DEPENDS pressed-on flimsy seams open up. Depends blame my stick-on pads!
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Depends? Almost every diaper they make is garbage. If Depend Night Defense is better, I would bet they are still composed of "paper" for filling, and they won't last long.
Also, they are NOT cheap. Try $15 for 14 diapers. Bet they wouldn't last more than two days for mild incontinence.
I haven't tried them yet, though I got a couple of samples from Northshore. Problem with them is, they are too expensive, you pay tax, and you pay shipping.
Also, they are NOT cheap. Try $15 for 14 diapers. Bet they wouldn't last more than two days for mild incontinence.
I haven't tried them yet, though I got a couple of samples from Northshore. Problem with them is, they are too expensive, you pay tax, and you pay shipping.
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As I read through this I wondered something about costs of products. I guess I am blessed to not be pinned into a corner because of insurance (course I guess you could argue by default that means I pay for everything fully). The question in my mind is. If a higher dollar product works better meaning I could use less of them in the course of a day then in the end are they a better value?
Example: If I use a product that cost $.45 each + a booster (liner, etc) at $.25 each and use 6 a day then I would spend $4.20/day. But if I use a higher priced (quality) product at $1.50 each but only need 2 (or 3) per day then I spend $3.00/day ($4.50/day).
So if this is a realistic example, buying a more costly product in the end is actually less costly (or $.30more). Couple that with less changes, better feeling as the product get wet, less to dispose of, etc. I vote for the more costly product.
Maybe this isn't a realistic scenario? I guess a large portion of this equation is how much do I leak or void? Of course dictating number of changes a day.
Looking at north shores product (I do use some of their products)Many if not all are rated by hours of usage 8hr or 12hr (Believe me I get it, that may not be applicable to everyone, its a guideline)With these numbers in mind is 2 or 3 changes a day realistic? In the end is the more costly product the better value?
Thoughts?
Example: If I use a product that cost $.45 each + a booster (liner, etc) at $.25 each and use 6 a day then I would spend $4.20/day. But if I use a higher priced (quality) product at $1.50 each but only need 2 (or 3) per day then I spend $3.00/day ($4.50/day).
So if this is a realistic example, buying a more costly product in the end is actually less costly (or $.30more). Couple that with less changes, better feeling as the product get wet, less to dispose of, etc. I vote for the more costly product.
Maybe this isn't a realistic scenario? I guess a large portion of this equation is how much do I leak or void? Of course dictating number of changes a day.
Looking at north shores product (I do use some of their products)Many if not all are rated by hours of usage 8hr or 12hr (Believe me I get it, that may not be applicable to everyone, its a guideline)With these numbers in mind is 2 or 3 changes a day realistic? In the end is the more costly product the better value?
Thoughts?
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@Tim My experience has shown me that products by cheaper brands never work out cheaper as either they're just plain awful rendering them useless or you'll get some unusable ones in the bag meaning in reality they work out no cheaper. I've been stung too many times trying to save money and have tons of useless products lying around.
I think 2-3 changes a day is realistic if you're using high capacity products. I'd also advise against going 12 hours wearing one product as your skin will suffer and sweat will also be absorbed into the nappy meaning it's less effective. Plus, even if the urine is completely wicked away, the nappy gets heavier and thus less discreet so in reality after a big accident, you'll need to change anyway. I use the highest capacity Tena products (the main adult nappy brand in the UK) and with my normal pre and post-dribble without any additional urge accidents I get by on three a day. I put one on in the morning, then change about lunch time, then again in the evening. I also wear protection overnight.
My advice would be to get products with decent wetness indicators and see how often they get triggered throughout the day and find products that don't need to be changed all the time. I was just using guards and pull ups to begin with which didn't have them and when I switched to taped products it was a big revelation about a) how much I was leaking and b) how often I should have been changing.
Using the same brand but less absorbent, cheaper products definitely works out more expensive. You get 22 nappies per pack with the Tena 'Maxi' absorbency but I was easily getting through four-five a day meaning that at most I was getting 5 and a half days out of a pack. Whereas the 'Ultima' pack only comes with 21 in a pack but (barring any big voids) I get by on a three a day meaning they generally last me a full week. I also find a lot of the words to describe absorbency are really disingenuous - the Tena 'Plus' taped products could barely cope with one medium-heavy post-void dribble, let alone a full accident. They certainly didn't seem to warrant the name 'Plus' to me!
