As men age, their bladder capacity often decreases, which may contribute to incontinence. Other causes of male incontinence include an enlarged prostate, blockages, and neurological disorders.
Nearly 13 million Americans experience incontinence every year, with the condition being more prevalent among the elderly. Although it may be difficult to broach the subject, finding appropriate care for an elderly family member is of the utmost importance. Urinary incontinence (bladder leak) and the choices you may have made as a result of it may leave patients feeling anxious, disappointed, or even angry, especially if they are new to dealing with such matters.
Confronting incontinence head-on might be difficult, but the advantages and rewards are well worth the effort. As a leading supplier of durable and home medical equipment (DME and HME) and home treatment solutions, we have access to the best adult incontinence underwear for men on the market. Keep reading to find the best men's absorbent underwear and men's diapers with this guide from ApriaHome. We will uncover all you need to know when it comes to comfort, fit, absorbency, size, and more!
Why Do Men Wear Incontinence Underwear?
Since male incontinence is less common than female incontinence, discussing potential treatments is often more difficult. Since the vast majority of incontinence solutions are aimed at female consumers, many men are unaware of the options accessible to them.
The primary function of any incontinence product is to absorb and contain urine. Urine may irritate the skin and ruin clothes, but with these incontinence products, patients are given a better sense of independence and security. Men's incontinence underwear ranges from washable to disposable, but they are all comfortable to wear under clothing. The four main reasons for wearing men's incontinence underwear are comfort, absorbency, skin health, and discretion.
What Causes Male Incontinence?
Male urinary incontinence is characterized by the involuntary release of urine, which can considerably diminish one’s quality of life. Urinary incontinence may be caused by underlying conditions such as obesity or prostate problems. For example, prostate enlargement can influence urine flow, resulting in frequent urination, leakage, and a weak stream. Cancer may also require the removal of the prostate, resulting in stress incontinence, which is triggered by activities such as sneezing or laughing.
Certain medical disorders, such as a stroke, may also lead to male incontinence, including:
- Herniated disc
- Dementia
- Spinal cord injury
- Parkinson's disease We
- Multiple sclerosis
- Diabetes
What Are The Different Types Of Incontinence Men's Underwear?
Closures like re-sealable tapes and hook-and-loop fasteners are among the many innovations that have arisen as a result of the ongoing refinement and improvement of male incontinence product lines. These additions provide a more adjustable, cost-effective, and functional design.
- Incontinence Liners: These universal-fitting products are kept in place by absorbent briefs or protective underwear and are ideal for mild to moderate incontinence. There are reusable and disposable variants, most with a moisture barrier or leak-resistant backing. This is a great option in place of disposable absorbent underwear.
- Incontinence Pads: Pads come in a wide range of sizes and degrees of absorbency. Designs vary in comfort, fit, and discretion. Incontinence pads are compatible with disposable or reusable briefs.
- Pads / Briefs Combination: This design combines men's incontinence pads with reusable underwear made of cotton or a cotton/polyester mix that can be washed and reused — intended for leakage levels moderate to severe. Only specific briefs, such as those made of mesh or knit, should be worn with pads.
- Male Drip Collector: Ideal for mild to moderate incontinence. The shield's waterproof backing makes it ideal for absorbing minor urinary leaks when worn with a stretch mesh brief or close-fitting underwear.
- Male Guard: Ideal for mild to severe incontinence. A cup-like fit is provided with an elasticized bag for protection and comfort. Worn with close-fitting underwear, an adhesive strip to hold it in place, and foam backing for further protection.
- Men's Incontinence Diapers: Suitable for moderate to severe incontinence. They are absorbent, secured in place by adjustable and, in some cases, washable straps or fastenable buttons, snaps, or Velcro. This design features a waterproof backing and super absorbent padding to retain moisture.
- Fitted Briefs: Looking for men's protective underwear? For light to moderate leakage, choose an elastic-leg fitted brief. This one-piece design features elastic at the waist and the legs to provide a snug, leak-proof fit. Suitable for use at any time of day or night. You can select a fitted brief with elastic waist and leg openings for light to moderate leakage. Most have a soft, cloth-like exterior that is comfortable to wear. Reusable models feature a fly front and resemble classic men's underwear. Some designs even feature a zipper and a leak-proof panel.
- Protective Underwear: Choose disposable absorbent underwear for light to heavy incontinence. This pull-on, underwear-like design is created for maximum ease of use, featuring soft elastics and a fabric-like construction.
- Stretch Mesh Brief: Briefs made of flexible mesh are soft, form-fitting, and breathable pull-up style underwear. They can be washed and reused but are not waterproof. Using stretch mesh briefs in combination with a disposable absorbent liner or pad is advisable.
- Contoured Cloths: Washable, reusable, and contoured cloths are fitted with tabs, elastic, snaps, or Velcro to keep them in place. These cloths help often feature elastic leg openings to prevent leakage.
