How do I put an adult diaper on myself? A complete self-application guide

Oct 19, 2025 4 min read •

Health and Hygiene Incontinence Adult Diapers

Millions of people in the United States currently manage incontinence, and for many, self-sufficiency is a priority when it comes to personal care. A properly applied adult diaper provides security and comfort, but a poor fit can cause leaks and discomfort. Whether you use pull-ups or briefs with tabs, learning how to put an adult diaper on myself effectively is a skill that ensures dignity and maximum protection. This guide will walk you through the process for different styles.

Quick Summary

This comprehensive guide explains how to properly put on adult diapers by yourself, covering different types such as pull-up and tab-style. It provides step-by-step instructions for both standing and lying positions, offering practical tips for ensuring a secure, comfortable fit. The guide also details best practices for hygiene and skin care to prevent irritation, empowering individuals to manage incontinence with confidence and independence.

Key Points

Choose the right product: Select between pull-up underwear for higher mobility or tab-style briefs for more limited movement and higher absorbency.
Practice proper hygiene: Cleanse the skin gently with mild soap and water or hypoallergenic wipes, and ensure the area is completely dry before applying a new diaper.
Ensure a snug but comfortable fit: For tab-style briefs, angle the tapes correctly—lower tapes upward, upper tapes downward—to ensure a secure seal and prevent leaks.
Change promptly: Replace soiled diapers immediately to reduce prolonged exposure to moisture and waste, which helps prevent skin irritation and rash.
Use barrier cream for skin protection: Apply a zinc oxide or petroleum jelly-based cream to create a protective barrier against moisture and chafing, but be mindful of how it interacts with absorbent material.
Adjust for comfort: After application, take a few steps or reposition yourself to ensure the diaper is comfortable and not bunching up. Adjust tabs as needed for a perfect fit.

Putting on pull-up style underwear

This method is suitable for those with sufficient mobility to stand and balance. The process is similar to putting on regular underwear.

Step 1: Preparation. Before starting, ensure all your supplies are within easy reach: a new pull-up, sanitary wipes, and a waste bag. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
Step 2: Removal. If you are changing out of a used pull-up, simply tear the side seams on both sides and pull the product down and away from you, rolling it inward to contain any waste.
Step 3: Clean. Use hygienic wipes to clean the perineum and surrounding area. For bowel incontinence, a shower or bidet is often more effective. Always wipe from front to back to prevent bacterial spread. Allow the skin to air-dry completely.
Step 4: Application. Step into the new pull-up, just as you would with regular underwear. Pull it up to your waist, ensuring the front is clearly marked—sometimes indicated by a colored elastic waistband.
Step 5: Adjust. Adjust the garment around your legs and waist until it sits comfortably and securely. The leak guards around the legs should be flat and pointed outwards to be effective.

Applying tab-style briefs by yourself

Tab-style briefs, sometimes called adult diapers with tabs, are an excellent choice for those with limited mobility or when greater absorbency is needed. You can apply these either standing or lying down.

Standing application method

This is a good method for individuals who can stand but may need more adjustment control than a pull-up allows.

Step 1: Prepare the brief. Take the clean brief and fold it lengthwise into a boat or trough shape to activate the leak guards. Without touching the inside, pass the brief between your legs from front to back.
Step 2: Position the brief. Position the back panel over your backside and the front panel over your front. Hold the brief securely between your legs while you work.
Step 3: Secure the tabs. Pull the back panel tightly around your hips. Fasten the bottom tapes first, angling them slightly upward to cup the buttocks. Then, fasten the top tapes, angling them slightly downward to secure the waist. The fit should be snug but not uncomfortably tight.

Lying down application method

This technique is useful if mobility is significantly limited. You can do this on a bed or another flat surface protected by a disposable underpad.

