontinence, which makes them a more reliable option for those who need them.

Ideal for Faecal and Urinary Incontinence. Unlike washable pants, disposable pants are suitable for managing both faecal and urinary incontinence.

Can be thrown away and replaced. You don’t need to worry about washing disposable pants, as they can easily be disposed of and replaced.

Advanced odour control systems. As these pants are highly absorbent, they often have more advanced

 

Cons

Less cost effective. Disposable pants don’t last as long as washable pants and are replaced often. This makes them a less cost-effective option.

Feel less discreet. Disposable pants have less of a “normal underwear” feel, and often feel bulkier and more noticeable.

Aren’t available in different styles. Disposable pants are not available in as many designs as washable pants.

 

Which Option Should You Choose?

If you have light incontinence, washable pants are the recommended option. They are also highly durable and can be washed numerous times. If you are looking primarily for comfort, washable products are recommended.

For those with heavier urinary or faecal incontinence, disposable pull up pants are a more suitable option.

Generally, the more economical and discreet option are the washable pants. However, if higher absorbency is needed, we recommend using the pull up pants.

 

Do you have Bowel Incontinence? Read our Guide to Choosing Bowel Incontinence Products

Recommended Washable Pants

  • Can be washed up to 250+ times
  • Decorate Lace Trim
  • Waistband
  • 100mls
  • Black
  • Waterproof Backing

£9.43

Buy Ladies Cotton Comfy

  • 100% Cotton
  • Built-In Pad
  • Boxer Style Design
  • Designed to look and feel like normal underwear
  • High Quality
  • Machine Washable

£9.08

Buy Men's Padded Incontinence Shorts

  • Washable up to 250 times
  • Fully Functional Y-Front Opening
  • White
  • 100% Cotton
  • Y-Front Opening
  • Elasticated Waistband
  • Look and feel like normal underwear

£12.40

Buy Men's Traditional Y Fronts

Recommended Disposable Pants

  • Enhanced dryness
  • For heavy to severe incontinence
  • Unique Dual Absorption Zone
  • Designed in a subtle lilac colour
  • Integrated leakage barriers
  • Body-close fit

£10.75

Buy TENA Pants Maxi

  • Flexible shape
  • Absorbent core to reduce the risk of leakage
  • Natural odour protection
  • Quick-dry acquisition layer
  • Breathable material
  • Fast absorption

£11.15

Buy Attends Pull Ons 3

  • Pull up and down like normal underwear.
  • Unobtrusive and discreet.
  • Inner leg cuffs for extra anti-leak protection
  • Breathable waterproof backing aids comfort and prevents perspiration.
  • Wetness Indicator

£9.15

Buy Lille SupremPants Maxi

Originally posted 2019-04-23 13:37:29.

4 Comments

  1. Hearts000 Reply

    What’s the maximum absorbency level for men in the washable pant, I’d much prefer to use them than the pull up nappy style I wear at the moment

  2. anonymous708 Reply

    I’m more in need of maybe 750ml upwards, I don’t like wearing anything that can be suspected under clothing, especially from behind, I’m only 52.
    Maybe a anatomically male pad ?
    I have wear waterproof pants to ensure no leaks onto clothes and to ensure no odour detection, can you suggest anything along these lines ?

    1. Moderator Post author Reply

      Yes, I would suggest a disposable anatomical pad instead of washable pants, as their absorption generally does not go as high as that. Lille SupremLight Maxi are discreet pads designed for light to moderate incontinence. With 1030mls absorbency, these would be reliable for your level. They aren’t specially designed for men, however are anatomically shaped. You can purchase Lille SupremLight Maxi here: https://www.allaboutincontinence.co.uk/lille-suprem-light-maxi.
      Do you just have urinary incontinence or both urinary and faecal incontinence?
      Waterproof pants can be very uncomfortable and I wouldn’t recommend using these unless you have very heavy incontinence, or are worried about bowel leakage.

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