How do I put on an adult brief? A complete, step-by-step guide

Over 25 million American adults experience temporary or chronic urinary incontinence, and for many, learning how to put on an adult brief is essential for managing daily life. This authoritative guide breaks down the process into simple, actionable steps for a secure and comfortable fit, whether for yourself or while assisting a loved one.

Quick Summary

Achieving a proper and leak-proof fit when applying an adult brief, also known as a diaper with tabs, requires correct positioning, proper brief unfolding, and securely fastening the tapes. The application technique differs slightly depending on whether the wearer is mobile or bedridden, with both methods emphasizing skin health and dignity.

Key Points

• Gather Supplies First: Always have a new brief, wipes, barrier cream, and gloves ready before starting to ensure a smooth change.

• For Mobile Users: Practice positioning the brief while standing or sitting, focusing on getting the core centered and securing the tabs snugly.

• For Bedridden Individuals: Utilize a side-rolling technique to safely and hygienically remove the old brief and apply the new one.

• Master the Tabs: Fasten the bottom tabs first and angle them upward, then fasten the top tabs and angle them downward for the most secure and comfortable fit.

• Prioritize Skin Health: Clean and dry the skin thoroughly with every change and apply a skin barrier cream to prevent irritation and rashes.

• Check for Wrinkles: Ensure the brief is smoothed out and the leg guards are properly positioned to prevent leaks and maximize absorbency.

Preparing for a Brief Change

Before beginning the process, gather all necessary supplies to ensure a smooth, uninterrupted change. This preparation is key to both hygiene and comfort.

• New brief: Have the correct size and absorbency ready.
• Disposable underpad: Place this on the bed or chair to protect surfaces from spills.
• Wet wipes or washcloth: For cleaning the perineal area.
• Skin barrier cream: To protect the skin from moisture and irritation.
• Gloves: For hygiene and caregiver protection.
• Trash receptacle: Keep a lined trash can nearby for easy disposal.
• Provide privacy: Close doors and curtains to ensure dignity and comfort for the individual.

How to Put on an Adult Brief Yourself (While Standing)

For those with enough mobility, applying a brief while standing is the easiest method. The key is to prepare the brief and ensure it is properly positioned before fastening.

Step-by-Step Application

1. Prepare the brief: Open the brief and fold it lengthwise like a taco, ensuring the anti-leak guards are standing up. Do not crease the brief harshly. Ensure the tabs are at the back.
2. Position the brief: Step into the brief, pulling it up your legs until it is positioned correctly. Alternatively, with your feet shoulder-width apart, pass the brief between your legs from front to back.
3. Center and smooth: Pull the front and back panels up to your waist, centering the absorbent core between your legs. Smooth out any wrinkles.
4. Secure the tabs: Begin by fastening the bottom tapes, pulling them upward and across the hips to secure the leg openings. Next, fasten the top tapes, angling them downward to hold the waist firmly. The brief should feel snug but not restrictive.
5. Adjust the fit: Take a few steps to let the brief settle. Check for a snug fit around the legs and waist. The tapes can be re-fastened as needed for a more comfortable and secure feel.

How to Apply a Brief to a Bedridden or Assisted Individual

This method requires more care and attention to the individual's comfort and dignity. A side-rolling technique is most effective.

Assisted Application Process

1. Position the individual: Gently roll the person onto their side, away from you. Bend their knees and place a pillow between them for support and to create space for positioning the new brief. Place the disposable underpad beneath them.
2. Remove the old brief: Unfasten the tapes and roll the soiled brief inward to contain any mess. Clean the person's front, then, while they are on their side, clean the back. Dispose of the soiled brief and wipes appropriately.
3. Prepare the new brief: Fold the clean brief lengthwise and tuck it between the person's legs. The back panel, with the tapes, should be centered over their buttocks. Ensure the absorbent core is correctly positioned.
4. Roll and secure: Gently roll the individual back onto their back, allowing them to lie on top of the back panel of the brief. Pull the front panel up between their legs. Fasten the bottom tabs first, pulling them across and slightly upward. Fasten the top tabs, pulling them across and slightly downward.
5. Final adjustments: Smooth out any creases. Ensure the anti-leak guards are standing up inside the leg cuffs. The fit should be snug but not so tight that it pinches the skin.

Briefs with Tapes vs. Pull-Up Style Underwear

Selecting the right product is just as important as the application method. Here is a simple comparison to help determine the best fit for your needs or those of a loved one.

Feature	Briefs with Tapes (Adult Diapers)	Pull-Up Style Underwear
Application	Ideal for bedridden or less mobile individuals, applied while lying down.	Best for mobile individuals, pulled on like regular underwear.
Adjustment	Highly adjustable fit due to refastenable tapes.	Less adjustable, relies on accurate sizing.
Absorbency	Generally higher absorbency levels available for heavy incontinence.	Typically used for light to moderate incontinence.
Ease of Removal	Easy to remove by tearing at the sides or unfastening tapes.	Must be torn at the sides or pulled down like underwear.
Discreetness	Can be bulkier and more noticeable under clothing.	Often slimmer and more discreet under clothing.

Skin Health and Hygiene

Proper skin care is paramount when using adult briefs. Moisture and friction can lead to skin irritation, rashes, and pressure sores. Always clean the skin thoroughly and pat dry before applying a new brief. Using a skin barrier cream can provide an extra layer of protection.

For more information on skin care related to incontinence, the National Association For Continence is an excellent resource.

Conclusion

Putting on an adult brief, whether for yourself or a loved one, is a skill that improves with practice. By following these detailed steps, you can ensure a secure, comfortable, and dignified experience. Correct application is the most effective way to prevent leaks, maintain skin health, and provide the best possible protection. Always remember to prioritize the individual's comfort and privacy throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should an adult brief be changed?

An adult brief should be changed as soon as it becomes soiled with urine or feces. Regular changes, ideally every few hours, are crucial to prevent skin irritation and infection. For those with heavy incontinence, more frequent changes may be necessary.

How do I choose the correct size of adult brief?

To choose the correct size, measure the wearer's waist and hips, and use the larger of the two measurements. Compare this measurement to the sizing chart provided by the brief manufacturer. A brief that is too small can restrict circulation, while one that is too large will leak.

What if the brief keeps leaking?

Leaks can be caused by several factors, including an incorrect size, improper positioning of the brief, or not smoothing out the brief to activate the leak guards. Ensure the leg cuffs are snug but not tight. Sometimes a different style or absorbency level is needed.

How do I prevent skin irritation and rashes?

Prevention of skin irritation involves three key steps: regular brief changes to minimize moisture exposure, thorough cleaning of the skin with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser or wipes, and applying a protective skin barrier cream with each change. Ensure the skin is completely dry before applying a new brief.

Can an adult brief be put on from the front instead of the back?

Yes, for mobile individuals, briefs can often be pulled up from the front. However, when assisting a bedridden person, the most common and safest method involves rolling them to position the back of the brief first.

What's the difference between an adult brief and a pull-up?

An adult brief features refastenable tabs and is ideal for individuals who are bedridden or have mobility issues. A pull-up has a waistband and is pulled on like underwear, best for mobile individuals with lighter incontinence.

How should I position a bedridden person to change their brief?

Gently roll the person onto their side, away from you. For comfort and safety, place a pillow behind their back and a pillow between their knees. This provides a stable position for cleaning and applying the new brief.