Guide to Mens Incontinence Underwear Options & Products

This Guide to Mens Incontinence Underwear Options is intended to give you a summary view of the various leak protection products now available to men. The first display gives you a Quick View. Then below it we outline the pros and cons that we've learned or heard about each option.

One important thing to keep in mind is that no matter which men's incontinence underwear option you choose, it's healthiest to always have back-ups handy wherever you go. Prolonged exposure to leaks can cause skin irritation. So change as often as necessary to stay ahead of the situation and to stay comfortable and healthy.

Also, as you review the information below note that most, if not all, of the products have a range of absorbency levels. The descriptions in the 'Protection Level' column differentiate between the products in broad terms. We took this approach to try to give you an idea of what category of product might best fit your needs. Once you determine that you can do further research to understand the brands, options and protection levels within the category.

Quick View Guide to Mens Incontinence Underwear Options

Mens Incontinence Underwear Products | The Pros and Cons of Each

Option: Shield and Guard

Shields: Thin absorbent disposable pads that have a moisture barrier layer and adhesive back to stick to and line your regular underwear. Designed to handle drips and light or infrequent dribbles.

Guards: Thicker version of Shields, also disposable, to take care of more frequent dribbles and leaks. Pros and cons of both products are the same, as below.

Pros:

Uses your own underwear
Easy to carry back-ups discreetly
Discrete protection as long as it’s the right level for you

Cons:

Adhesive on some products don’t stick well causing the pad to move around, which can cause moisture to escape
Regular underwear does not have a moisture-proof barrier to prevent leaks from getting to your clothes if a leak does escape

Option: Disposable Pull-ups

Underwear style garment, like a brief, that pulls on like regular underwear, but is made from disposable, generally papery like materials. Some are made from a “cotton-like” fabric. Designed to handle heavier bladder leaks. Some brands contain chemical additives that turn liquid into a 'gel' to contain it.

Pros:

All-in-one option, no separate pad
More absorption surface area for higher protection
Products that use the 'gelling' process do a good job of containing liquid

Cons:

Can be bulky depending on brand, but if this is the needed protection level then bulkiness is a secondary consideration
Material is papery/plastic-ish, not cloth, and some people find it uncomfortable
For products using the gel process, once the liquid is in 'gel' form, some people think it feels slimy and uncomfortable
Not eco-friendly since these are single use products that help fill up the landfills

Option: Adult Diapers with Tabs

Disposable diapers that fasten at the sides with adhesive tabs. Made from disposable, generally papery like materials. Designed to handle the heaviest leaks, or for less mobile people who cannot get to the bathroom frequently.

Pros:

Designed for heavy leaks
All-in-one option
More absorption surface area so it can take the heavier output
Easiest style for a caregiver or helper to put on if the person is lying down or has difficulty moving around

Cons:

Bulky to wear and fit under clothes. But, if this is the best suited style and needed protection level then bulkiness is a secondary consideration, or non-factor
Material is papery/plastic-ish, not cloth, and some people find it uncomfortable
Not eco-friendly since these are single use products that help fill up the landfills

Option: Washable, Reusable Incontinence Underwear

Real underwear made from fabrics and that has a built-in protective panel. The protective panel consists of absorbent and moisture proof layers made of special fabrics. The panel contains fluid and prevents it from escaping through to clothing. Designed to handle drips, dribbles and light to moderate leaks. Explore options.

Pros:

Discreet profile and design. Looks, feels like regular underwear
Sleeker and less bulky than disposables under clothes
More comfortable since they are made from cloth fabrics
Can be more economical than disposable products since they are reusable
Eco-friendly since they are washable and reusable so easier than disposables on the landfills

Cons:

Lower quality/cost options aren't durable, and may only perform well for a short time
Often laundry care instructions must be followed in order to preserve the absorbent properties, and some products are hand wash, line dry only. However, some brands can be machine washed and tumble dried so easier to care for
Not suitable for people who have little to no bladder control or who have heavy leaks that come all at once

Pocket Incontinence Underwear for use with disposable pads

Washable and reusable incontinence underwear that's made from cloth fabrics and looks like regular underwear, but has a Pocket to hold a disposable incontinence pad.

The first Pocket layer wicks moisture into the pad. The second layer, that goes under the pad, is moisture proof. The Pocket keeps pads in place more securely so protection is more secure. Absorbency level is dependent on pad used. Explore options.

Pros:

Looks, feels like regular underwear so protection is discreet
More comfortable since they are made from cloth fabrics
For people who find that pads work well for them, this option helps them work better
The first pocket layer that goes between your skin and the pad is soft, and it keeps the pad away from your skin. Some men find this more comfortable, and also that skin irritation is reduced

Cons:

The top layer of the pocket over the pad is next to skin and it wicks moisture into the pad. The fabric is quick drying. But if, after a heavy leak, a pad change is needed before it's fully dry inserting a new pad can be a bit cumbersome