I think 2-3 changes a day is realistic if you're using high capacity products. I'd also advise against going 12 hours wearing one product as your skin will suffer and sweat will also be absorbed into the nappy meaning it's less effective. Plus, even if the urine is completely wicked away, the nappy gets heavier and thus less discreet so in reality after a big accident, you'll need to change anyway. I use the highest capacity Tena products (the main adult nappy brand in the UK) and with my normal pre and post-dribble without any additional urge accidents I get by on three a day. I put one on in the morning, then change about lunch time, then again in the evening. I also wear protection overnight.
My advice would be to get products with decent wetness indicators and see how often they get triggered throughout the day and find products that don't need to be changed all the time. I was just using guards and pull ups to begin with which didn't have them and when I switched to taped products it was a big revelation about a) how much I was leaking and b) how often I should have been changing.
Using the same brand but less absorbent, cheaper products definitely works out more expensive. You get 22 nappies per pack with the Tena 'Maxi' absorbency but I was easily getting through four-five a day meaning that at most I was getting 5 and a half days out of a pack. Whereas the 'Ultima' pack only comes with 21 in a pack but (barring any big voids) I get by on a three a day meaning they generally last me a full week. I also find a lot of the words to describe absorbency are really disingenuous - the Tena 'Plus' taped products could barely cope with one medium-heavy post-void dribble, let alone a full accident. They certainly didn't seem to warrant the name 'Plus' to me!
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Questions about these Depends???, From what I found online they are pull ups right??? I found that pull ups only hold very little of wetness and they leak on to your clothes. I prefer to use a tape tab briefs/diaper that is plastic backing. I am willing to pay for these diapers out of pocket. As for depends diapers go they are not a good diaper. I found diapers for a good price on amazon and other medical supply stores online. You just have to do your homework on finding a good diaper that works for you.
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@MRjw48 There are basically two styles of "Depends". One is as you mentioned a pull-up style which come in both Men's and Women's versions and also having several different capacities in each version. The second is a full tape-up style diaper (called Protection with Tabs) that has three tapes per side and is plastic backed. The diaper isn't "premium" by any means but it is way better than any of their pull-ups by a wide margin. Maybe good for 3 or 4 hours depending on your output.
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@Padded53
Depends doesn't even show on their site ANY diaper with "full tape-up", yet alone called Protection with Tabs.
Sorry, but I strongly disagree about such diapers. They are a nightmare. I've commented on them before. They are about 90% impossible to get around your body and attach the "tape-up tabs". And if you're able to accomplish doing so after 20 minutes of torment, you stand up, and they simply come apart!
Sorry, none of that garbage for me. These ill-begotten designs are meant for bed-written, nursing home incontinents who can't hardly move, yet along get out of bed. This way the "workers" (I'd hardly call them nurses)can push the patients over on one side; place part of the diaper there, then push the patient over it to the other side, and yank the other side of the diaper under their side, then pull their bodies around to get their torso in the middle, and put those hideous straps together.
The ONLY way the straps hold for any length of time, is that the patient is just about totally stationary.
Pull-ups are far superior to this utter garbage.
Depends doesn't even show on their site ANY diaper with "full tape-up", yet alone called Protection with Tabs.
Sorry, but I strongly disagree about such diapers. They are a nightmare. I've commented on them before. They are about 90% impossible to get around your body and attach the "tape-up tabs". And if you're able to accomplish doing so after 20 minutes of torment, you stand up, and they simply come apart!
Sorry, none of that garbage for me. These ill-begotten designs are meant for bed-written, nursing home incontinents who can't hardly move, yet along get out of bed. This way the "workers" (I'd hardly call them nurses)can push the patients over on one side; place part of the diaper there, then push the patient over it to the other side, and yank the other side of the diaper under their side, then pull their bodies around to get their torso in the middle, and put those hideous straps together.
The ONLY way the straps hold for any length of time, is that the patient is just about totally stationary.
Pull-ups are far superior to this utter garbage.
