How to Wear an Adult Diaper?

Dealing with loss of bladder or bowel control can be a disturbing experience for many. It is not only a temporary issue faced on account of a surgery but sometimes age and other health conditions can bring it on as a permanent impact.

Over time, a range of diapers have been developed that can deal with varying degrees of urinary and fecal incontinence. The most common among them is the tape-on adjustable version similar to a baby's diaper. Even then, putting it on for an adult is not the same as it would be for a baby. Please read on for essentials that we believe will help.

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PANT STYLE PULLUPS VS. REGULAR WRAP STYLE DIAPERS: Weighing the options

Pros	Worn just like underwears are Come equipped with tearable side panels meant for easy removal Can even be removed without having to remove lowers/trousers If the user is independent or capable of caring for self, pull up diapers are the best choice as they offer higher levels of independence	Have tab closures or tapes that allow self-customization for a better fit around the waist and crotch Can be readjusted multiple times as per activity A bit difficult to wear without removing lowers/trousers though it is still easy to take them off If the user is limited due to mobility issues or is bedridden, and hence needs caregivers aid, classic diapers are the way to go
Cons	Can be opened only once in contrast to non-pullups Cannot be worn without removing the trousers or lowers	Tape adhesion might get loose if not stuck properly or due to repeated readjustments

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P.S.: Keep in mind the level of incontinence the user is dealing with. A diaper with the relevant level
of absorbancy would be best for an effective management of incontinence

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Diapers	Absorbancy level
Friends Adult Diapers (Easy Wrap) SHOP NOW	High: Great for day & night use (can be used up to 8 hours)
Magna Adult Diapers (Classic Wrap) SHOP NOW	Medium: Economical & great for day and night both (can be used for 6-8 hours)
Dignity Pull-ups SHOP NOW	Medium: Good for active seniors with mild to medium release
Friends Premium Pant Style Diapers SHOP NOW	High: Ideal for active use (up to 8 hours)

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THE PREPARATION

 

As a caregiver, you need to follow certain step before dressing a senior in an adult diaper

1. The sizes of the diapers vary from one manufacturer to the other, so ensure you purchase the right sized diaper
2. Wash your hands thoroughly with antiseptic handwash or soap before dressing. Make sure you have clean nails.
3. Wear sanitized latex gloves to prevent chances of infection while changing a soiled diaper
4. Dab the patient's skin with antiseptic lotion and powder to prevent rashes or skin infections from wearing the diaper.

Remember - depending on the fluid intake and health condition, the number of diapers consumed may vary. This has to be monitored by the user and caregiver together

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REGULAR WRAP STYLE

 

Wearing it Yourself

• While working with a diaper, the one thing you must remember is not to touch the inside of the product to avoid contaminating it in any way
• Fold the diaper along the width - do not make a crease, just a soft fold will do
• Holding it in such a way that the side tapes are towards your back, slip the diaper between your legs, centering it around your crotch area
• Spread the diapers upper Adjust it as required for a comfortable fit - as you would any underwear. The edges of the stretchable material should adjust into the groin comfortably to avoid rashes or leakage
• You can tuck in the diaper along the bottom fabric on sides for comfort if it helps as well
• Tape it up properly on the sides making sure it fits well around your waist and hips

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LOOKING FOR ADULT DIAPERS FOR YOUR LOVED ONE? Click here

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Being dressed by a Caregiver

1. Please ensure you are wearing gloves after washing your hands with soap and water
2. Roll the patient over to one side
3. Fold the diaper along the width - do not make a crease, just a soft fold will do
4. Holding it in such a way that the side tapes are towards the patient's back, slip the diaper between their legs, centering it around the crotch area
5. Fan out the back so that it fully covers the buttocks
6. Turn the patient again on their back, holding the diaper in place with one hand
7. Spread it open now on the front gradually
8. Adjust it as required for a comfortable fit - as you would any underwear. The edges of the stretchable material should adjust into the groin comfortably to avoid rashes or leakage
9. You can tuck in the diaper along the bottom fabric on sides for comfort if it helps as well
10. Tape it up properly on the sides making sure it fits well around the waist and hips

• If you need to readjust the diaper, kindly do so slightly, one tape at a time. Avoid over-adjusting diapers that contain reasonable amount of urine already though are not due for change - it might create a leakage

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WEARING A PULLUP / PANT STYLE DIAPER

• Position the underwear diapers with the color indicated waistband at the front
• Step in through the leg openings and pull on the product like a regular underwear
• Adjust from the crotch/pelvic region and sides for a comfortable fit
• For disposal, tear open the diaper from the easy open side

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PREVENTING A DIAPER RASH

• The best way to prevent rash is to change the brief and the diapers as soon as it gets wet or soiled
• Wash the entire area with a mild antiseptic soap and pat it dry or let the skin get air-dried naturally
• You can apply an antibacterial/antifungal lotion to prevent diaper rash but it might lead to reducing the absorbancy of the diapers
• Evaluate the need better. If the user stays indoors mostly and does not require the assistance of a caregiver, its good to shop for a diaper with medium absorption capacity than a high absorption grade. A diaper with medium absorption capacity reduces the usage time. This would require frequent changes which can further reduce the chances of getting a diaper rash

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PROPER DISPOSAL OF SOILED ADULT DIAPERS

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If you plan to move out, it often helps to wear your diaper discreetly and plan for its safe disposal.
Dressing in high waist, loose body pants or trousers with a slightly longer shirt/top that tucks in well will ensure that the diaper is not visible. Do carry disposal bags with you, ideally scented ones. In case not, a bit of room freshener spray helps. Seal the bag properly while disposing of to avoid any infection/contamination.
When traveling, look for slim diapers that can be packed easily and are not as bulky.

We hope you find these tips useful. In case you have a suggestion or observation that will help the Hey Zindagi Community, do share it in the comments below.

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Compiled by Team TLC