How to Choose Incontinence Pads: Types, Fit and NHS Help

In short: How to choose incontinence pads depends on the amount of leakage, when it happens and what fits comfortably, so start with the lightest product that stays dry and protects the skin. In England, the NHS continence service can assess you and may supply products free, though criteria vary by area. See a GP for any new incontinence.

How to choose incontinence pads: start with the amount and type of leak

The best starting point for how to choose incontinence pads is to work out how much urine or stool is leaking, and when. A few drops when coughing need a very different product from leaks that happen several times a day or overnight.

The NHS describes absorbent pads and pants as the most popular products. They are worn inside underwear and draw urine away from the surface so the skin stays drier. The NHS also stresses that these products do not treat incontinence. They help you manage leaks while you wait for an assessment or for treatment to take effect.

Before buying, it helps to note down a few things:

• How often leaks happen, and whether they are small drips or large amounts.
• Whether they happen mainly during the day, at night, or both.
• Any skin soreness, constipation, or recent changes in how often they go to the toilet.

Age UK advises getting professional advice before using products permanently, because incontinence is usually a symptom of something that may be treatable. A GP, practice nurse or continence adviser can look for causes and suggest the right type of product.

Types of product: pads, pants, all-in-one products, bed pads and washable options

There are five main types of product, and many people use more than one. Age UK and the NHS list the same broad groups.

Pads

Disposable pads are held in place by close-fitting underwear. Thin, discreet incontinence pads for men and women are sold in many supermarkets and pharmacies for light to moderate leaks. Check the packaging for who a product is designed for.

Incontinence pants and pull-up pants

Incontinence pants are worn like underwear and have the absorbent layer built in. They can be easier to put on and take off than a separate pad, which many people find helpful if dexterity or balance is limited.

All-in-one products

Age UK describes all-in-one pads with a plastic backing and adhesive side tabs, or disposable pants, as generally better for heavy incontinence. They are usually fitted while lying down or with help from a carer.

Bed pads and chair protectors

Bed pads sit on the mattress or chair and give a dry surface if a leak gets past a pad. Alzheimer’s Society explains that a waterproof mattress protector is usually used together with an absorbent bed pad, and that the protector should not touch the skin, because that can cause chafing and soreness. Bed pads come in disposable and washable versions. If someone spends long periods in bed, read our guide to bed sores and pressure ulcers and ask a nurse or occupational therapist about pressure care.

Washable products

Washable pads, often part of a pair of pants, are reusable. Washable bed and chair protectors are also available. They mean more laundry, so think about washing and drying space before choosing them.

For men, other options include sheaths and dribble pouches. Age UK notes that penile sheaths are available on prescription. In some situations a catheter may be most suitable, and that is a decision for a clinician.

How to choose incontinence pads by absorbency and size

When learning how to choose incontinence pads, remember to choose the lowest absorbency that reliably copes with the leak, and a size that fits closely without rubbing. Alzheimer’s Society says the right type and absorbency should fit comfortably without chafing or leaking.

Absorbency levels

Makers usually group products into light, moderate and heavy levels. Treat these labels as a guide and compare the stated capacity on the pack, as makers may describe levels differently. The NHS says thin, discreet products suit mild to moderate leaks, while bulkier products are used for severe leaks.

Trying small packs first is sensible before buying in bulk.

Sizing

For pants and all-in-one products, the pack will give a size chart, so measure rather than guess. Age UK advises checking that pads fit properly and are not rubbing, particularly if skin becomes red or sore.

If you are still unsure how to choose incontinence pads for a particular person, the NHS points to independent, evidence-based advice from the Continence Product Advisor website and from the Bladder and Bowel UK helpline. A continence adviser can also help.

Day and night: choosing products for different times

When deciding how to choose incontinence pads for day and night, note that many people need one product for the day and a different one for the night. Alzheimer’s Society notes that pads and pull-up pants can be used day and night, or at night only.

During the day, a slimmer product is usually easier to wear discreetly and to change when out. Carry a spare product and a sealed bag. For night time, a higher absorbency product with a bed pad underneath often gives more reassurance, because the person may be lying in one position for hours. For men, Alzheimer’s Society says a sheath that drains into a leg bag can be especially useful at night, but this needs a clinical assessment first.

If night-time leaks are breaking sleep for the person or the carer, it may be worth talking to a GP about causes such as the timing of drinks or medicines. Our guide to night-time care for elderly people covers other ways to make nights safer and calmer.

Skin care, odour and disposal

Regular washing, careful drying and prompt changes are the main ways to protect skin. Age UK advises washing regularly, patting the skin dry with a soft towel, and changing pads regularly.

• Skin: Check for redness or soreness at each change. Age UK suggests checking for allergies, for example to washing powder, creams or pad materials, and says a health professional may recommend a barrier cream or ointment.
• Raw or broken skin: Age UK says to see a district nurse or doctor straight away, as it can lead to infection.
• Odour: Change wet or soiled items as soon as possible, mop up spills quickly and keep soiled clothes or sheets in a lidded bucket until they are washed. For bowel leaks, seal soiled pads in a bag or airtight container.
• Disposal: Age UK gives no specific rules beyond sealing used products in a bag. Disposal rules differ by council, so check your local council’s website for how to dispose of used pads and whether a special collection is available.
• Laundry: If extra washing becomes a problem, Age UK suggests asking your local social services whether help is available.

Our guide to personal hygiene in care homes explains good personal care routines.

Getting an NHS continence assessment and free products in England

In England, free incontinence products NHS services provide depend on an assessment and on local criteria, so provision varies from area to area. Age UK says you will usually need to meet criteria set by your local NHS continence service, and that if you are assessed as eligible you should receive a supply free of charge.

