How to Use an Under pad

Under pads can greatly simplify life for those suffering from incontinence. Before we dive into the details, let’s understand what an under pad is exactly. The first thing we need to keep in mind is that an underpad is not a diaper. It is a sheet that is designed to absorb fluid leakage and protect surfaces such as chairs and beds. There are different kinds of underpads based on the material used to make them and the people they cater to. There arebaby underpads, maternity underpads and adult underpads. At Stay Sure our anti-bacterial underpads made of virgin wood pulp and CPE film are designed to cater to both post-maternity patients and adults who face incontinence.

Who Needs to Use Underpads? People suffer from incontinence for a number of reasons. They may be paralysed, they may be bed-ridden post an accident or a surgery, they may have mental health issues or their incontinence may just be a by-product of old age. Similarly, a new mother usually faces the outflow of lochia, which is discharge from the uterus. Underpads are needed to absorb these excessive amounts of discharge.

These days it is becoming extremely popular to use under pads for new born babies in hospitals. This is because under pads are soft, they don’t transfer heat like traditional rubber mats and they are absorbent.They are even becoming the preferred choice for people travelling with their infants. With under pads it becomes easier to change the baby’s diaper without staining the surface the baby is lying on.

How to Use an Underpad: For those unfamiliar, we at Stay Sure have created this guide on how to use an underpad.

To begin with take the underpad out of its packaging and place it on the surface you need to use it on. Make sure the non-plastic side is facing you. Then unfold the underpad by holding it at the edges and throwing it outwards. Spread the underpad on the chosen surface, ensuring that the non-plastic absorbent side faces you. The patient must lie/sit on this side.

Since underpads are like bed sheets, they could be tucked into the edges of the bed or could even be kept in place using tape. It is also relatively simple to dispose of under pads. All one needs to do is remove the pad and transfer it into a garbage bag.Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after disposing an under pad, even if you are wearing gloves.

Using under pads goes beyond just its logistics. For example people often confuse the use of diapers and under pads. An under pad is comparatively far more comfortable for people to use especially if they are not going out too much. Diapers on the other hand can be useful in social situations. Even those who prefer using diapers, find that having an under pad helps with minor diaper leakages.

As with diapers, under pads too are designed for emergencies and must be changed immediately after. Some people may be able to physically get to a bathroom in time and they should do so if they can.

How to Choose an Under pad: As with any other product, one must choose an under pad based on its usage.  Under pads vary in sizes, with smaller ones being used for patients who are seated most of the time while the larger sizes are for those who require them while lying down. Similarly when choosing an underpad one must also take into consideration the degree of absorbency required. For example if you need to use the under pad all night and regularly face incontinence through the night, you may need an under pad that is thicker and better at absorbing. Whereas in the day time, when you can get to a bathroom easily, the under pad used may be quite thin.

People who suffer from incontinence are at risk of developing skin problems. Excess moisture in vulnerable areas of the body can lead to discomfort, sores and even infections. It is for this reason that you must spend some time choosing the ideal under pad. You may also try a few options before settling on the ideal one.

As you can see, living with incontinence requires a few adjustments and may take a while to adapt to. However, with products like Stay Sure’s under pads this adjustment becomes much smoother and easier. To know more about the kind of under pads we offer, visit our website.