How to Change and Position an Incontinence Pad: A Guide for Caregivers

Choosing the Right Incontinence Pad for Your Needs

Before changing an incontinence pad, it is good to ensure that the product is suitable for the person's needs.

You ought to factor in the following:

• The severity of urinary or bowel leakage

• Daytime or overnight use

• The person's size and body shape

• Whether they are mobile, partially mobile or bedridden

• The type of product being used, such as an absorbent pad, shaped pad or all-in-one adult nappy

A pad that is too large may shift out of place and leak. If you go for one that is too small you may not provide enough coverage.  Make sure you follow the MoliCare®’s sizing guide to help you choose the absorbency level that matches the care-recipients' needs.

You can check out our detailed guide on the types of incontinence pads to help you pick the right one

Preparing for the Pad Change

The right preparation will make the process quicker, safer and more comfortable.

So, before you begin:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser

• Put on disposable gloves

• Gather everything you need, including:

  • A clean incontinence pad.

  • Disposable bed protector (if needed)

  • Gentle skin cleanser or cleansing wipes

  • Soft towel or disposable drying cloth

  • Barrier cream

  • Disposable waste bag

If the person you are caring for is in bed, close the curtains or door to provide privacy and ensure the room is comfortably warm. Keep them covered as much as possible during the pad change, only uncovering the areas necessary for personal care.  

Step-by-Step: How to Change and Position an Incontinence Pad

Step 1: Help the Person into Position

If the person is lying in bed, gently roll them onto one side with the upper leg slightly bent for support. Place a disposable bed protector underneath if required.

If they are able to stand safely, changing their pad while standing may be an easier option.

Step 2: Remove the Used Pad

You can then carefully undo the fastening tabs if you are using an all-in-one product or remove the used pad from the underwear.

Roll the soiled product inwards before disposing of it hygienically.

Step 3: Clean and Protect the Skin

Wash the intimate area using warm water or a PH-balanced cleanser.  You can check out our MoliCare® Skin Cleansing Foam which provides gentle, no-rinse cleansing for sensitive intimate skin. It is ideal for daily continence care. 

Once you have done so, pat the skin dry.

Take a moment to inspect the skin for redness, soreness or signs of irritation.

• If the skin is healthy, apply a protective barrier cream if appropriate. A barrier cream such as MoliCare® Skin Barrier Cream can help protect skin from moisture, strengthen the skin's natural barrier and reduce the risk of irritation caused by prolonged contact with urine or faeces. Its zinc oxide-free formula also won't affect the absorbency of incontinence pads or pants, making it suitable for everyday continence care.

• If the skin shows signs of mild redness or irritation, you can apply a zinc oxide cream to help protect the skin and soothe the affected area. 

Tip: In case you notice broken skin, persistent redness or signs of pressure damage, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Step 4: Position the Clean Pad

The fitting method will depend on the type of incontinence product you are using.

For absorbent pads

Place the adhesive strip securely inside close-fitting underwear, ensuring the absorbent section is centred correctly.

For pull-up incontinence pants

Help the person step into the garment and pull it up like ordinary underwear, making sure it fits comfortably around the waist and legs.

For all-in-one adult nappies

• Fold the product lengthways before fitting

• While the person is lying on their side, slide half of the product underneath the hip

• Gently roll them back onto their back and pull the remaining half into position

• Bring the front section between the legs and fasten the tabs evenly on both sides

Step 5: Check the Fit

Before finishing, make sure:

• The product fits snugly without being too tight

• There are no creases around the groin

• The leg cuffs are positioned correctly

• The fastening tabs are secure

• The person feels comfortable

A well-positioned pad should stay in place without restricting movement.

How Often Should an Incontinence Pad Be Changed?

Changing frequency depends on the level of incontinence and the absorbency of the product. In fact, regular changes help reduce skin irritation, minimise odours and improve comfort.

As a general guide:

• Light absorbency products should be changed whenever they become wet

• Moderate to high absorbency products are commonly changed two or three times a day

Overnight products should usually be replaced in the morning. Never delay changing a pad that has become heavily soiled or if the person requests a fresh one.

For more detailed advice on changing frequency, including the signs that it’s time for a fresh pad, read our guide on how regularly you should change an incontinence pad

 

Preserving Dignity During Personal Care

Some people tend to find it difficult to accept help with intimate care. As a caregiver, you can do your utmost best to make the experience more positive by:

• Respecting the person's privacy

• Explaining each step before carrying it out

• Encouraging them to help where they can

• Keeping them covered whenever possible

• Ensuring they stay warm throughout the change

• Speaking calmly and reassuringly

Protecting Yourself While Providing Care

Changing an incontinence pad should not place unnecessary strain on your body. You should also make sure to protect and take good care of yourself.

Here are a few ways to do so:

• Encourage the person to assist with movements where possible

• Roll the person rather than lifting them

• Bend your knees and use your leg muscles instead of your back

• Avoid twisting while supporting their weight

• Walk around the bed rather than leaning across it. If the person cannot assist with movement, it is best to ask another caregiver for help or use appropriate moving and handling equipment if available

Choosing the Right Incontinence Pads Makes All the Difference!

Providing effective continence care starts with choosing the right products. Daily care will be much easier if you go for well-fitting, highly absorbent incontinence pads combined with suitable skin care products and correct positioning techniques. This way you will spend less time worrying about leaks and more time focusing on the wellbeing of the person under your care.

With several different options available, our guide to the different types of incontinence pads can help you understand which product may be best suited to the person you care for. This way, you can spend less time worrying about leaks and more time focusing on their comfort and wellbeing.

FAQs

How often should an incontinence pad be changed?

The frequency depends on the person's level of incontinence, the absorbency of the product and whether it has become wet or soiled. As a general guide, pads should be changed as soon as they become saturated or uncomfortable. If you are caring for someone with moderate to severe incontinence, the pads should be changed two to three times a day, although individual needs may vary.

How do I know if an incontinence pad is fitted correctly?

A correctly fitted incontinence pad should sit snugly against the body without really feeling too tight. There should be no gaps around the legs or waist and no creases in the material. The product should stay securely in place during movement. 

Can I use ordinary skincare products during incontinence care?

It is best to go for skincare products specifically formulated for incontinence care. MoliCare® has tailored PH-balanced cleansers and barrier creams to help protect delicate skin from prolonged exposure to moisture without trading off on absorbency of incontinence pads or pants.

What should I do if the skin becomes red or sore?

Check the skin during every pad change for signs of redness, irritation or damage. Mild irritation may be alleviated with a protective barrier cream or zinc oxide cream designed for incontinence care. You can consult a GP or healthcare professional if signs like redness persist, the skin breaks down or pressure sores develop.

What type of incontinence pad is best for someone with limited mobility?

People with limited mobility often benefit from high-absorbency products such as shaped pads with fixation pants or all-in-one adult nappies with fastening tabs. The ideal choice depends on the person's level of incontinence, mobility, body shape and individual care needs.

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