Staying active shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort or confidence. Choosing the right pads is crucial for persons with incontinence in order to preserve their mobility, discretion, and skin health. With so many options available in Australia, knowing what to look for, such as absorbency, fit, and waterproof protection, can make all the difference. This guide will help you focus on these important features and introduce reliable products designed to support an active lifestyle.
Understanding Incontinence Needs for Active Adults
Types of Incontinence and Pad Selection
Incontinence can range from stress leaks during physical activity to heavier, urgency-related leakage. Stress incontinence, which is common during exercise or sudden movements, benefits from pads that offer fast absorption and a snug fit. Urge incontinence, on the other hand, typically requires pads with higher absorbency to handle unexpected volumes. For those with active lifestyles, the shape of the pad also matters: contoured styles, such as peanut-shaped designs, help prevent shifting during motion, while waterproof edges provide added protection against leaks.
Key Features of High-Performance Incontinence Pads
Absorbency Levels: Matching Capacity to Lifestyle
For instance, a pad rated at 1000 ml ISO can hold up to one litre, though actual “working absorbency” in daily use tends to be only 30–50% of that. Active users should choose a moderate to high absorbency (around 500–800 ml ISO) to balance protection with volume. At AusMed Health, we carefully test and offer products from trusted brands such as ABENA, whose dual-layer cores effectively trap moisture while staying thin. Our selection includes the ABENA Abri-Soft Superdry Underlay, made for long-lasting durability and comfort.
Waterproof and Odor-Control Technologies
Waterproof backing is crucial for active lifestyles. Even while moving vigorously, pads with bonded waterproof layers, like the Australian-made models from MoliCare, prevent leakage. MoliCare’s Premium range, for example, is designed to effectively control odours while improving discretion and confidence.
Comfort and Discretion in Design
Thin, flexible pads with breathable topsheets help minimise chafing during physical activity. Choose hypoallergenic materials that draw moisture away from the skin, such as brushed cotton. A discreet design is also important; products like ABENA Slip offer strong protection while remaining low-profile.
Top Picks for Active Lifestyles in Australia
Budget-Friendly Champions
MoliCare’s incontinence pads are highly rated for their excellent absorbency and comfort. For moderate activity, these alternatives offer dependable leakage control at a significantly lower cost.
Premium Performance for Heavy Leakage
Consider specialised products like MoliCare Premium Elastic for intense exercise or severe incontinence. Designed with a multi-layer construction, these pads manage high volumes while maintaining a discreet, low-profile fit, making them well suited for use with athletic wear.
Tips for Integrating Pads into an Active Routine
- Pre-Activity Preparation: Always change pads right before exercising to guarantee maximum absorbency.
- Layering Techniques: Combine pads with moisture-wicking underwear to keep the skin dry and reduce irritation.
- Emergency Kits: Keep a few discreet, individually wrapped pads, such as ABENA’s portable options, in your gym bag for quick access.
Trust AusMed Health for Expert Guidance
Selecting the right incontinence pads allows you to maintain an active lifestyle with confidence. Contact our team today for tailored advice; we’re here to support you in living life to the fullest.