- Leak-resistant Pants When combined with a full brief or undergarment, a pair of leak-resistant pants may provide further protection for those with severe to extreme incontinence. Designs often include materials like cotton, nylon, vinyl, and polyester. The design also features elasticized legs for a tighter fit and non-breathable textiles, which can irritate the skin, so they shouldn't be worn for long periods.
- Men's Boxer-style Shorts: Reusable men's boxer shorts for incontinence have absorbent fabric in the crotch.
- Men's Waterproof Protective Support: This looks like a jockstrap for athletic support and features disposable or reusable cups for moisture retention.
How To Choose Adult Diapers Or Incontinence Underwear For Men?
The effectiveness and wearability of urinary incontinence products are often best evaluated during a period of trial and error. For example, you may discover that one solution is more effective at preventing leaks while you sleep, and another is more discrete beneath clothes and, therefore, better suited for daytime activities. You might find a particular design is more adaptable and thus more suited to light exercise or walking.
The first investment in incontinence products might be substantial, as one should experiment with many brands and designs before settling on the most suitable one.
A more expensive product may turn out to be more reliable and protective in the long term, resulting in fewer repairs and maintenance costs. Better absorption and protection may also reduce the frequency you need to wash bedsheets, towels, and other linens.
Instead of looking at prices, make your selection by taking the following into consideration.
- Cause of the leakage (e.g., urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, or both)
- The extent of the leak and the absorbency and coverage it requires
- Suitability for a wide range of physical activity
- Unisex or gender-specific design styles
- Size requirements
- Design features such as tab style, pull-on, or zip-up
- Reusable or disposable designs
- Patient's mobility limitations
- Ease of use for carers
- Comfort, discretion, and appearance under clothing
- Appearance according to individual taste
Best Incontinence Underwear For Men
Products designed to help men manage incontinence are widely accessible. Adult diapers are commonly used as protective undergarments for both urine and fecal incontinence due to their high level of security and protection. Protective underwear and male incontinence briefs are fashionable and cost-effective alternatives designed to feel and look like ordinary underwear.
Below we will compare the best incontinence underwear for men according to different lifestyle requirements and criteria.
Best Daily Use Incontinence Underwear
Prevail® Per-Fit 360°™ Adult Daily Briefs
Per-Fit360°™ Briefs are designed for men and women who experience excessive leakage, and they blend the familiar Per-Fit® design with cutting-edge technology. These briefs feature Microclimate Care™ technology and ventilation in all directions to help those who experience frequent leaking but are unable to use a restroom every time.
The combination of these characteristics prevents moisture from penetrating and allows for air, heat, and humidity dispersion, ensuring coolness and dryness on the skin. The Prevail® Per-Fit360°™ Briefs provide the highest levels of security, convenience, and ventilation, making them ideal for daily use.
Available in sizes:
- 1 (Medium) 26 to 48 in. waist
- 2 (Large) 45 to 62 in. waist
- 3 (Extra Large) 58 to 70 in. waist
For maximum absorbency and daily use, we also recommend Prevail® Men's Daily Maximum Absorbency Adult Underwear.
Best Overnight Use Incontinence Underwear
Prevail Overnight Underwear
Prevail® Overnight unisex adult absorbent is developed for both men and women who need protection against leakage during the night or for more extended periods. MaxSorb™ Gel technology is integrated to actively locks up moisture to keep you feeling clean, refreshed, and drier for longer. With features like Skin Smart® Fabric for enhanced well-being, Dri-Fit™ to help keep skin dry and healthy by decreasing friction, and gentle elastics that mold to your body for a more natural fit, these underwear have you covered in every way.
TENA® MEN™ Super Plus Heavy Absorbency Incontinence Pull-On Underwear
For those who have incontinence throughout the night, TENA® ProSkin™ Overnight Super Underwear can provide a worry-free night's sleep. Specifically developed for use as a secondary layer of leak protection while you sleep, they are also fully breathable.
ConfioAir 100%, a breathable technology included in the design of TENA® ProSkin™ Overnight Super Underwear, aids in preserving your skin's natural moisture balance as you sleep. The user will feel comfortable and confident thanks to the three layers of protection against wetness, discomfort, and embarrassing leaks. The snug fit and cotton-like fabric make these underwear feel just like traditional men's underwear for extra comfort.
Available in sizes:
- Medium (14 ct.)
- Large (14 ct.)
- X-Large (12 ct.)
Best Light Absorbancy Underwear
TENA® Men™ Moderate Absorbency Pads One Size Fits Most 20 Count Bag
TENA® Men™ Pads are designed to meet the unique needs of men. The sticky strip at the base of the cup and the cup shape provides the user with ultimate security and added comfort.
