8 Top Incontinence Pads for Leakage Issues, Tested and Reviewed

The need for incontinence pads is more common than you may think. Approximately 13 million people in the U.S. are directly affected by urinary incontinence. Minor incontinence can cause small amounts of leakage when you laugh or sneeze, while more severe incontinence includes a loss of bladder control that results in larger leakage.

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According to Susan Winograd, PT, a physical therapist and founder of Pelvicore Rehab & Wellness, incontinence also remains largely taboo, often leading to feelings of embarrassment, isolation, and frustration for those who experience it. But it’s not something you have to live with forever, and it should always be addressed.

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In the meantime, incontinence pads can alleviate some of the embarrassment and provide a level of comfort when leakage occurs. These pads are formulated with absorbent materials to help soak up urine and prevent odors from escaping. This helps when you’re on the go and unable to change after a leak. After researching available incontinence pads on the market, we tested top products in The Verywell Health Testing Lab. We evaluated the pads based on their absorbency, dryness, odor protection, and value. We also ranked the pads based on design and comfort.

Choosing the Right Absorbency in an Incontinence Pad

The most important characteristic of an incontinence pad is its ability to absorb leakages at the level you need. They are specifically designed to absorb and wick away moisture, says Unwanaobong Nseyo, MD, a urologist.

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This allows the pad to protect your skin from irritation while containing leakage. Although incontinence pads are all created with absorbency as a key feature, how much the pad can handle depends on its absorbency ratings. Brands tend to use similar verbiage to describe the absorbency rating. These include:

Thin/light: Designed for the smallest amounts of leakage and can only absorb a few droplets at a time.
Moderate: Designed to absorb light dribbles of leakage.
Ultimate: Created to absorb moderate amounts of leakage. Since they have a higher absorbency rate, Ultimate pads are often thicker and longer.
Maximum: Hold the highest absorbency rate on the market and can hold a heavy dribble. They also tend to be the thickest and longest options on the market.

What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know

Menstrual pads vs. Incontinence pads: You also need to make sure you are using incontinence pads for urine leakage and not menstrual pads or period underwear. Many people assume menstrual pads or underwear can be used, but this is not the case. Nseyo says that menstrual pads often lack absorbability, cannot hold as much fluid as incontinence pads, and do not have the same moisture-wicking capabilities.
Absorbancy level: The level of absorbency you need will depend on how much leakage you experience and how often. Charles Ascher-Walsh, MD, senior system vice-chair for gynecology and division director for urogynecology at Mount Sinai, recommends adult diapers for individuals who need a product to hold a full bladder since they were designed to hold more urine than pads.
When to change them: As for how often you should change your pad, Nseyo says it depends on what triggers leakage and how frequently it happens. You should change an incontinence pad as soon as it becomes damp or soaked with leakage. A damp or moist pad will likely irritate your skin if left unchanged.
Odor control: When wearing an incontinence pad, especially on the go, an important characteristic is that the pad is discrete and that it masks odors. Pads are available in both unscented and scented to assist with the masking smells. But Ascher-Walsh recommends avoiding scented pads because they are more likely to irritate skin and cause allergic reactions.
Materials and comfort: One way to assess the pad’s comfort is to check which materials are used. Nseyo says most incontinence pads contain absorbent polymers and a cotton top sheet. She advises individuals with sensitive skin to look for breathable fabrics or brands specifically designed for sensitive skin to reduce irritation and improve comfort. Also, if you have sensitive skin but higher absorbency pads are uncomfortable, you can use a thinner pad and change it more frequently.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

According to Winograd, incontinence is a sign that something in your body isn’t functioning as it should, so it’s always worth discussing this experience with a healthcare provider. But there are some symptoms that should be addressed right away, she says. These include:

Sudden onset of incontinence after not having issues before.
Blood in the urine, which can indicate infection, kidney stones, or more serious conditions like bladder cancer.
Pain during urination or in the pelvic region, which may suggest an infection or other underlying conditions.
Frequent or urgent need to urinate, but only passing small amounts. This could be a sign of an infection or bladder blockage.
Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can contribute to incontinence or indicate an issue with bladder function.

If you are experiencing incontinence, it is likely affecting your day-to-day activities or emotional well-being, says Winograd. In this case, it’s time to see a healthcare provider to explore treatment options, she says.

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