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ABSORBENT PRODUCTS FOR THE WAY YOU LIVE
If you’re used to thinking of adult absorbent products as bulky, uncomfortable and unsightly, you’re in for some great news. Manufacturers today are making a whole range of products that you can wear with your entire wardrobe, whether you’re going casual or getting dressed to the nines. There’s no need to tailor your style around your bladder protection any longer.
It’s a welcome change. In a recent NAFC survey sponsored by Willow and Confitex, half of all respondents said it bothered them to wear an absorbent product. Additionally, 4 out of 10 absorbent users said that their protective garments dictate the clothes they wear, and 55% of them said they can’t wear the styles they like because of their bladder protection.
Despite that need, there are still many people who are unaware of what’s available to them. 55% of absorbent users we surveyed don’t know that fashion-friendly choices are on the market right now, and almost 90% of absorbent users surveyed have never tried them.
If you’re one of those people, we’re here to help you find a product that’s just right for you. A product that will let you live your life more fully, that will give you more confidence than ever, and that will let you feel better about yourself than you’ve felt in a long time.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING ABSORBENT PRODUCTS TODAY
When it comes to finding the right product for you, whether it’s a traditional-style garment or a new designer model, the most important things to consider are the Three F’s: Form, Fit, and Function.
FORM
When you think about ‘form,’ try thinking about the features of the product and how they work together to fit the way you intend to use it. For example, there are protective undergarments that are made to support a range of activity levels, designs that have been developed to coordinate with your clothing choices, and varieties that are intended to address particular wetness levels. Having so many options can be encouraging, but it can also be overwhelming.
So how do you find the one that’s right for you? Start by looking at your lifestyle. Are you always on the move or do you tend to stay put? When, where, and how will you be using your absorbent? Your answers to these questions will go a long way towards helping you narrow down your options.
Product Styles – There’s a broad range of styles to consider: pads, liners, guards, pull-ups, tabbed briefs, you name it. You may want to try out a few different types to see what works best for you, and keep an open mind – you may be surprised by what your favorite is.
Product Features – No matter what your degree of incontinence, there’s sure to be something to keep you dry. You can choose products based on factors like their absorption speed, total volume, odor protection, breathability, waist height, leg size and so much more. Finding the right combination is key to getting the protection you deserve.
FIT
You probably know from purchasing clothing that one brand’s sizing may be different than another’s. The same is true for absorbent products – sizes can vary from one manufacturer to the next. That’s important to keep in mind because an absorbent’s fit is probably the single biggest factor when it comes to comfort and effectiveness. You’ll want to choose a product that conforms to your shape as closely as possible, and there are a few things that can help you do just that:
Your Body – There are a million factors that make your body unique, but there are some particularly meaningful ones when it comes to finding a well-fitting product:
- Your waist or hip size
- Your incontinence level (a trickle, full bladder loss, fecal loss, etc.)
- Your activity level or mobility issues
- How discreet you want to be
Product Sizes – Most manufacturers use the size categories that we’re all familiar with: XS, Small, Medium, Large, and XL. What’s tricky is that they all use different measurements to figure out what those sizes are. It’s completely normal to go through a little trial and error when looking for the perfect fit, but don’t give up just because one or two or three different manufacturers’ products weren’t right for you. If you’re still having no luck, consider calling an online incontinence supplier – they can help you narrow down your options and put you on the right path to a good fit.
FUNCTION
Incontinence products all have one job to do – keep you dry – but they go about that in many different ways. For example, some are made for daytime wear, while others are specifically designed for nighttime. Some account for heavy leakage, while others are made for those who leak just a little. Think about your specific needs and look for a product best suited for that.
No matter what you choose, be sure to look for absorbent products that wick moisture away from the body. Also make sure to select products that are specifically designed for urinary incontinence – not feminine hygiene pads – because they have super-absorbent polymers that trap urine and expand by as much as 20 times for maximum absorbency.
Protection Levels – It’s easy to get confused by all the terminology that manufacturers use to describe the level of protection their products provide. You’ll see Super Plus, Extra, Premium, Maximum, Moderate, Regular, Advanced and Ultimate, but those words don’t always mean what you think they should. Right now, there aren’t any uniform naming standards for absorption strength, so they can vary widely from one item to the next. Your best bet? Read labels carefully and be open to trying different products until you find one that works.
Product Brands – With all these options, it’s hard to know where to even begin. That’s why we recommend making your first choice a brand you trust, a company that’s earned a reputation for thoughtful innovation and that produces products tailored to your needs, no matter what they may be.
TRY A DESIGNER ABSORBENT PRODUCT!
We get it – even if you find the perfect fit, style is still an important factor when choosing an absorbent product. Dressing in something that reflects your unique style and that you feel good about can make you look great and feel amazing.
That’s why we were shocked to learn in a recent NAFC survey that the main reason people hadn’t tried a designer absorbent product was because they didn’t even know they existed. But those who had tried designer absorbent products said that they were less bulky, made them feel more like themselves and made them feel more attractive.
We’ve rounded up a couple of great brands for you here, both with designs to make you look and feel great while keeping you protected. Even better? They’re offering NAFC readers a special discount on their products. Give them a try. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how good you can feel when wearing an absorbent product.
Willow
We started Willow with a promise: to make high-quality incontinence products for the people we love, at a price everyone can afford. Willow provides a sleek and modern fit, with ultra-thin underwear that disappears under clothes — no bulky pads, no annoying panty lines. Willow underwear combines high quality, lightweight fabrics with fashionable and sleek designs and leak-proof and odor-resistant technology that keeps you worry free. Willow is totally customizable, so you get what you need when you need it (without the awkward run-ins at the store).
With Willow, you can live without worry.
We’re so confident you’ll love them, we’re giving you your first box FREE.
Confitex
At last – washable absorbent underwear that really works!
As common as bladder leakage is, few management solutions have delivered comfort, fashion and performance – until now. Designed for men and women with active lifestyles who are experiencing light bladder leakage or recovering from prostate treatment, Confitex washable absorbent underwear combines unique leakproof and odor-resistant textile technology with discreet, fashionable designs in high-quality fabrics. They look and feel just like regular underwear, and since they can be machine washed and tumble dried, you can care for them just like real underwear, too. Plus, they require no pads or liners, so there’s no fumbling around with tricky packaging or adhesive strips.
This patented textile is breathable, hypoallergenic and plastic-free, which makes Confitex underwear better for your skin, better for the environment and, since it’s reusable for up to 200 washes, much better for your wallet.
Confitex restores confidence and lets you get on with life. Order online now at confitexunderwear.com and use the promo code NZFC10 at checkout to receive a 10% discount on everything you buy.