Wearing Adult Diapers: Tips & Advice for Best Results
How to Embrace Comfort & Confidence with Adult Diapers
Wearing adult diapers can be a practical, life-enhancing solution for millions of Americans. In fact, about 1 in 3 folks in the U.S. are currently wearing adult diapers to manage various temporary, permanent, or progressive conditions.
Whether that involves bowel and/or urinary incontinence, wearing the right adult diapers can do more than simply protect against leaks. Adult diapers can also provide far more security, confidence, and freedom in people’s daily lives.
To get the best results, however, you need to know how to wear adult diapers correctly. That’s key to comfort and proper hygiene.
Here’s why, with a closer look at:
- Do Adult Diapers Work?
- How to Wear Adult Diapers
- How to Put on Adult Diapers
- How to Change Adult Diapers
- Are Adult Diapers Comfortable?
- Can Diapers Cause UTIs in Adults?
- How to Dispose of Adult Diapers
- How to Get Adult Diapers for Free
This resource on wearing adult diapers covers the essentials in under ~4 minutes. When it’s time for expert help getting adult diapers with Medicaid in WA, OR, or ID, simply contact MyMedSupplies.
MyMedSupplies is a leader among the most trusted Medicaid-approved suppliers of durable medical equipment in the Northwest U.S. With a long-standing reputation for customer-first service, we make it easy to get free adult diapers through Medicaid. Just contact our team for help.
Do Adult Diapers Work?
Yes! Adult diapers are designed for effective absorption and leak protection to keep the skin dry and reduce the risk of irritation.
The level of protection varies, depending on the type and brand of diaper, but modern incontinence products offer advanced absorbency and odor control. Some key functional features of adult diapers include their:
- Highly absorbent materials that lock in moisture to prevent leaks.
- Breathable fabrics that can let air in to minimize skin irritation and discomfort.
- Odor-control technology to maintain freshness throughout the day.
- Various styles, including pull-ups and tab-style diapers, to accommodate different needs.
If you’re wearing adult diapers and you find that they are not working for you:
- You may have an insufficient absorbency level.
- Diaper fit may be off, and it may be time to resize your adult diapers.
- You may want to consider a different style or brand.
How to Wear Adult Diapers
Wearing adult diapers properly can provide optimal comfort and efficacy in preventing leaks. To wear adult diapers as intended (and for ideal results):
- Select the right size: Use a gender-specific size chart to find the best fit, based on your waist and hip measurements. Here’s a helpful adult diaper size chart for men, and here’s a separate adult diaper size chart for women.
- Position the diaper correctly: If you’re using a pull-up style adult diaper, you will step into it like underwear. If you have a tab-style adult diaper, you will need to place it underneath or behind your body before fastening it.
- Smooth out the material: This can minimize bunching for improved absorbency, comfort, and appearance.
- Check for a snug fit: Your adult diaper should be secure but not too tight. It should allow for movement and breathability while remaining stable against shifting or sagging.
- Wear the right clothing: Loose, breathable fabrics tend to work best over diapers. Extremely tight clothing can increase discomfort and chafing.
- Know when it’s time for a change: Adult diapers can be highly effective when worn properly for hours; that doesn’t mean that can be worn all day. Changing diapers promptly can reduce the risks of additional challenges arising.
Remember, when you wear adult diapers properly, you’re not just managing leaks—you’re reclaiming your right to live life on your terms.
How to Put on Adult Diapers
Putting on an adult diaper correctly can be tricky for those who are:
- Starting to wear adult diapers or new types of diapers for the first time
- Living with mobility challenges
- Dealing with other health issues
- Caregivers helping others put on adult diapers.
The good news is that putting on adult diapers can be tremendously easier with a little know-how. To that end, the following shares some brief, helpful How To’s for individuals who wear adult diapers and for the caregivers who support them.
How to Put on Pull-Up Style Adult Diapers
- Step into the diaper as if it were underwear.
- Pull the adult diaper up to your waist.
- Adjust the diaper around your legs and waist for a snug but comfortable fit.
- Check the positioning of the leg cuffs to ensure they’re in place, so they can prevent leaks.
Tip for those with mobility issues: Instead of stepping into adult diapers, try sitting on a sturdy surface while pulling the diaper up your legs. You can also try to use assistive devices, like grab bars for extra stability.
