A Helpful Guide to Adult Diapers for Women
Urinary incontinence in women is very common, with roughly 50% of adult women experiencing temporary or lasting bladder control issues at some point in life. Unfortunately, the culture of “silence” around women’s incontinence is also pretty strong because less than half of the women who have incontinence discuss it with their doctors.
That can make it extremely difficult to get the right incontinence supplies for women, especially for those on Medicaid who are eligible for free adult diapers for women.
To break down the stigmas and help more people get what they need, this guide explains the ins and outs of incontinence supplies for women, covering:
- Why Women Wear Adult Diapers
- How to Deal with Female Incontinence at Night: 4 Tips
- The 5 Best Incontinence Products for Women
- How to Get Female Incontinence Supplies with Medicaid in WA, OR, and ID
This is designed to share the essentials in under ~3 minutes. It also provides some crucial tips and insights, making it an important resource to bookmark for future reference (and here’s it’s counterpart, a guide on adult diapers for men).
Whenever it’s time for more information or expert support getting incontinence supplies for women via Medicaid in WA, OR, or ID, contact MyMedSupplies.
For decades, MyMedSupplies has worked closely with people just like you, helping them get what they need quickly and discreetly.
Why Adult Diapers for Women?
Several events and health conditions can cause Incontinence in women at different stages of life.
Here are some common reasons women wear adult diapers:
- Pregnancy and Postpartum Recovery: Pregnancy can put far more pressure on the bladder while childbirth stretches the pelvic floor muscles. That combination of factors can lead to temporary or long-term urinary incontinence for women.
- Menopause: Hormonal changes in menopause can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, leading to stress incontinence, meaning leakage when coughing, sneezing, or engaging in other activities. Menopause can also result in “urge incontinence,” which is the sudden, intense need to urinate.
- Bladder Conditions: Overactive bladder (OAB), bladder infections, and interstitial cystitis can cause frequent leaks and mild to more severe cases of urinary incontinence in women.
- Neurological Conditions: Multiple sclerosis, stroke, and other neurological conditions can impair the nerves controlling bladder function, contributing to women’s incontinence.
- Age-Related Weakness: As women age, the pelvic floor muscles (and other muscles) can weaken, possibly causing both urinary and fecal incontinence.
Adult diapers for women can provide a practical solution for these and other bladder control issues, allowing for worry-free, leak-free days backed by more confidence and priceless peace of mind.
How to Deal with Female Incontinence at Night: 4 Essential Tips
Nighttime incontinence in women can create a whole new set of challenges that may require a different approach than daytime bladder leaks. Also referred to as “nocturnal enuresis,” nighttime incontinence in women can be effectively addressed with a few key strategies, including those that follow.
1. Limit Late-in-the-Day Fluid Intake.
- Cut back on the amount of liquid you drink in the hours leading up to bedtime.
- Try to avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, which tend to irritate the bladder.
2. Schedule Bathroom Breaks.
- Go to the bathroom right before you go to bed.
- Consider setting an alarm to wake you for a middle-of-the-night bathroom break.
3. Use Protective Bedding.
- Use absorbent bed pads, placing them above the sheets before getting into bed each night.
- Invest in a waterproof mattress protector to provide an extra layer of protection between the mattress, the bed pad, and any potential leaks.
4. Wear Overnight-Specific Diapers.
- Put on a high-absorbency adult diaper for women that’s specifically designed for overnight use and after using the toilet for the last time before you get into bed.
- Consider resizing your adult diapers for women if you’re doing all of the above and you’re still experiencing nighttime leakage.
Remember, it can take some trial and error to dial in the best routine and incontinence products for addressing nighttime leakage. Once you do, however, you can rest assured that you’ll be in for leak-free, worry-free sleep.
The 5 Best Incontinence Products for Women
There are various types of incontinence products for women, with different options for:
- Mild to severe incontinence
- Daytime versus nighttime incontinence
- Personal preferences and comfort
Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular types of adult diapers and incontinence supplies for women, with details about when each can be optimal and which incontinence products for women are covered by Medicaid.
1. Bladder Control Pads for Women
Discreet and intended to fit inside regular underwear, bladder control pads for women are like sanitary pads, but they’re designed for urinary leakage.
- Incontinence Level: Light to moderate
- Ideal Uses: Women with mild stress or urge incontinence who want a subtle, comfortable solution.
