Credit: Marguerita Tan
Mention “adult diapers” and most will associate their use with the sick, the elderly, and those suffering from incontinence.
However, adult diapers are not just a medical necessity or something for seniors. They can also be useful for frequent toilet users who simply “gotta go” when nature calls.
I, for one, have often wished I was wearing an adult diaper on a few occasions.
The first time was in 2012, just days before turning 50, when I had to queue for hours for various theme park rides at Universal Studios Florida and at Walt Disney World in Orlando, USA. Then at a Katy Perry concert in 2018, I had to forgo my front row spot in the standing area just because I had to dash to the loo.
More recently, while travelling to a remote region in Surabaya, Indonesia, an adult diaper would have done wonders when I was stuck on a 4-hour bus ride that had no loo stops and no restroom onboard.
Moreover, urinary frequency generally increases with age. Factors such as bladder size, lifestyle choices, infections, and underlying medical conditions also affect.
These can include the amount of fluid intake, consumption of caffeine and alcohol, use of certain medications and supplements, and health issues such as an overactive bladder, diabetes, and urinary tract infections.
Thankfully, while I do not suffer from urinary incontinence, the toilet is a must-go for me when nature calls.
Thus, after my recent “bladder-almost-burst” episode in Indonesia, I reckoned it’s about time I tried using an adult diaper.
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For want of an adult diaper
For us frequent toilet users, an adult diaper can be practical and handy in many situations, especially during leisure or recreational activities.
Situations I can think of include when:
- Watching a 3-hour-long or more movie or performance with no intermissions
- Travelling on long-haul flights or road trips where toilets are not so accessible
- Attending concerts, parades, or sporting events where restrooms are often crowded
- Visiting wildlife attractions or nature parks with limited or no toilet facilities
- Camping or hiking and you don’t want to do it in the bushes
- Toileting is available but it is too unkept and ghastly to be used
- Working off-site in remote areas where toilets can be limited or non-existent
- Sitting through very long video conference calls
The National Library of Medicine states that while the urinary bladder can store up to 500ml in women and 700ml in men, people will already feel the need to urinate when there is about 150-250ml of urine in their bladder. And as mentioned before, urinary frequency only increases with age.
Despite the many benefits and conveniences, some refuse to use adult diapers simply because of its negative connotations.
But think about it – one snuggly fit piece could make our leisure or work experiences a whole lot more enjoyable. The best part? No one even needs to know you’re wearing one.
Get your nappy on
Now, if you’re looking to get a pair of adult diapers, where do you start? Firstly, adult diapers generally come in two types: pants or tape.
Pants are for those who are ambulant, while tape are for those who are bed-bound or with limited mobility, and designed to be easily changed by a caregiver.
Many brands offer free samples, so I was chuffed to get some free adult pants diapers samples from Audelacare, a Singaporean homegrown eldercare brand.
To fit my 80kg frame, I chose the XL size (measured by hip circumference).
The unisex Audelacare adult pants diaper looks like a frilly underwear with cloth-like stretch panels and a large absorption pad in its core. Coloured stitches on the waistband indicate the front and you simply wear the diaper like regular underwear.
Made of soft breathable fabrics, the diaper was comfortable to wear and fits snugly to the body – no one can see you’re wearing one. To prevent side leakage, a double leakage barrier is lined along the groin region.
Testing an adult diaper indoors
To play it safe, I first tried wearing the diaper at home. Upon feeling the arrival of “high tide”, I stood at my balcony and pretended to be admiring the view (just in case any neighbours were watching).
Of course, being a female, I was not used to peeing standing up.
Yet surprisingly, I was able to do it quite easily and as the polymer pad is very absorbent and locked the liquid effectively, I felt no discomfort at all. My experience indicated that it’s possible to save 2 to 3 trips to the toilet using the XL-sized pants diaper.
The pants diaper also has a special wetness indicator – the green branding on the pants’ underside – which, when it completely disappears, indicates it’s time to change the diaper. Simply use a mirror to check.
Nonetheless, friends whose elderly parents use adult diapers advised me to change a used diaper after a single use, or at most after two uses. This is for hygiene reasons and to prevent urinary infections, diaper rash, or chafing.