How to Put on Tab-Style Adult Diapers
- Lay the diaper flat on a bed or chair.
- Sit or lie down on top of the diaper, positioning the back portion just above your tailbone.
- Pull the front of the diaper up between your legs and fasten the tabs securely on both sides.
- Smooth out the material to ensure a snug but not-too-tight fit.
Tip for those with mobility issues: If positioning yourself over the diaper is challenging, assistive devices, like bed rails or lifting aids, can help with balance and movement. So can caregivers.
Caregivers: How to Put Adult Diapers on Others
- Gently help the individual lie on their side.
- Place the diaper flat under their hips, aligning it with their body.
- Roll them onto their back and pull the front of the diaper up between their legs.
- Fasten the tabs securely.
- Check that the diaper is secure and not bunching anywhere, making small fit adjustments if needed.
How to Change Adult Diapers
Regular diaper changes can prevent leaks, odors, and skin irritation. So can the best practices of diaper changing.
To efficiently and hygienically change an adult diaper, here’s what you need to do:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after each change.
- Gather all necessary supplies, including a clean diaper, wipes, and disposal bags.
- Remove the used diaper carefully, rolling it inward to contain waste.
- Clean the skin gently with hypoallergenic wipes or a damp cloth.
- Allow the skin to dry completely before putting on a new diaper to prevent irritation.
- Apply a protective barrier cream, if needed, especially for sensitive skin.
- Dispose of the used diaper properly (see here for more details).
- Put on a fresh diaper following the steps here.
Are Adult Diapers Comfortable?
Absolutely! Modern adult diapers are designed for the ultimate comfort, discretion, and independence.
Some comfort-focused features of today’s adult diapers include (and are not limited to):
- Soft, cloth-like materials for breathability and a natural feel.
- Flexible waistbands and stretchable panels for a customized fit.
- Thin, absorbent cores that protect without adding bulk.
- Moisture-wicking layers to keep the skin dry and comfortable.
If adult diapers ever feel uncomfortable, take that as a sign that it’s time to try a different size, style, and/or brand for a better fit.
Can Diapers Cause UTIs in Adults?
Adult diapers themselves do not directly cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), but improper use of them can increase the risk of UTIs.
Improper use of adult diapers can mean the diapers are:
- Too tight
- Not changed frequently enough
- Not breathable
Under these conditions, adult diapers can create a warm, moist environment that:
- Encourages bacterial growth
- Increases the risk of UTIs.
To minimize this risk, simply:
- Change your diapers regularly to prevent bacterial buildup.
- Clean your skin thoroughly during changes to remove any potential bacteria.
- Use breathable, moisture-wicking diapers to keep the area dry.
- Stay hydrated to promote urinary tract health.
- Be aware of UTI symptoms, so you know when to see medical attention.
How to Dispose of Adult Diapers
Properly disposing of adult diapers is essential for hygiene and odor control. To get rid of adult diapers safely, hygienically, and discretely:
- Roll up the used diaper tightly, using the adhesive tabs to secure it.
- Place it in a disposal bag (scented and biodegradable options are available).
- Seal the bag securely before placing it in a trash bin.
- Consider using a dedicated diaper pail if you need to dispose of diapers more frequently.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling used diapers.
How to Get Adult Diapers for Free
Medicaid covers adult diapers and other incontinence supplies for eligible individuals — and you may be one of them. If you are, MyMedSupplies can help you get free adult diapers through Medicaid in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
We specialize in helping folks just like you get adult diapers with Medicaid, and our experts have 40+ years of experience in the medical supply and Medicaid space. That makes us extraordinarily knowledgeable when it comes to:
- Medicaid processes and specific requirements in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon
- Helping you gather the right documentation to ensure timely approvals and deliveries
- Making the entire process as simple, streamlined, and stress-free.
To find out more — or get now — simply talk to a professional coordinator at MyMedSupplies. We are ready to help you now.
MyMedSupplies is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc. (ACHC) to provide Durable Medical Equipment, Respiratory Services, and Medical Supplies. We are also recognized for our relentless commitment to prioritizing our customers’ needs, so they can get the free incontinence supplies they need.