- Medicaid Covered? Yes (with a prescription)
2. Incontinence Underwear for Women (Pull-Ups)
Also known as pull-ups, incontinence underwear for women is an essential form of disposable underwear that offers more absorbency and protection than bladder control pads. Available in different sizes and shapes, incontinence underwear for women can provide the comfort, feel, and look of underwear, especially under clothing.
- Incontinence Level: Moderate
- Ideal Uses: Active women who experience moderate leaks and prefer pull-on convenience.
- Medicaid Covered? Yes (with a prescription)
3. Adult Diapers for Women (Tab-Style Briefs)
Featuring adjustable tabs and a snug fit around the legs to prevent leaks, adult diapers for women are highly absorbent and tend to be ideal for more leakage.
- Incontinence Level: Moderate to severe
- Ideal Uses: Women with heavy incontinence, nighttime incontinence, and/or those with limited mobility.
- Medicaid Covered? Yes (with a prescription)
4. Booster Pads
Placed inside any incontinence product for extra absorbency, booster pads can provide extra protection whenever needed.
- Incontinence Level: Moderate to severe
- Ideal Uses: Women with moderate to heavy incontinence who need extra coverage for nighttime or long outings.
- Medicaid Covered? Yes (with a prescription)
5. Absorbent Bed Pads
Put on top of bed sheets to catch nighttime leaks, absorbent bed pads are disposable or washable, providing another layer of wetness for a mattress.
- Incontinence Level: Mild to severe
- Ideal Uses: Women who experience nighttime leakage or who want to protect their bed from accidents.
- Medicaid Covered? Yes (with a prescription)
How to Get Female Incontinence Supplies with Medicaid in WA, OR, and ID
Medicaid in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho offers coverage for incontinence supplies for women when deemed medically necessary — and when the proper steps are taken to obtain coverage. To help with that, the following shares an overview of key Medicaid requirements for getting free incontinence products for women.
Medicaid Eligibility
Incontinence supplies are considered to be “medically necessary” when:
- There’s a diagnosed medical condition that’s causing incontinence. This generally needs to be verifiable via medical records.
- A healthcare provider has written a prescription for the incontinence supplies needed. This Medicaid prescription should specify the type and quantity of incontinence supplies required to manage the condition associated with the diagnosis.
Covered Incontinence Supplies
Medicaid typically covers a range of incontinence products, including (and not limited to) bladder control pads, pull-up underwear, adult diapers for women, and bed pads. The extent of coverage may vary, and Medicaid coverage is not the same in every state — or from one year to the next (as it gets updated routinely). Still, Medicaid covers a wide array of supplies to support different needs.
Consequently, if your needs change, you’ll need to obtain a new prescription, detailing your updated needs for women’s adult diapers and/or other incontinence products.
Steps to Get Incontinence Supplies for Women via Medicaid
Whenever it’s time to get free incontinence products for women with Medicaid, here’s what needs to be done:
- Step 1: Consult with your healthcare provider to obtain a diagnosis and prescription for incontinence supplies. Include the types of supplies and monthly quantities needed.
- Step 2: Submit the necessary documentation to your state’s Medicaid office or an approved supplier, like MyMedSupplies.
- Step 3: Work with a Medicaid-approved supplier, like MyMedSupplies, to get your supplies delivered in discreet packaging.
A Better Way to Get Women’s Incontinence Supplies with Medicaid in WA, OR & ID
Incontinence can be a challenge to manage, but the right products can restore both confidence and control. Whether you’re living with temporary or lasting incontinence, Medicaid in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho can cover the costs of adult diapers and incontinence supplies for women, giving them access to the best incontinence products around at zero charge.
So, when it’s time to get free incontinence supplies through Medicaid in Washington, Idaho, or Oregon, contact MyMedSupplies.
We have more than four decades of experience in the medical supply and Medicaid space, and we’re accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc. (ACHC) to provide Durable Medical Equipment, Respiratory Services, and Medical Supplies. We also take customer care very seriously, going the extra mile to provide VIP service and reliable access to the best incontinence supplies for women.
That’s why MyMedSupplies continues to be one of the most trusted medical supply stores in the Pacific Northwest.
For expert help getting free incontinence supplies through Medicaid, simply talk to a professional coordinator at MyMedSupplies. We are ready to answer your questions and help you now.