The ultra-absorbent Dry-Fast CoreTM in TENA® Men™ TENA® MenTM Pads keep you dry and help prevent leaks. Extremely absorbent polymers are embedded inside the thin shield, sealing in any moisture. Furthermore, enhanced odor prevention works to counteract urine smells even after repeated use. The adhesive strips at the bottom keep the pad in place, allowing you to walk comfortably, and making it ideal for discreet daily use. They are sold in packs of 20
Best Heavy Absorbency Underwear
Abri-Form™ Unisex Adult Disposable Incontinence Briefs
For maximum safety and discretion, use the Abri-Form™ Unisex Adult Disposable Incontinence Briefs. This product is ideal for persons suffering from sudden urgency and full bladder voids, fecal incontinence, the need for overnight protection, and those with mobility and/or dexterity challenges.
Abri-Form™ Unisex Adult Disposable Incontinence Briefs provide ultra-heavy absorbency featuring flexible tape on the sides for maximum comfort and security, even during strenuous exercise. In addition, this design offers complete protection against leaks thanks to the rear cross barrier and edge barriers that reach to the outer edges. The pad is held firmly in place by the non-woven side panels, composed of a soft, breathable material that also offers a high degree of security.
Available in sizes:
- Medium (14 ct.)
- Large (12 ct.)
- X-large (12 ct.)
Best Discreet Underwear
Sani-Pant™ Unisex Pull-On Plastic Protective Underwear
The Pull-On Plastic Protective Underwear by Sani-Pant™ is unisex, machine washable, and completely undetectable. It works as a secondary barrier with other incontinence solutions for adults. Lightweight and made of plastic, Sani-Pant™ Unisex Pull-On Protective Underwear are worn over incontinence products to keep them from soaking through. They're water resistant, highly durable, and tight fitting to offer ultimate discretion under the clothing.
Available in sizes:
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- X-large
Caretaker Tips For Selecting Men's Diapers
When choosing adult incontinence products for patients and loved ones, it's important to make them part of the decision-making process to ensure the highest level of comfort and dignity. Caregivers can also consider the following:
- Cost: Considering that people who leak modest amounts of urine need anywhere from 60 to 120 disposable diapers each month, we carers need to consider the cost implication as part of their service offering.
- Comfort: The needs of your patient or loved one are important; consult with them on their preferences in style and appearance. Look for materials that offer comfort, absorbency, and dryness to help reduce skin irritation.
- Ease Of Use: Consider the mobility restrictions of your patient or loved one before selecting an incontinence solution. Look for options with easily removable and easily adjustable tabs for added convenience.
- Sizes: Look for brands and products with the most flexible sizing options and diapers that can accommodate a user's weight gain or loss without having to look for a new style or brand.
Incontinence Men's Underwear FAQ
What percentage of men need incontinence underwear?
Urinary incontinence is more prevalent in women than men. The Global Incontinence Forum estimates that 12% of women and 5% of men suffer from urine incontinence. Further research suggests that incontinence affects more than 33% of senior women and 15% of senior men. Most patients do not seek help with incontinence which can lead to a reduced quality of life.
How do you know what size diapers to get for men?
Most brands will size their products depending on the waist or hip size. To select the right size, consult an incontinence size chart. These often include the height measurements on the left and the weight measurements at the top. Mark the intersection point after you've identified your height and weight on the graph. The intersection of these two measurements will be your ideal size.
How many times a day do incontinence products need to be changed?
Changing incontinence products four to six times a day is recommended as a general rule. Most modern tab briefs also have a moisture gauge indicating the need to change by turning a different color.
Restore Your Health & Dignity
Incontinence in males is less prevalent than in females, and as such, it often goes unaddressed. This condition can severely affect the health and well-being of those experiencing it. It's also essential for patients with mobility restrictions to manage their incontinence to avoid any related skin and health complications.
Find Comprehensive Incontinence Underwear Options, Disposable Absorbent Underwear, Briefs, Pads & Other Incontinence Products With ApriaHome
Every year, ApriaHome supports over 2 million patients by delivering and supporting durable and home medical equipment (DME and HME). We take pride in providing compassionate, efficient, and dependable patient care. Our staff stays updated on the newest medical treatment advancements to provide you with expert guidance when you need it the most. We recognize that some conditions, such as incontinence, need discretion and dignity in order to improve the lives of patients and caregivers throughout the country.
We maintain a high level of discretion and professionalism at all times. We believe in providing comprehensive advice and guidance when it comes to managing incontinence. Find more information and advice on incontinence products for females.
Looking for incredible savings on innovative and discrete incontinence solutions and accessories? We offer a wide range of incontinence and personal hygiene products, all of which are accessible from the convenience of our online portal.
Looking for something specific? Our representatives are available daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. EST at (800) 780-1508. Get in touch today.
