How Long Can You Wear Incontinence Pads? A Guide for Staying Clean and Dry With Urinary Incontinence

If you've ever wondered how often you should change an incontinence pad, you're not alone.

Many people with urinary incontinence struggle with this question, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

The good news is that there are some general guidelines you can follow to help ensure you stay clean and dry.

In this blog post, we'll share some tips on how often to change your incontinence pads, as well as some factors to keep in mind when making your decision.

Table of Contents

• How Long Do Incontinence Pads Last?
• Is It Important To Change Incontinence Pads Regularly?
• How Often Should You Change Incontinence Pads?
• 3 Signs That It’s Time To Change Your Incontinence Pads
• How Do I Know if I Need a Different Type of Incontinence Pad?
• What Are the Benefits of Using Reusable Incontinence Pads?
• ONDRwear: Comfy, Reusable, and Pee-Proof Underwear That Actually Work

How Long Do Incontinence Pads Last?

Most incontinence pads will last about four to eight hours, depending on the individual’s:

• Urinary incontinence severity
• Bladder capacity; and
• Urine output

For those who need something to last longer, try ONDRwear leak proof underwear. 

ONDRwear incontinence underwear can be worn for up to 12 hours and can survive for 200-250 washes. 

Is It Important To Change Incontinence Pads Regularly?

It’s important to check your incontinence pads regularly to make sure they aren’t full and leaking. If they are, it’s best to change them as soon as possible to avoid skin irritation and infections.

Ultimately, how often you should change incontinence pads will depend on your individual needs. 

How Often Should You Change Incontinence Pads?

Changing incontinence pads depends on the following factors:

• Type of incontinence
• Pad absorbency; and 
• Level of incontinence

Generally, most people with urinary incontinence need to change their pads at least once per day, and possibly more if they have a high level of incontinence or are using less absorbent pads.

3 Signs That It’s Time To Change Your Incontinence Pads

It can be hard to tell when it’s time to change your incontinence pads, but there are some signs you should watch for. 

Here are three of the most common indicators that it’s time for a change.

#1: When They Feel Loose or Flimsy

If your incontinence pad is feeling flimsy or too loose, it needs to be replaced. 

What may cause incontinence pads to feel loose or flimsy?

There are three common reasons, such as the pad:

• Has been wet for a while and hasn't been changed
• Was made poorly or of a thin material; or
• Was not securely fastened in place

When an incontinence pad is loose and flimsy, it is not able to absorb as much anymore and it's time to replace it.

#2: When They Get Dirty or Smelly

Your incontinence pad is only as good as the products it’s made from. 

If your pad is getting:

• Dirty
• Smelly
• Stained; or
• Dingy with normal use

... it may be time to change your incontinence pad.

This is more common with fecal incontinence, but can happen with urine as well.

You can also be proactive. 

Anytime you see urine or feces on your incontinence pad, you can replace it immediately — this can prevent any unpleasant odor or stains from happening.

#3 When They Become Irritating With Normal Activity

If you’re constantly dealing with irritations with your incontinence pad, it’s time for you to get a new one. 

The irritation could result in: 

• An annoying feeling when you try to move
• Pain when you wear your pad; or
• A burn or rash with normal activity

When this happens, it’s important to consider if your incontinence pad is likely the problem. 

For example, the material could be too rough for your skin or the adhesive could be dried out, causing irritation.

Obviously, if you’re constantly dealing with the irritation from your incontinence pad, you will not want to wear them any longer.

How Do I Know if I Need a Different Type of Incontinence Pad?

Every person’s need for incontinence pads will vary.

With that in mind, if you are currently using disposable incontinence pads, you may want to try reusable incontinence pads if you:

• Have heavy bladder and bowel movements
• Have a high risk of urinary tract infections (UTI); or
• Notice disposable pads are not working well for you

On the other hand, if you’re currently using reusable incontinence pads, it may be time to try a different type of brand when:

• You are having trouble with your pads being absorbent, or leakage is a problem
• The adhesive starts to flake, peel, or turn yellow — showing that it's no longer effective
• You observe that the adhesive is coming off in large chunks or is starting to peel; or
• The pad changes in odor or feels uncomfortable after being worn for an extended period

By choosing the right product and changing it according to your needs, you can stay clean, dry, and comfortable all day long.

