Yes, you can hire bedwetting alarms
For many families, hiring a bedwetting alarm is a practical and cost-effective solution. This option is offered by a variety of providers, including specialist continence clinics, online medical supply stores, and sometimes through publicly funded or insurance-backed programs. Hiring an alarm allows families to test the treatment with a lower upfront investment and often includes professional support and guidance, which can significantly increase the success rate.
Where to find bedwetting alarms for hire
- Continence Clinics: Many continence services work with medical professionals to offer alarms for hire. These programs often require a referral from a family doctor, and there may be a waiting list. The rental may come with a comprehensive treatment plan that includes expert guidance and follow-up consultations, ensuring the best possible outcome.
- Online Medical Suppliers: Several online companies specialize in bedwetting alarms and offer both purchase and rental options. These services often provide convenient delivery and return services, with rental periods ranging from monthly to quarterly. Some providers, like Urifoon, include personal expert guidance and supporting materials in their rental packages.
- Private Practitioners: Some pediatricians or enuresis specialists may have alarms available for hire as part of a personalized treatment plan. A specialist's involvement can be particularly beneficial for deep sleepers or more challenging cases, as they can tailor the approach to your child's specific needs.
- Local Medical Supply Stores: In some areas, local medical supply stores may have bedwetting alarms in their rental inventory. While less common than online or clinic-based options, it's worth checking to see if this is available in your community. These services may also offer other related products, like protective bedding.
Renting vs. buying: How to decide
The choice between hiring and purchasing a bedwetting alarm depends on several factors, including your budget, the potential duration of treatment, and your family's needs. There are clear advantages and disadvantages to both options.
Benefits of hiring a bedwetting alarm
- Lower Initial Cost: The most significant advantage of renting is the reduced initial financial commitment. Instead of a large one-time purchase, you pay a weekly or monthly rental fee.
- Try Before You Buy: If you're unsure if a specific alarm type is right for your child, renting allows you to test the system without a long-term financial commitment. Some rental programs even offer a purchase option, deducting a portion of your rental fees from the final cost if you decide to buy.
- Access to Expert Support: Many rental services, particularly those through clinics, come with professional guidance and support from enuresis specialists. This can be invaluable for navigating challenges and ensuring the training is successful.
- Short-Term Needs: Hiring is ideal if you anticipate a shorter treatment period. It prevents you from owning equipment that you no longer need after your child has achieved dry nights.
Drawbacks of hiring a bedwetting alarm
- Higher Long-Term Cost: If the treatment takes longer than a few months, the total cost of renting can surpass the price of buying a new alarm. Some providers have a rent-to-own structure to mitigate this, but it's important to understand the terms upfront.
- Potential for Relapse: While successful, bedwetting alarms don't guarantee a permanent fix. If a child relapses, a new hire period and associated costs may be required. If you own the device, it's immediately available to resume treatment.
- Hygiene Concerns: When hiring a bell-and-pad style alarm, there can be hygiene concerns, as the mat may have been used by other children. Reputable companies have strict cleaning protocols, but some parents prefer a brand-new device for this reason. Most systems with body-worn sensors require purchasing the sensor underwear for hygiene purposes.
- Waiting Lists: In some publicly funded or insurance-based programs, there may be a waiting list for hiring an alarm, which can be frustrating when you want to start treatment immediately.
Comparison: Renting vs. Buying Bedwetting Alarms
| Feature | Renting | Buying | Benefits | Cost | Lower initial cost; can be cheaper for short-term use. | Higher initial cost; can be cheaper for long-term use or multiple children. | Long-Term Availability | Not guaranteed; need to re-hire for relapses or siblings. | Device is owned permanently and available for future use. | Included Support | Often includes access to professional advice and guidance. | Support depends on the retailer; may need to pay extra for professional consultation. | Device Condition | May be pre-owned, with hygiene protocols in place. | New device; guaranteed new and clean sensor. | Motivation | Timetable may add pressure to finish within the rental period. | No time constraints; progress can happen at the child's own pace. | Flexiblity | Flexible if the child stops early; less financial risk. | Less flexible if the treatment doesn't work or is only needed briefly. |
What to consider before hiring or buying
Before you decide to hire or purchase, consider these factors:
- Treatment Duration: Discuss with a doctor or continence specialist how long treatment might take. Most children require 6–10 weeks, but deep sleepers or more challenging cases may take longer. If a longer duration is likely, buying may be the more economical option.
- Family History: Bedwetting often has a genetic link. If other siblings are likely to need an alarm in the future, purchasing a device outright can be a significant cost saving.
- Child's Temperament: The child's motivation and personality are crucial for success. If your child is highly motivated, either option may work. If they are a deep sleeper, a system with a vibrator may be necessary, which may affect rental options.
- Insurance Coverage: In some countries or regions, certain health insurance plans may cover the cost of a bedwetting alarm, especially with supplementary policies. However, basic health insurance often does not cover it. Always check with your provider before making a decision.
Conclusion
Yes, you can absolutely hire bedwetting alarms, and for many families, it's a wise decision. Renting provides an affordable and low-risk way to begin treatment, especially if you want to test the method's effectiveness or anticipate a shorter treatment period. The added benefit of professional guidance often included in rental packages can significantly boost the chances of success. However, families with a longer expected treatment duration, multiple children who may need the device, or those who prefer a new, permanent solution should weigh the long-term costs and benefits of purchasing. Ultimately, a consultation with a healthcare professional can help you determine the best path forward for your specific situation.
Authoritative resource
For more information on bedwetting and advice on treatment options, the Continence Foundation of Australia offers comprehensive resources.
Continence Foundation of Australia
Expert perspective: The value of professional guidance
According to Urifoon, a company that offers bedwetting alarm rentals, scientific research shows that expert guidance during alarm training significantly increases the success rate. They emphasize that the alarm is a training tool, not a miracle cure, and deep sleepers, in particular, benefit from professional supervision to overcome hurdles. This guidance can prevent motivation from decreasing and ensure the training is completed effectively.
