HOW TO USE INCONTINENCE UNDERPADS
What exactly are underpads?
Also referred to as bed pads or chux, underpads are absorbent sheets used on furniture, beds, automobile seats or anywhere an added layer of protection is necessary. Available in a variety of sizes and in both reusable and disposable forms, bed pads are a staple of incontinence care in home settings, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Underpads are also used for a variety of other medical and non-medical purposes ostomy pouch care, feeding tube changes, and wound management to pet training, youth toilet training, and even for home crafting.
The History of 'Chux'
Chux pads were one of the original brands of incontinence underpads; and much like Xerox is to photocopying or Kleenex is to tissue, 'Chux' became a part of English vernacular in reference to disposable bed pads. The original 'chux' pad was an invention of necessity whereby nurses in care facilities fashioned cheap fabric around newspaper to lessen the frequency of remaking soiled patient beds. It is believed that the name came from the pad's disposable nature - the newspaper was simply 'chucked' when wet.
COMMON UNDERPAD FEATURES
Reusable or Disposable
Functionally, there is little difference between reusable and disposable bed pads, however, some prefer the economic advantage of washable bed pads rather than the convenience of disposables.
Absorbent Core Materials
Disposable underpads consist of an absorbing polymer that turns liquid into an odor-retaining gel. Reusable bed pads use quilted rayon or poly-rayon fabric. Fabric cores are economically and ecologically friendly, however, the moisture-wicking properties of disposable pads are superior.
Backing Material
Disposable bed pads are made with a plastic backing which may make them predisposed to slipping. Some versions have adhesive strips to keep the pad in place. Reusable bed pads have a fabric backing that will be quieter and stay in place.
Size
Underpad sizing varies from manufacturer to manufacturer but generally range from 17 x 24 inches up to 40 by 57 inches. Larger bed pads are used for mattress coverage and smaller pads are most effective on chairs and other furniture. Multiple pads can be used for full coverage.
Airflow
Several forms of underpads are available to accommodate special requirements for bedridden or physically inactive individuals as well as those who use low-air loss mattresses or airflow therapy beds. Airflow underpads and air-permeable bed pads are designed to minimize heat and moisture build-up.
Strength
Some incontinence underpads not only protect surfaces but also act as a multipurpose patient positioning sheet. Usually of the reusable variety, these bed pads come in a variety of strengths accommodating patients up to approximately 400 pounds and often include handles for easy gripping.
Layering Techniques
Dressing a bed for incontinence will depend on the patient’s absorbency needs and incontinence level.
- Begin with a waterproof mattress cover directly on top of your mattress or over your existing fabric mattress pad for added comfort.
- Add bed pads as follows: 1 to 3 for light or moderate incontinence and 3 or more in an overlapped fashion for heavier incontinence.
- Cover all layers with standard fitted bed sheets. For those suffering from heavy incontinence or for those who do not wish to experience moisture on the sheets, add another layer of bed pads on top of the standard sheet.
PROTECTING A BED FROM INCONTINENCE OVERFLOW
Troubleshooting
My bed pad keeps slipping out of place.
If your bed pad keeps slipping off, securing it in place by putting it underneath the fitted sheet can help. You can also use a zippered fitted sheet to prevent the bed pad from moving around or try bed pads with adhesive strips.
The underpad is making my bed too warm.
If you find your bed pad makes your bed feel too warm and uncomfortable, you should try using a breathable bed pad. These moisture-wicking bed pads are extremely helpful in regulating the temperature in your bed by utilizing airflow to prevent the accumulation of heat and sweat.
The bed pad is noisy or uncomfortable.
Bed pads with a plastic layer can make a squeaking noise. If you find this uncomfortable to sleep through, try a bed pad with a soft top sheet. The soft layer on top will feel much more comfortable and it will not make any noise as you move around.