To dispose of the used diaper, remove it like you would a pair of underpants or by tearing away the sides. Then fold or roll it up carefully and place and seal it firmly into a plastic bag before disposing it into a rubbish chute or bin.
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Testing an adult diaper outdoors
Next, I decided to wear one while on my brisk-walking routine along a nearby linear park.
With the adult diaper on, I felt more confident in venturing further along the route where toilet facilities are not accessible and I will not need to quick-march home if the need to pee occurs.
Still, when the time came to go, it took much effort to not be seen relieving myself in public in my walking shorts (albeit into a diaper). It does take some getting used to.
Eventually, I found a nice, secluded spot. I then nonchalantly stood around and pretended to admire the trees and watch grass grow. A tad nerve-wrecking, but the wee was finally and subtly done.
If you can’t do it, don’t sweat it
Other than the two scenarios above, I also attempted peeing into a diaper while sitting down and lying in bed. But no matter how hard I tried, I just could not do it.
Whether it was sitting on my computer chair (mimicking a bus seat), the sofa, or a void deck bench, I could not do it.
The same goes for lying down. Whether it was on my back, belly, or sideways on the bed, nothing gushed forth, not even a trickle. Not even when I closed my eyes and quietly sang Let It Go to myself.
Eventually, I had to dash to the bathroom when my bladder muscles started to ache.
Apparently, we adults have been programmed to not pee in our pants or in bed.
Some adult diaper users on Reddit though were adamant that one can do so through much practice. The gist is to close your eyes, relax your muscles, and simply focus on relieving yourself into the diaper.
Perhaps for my next long-haul road trip, and when nature calls during a bus ride, I could just stand at my seat for a while and pretend I am stretching my legs.
Things to note when buying adult diapers
Different adult diaper brands have different cuts and sizes (from S to XXL), so get some free samples to try first and see if the cut and size fits you.
As mentioned, brands such as Audelacare offer free samples on their site. Most adult pants diapers are unisex, but you can also check out gender-specific styles.
Diapers should be made of breathable cloth-like material and without plastic coverings as these can be harmful to the skin when combined with sweat or heat. Diapers with odour neutralisers are also a plus.
There are also different levels of absorbency. Urinary products such as underpads, liners, and protective shields are mainly for little or small leaks, while pants diapers for heavy overnight use can hold up to 2 litres of liquid.
Diaper quality matters
One main gripe among friends who buy adult diapers regularly for their elderly parents is that they are not exactly cheap. Yet, they admit there is a huge quality difference between known brands and cheaper versions from, say, Shopee.
Some adult diaper brands have the same price for all sizes, while some have different prices for different sizes. And every pack usually has varying numbers of pieces for different sizes.
For instance, Audelacare Adult Pants Diapers (M-L-XL) are priced the same at $12.50 each, but the number of pieces per pack are 10, 9, and 8 respectively.
Currently, they are having a promotion across sizes: 4 Packs Pants Diapers at $40.90 (UP: $50) and 6 Packs Pants Diapers at $56.25 (UP: $75).
For frequent toilet users, one adult diaper is sufficient for occasions such as a day trip excursion or attending outdoor concerts, say, at the F1 Singapore Grand Prix. An extra piece, if needed, can easily go into a decent sized handbag.
For overseas travel, a regular pack of adult diapers can take up much space in a luggage, so opt for 3-piece travel packs or simply store a few from a regular pack.
Final thoughts
After trying it out, I am glad I can confidently wear an adult diaper when the need arises. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about really. And no one even needs to know I’m wearing one.
The pants-style adult diapers from Audelacare fit snugly and is essentially invisible under most common types of legwear.
While it will take some getting used to in certain situations, having a pair on at least gives me the confidence that I won’t be left with no option during emergencies. And I’m sure that over time, I will only grow more accustomed to it.
So yes. I for one am convinced that adult diapers aren’t just for those with incontinence or other medical needs.
They can also be an option as we go about our recreational activities, travelling, or when toilets aren’t available. It’s about having convenience and comfort when we need it.
Adult diaper samples used by the writer for this review were provided by Audelacare.
New customers can redeem a free sample here.