Step 1: Prepare the brief and area. Prepare your supplies and lay the clean brief flat beside you. Place a disposable underpad on the bed beneath where your hips will be.
Step 2: Position yourself. Lie on your back, bend your knees, and raise your hips slightly. Alternatively, roll onto your side, away from the clean diaper.
Step 3: Place the brief. Pass the clean brief between your legs, ensuring the back panel is centered under your backside.
Step 4: Secure the brief. Pull the front panel up and fasten the bottom tabs first, angling them upward for a secure leg fit. Then fasten the top tapes, angling them downward. For an optimal fit, repeat this process by rolling to your other side if needed.

Important hygiene and skin care practices

Proper diaper application is only one part of effective incontinence management. Maintaining healthy skin is crucial to prevent rashes and irritation.

Change promptly: Change the diaper as soon as it becomes soiled to minimize skin exposure to moisture and waste.
Gentle cleansing: Use mild, hypoallergenic soaps or wipes with lukewarm water to clean the perineal area after each change. Avoid harsh chemicals or alcohol.
Thorough drying: Always pat the skin dry with a soft towel after cleaning. Allow the area to air-dry for a few minutes to ensure it's completely dry before applying a new diaper.
Barrier creams: Apply a protective barrier cream containing zinc oxide or petroleum jelly to prevent moisture and friction. Avoid petroleum-based products if you use diapers with moisture-wicking technology, as it can hinder absorbency.
Monitor for irritation: If you notice redness, swelling, or persistent discomfort, you may need a product with a different material or higher breathability. Consult a healthcare provider if irritation persists or worsens.

Comparison of adult diaper types


Feature	Pull-Up Underwear	Tab-Style Briefs
Mobility Suitability	For mobile, independent individuals.	For limited mobility, bedridden individuals.
Absorbency	Generally lower to moderate absorbency.	Often higher absorbency, including overnight styles.
Ease of Application	Steps on like underwear, requiring good balance.	More complex application process, possible while lying down.
Fit Customization	Less adjustable, relies on waist and hip sizing.	Highly customizable fit with multiple tapes for a snug seal.
Removal	Tear-away sides for easy, discreet removal.	Unfasten tapes from the front for removal.
Concealment	Thinner, designed for discreteness under clothing.	Can be bulkier due to higher absorbency, may be more noticeable.

Conclusion

Learning how to properly apply an adult diaper is an essential aspect of independent incontinence management. By understanding the techniques for different product styles—whether pull-ups or tab-style briefs—you can ensure a secure, comfortable fit that maximizes protection against leaks. Always prioritize a good fit, consistent hygiene, and attentive skin care to prevent irritation and maintain your skin's health. With practice, the process of self-application becomes a manageable part of your daily routine, promoting greater confidence and independence.

For additional support

For further guidance and resources on managing incontinence, visit the National Association for Continence website.

National Association for Continence
https://www.nafc.org/

Frequently Asked Questions

The easiest method is to step into it like regular underwear. After tearing off the sides of the old one, simply step into the new pull-up, align it, and pull it up to your waist.

First, fold the diaper lengthwise and pass it between your legs. Secure the back panel over your backside and the front panel over your front. Fasten the bottom tapes by angling them upward, then fasten the top tapes by angling them downward for a secure fit.

Yes, for a tab-style brief, lie on your back or side. Roll onto the brief, position it between your legs, and then roll back to pull the front panel up. Secure the tapes on both sides.

To prevent skin irritation, change diapers frequently, clean and dry the area thoroughly, and apply a protective barrier cream. Choosing breathable diapers can also help.

A correctly applied diaper should fit snugly around the waist and legs with no gaps or pinching. Ensure the leak guards are flat and facing outward.

Leaks can be caused by an improper fit, low absorbency, or infrequent changes. Check your sizing, consider a higher absorbency product or booster pads, and ensure the leg cuffs are properly aligned.

For disposal, roll up the soiled diaper tightly, secure it with the tabs, and place it in an odor-resistant, sealed disposal bag before putting it in a trash bin.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.