How to ask for an assessment

1. Ask your GP surgery or district nurse about the local continence service. Age UK says some areas allow self-referral, while others require a health professional to refer you.
2. You may be asked to keep a chart of toilet habits and drinks. Alzheimer’s Society says this informs the assessment.
3. The adviser assesses the problem and how it affects daily life, and may write a continence care plan setting out what you, the carer and professionals will do.
4. The plan may include treatment, changes to drinks, diet or medicines, and products if they are needed.

What to expect

The NHS says availability depends on your local integrated care board and that you may need to be assessed to qualify. NHS supplies are usually described as meeting needs, but Alzheimer’s Society notes the amount provided varies and that many people top up with products they buy themselves. Age UK says that if you are eligible and live in a care home or hospital, the NHS should arrange regular delivery. If you are told you do not qualify, ask what the criteria are.

Councils may also offer help with daily living, so a carers assessment is worth asking for if you are looking after someone with continence needs.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Health services are run separately in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so how continence products are supplied and who qualifies can differ. Ask your GP surgery or local health board or trust how products are provided where you live.

Incontinence and dementia: tips for carers

For carers wondering how to choose incontinence pads for someone with dementia, Alzheimer’s Society says that seeking help early is worthwhile for dementia-related incontinence, because problems can often be managed and sometimes cured.

A GP should first check for causes such as a urinary tract infection, constipation, medicines or diet. If the problem continues, the GP can refer the person to a continence adviser. Alzheimer’s Society notes that services vary and you may need to be persistent in finding someone who understands incontinence in dementia.

• Agree goals with the person and keep their dignity at the centre of every change.
• Use pads, pants and bed pads to protect comfort, clothing, furniture and bedding when other measures have not been enough.
• Choose products that are simple to put on and change, and ask a continence adviser if the person resists.
• Ask a community nurse about skin protection, and an occupational therapist about toilet adaptations.
• Tell the GP if toilet use changes suddenly, as this can be a sign of infection rather than the dementia itself.

Our guides on caring for someone with dementia and on dementia care at home have more practical advice.

When to see a GP

Whatever you decide about how to choose incontinence pads, see a GP for any new or worsening incontinence. The NHS says that talking to a GP is the first step in managing urinary incontinence, and that you should not feel embarrassed.

Get medical advice promptly if you notice:

• New leaks, or leaks that suddenly become worse.
• Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI). The NHS lists pain or burning when urinating, needing to go more often or urgently, cloudy or bloody urine, lower tummy pain, fever, and tiredness.
• In older or frail people, including people with dementia, a UTI may show as new confusion, agitation, leaking more than usual, or shivering. The NHS advises an urgent GP appointment or NHS 111 for anyone aged 65 or over with UTI symptoms.
• Blood in the urine or stool, black or dark red stools, or bloody diarrhoea.
• Constipation or bowel changes lasting more than three weeks, or diarrhoea lasting more than a few days.
• Raw or broken skin.

Call 999 or go to A&E if the person becomes confused, drowsy or has difficulty speaking, as the NHS warns that a UTI can lead to a kidney infection and sepsis. If you need help arranging support at home, see how to arrange home care.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose the right absorbency?

Pick the lowest level that copes with the leak without leaking or feeling bulky. Thin products suit mild to moderate leaks, and bulkier ones suit heavier leaks. Absorbency ratings are not identical between makers, so compare stated capacity and ask a continence adviser if unsure.

Can I get incontinence pads free on the NHS?

Possibly. In England it depends on an assessment and the criteria set by your local NHS continence service. Age UK says that if you are assessed as eligible you should receive a supply free of charge. Ask your GP surgery or district nurse how to be referred.

Do I need a GP referral for a continence assessment?

It depends on where you live. Age UK says some areas allow self-referral and others need a health professional to refer you. Your GP surgery or district nurse can tell you how your local continence service works and who can make the referral.

Are there different incontinence pants and pads for men and women?

Yes. Thin, discreet pads and pants are made for both men and women, and shapes are often designed for each. Check the pack for who it suits. For men, sheaths and dribble pouches are also available, and sheaths can be prescribed.

How should I dispose of used pads?

Seal used pads in a bag, or an airtight container for bowel leaks, and keep them out of reach until disposal. Rules differ by council, so check your local council’s website for guidance on general waste or any special collection.

What can help stop skin getting sore?

Wash regularly, pat the skin dry with a soft towel, change products promptly and check they fit without rubbing. A health professional may suggest a barrier cream. Age UK says raw or broken skin needs prompt attention from a district nurse or doctor.

When does incontinence need a GP appointment?

See a GP for any new or worsening incontinence. Seek urgent advice for signs of a UTI, especially in people aged 65 or over, or for sudden confusion, blood in urine or stool, or raw skin. The NHS says call 999 if someone is confused or drowsy.

Official sources

• NHS: Incontinence products
• NHS: Urinary incontinence treatment
• NHS: Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• NHS: Bowel incontinence
• Age UK: Bladder and bowel problems information guide
• Alzheimer’s Society: Continence aids and professional support

This page is general information, not legal, medical or financial advice. The Care Panel is an independent guide and is not part of any government body or care provider. Last checked 9 November 2026.

Related: Hospital bed at home · Falls prevention at home checklist · Personal hygiene in care homes

More guides: Incontinence pants or pads: which suits · Bed pads and mattress protectors · Free incontinence products on the NHS · Night-time incontinence routines · Protecting skin with continence products

Reviewed by The Care Panel team on 13 November 2026. This guide is general information about care in England, not legal, medical or financial advice. Rules and rates change; check with your council or an adviser before making decisions.