The truth is — over time, the products can break down and build up bacteria, which then causes them to smell.

If you are interested in trying a longer-lasting, stylish, and comfortable reusable incontinence underwear, then you may want to consider using a brand such as ONDRwear.

ONDRwear are not only machine washable but also:

• Odor-free
• Sustainable; and
• Super comfortable

And another perk is that ONDRwear can last 6 months to 2 years with proper care.

Get your pee-proof underwear to stay dry and healthy without worry.

What Are the Benefits of Using Reusable Incontinence Pads?

Reusable incontinence pads have several benefits over disposable options. 

Let’s look at some benefits you will experience by using reusable incontinence pads.

More Comfortable To Wear

Reusable incontinence pads are more comfortable to wear because they conform better to the body than disposable pads. 

This is because they are often available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials. 

Reusable incontinence pads are usually made from a variety of materials, including …

• Cotton
• Bamboo; or 
• Other natural fibers

… which allows for you to wash and reuse them for months — or even years with high-quality reusable incontinence garments, like ONDRwear.

Less Likely To Cause Skin Irritation

Reusable incontinence pads are usually made with natural fibers, unlike disposable pads, which are usually made from synthetic materials.

For example, ONDR underwear is made from algae and beech wood fiber — materials that do not irritate the skin like the synthetic fibers used in reusable incontinence pads. 

Most disposable pads have adhesives that contain chemicals and abrasives, which can cause skin irritations, such as:

• Redness
• Itching
• Irritation

Therefore, it is important to choose reusable incontinence pads that don't contain these irritants.

You can’t go wrong with super comfy, leak-proof, and reusable incontinence undies made by ONDRwear.

Less Expensive Than Disposable Pads 

Reusable incontinence pads are an excellent way to save money.

A single reusable incontinence pad can be used multiple times, which means you won’t have to keep spending money on disposable pads regularly. 

Additionally, reusable pads are often more absorbent than their disposable counterparts, which means you won’t have to worry about changing them as often.

Better for the Environment 

Reusable incontinence pads are a great way to save money and reduce your environmental footprint.

How is that possible?

Because Reusable incontinence pads can be washed and reused — not thrown away regularly.

Most people with urinary incontinence can wear reusable pads for up to 12 hours without having to worry about leaks or skin irritation.

Imagine how choosing to wear reusable incontinence pads helps our environment.

Require No Special Care or Precautions 

Many people with incontinence can lead normal lives with the help of reusable incontinence pads. 

Because they can be worn and washed just like regular underwear, they do not need any special care or precautions.

These products are designed to absorb wetness and protect clothing and furniture from being stained by urine (or feces) as unsuspectingly as possible.

Everyone’s individual needs are different, so you may want to consider some factors before choosing a specific brand of reusable incontinence pad, such as:

• Absorbency
• Size; and
• Material

Even so, it’s important to find one that fits your needs. 

Provide Better Leak Protection

Because reusable incontinence pads have better coverage due to fitting better and the way that they are made, they also provide better leak protection.

If you’re interested in trying reusable pads, we recommend starting with a small absorbency level to see how your body reacts. 

You can always move up to a higher absorbency level if you need more protection.

Remember: Everyone is different and there is no “one size fits all” solution for urinary incontinence.

ONDRwear: Comfy, Reusable, and Pee-Proof Underwear That Actually Work

If you are living with urinary incontinence, you know how important it is to find products that will help you stay clean and dry. 

There are many options on the market, but not all of them are created equal. 

That’s where ONDRwear comes in. 

Our pee-proof underwear is designed to give you the protection you need without sacrificing comfort or style.

So, how does ONDRwear stack up against other incontinence products? 

For starters, our underwear is made from a lightweight, moisture-wicking material that will keep you feeling dry all day long. And because our underwear is reusable, you can save money in the long run.

But the best part about ONDRwear is that they actually work.

We’ve put our underwear to the test, and we’re confident that it will provide the protection you need. 

So if you’re looking for an incontinence solution that is both comfortable and effective, try ONDRwear today.

The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.