What is the correct way to put on an adult diaper?

According to the National Association For Continence, millions of people in the United States currently manage incontinence symptoms. For those with mobility issues or heavy incontinence, adult briefs with tabs are a common solution, and understanding what is the correct way to put on an adult diaper is crucial for preventing leaks and maintaining skin health. This comprehensive guide covers step-by-step instructions for both self-application and assisting a bedridden individual.

Quick Summary

This guide provides detailed instructions on how to properly apply adult diapers with tabs for both independent users and caregivers assisting a bedridden individual. It covers preparing the area, positioning the diaper, and securing the tabs for a snug, leak-proof, and comfortable fit. The guide also offers tips to prevent common mistakes, ensuring maximum effectiveness and skin protection.

Key Points

• Pre-change preparation: Gather a clean diaper, wipes, gloves, and barrier cream, and use a waterproof underpad for bedridden individuals to ensure a smooth, clean process.

• Assisted application technique: Roll the individual onto their side to remove the old brief, clean the area, and slide the new diaper into place before rolling them back to secure the tabs.

• Unassisted application technique: Fold the brief lengthwise, pull it up like underwear, then smooth and secure the tabs for a snug, comfortable fit.

• Secure tab placement: Fasten bottom tabs angled upward to cup the buttocks and top tabs angled downward to secure the waist for an optimal, contoured fit.

• Avoid leaks with correct sizing: Leaks are often caused by ill-fitting diapers. Ensure the fit is snug but not tight by measuring your waist and hips, and use the larger measurement to select the right size.

• Prevent skin irritation: Apply a barrier cream to clean, dry skin after each change to protect against moisture and reduce the risk of rashes.

• Enhance absorbency: Use a booster pad inside the diaper for extra absorption, especially overnight or for heavy incontinence, instead of the ineffective practice of doubling up diapers.

Preparing for a successful diaper change

Regardless of who is applying the diaper, proper preparation is key to a smooth and hygienic change. Gather all necessary supplies and prepare the environment before starting.

• Gather supplies: Have a clean adult diaper, disposable gloves, hygienic wipes, barrier cream, and a waterproof underpad within easy reach.
• Ensure hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before starting, and put on disposable gloves, especially if dealing with bowel incontinence.
• Prepare the area: For bedridden individuals, place a disposable underpad (often called a “Chux”) on the bed to protect the linens from any spills or messes.
• Maintain dignity: Provide privacy by closing doors and curtains. For those assisting a bedridden individual, covering their front with a towel can help them feel more comfortable.

Assisted application for a bedridden individual

Changing a brief for someone with limited mobility requires patience and a gentle, systematic approach.

Step-by-step application

1. Remove the soiled diaper: With the individual lying on their back on the underpad, unfasten the tabs of the used diaper. Tuck the side farthest from you under their hip.
2. Turn and clean: Gently roll the person onto their side, away from you, and pull the soiled diaper out from between their legs, rolling it inward to contain any waste. Clean the area thoroughly with wipes, wiping from front to back, and allow the skin to air-dry or pat it dry.
3. Position the new brief: With the person still on their side, fold the new diaper lengthwise and tuck it between their legs and underneath their buttocks, with the tabs facing backward.
4. Roll back and position: Roll the individual gently onto their back, over the new brief. Pull the front of the diaper up, ensuring it is smooth and centered.
5. Secure the tabs: Fasten the bottom tabs first, pulling them slightly upward to cup the buttocks. Then, fasten the top tabs, angling them downward to secure the waist snugly.
6. Adjust for fit: Check that the elastic leg guards are facing outward and the fit is snug, but not too tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the diaper and the person's skin.

Unassisted application for mobile individuals

If you can stand or sit independently, putting on an adult brief can be done by following a modified procedure.

Self-application guide

1. Fold the brief: Softly fold the new brief lengthwise to form a channel shape. Ensure the leak guards are standing up and don't touch the inside.
2. Position the diaper: Stand or sit and pass the folded brief between your legs, positioning the back panel behind you and the front panel in front.
3. Unfold and pull up: Fan out the front and back panels, pulling the diaper snugly up against your body to prevent bunching.
4. Secure the tabs: Fasten the bottom tabs first, pulling them upward for a secure leg fit. Fasten the top tabs, angling them slightly downward for a snug waist.
5. Final adjustments: Adjust the edges around your legs to ensure the elastic cuffs are turned out and there are no gaps, which helps prevent leaks.

