Urinary incontinence is a medical condition that most people who suffer from are more often than not ashamed of, but it shouldn’t be that way. Many of the older kinds of incontinence products such as adult diapers and pull-up pads have added to this embarrassment factor. In contrast, the newer product developed called Chux or incontinence adult underpads have reduced the shame surrounding this illness.
Types of Underpads
Two main types of underpads have been invented and commonly used in hospitals and at home: reusable underpads and disposable underpads. Choosing the right size of the patient underpadsfor either of these varieties is vital to ensure no form of spillage or leakage. The minimum width of the underpad should be enough to go 6 or 10 inches around the waist.
Although the underpads can be bought in the accurate size for the adult for his or her bed at home, when it comes to hospital beds, it is always better to keep the most absorbent and the most extensive available sizes on hand so that it can be used for almost all the patients that come in.
Disposable underpads come in several different sizes, colors, and construction types. The product that can be used once and then thrown away when soiled. Their portability makes them ideal for their use in hospitals and clinics. They are usually made up of three sets of layers.
The layer that goes on the bottom, which is in contact with the surface it is placed on, is made up of waterproof plastic. The layers in the middle are made up of tissue-like materials to absorb any liquids that land on the underpad. The topmost layer that comes in contact with the patient is a tear-resistant and fluid absorbing material that ensures it stays intact even if the patient moves around while sitting or lying down on it. Some varieties also have an adhesive layer that makes them easier to use.
Reusable underpads, also known as washable underpads, come in different varieties based on the material they are made up of, their size, color, and level of absorbency, or the number of fluids they are capable of holding. These underpads secure the juices within the liquid-proof layer made up of either vinyl or urethane. Between the two, the vinyl variety is more cost-effective. Still, it needs to be washed more often than the breathable urethane material that can dry quickly after being washed.
Ways to Use Underpads
Adult underpads can be used in various places and for several reasons aside from the primary function that it was initially designed for. One of the significant advantages of using underpads on the surface of furniture or the bed instead of having the patient wear something absorbent is avoiding irritation and skin rashes.
Underpads for bedsare the most common use for adult underpads that have been seen in both hospitals and at home, especially for the elderly who are unable to move about as much and have lost bladder control. Underpads, especially the reusable kind, can be placed on different sitting areas around the house, such as chairs, benches, or couches that the patient may use to allow them to move about the house feel ashamed of their medical condition. These can also be used on car seats, especially on longer car rides, to allow a comfortable journey for the patient.
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Some alternative uses for disposable underpads are to protect surfaces from any spillages, including bathroom floors, kitchen floors or counters from food, car floors from dirt or drinks, room floors from paint, and garage floors from oil or grease working on the car or the garage. They can also be used to protect furniture from being ruined when one’s kids are playing with paints or trying to drink or eat something.
Underpads are extremely easy to use in that all you need to ensure is that the absorbent material is facing upwards to come in contact with the spillage. The liquid-proof side of the pad goes on the bottom and protects the surface from said spillage. While cleaning up, make sure to tuck in the edges first to avoid any excess fluids from spilling over the sides and then carefully chucking it away if it is disposable or putting it in the washer if it is reusable. Adhesive underpads 30×36 should have their plastic removed from the sticky side to stick that side to the bed’s surface, furniture, or floor and carefully peeled off to dispose of it with care.