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@Tim @Sci_Fi_Fan I think you guys are right on with your reasoning and I find it very realistic and something I have done many times. However here's a slightly different version and what I will most often do.
In the morning I will put on an Abena L4 (or other premium diaper) and add a Male Guard pad in it. Once the pad is full, which takes an hour or two for me, I'll simply change out the pad. I will usually make at least two pad changes before simply using the remaining capacity of the diaper. Doing this I can easily get 8+ hours (often more) out of one premium and several pads. Once the first diaper is full I will do the same thing with a new diaper which will easily last until bedtime. In fact sometimes I will find that the second diaper is barely (if at all) wet and I can use it at night with a heavy folded cotton pad insert. I use a cotton pad at night as it is larger than the disposable pads and has a much higher rate of absorption. Any urine that the pad can't hold simply transfers to the disposable diaper.
I've used this system for years with virtually no leaks but how well this works for others is, as always, dependent on an individuals level of incontinence.
In the morning I will put on an Abena L4 (or other premium diaper) and add a Male Guard pad in it. Once the pad is full, which takes an hour or two for me, I'll simply change out the pad. I will usually make at least two pad changes before simply using the remaining capacity of the diaper. Doing this I can easily get 8+ hours (often more) out of one premium and several pads. Once the first diaper is full I will do the same thing with a new diaper which will easily last until bedtime. In fact sometimes I will find that the second diaper is barely (if at all) wet and I can use it at night with a heavy folded cotton pad insert. I use a cotton pad at night as it is larger than the disposable pads and has a much higher rate of absorption. Any urine that the pad can't hold simply transfers to the disposable diaper.
I've used this system for years with virtually no leaks but how well this works for others is, as always, dependent on an individuals level of incontinence.
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@Sci-Fi-Fan
Nobody seems to understand what I do, and what I want.
I'm only somewhat incontinent from BPH surgery of a very large prostate. In almost 9 months, Kegels did nothing. Most Pelvic-floor exercises (and I've looked up many, besides the measly 3 I was given, I can tell by my body that they are NOT activating the pelvic floor in any respect. Most of these exercises, while performing them, you can clamp down on your sphincter from your anus to the shaft of your penis - that is the bulk of your pelvic floor. If the pelvic floor was engaged, these muscles would not be loose.
In addition, most of these exercises are very straining on my spine from lower back to upper back, and being moderately overweight, this is very stressful to my body.
Frankly, I'm tired of all the PT recommendations, when they follow a script they've been taught, and simply give you several exercises to do, and then you find they do nothing. I've experienced this with spinal PT in past years and simply dismissed the PT.
Back to what I was originally going to answer you. I'm using Depends WITH a thick pad that sticks to its cheap, less than paper-thin liner, then I have a folded paper towel arrangement over that.
I don't WANT to sit in urine-soaked pad, period. That's why I use this arrangement, which doesn't even last for a maximum of TWO nights, as turning from side to side, the penis can dangle towards one side, and the urine simply leaks over the pad, and wets the most cheaply-made piece of junk that Depends markets as a diaper. During non-sleep times, I monitor the wetness of the paper towels. If I drink the modest amount I drink, which is far below the minumum of 32 oz (64 oz., or 8 glasses of water) is what one should be drinking to be fully-hydrated), I still end up having to change the paper towels every 2-3 hours before they get drenched enough to start permeating the pad that is over the inside of the diaper.
I hope this provides you, and others, I better understanding of how I am handling my issue.
I don't want to sit on urine, period. I understand that many who post here have much worse situations than myself, and they HAVE to sit in partially urine-soaked diapers, or they'd be changing them so often, they wouldn't be able to financially afford enough diapers, unless their insurance pays for them, and I'm sure there are quantity limits even there.
Nobody seems to understand what I do, and what I want.
I'm only somewhat incontinent from BPH surgery of a very large prostate. In almost 9 months, Kegels did nothing. Most Pelvic-floor exercises (and I've looked up many, besides the measly 3 I was given, I can tell by my body that they are NOT activating the pelvic floor in any respect. Most of these exercises, while performing them, you can clamp down on your sphincter from your anus to the shaft of your penis - that is the bulk of your pelvic floor. If the pelvic floor was engaged, these muscles would not be loose.
