Reusable incontinence underwear

[Kit]

I have moderate incontinence and am looking for a reasonably absorbent underwear to be worn under a waterproof cover. I know disposables will do the job very well but I don't like the having to add to the landfill and the expense. Right now I am using Wearever and Petey's but would like more absorbency.

[Incont]

Have you tried these: https://threadedarmor.com/

They are the adult form of superundies and are quite absorbent for a washable.

[John Davis]

17 hours ago, Kit said:

 Right now I am using Wearever and Petey's but would like more absorbency.

Kit, do you know that reusable absorbent underwear usually comes with a rating for how many ounces they will hold?  Look up the rating for what you currently wear and that will give you a basis to evaluate potential new products.

--John

[Slomo]

I can understand the guilt of incontinence adding to ones impact. But don't let reusable cotton fool you. Cotton takes a massive amount of water to grow, and it strips the land of nutrients. Meaning those nutrients need to be mined and trucked in to replace it. Not to mention it also takes tons of processing to turn it into a usable thread. And just as much to turn it into absorbent underwear.  And don't forget the added water used to wash it 100 times, not to mention the harsh detergents.

Don't get me wrong though, I'm not saying disposable is any better. If anything disposable and reusable are about as equally bad for the environment. Because disposables are taken from the ground as oil, highly processed to make the plastic. Though greatly offset by adding a lot of byproduct wood pulp, which decreases their carbon footprint. And when used, disposables are overwhelming tossed in the trash, which ends up getting buried in a landfill, further sequestered the carbon of both the plastic and of the wood pulp.

That's why I recommend forgetting about their impact and just using whatever works best for your situation. Such as disposable being better for concealing and ease of use, versus cloth being less expensive in the long run and better for heavy wetting. And if you still feel bad about it, then increase how much you recycle. Buy more organic foods, and less packaged items. Get a highly fuel efficient vehicle, and even buy into renewable energy production. I've done all of those, and while it's all more expensive, I have no trubble sleeping at night because of my carbon footprint. 

For the OP, adding to the landfill should NOT be a determining factor. Though expense is quite valid. As long as you're able to spend more upfront for a good quality reusable cloth diaper and cover, they you'll absolutely have a lower expense in the long run. Though with moderate incontinence, threaded armor probably won't be absorbent enough. They are best used to replace pullups for people with minor incontinence. You'll need to look into actual pin on cloth diapers, though with moderate incontinence you can probably get by with fewer or thinner layers. Combined with PolyUrethane Laminate (PUL) pants, and they should work wonders for you. I personally recommend https://adultclothdiaper.com/ as I've always had good dealings with them.

[zzyzx]

On 9/22/2024 at 5:24 AM, Slomo said:

For the OP, adding to the landfill should NOT be a determining factor. Though expense is quite valid. As long as you're able to spend more upfront for a good quality reusable cloth diaper and cover, they you'll absolutely have a lower expense in the long run. Though with moderate incontinence, threaded armor probably won't be absorbent enough. They are best used to replace pullups for people with minor incontinence. You'll need to look into actual pin on cloth diapers, though with moderate incontinence you can probably get by with fewer or thinner layers. Combined with PolyUrethane Laminate (PUL) pants, and they should work wonders for you. I personally recommend https://adultclothdiaper.com/ as I've always had good dealings with them.

@Kit I will second @Slomo recommendation of adult cloth diapers.com site.  Personally, the last time I bought (several years ago) I bought the "night" (4 layer) small prefold purity diapers that I see they have now rebranded under their "Leak Master" label: https://adultclothdiaper.com/products/adult-flat-diapers-gauze-purity?srsltid=AfmBOorKish2nls3YGQ0XgXUyUQZJKC7rcrJDDVF3xSZpS4mwMwykXEN&variant=48761849676055

At the time of my last purchase, this was one of the best values for my money.  I haven't done price comparisons in a while.

I have heavier incontinence.  While I could get away with 1 of these during the day for my current normal "light" day time issues, if I want to take a nap (and expect to have dry pants on after the nap *if* the issue hits), I need at least two (4 layer) diapers, which is my "standard" daytime configuration.  When new, and not overly hydrated,   I could get away with using three at night (most of the time).  However with age (of the diapers) and my flexibility in hydration, I currently use four (4 layer) at night.  Yes, you need a protective pant over this, I I'm normally using PUL for now.  Before Comco and VI Products closed, I used to use their vinyl pants, which were (in my option) better that the current PUL pants made by Gary (due to differences in cut and elastic tension).  PUL does last longer than vinyl, so costs might be closer now then I was thinking.

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