TENA

Skin health – an essential part of continence care

It’s never a nice feeling to wear something with the wrong fit. This is especially true when it comes to personal care products like incontinence pads, slips or pants. Not only can it be annoying to discover that one’s product is too big or too small; wearing the wrong size may mean a risk of leakages on clothes, or chafing of the skin, which can lead to skin abrasion or odour issues.

Choosing the right type of product can improve your quality of life.

• For individuals who are immobile, belted products are easy to handle and change, and are suitable for most body types.
• For individuals who are mobile enough to use the toilet themselves, a pant-type product may be more suitable, as it will help maintain independence and of course dignity.

Choosing the right size and fit is important for comfort, skin health, and leakage security.

You may need to have someone take your measurements if you are unsure.

Here are a few points that explain why the right size matters and how to find the optimal fit:

• A product in the right size, and with the right fit, should attach securely and be snug in the groin.
• Remember, when fitting an incontinence product, that a bigger product is not necessarily more absorbent. The risk of leaks may actually increase if, for example, the leg area of a pant product isn’t snug enough.
• A product that is too large will also feel bulky, impacting comfort and personal dignity.
• On the other hand, if the fit is too tight, the product will be uncomfortable, and might chafe the skin.
• If the person is wearing a fixation pant that is too big, the incontinence product will not stay in place and there is a risk of leakage and discomfort.