In addition, most of these exercises are very straining on my spine from lower back to upper back, and being moderately overweight, this is very stressful to my body.
Frankly, I'm tired of all the PT recommendations, when they follow a script they've been taught, and simply give you several exercises to do, and then you find they do nothing. I've experienced this with spinal PT in past years and simply dismissed the PT.
Back to what I was originally going to answer you. I'm using Depends WITH a thick pad that sticks to its cheap, less than paper-thin liner, then I have a folded paper towel arrangement over that.
I don't WANT to sit in urine-soaked pad, period. That's why I use this arrangement, which doesn't even last for a maximum of TWO nights, as turning from side to side, the penis can dangle towards one side, and the urine simply leaks over the pad, and wets the most cheaply-made piece of junk that Depends markets as a diaper. During non-sleep times, I monitor the wetness of the paper towels. If I drink the modest amount I drink, which is far below the minumum of 32 oz (64 oz., or 8 glasses of water) is what one should be drinking to be fully-hydrated), I still end up having to change the paper towels every 2-3 hours before they get drenched enough to start permeating the pad that is over the inside of the diaper.
I hope this provides you, and others, I better understanding of how I am handling my issue.
I don't want to sit on urine, period. I understand that many who post here have much worse situations than myself, and they HAVE to sit in partially urine-soaked diapers, or they'd be changing them so often, they wouldn't be able to financially afford enough diapers, unless their insurance pays for them, and I'm sure there are quantity limits even there.
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Ok.
I understand you are angry. Very angry at the let down of your body, the one that used to function fine.
But let's take a minute here to say THANK YOU to the people that have taken time out of THEIR LIVES to try to offer you suggestions.
s
No one is exactly thrilled to be here.
I understand you are angry. Very angry at the let down of your body, the one that used to function fine.
But let's take a minute here to say THANK YOU to the people that have taken time out of THEIR LIVES to try to offer you suggestions.
s
No one is exactly thrilled to be here.
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As I've said several times before, each of us is different and must find a solution that fits our individual needs. We do this through this forum, asking questions, seeking information. For me, and only me, I've been very happy with Depends plus a liner for about 12 years. Over that time period, my incontinence has increased a bit, but the same items still serve me well. I get Depends from Costco for $42 per 80, and the liners from either Costco or Walgreen's for about $12 per pack of 54. I've kept track of these expenses and put them on my tax returns. I'm presently 79, and continue to go out (with my nifty leather briefcase holding my iPad and Depends). One of the positive aspects of being a pianist is, I sit most of the time, playing piano or arranging music on a computer. The key is "sitting". For me, it seems to help block any leaks. But, again, this is me, not you. I really like this forum because it has helped me try different products. But for the future, I'm a "Depend"-able guy. Stay safe and well...
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Yeah, ultimately everyone's needs are different. I just thought I'd share my experiences because by switching to the highest capacity product the biggest brand over here does as my 'main' product, I've saved myself a ton of grief and wish I'd done that earlier and in terms of Tim's question, I've certainly found that switching to higher capacity nappies and changing less frequently has saved me money so thought I'd give some advice. Plus, I've had bad experiences with all the cheaper products I've tried which has resulted in me effectively wasting money or spending more than I was on higher quality products. Indeed, I've got a case of ID Expert gathering dust.
Buying adult nappies is a massive expenditure and I guess we all have our various 'hacks' for making our products go further. Personally, I've found that if I wear any product for more than about six hours my skin starts to get irritated, regardless of how wet the product is so using the same product (even with changing boosters regularly) for too long causes problems for me.
Since I've been managing my incontinence issues with products, I was amazed to find just how much of a minefield buying products was and wish I'd been given more advice sooner. Indeed, it was frustrating just how nonabsorbent a lot of products were. Ultimately, we can only share what works for us and hope it does for someone else. I also found that switching from pads to pull ups and then from pull ups to nappies was a big step each time and quite a psychological hurdle.
Buying adult nappies is a massive expenditure and I guess we all have our various 'hacks' for making our products go further. Personally, I've found that if I wear any product for more than about six hours my skin starts to get irritated, regardless of how wet the product is so using the same product (even with changing boosters regularly) for too long causes problems for me.