How to prevent leaks and maximize comfort

Proper application is only part of the equation. A correct fit and the right product are equally important for reliable protection.

Leak Prevention Tactic	Description	Benefit
Choose the right size	Measure your waist and hips, and use the larger measurement to select the appropriate size according to the brand's chart.	Prevents leaks from gaps caused by a loose fit or tears from a tight one.
Match absorbency level	Select a diaper with an absorbency level that matches your needs (e.g., light, moderate, or heavy).	Using a diaper with insufficient absorbency can lead to leaks, even with proper application.
Consider booster pads	Add a permeable booster pad inside the diaper for additional absorbency without doubling up, which is ineffective and can cause leaks.	Boosts absorbency for heavy incontinence or overnight use, extending wear time.
Smooth out wrinkles	Ensure the diaper is completely smooth against the skin after application to avoid gaps and uncomfortable bunching.	Maximizes contact between the absorbent core and the body, improving effectiveness.
Use barrier cream	Apply a protective barrier cream to clean, dry skin to prevent irritation and rashes from moisture exposure.	Maintains skin health and prevents breakdown caused by prolonged wetness.

Conclusion

Mastering the proper technique for putting on an adult diaper is essential for both comfort and dignity. Whether for personal use or as a caregiver, selecting the correct product, following a systematic application process, and making final adjustments for a secure fit can drastically improve the experience and prevent leaks. By prioritizing hygiene, using the right absorbency, and ensuring the brief is snug but not tight, individuals can feel more confident and secure throughout the day and night. Consistent and careful application is the key to managing incontinence effectively and minimizing potential issues like skin irritation. For more information on different types of products, the National Association for Continence website is an authoritative source.

National Association for Continence

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you put a diaper on a man with tabs?

To put a diaper with tabs on a man, gather your supplies and ensure a clean environment. Roll the man onto his side to remove the old brief, then clean and dry the area. While he is still on his side, position the new brief, roll him back onto his back, and pull the front up. Secure the bottom tabs first, angling them upward, followed by the top tabs, angled downward, for a snug, secure fit.

How do you put a diaper on a standing adult?

To put on a tab-style diaper while standing, fold it lengthwise into a channel shape. Step into the brief, pulling it up as far as you can. Smooth the front and back panels up against your body, then fasten the tabs securely around the waist. For pull-up style underwear, simply pull them up like regular underwear.

Why does my adult diaper keep leaking?

Adult diapers can leak due to several reasons, most commonly an incorrect fit. If the diaper is too large, it can create gaps around the legs or waist. If it's too tight, it can tear or cause fluids to be squeezed out. Other causes include insufficient absorbency for your needs, wearing the diaper for too long, or using products like Vaseline that prevent proper absorption.

What is the correct way to angle the tabs on an adult diaper?

The correct way to angle the tabs on an adult diaper is to fasten the bottom tabs upward and the top tabs downward. This technique helps the bottom tabs cup the buttocks for a secure leg fit, while the top tabs secure the waist, preventing sagging and gaps.

Is it better to use pull-ups or tab-style diapers for an adult?

The choice between pull-ups and tab-style diapers depends on mobility and absorbency needs. Pull-ups are better for active individuals who want a discreet, underwear-like product, typically for moderate incontinence. Tab-style diapers are better for bedridden or less mobile individuals and offer higher absorbency, making them ideal for heavy or overnight protection.

How often should you change an adult diaper?

It is best to change an adult diaper as soon as it becomes wet or soiled to maintain skin health and prevent rashes. For most products, this means changing every 4-6 hours or when the wetness indicator changes color. Overnight diapers with higher absorbency can be worn longer, but should still be checked for saturation.

Can I use two adult diapers for extra protection?

No, doubling up on diapers is a common misconception and is not effective. The waterproof outer layer of the first diaper prevents liquid from passing to the second one, leading to leaks from the first diaper's leg and waist openings once it becomes saturated. For extra protection, use a permeable booster pad instead, which is designed to add absorbency inside a diaper.