8 Key Product Needs for Users of Adult Incontinence Articles

With an estimated 400+ million adults worldwide experiencing episodes of incontinence, creating products that successfully satisfy the different needs and expectations of the masses is no small feat. By taking a holistic look at the three main user groups for adult incontinence products (i.e., active adults, impaired users, and caregivers), Bostik’s absorbent hygiene experts have compiled the following list of eight fundamental needs that are necessary considerations, to varying degrees, for product users.

 

1. Affordability

A new parent can estimate the number of diapers an infant will need from birth until they are toilet trained, but calculating the cost of adult incontinence products is much more complex. Adult incontinence is often an ongoing condition that can last months, years, and even decades. The duration of use and frequency at which articles are changed can cause financial concerns for all user types. This is especially true for individuals living on fixed incomes and caregivers who are responsible for purchasing products for those who do not receive government assistance or subsidies to help offset the cost. 

 

2. Fit to the body

Size is the most obvious factor product users take into consideration when it comes to fit. Beyond size, ensuring an ideal fit means the adult incontinence product(s) used must:

• Be designed for the contours of the body to help prevent leaks
• Be able to adjust around the waist and legs without red marking
• Not sag when wet, and not twist or bunch with movement

 

3. Leak protection

For many adults living with incontinence, protection from unexpected and embarrassing leaks is a top priority when they are enjoying an active social life outside the home. Leakage protection is also a significant concern for both impaired users and their caregivers. In this situation, leaks require more frequent changes and laundering of soiled clothes and bed linens. This can consume valuable time and money. A core design that quickly acquires liquid, distributes it throughout the core, and keeps the liquid contained without rewetting the user is essential for protecting against leaks. 

 

4. Adequate absorption

Having the right product for the right person at the right time is a growing area of focus for both manufacturers and product users. Some individuals, in fact, require the use of multiple product types that offer different absorption capacities throughout the day and night, or based on planned activities, to manage their conditions. For example, during the day an active adult may prefer wearing a product that is more discreet but requires more frequent changes. At night, they might switch to a larger, higher-absorbency product to safeguard against leaks whilst sleeping. They may also decide to alternate with other solutions such as catheters or clamps.

 

5. No wet sensation

As noted above, a product’s capacity to hold fluid is a key component for adequate absorption and leakage protection. It should also be designed for very minimal rewet so that the wearer can avoid the uncomfortable sensation of constantly wet skin after urine is released from the bladder. What is a comfort issue for most active product users becomes a health issue for impaired users who can’t change the soiled article or signal that they need to be changed. Having wet skin causes odor and can also lead to skin irritation

 

6. Skin protection 

Incontinence associated dermatitis (IAD) is closely related to wetness of the skin. Using products with adequate absorption and proper urine distribution, and ones that protect against rewetting, will help keep the wearer’s skin dry. Adequate skin protection is of particular concern for impaired product users and their caregivers, as independent adults are more likely to change soiled products before skin issues arise. Avoiding rewet, coupled with timely changes of soiled products, can assist in reducing the occurrence of friction-related irritation. The potential use of softer materials, ointments, and creams can also help absorbent products improve skin protection.

 

7. Odor control

Discretion and dignity are believed to be two primary concerns for many product users. Controlling odors, in addition to limiting product noise and visibility before and during use, has a direct impact on discretion for active, social adults who want to avoid the shame and embarrassment often associated with the condition. Odor control is also valuable to caregivers in hospital, assisted living, and nursing home settings, as well as to their patients, residents, and visitors. The concentrated odor from a large quantity of fresh products stored in a supply closet before use, and the accumulated odor of soiled products during and after use, can trigger an unpleasant hedonic response.

 

8. Ease of use

How simple a product is to put on and take off affects incontinence product users of all kinds. Independent adults who change articles themselves look for the process to be hassle-free. Similarly, caregiver efficiency relies in part on changing soiled diapers or pads quickly and easily. Ease of change and use also contributes to the wearer’s comfort and dignity. To support aging-yet-independent users, manufacturers should keep physical limitations brought on by loss of strength and conditions such as arthritis in mind during product design.

 

Products designed to meet consumer needs

By taking these eight fundamental adult incontinence product needs into consideration, absorbent hygiene manufacturers like you can gain a better understanding of user demands. This insight can also help focus your future efforts on creating designs, sizes, and absorption levels to meet consumer requirements and exceed expectations.

That’s where adhesive experts like Bostik can be of great assistance. We have knowledge you need, and hot melt solutions for:

• Construction
• Elastic attachment
• Core adhesives
• Wetness indicators
• Pad attachment

Whatever your goals to meet your consumers' needs, let us help.

Contact an Expert

 

 

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