How Should A Diaper Fit? A Guide On Sizing And Measuring

Many people that are dealing with incontinence will find themselves beginning to research and try out different diaper products, and no one wants to be dealing with a diaper that doesn't fit properly. Products designed for your personal care should fit comfortably and effectively, and one question people ask themselves is, how should a diaper fit?

Getting a diaper to help you with incontinence will go a long way in ensuring that urine won't end up leaking everywhere. That could be embarrassing and it's just not something you want to happen. The correct diaper fit will help make sure that something like that won't happen to you. It can take some research and trial and error to finally figure out the right product for you, but the time invested into it will be worth it.

Myths Surrounding Diapers

There are many different myths about diapers:

You Should Always Go With Larger

Many people develop the misconception that you should always get larger diaper products because it will absorb better. Just because a diaper product is larger in size, doesn't mean that it can absorb urine better. High absorbency diapers are able to keep you feeling dry because they wick liquid and soak it up. Wicking technology also helps to eliminate any odors associated with incontinence.

Loose Diaper Products Are Fine

Another myth is that having loose diaper products is fine. This is untrue because if they don't fit properly, leakage can occur down the leg and in other areas. The top incontinence products on the market are designed to keep you dry and comfortable, and a proper and snug fit is one of the best ways to ensure that. If you want to test out your diaper fit, all you have to do is take a finger and run it under the elastic area of the diaper on each of your legs. The area should be nice and snug but also not super tight.

You Should Double-Up Your Diapers

Some people think that you should always double-up your diaper products to ensure that you're more protected. Some people like to just use a liner to help them deal with slight incontinence from day today. This is commonly referred to as stress incontinence. Liners contain a waterproof backing that will adhere to regular underwear. If you double up on your diapers, the backing can lead to leakage.

Size Makes A Huge Difference

There is a common myth that size doesn't matter too much when trying to find a diaper product that will work for you. A lot of the briefs on the market are measured using your regular hip and waist size, but when you start looking more closely at the sizing charts, the brands tend to differ more and more. You'll want to take some measurements before making your order for diaper products.

How Do You Measure?

There are a couple of steps to follow when taking measurements.

  • Find a tape measure
  • Figure out the most comfortable way to measure yourself, either laying down or standing upright
  • Take measurements of your hips and waist, rounding to the closest half-inch
  • If you get products that are too big, leakage can occur near the leg areas. Beginning with a smaller size will go a long way in ensuring leakage won't occur
  • If you go through a period of losing or gaining a lot of weight, you'll want to take new measurements

What Do I Do In These Situations?

Loose Leg Cuffs

If your leg cuffs begin to get loose when you're standing or laying down, you might want to consider going with a different product. Loose leg cuffs can lead to leakage, and trying out a couple of samples will help you figure out what product will work best for you.

Tabs Come Undone

If the tabs on your product start to loosen up and come undone, that might be a sign that the product is too small. Get a bigger product that will fit a little more effectively for your body type. You can't refasten plastic-backed briefs back together, so you'll need to keep that in mind.

Waist Sagging

If the diaper product begins sagging around your waist area, you might want to consider going with a product that fits more snugly in place.

Movement Restrictions

Sometimes diaper products can result in movement restrictions in the waist and leg areas. This can become uncomfortable, and that's the last thing you want when you're using diaper products. Diaper products should still fit snugly against your body, but they shouldn't be causing you to feel uncomfortable. If you find yourself always having to change your diapers, you might want to consider getting a product that is better at absorbing. You can also consider getting a booster pad.

Dealing with incontinence can be a frustrating thing to go through. You'll eventually be able to find the perfect product that will work for you in the long term, but it can take some trial and error. If you have these conditions, you'll want to visit a medical practitioner for more assistance:

  • Nocturnal enuresis
  • Urge incontinence
  • Overactive bladder
  • Bladder muscle issues

No one wants to be using incontinence products that are uncomfortable or that can lead to leakage, and when you do finally find a product that works for you, you'll be glad you did all of the research and trial and error with different products.