Independence, Together.
Across the UK, millions of people live with urinary or bowel incontinence. It can feel embarrassing or worrying at first, but the right continence products can make a huge difference to comfort, dignity and independence. This guide will walk you through the main types of incontinence products, who they are for, and how to choose the best option for your needs.
Local support around Merseyside: Visit our friendly teams in Southport, Warrington, Bolton for expert continence advice — or book a free home assessment for personalised recommendations.
1. Understanding Incontinence and Product Support
Incontinence can affect anyone, at any age. Urinary incontinence is the unintentional passing of urine, while bowel (faecal) incontinence involves difficulty controlling bowel movements. Both can feel distressing, but there are many ways to manage symptoms, from pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle changes to specialist continence products.
If you’d like to understand the different causes and types in more detail, you can read our guide All About Incontinence. This product-focused guide is designed to sit alongside that article and help you choose the most suitable solution for everyday life.
2. Absorbency Levels: Light, Moderate and Heavy
Absorbency tells you how much liquid an incontinence product can hold before it needs changing. Higher absorbency products are designed for heavier incontinence, while lighter products are ideal when only a small amount of protection is needed.
- For urinary incontinence: choose absorbency to match how much you typically leak and how often.
- For bowel incontinence: a secure, close fit and good containment are essential, so the product does not leak onto clothing or bedding.
Whatever your level of incontinence, the product should help you stay dry, fresh and protected. For bowel incontinence, it’s important to change the product as soon as a bowel movement has occurred to protect skin and comfort.
3. Insert Pads: Discreet Protection for Light Incontinence
Incontinence insert pads are ideal for light incontinence and bladder weakness. They are slim, discreet, and can be worn inside normal underwear or with fixation pants for extra security. Many have odour control and are shaped to sit comfortably against the body.
Insert pads come in different sizes and absorbency levels, and some have an adhesive backing to help keep them in place.
Pros
- Very discreet and lightweight
- Suitable for light urinary incontinence
- Options for both women and men
- Cost-effective day-to-day solution
- Can be used with your own underwear
- Anatomically shaped for comfort
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy incontinence
- Not suitable for bowel incontinence
- May move around, especially at night, leading to possible leaks
Best for: light leaks, dribbling, stress incontinence (coughing, sneezing, laughing) and those who want a very discreet option.
4. Pull-Up Pants: Independence for Moderate Incontinence
Pull up pants are disposable incontinence pants designed to look and feel like regular underwear. They are pulled up and down in the same way, which makes them ideal for people who are mobile and like to use the toilet independently.
They come in different waist sizes and absorbencies and can support moderate incontinence, and in some cases bowel incontinence. Many people find them a good balance between dignity, freedom of movement and protection.
Pros
- Look and feel like normal underwear
- Highly absorbent, with good all-round protection
- Suitable for some faecal incontinence
- Great for an active lifestyle
- Helpful for users with dementia (familiar design)
- Elasticated waistband for comfort and security
- Built-in absorbent pad – no separate product needed
- Available in both washable and disposable options
Cons
- Can be harder to change for people with limited mobility
- More expensive than insert pads
- Less convenient for carers to change, especially in bed
Best for: moderate urinary incontinence, people who are mobile and prefer something that feels like ordinary underwear, and those who value independence and discretion.
5. All-In-One Slips: High Protection for Heavy or Bowel Incontinence
All-in-one slips offer a high level of protection for heavy incontinence and bowel incontinence. They are similar to pull up pants in terms of absorbency, but instead of being pulled on, they fasten with resealable tabs at the sides.
This design makes them particularly suitable for people who are less mobile or bed-bound, as carers can change the product while the person is lying down. They are available in a range of sizes and absorbency levels to suit different needs.
Pros
- Ideal for day and night use
- Suitable for immobile or bed-bound users
- High absorbency and leak protection
- Easier for carers to put on and remove
- Provides both the absorbency of a pad and the security of a pant
- Suitable for faecal incontinence
Cons
- Can feel bulkier than lighter products
- Less convenient for very active, mobile users
Best for: heavy urinary incontinence, bowel incontinence, night-time use, and users who need assistance with changing.
Choosing the Right Product and When to Change It
The incontinence range is designed for different levels of need: light, moderate and heavy. As a general guide:
- Light: small leaks or dribbles – typically suited to insert pads.
- Moderate: larger losses of urine or not reaching the toilet in time – often suited to pull up pants.
- Heavy: frequent or heavy leaks, total incontinence, or combined urinary and bowel incontinence – usually suited to all-in-one slips.
Most people are advised to change their incontinence product every 3–4 hours (4–6 times a day). If you have a bowel movement, the product should be changed straight away. Many products have a wetness indicator to show when the product is saturated and ready to be changed.
If you are unsure which size you need, you can read our Incontinence Fitting Guide, or speak to our team in-store or at home for tailored advice.