Since I've been managing my incontinence issues with products, I was amazed to find just how much of a minefield buying products was and wish I'd been given more advice sooner. Indeed, it was frustrating just how nonabsorbent a lot of products were. Ultimately, we can only share what works for us and hope it does for someone else. I also found that switching from pads to pull ups and then from pull ups to nappies was a big step each time and quite a psychological hurdle.
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Hi SCiFiFAn, I agree that there is a "minefield" out there with buying products and you think you get something that's going to work and then realize that it doesn't. And that turns into a supreme waste of money! And you hit it right on the head when you said we can only share what works for us and hope it does for someone else. I think this forum is of value because we run across people who have similar issues and it's good to see what works for them. But you know your own body better than anyone else! Goes without saying! And you try out what somebody else in a similar situation does. So-and-so may like Brand A brief or pull-up. Your situation is similar to So-and-So's. You find Brand A may work for you or it may miss the mark but only by a narrow margin. Then you need to tweak it. You realize Brand A is workable but you put in a booster pad and then it's completely serviceable for you. And even in that process you know what you don't want and then it's easier to completely avoid wasting money and energy on things that are completely useless for your particular situation.
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baton 999: really appreciate someone saying they've gotten diapers onto the tax form; now we know it is possible. That's been a debate, here. It sound like you might be dealing with the American IRS?
Also, thanks for the financial accounting.
SciFi Fan:
On the skin issue: any luck with the diaper creams or any other?
The "minefield" comment was right on, far as I'm concerned.
Also, thanks for your inclusive attitude! We're all different.
Maybe we all ought to lobby for a handout on these items from the medical field - or have NAFC put together one. Any volunteers to coordinate that? Not so much the "Consumer Reports" issues, although that would be nice. More on the ideas and alternatives to try.
So many newbies, here, have & need the same information, and "search" can be difficult. Or am I missing such a thing, somewhere here?
Remember how often we change babies.
Also, thanks for the financial accounting.
SciFi Fan:
On the skin issue: any luck with the diaper creams or any other?
The "minefield" comment was right on, far as I'm concerned.
Also, thanks for your inclusive attitude! We're all different.
Maybe we all ought to lobby for a handout on these items from the medical field - or have NAFC put together one. Any volunteers to coordinate that? Not so much the "Consumer Reports" issues, although that would be nice. More on the ideas and alternatives to try.
So many newbies, here, have & need the same information, and "search" can be difficult. Or am I missing such a thing, somewhere here?
Remember how often we change babies.
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@AlasSouth I've found putting on Sudocrem when I change in the morning and after showing at night helps a lot. When at home I tend to use powder with each change and when out at work I use antiperspirant creams (as the powder goes everywhere!) and that keeps me rash free. That being said, because I move around a lot during the day, it's pretty much an inevitability that if I don't change at least every 5-6 hours or so I'll get skin issues.
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@Maymay941
Sorry, but I find it rather nervy of you to tell me what I should do. Especially when you have NEVER offered me any help, and you then you write about those who HAVE taken the time out of their lives to offer suggestions? Practice what you preach.
With that said, I THANK ALL OF THE MANY WHO HAVE TRIED TO OFFER HELP, especially the many who are suffering much more than I. I have thanked many of those who have offered their input and ideas. But I add a heart-felt and deep thanks to all these thoughtful posters.
Sorry, but I find it rather nervy of you to tell me what I should do. Especially when you have NEVER offered me any help, and you then you write about those who HAVE taken the time out of their lives to offer suggestions? Practice what you preach.
With that said, I THANK ALL OF THE MANY WHO HAVE TRIED TO OFFER HELP, especially the many who are suffering much more than I. I have thanked many of those who have offered their input and ideas. But I add a heart-felt and deep thanks to all these thoughtful posters.
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Olwi: I had believed that "3 hearts" was a high rating, along with a thanks. I have done a few 2, never a 1. If it intellegent and well-meaning, and inclusive (meaning, there was acknowlegement that it didn't necessarily work for all of us), give it a 3-hearts, whether the idea/tip worked for you or not.
We also learn what comment works by getting a "so-and-so voted your post up".
We also learn what comment works by getting a "so-and-so voted your post up".
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