Good quality incontinence pants for the elderly should keep your skin dry and be comfortable to wear.
Look for those that meet your needs. Some incontinence pants are best for sleeping, while others are more suited to daytime use when someone is up and about. Some pants also absorb more liquid than others.
In this guide, we recommend the best incontinence pants for seniors available to buy online in the UK. We also give you some tips on how to choose the right pants that keep you dry and comfortable.
What to Consider When Buying Incontinence Pants
Reusable vs. Disposable
Reusable incontinence pants typically have less absorbency compared to disposable ones. For light to medium incontinence, they are okay.
While reusable incontinence pants can save you money, keep in mind that they’ll need to be washed after every use. Some incontinence pants can only be used with pads, which you usually have to buy separately.
Disposable incontinence pants will generally cost more over time. On the upside, they have excellent absorbency, making them ideal even for those with heavy incontinence. They are also great for all-night protection.
Disposable pants also tend to have better odour control, which is especially important for daytime use when you are out and about.
Another big upside is that you don’t have to worry about cleaning the pants daily. Just throw them in the bin after use.
Absorbency
Even among disposable incontinence pants, the level of absorbency varies. Manufacturers will usually indicate how absorbent the pants are using ml.
On the lower end, you’ll find incontinence pants with an absorbency of between 500ml and 1000ml. These are suitable for light to average incontinence.
Because they tend to be lighter and less bulky, they are more comfortable for daytime use. You can comfortably walk, swim and do other activities while wearing them.
On the higher end, you’ll find incontinence pants that can absorb as much as 2000ML or more of liquid. These are suitable for those with heavy incontinence as well as nighttime use.
Suitable for Fecal Incontinence
Most disposable incontinence pads are also suitable for light fecal incontinence. They have good odour control, so you don’t have to worry about unpleasant smells.
For heavy fecal incontinence, look for pants designed specifically to hold stool. These pants usually have improved odour control.
Alternatively, get fecal pads like these ones from Attends. You can use the pads with stretch pants or plastic incontinence pants.
Comfortable & Fitting
Incontinence pants are sized for different waist or hip sizes. Check the recommended waist size range before you order.
The pants should be snug, to ensure they feel comfortable and don’t sag when they absorb liquid. But they shouldn’t be too tight.
Make sure the pants have an elastic band that holds them securely around your waist.
Beyond size, incontinence pants should also be breathable. Otherwise you could get all sweaty and uncomfortable.
They should also be soft and gentle against your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Style
Finally, check the style of the pants. Some incontinence pants are high waisted and can reach close to the belly button. Others resemble regular briefs.
The choice comes down to your preference.
Also, check whether the incontinence pants are unisex or designed for a particular gender.
Best Incontinence Pants for the Elderly: Top 5 Reviews
1. Performance Health P&S White Ladies Pouch Incontinence Briefs
This pair of white incontinence briefs is designed specifically for women. It’s reusable and is meant for use with incontinence pads. It works with either reusable or disposable pads.
These briefs are 100% cotton, so they feel soft against the skin and are unlikely to cause any sensitivity issues.
The briefs are available in a wide range of sizes from X-small to XX-large, with waist size ranges indicated.
You can wash the briefs in a washing machine at 40 degrees without bleach and fabric softener. Only use mild detergent and do not tumble dry. You can wash the briefs 250 times before you need to replace them.
What we like about them:
- 100% cotton.
- Reusable.
- Machine washable.
- All sizes available.
2. Performance Health Waterproof Polymer Pants
These are plastic incontinence pants. They go over other incontinence products such as nappies, pads (including fecal incontinence pads), and pants to provide an extra layer of leak protection.
You can wear them during the day to ensure you don’t soil your clothes, or at night to keep bedding clean.
In addition to leak protection, these polymer pants also hold up incontinence pants or nappies, especially when they get soaked, preventing them from sagging.
They are especially useful for seniors with an active lifestyle. They are great for walking, gardening, and even swimming.
Though they are plastic, the Performance polymer pants are not uncomfortable and they don’t make noise as you walk. They are made with a soft polymer.
The elastic band around the waist provides a snug and secure fit. Just make sure you select the right pants size. Options include S, M, L, and XL. Each size has a recommended waist range.
What we like about them:
- Excellent leak protection.
- Compatible with most incontinence products.
- Safe for swimming.
3. GHzzY Catheter Pants and Incontinence Care Trousers
These are also a bit different from other incontinence pants. The GHzzY pants are not meant to hold anything. They are designed to make daily care easier for seniors with incontinence, including those who wear catheters.
They feature a pocket where you can discreetly put a catheter bag.
The pants are also open at the front and back, to make it easier to clean up seniors with incontinence.
They are also helpful for seniors who are bedriden or cannot walk to the bathroom. The back and front openings make it easier to use a bedpan or a commode chair. There’s no need to completely take off the pants.
The pants look completely normal from the outside. A removable skirt hides the front and rear openings, so you can comfortably walk around with the pants on.
The GHzzY catheter and incontinence pants are 100% cotton and have a snug elastic waist. You can choose from four sizes: M, L, XL, and XXL.
What we like about them:
- Great for seniors who wear catheters.
- They help with incontinence care.
- Soft cotton fabric that’s comfortable against the skin.
4. Abena Pants L0 For Light Incontinence
For seniors with light incontinence the Abena pants are great. They absorb up to 900ml of liquid, while staying breathable and comfortable.
The pants quickly absorb moisture, keeping your skin dry and protected. Odour protection locks away any unpleasant smells.
Though a bit bulkier than most people would like, the Abena pants are really comfortable. A breathable backsheet keeps you feeling cool while the elastic waist keeps the pants from slipping down even when heavy.
The only challenge is finding clothes that will fit comfortably over the incontinence pants and not make them too obvious.
Currently, only a large size is available. It’s suitable for people with waist size between 40 and 56 inches. The pack contains 14 incontinence pants.
What we like about them:
- Comfortable for daytime and nighttime wear.
- Breathable.
- Wide elastic band keeps the pants secure even when active.
- They keep your skin dry.
5. Drylife Pants Maxi Disposable Pull-Up Incontinence Pants
The Drylife Maxi incontinence pants are the best choice for those with heavy incontinence. They can absorb up to 2200ml of liquid, making them specially ideal for nighttime wear.
You can sleep all night without having to change them in the middle of the night.
The only downside is that they are bulky, which is expected for pants that can hold this much liquid. They can also get a bit heavy when full.
We recommend them for nighttime use or during the day when sitting or walking around. For more active seniors, get less bulky incontinence pants.
The Drylife Maxi incontinence pants have quick absorption technology that keeps your skin dry. They also don’t leak, as long as you don’t exceed their absorption capacity.
They also hold odour well and are breathable.
Size options include large and medium, and you can order a pack of 1 or a pack of 4.
What we like about them:
- Extra-large absorption capacity – great for heavy incontinence and nighttime use.
- Comfortable and breathable.
- Quick absorption technology.
