Washable underpads for the bed are essential for anyone (a young person or older adult) who struggles with bowel or urinary incontinence. They protect your clothes, your bed and furniture from accidents and can be easily washed in the washing machine when they do get soiled.
These reusable incontinence bed pads are made of absorbent materials that can hold several cups of liquid, making them ideal for protection from spills and leaks.
The incontinence pads that we will be reviewing in this article are by Conkote – a medical supplies company. Bed pads are just one of the many products that they offer.
Reusable underpads are designed with a liquid-proof barrier and a layer of absorbent material, which helps to keep your skin dry and comfortable.
Conkote Underpads are made out of comfortable materials and are available in three different sizes: Standard (18”x24”), Large (34”x36”) and X-Large (34”x52”).
The Standard size is designed for use on chairs and car seats and sofas. The two larger size pads can be used on a king size bed to a twin bed. All of the Conkote Underpads have high absorbency levels and are machine-washable.
Reusable bed pads are a great way to save money, as they can be used over and over again. They’re also more environmentally friendly than disposable options. If you or a loved one suffers from incontinence, washable underpads can make life a lot more comfortable.
Conkote Underpads are available now on Amazon.com. Order yours today and start enjoying the benefits of washable underpads!
Additional Protection With A Waterproof Mattress Pad
If you need or simply want some additional layers of protection for your bed you can add a waterproof mattress pad to the bed and then place the bed underpad above it.
Waterproof mattress pads are a great way to add an extra layer of protection to your bed. They can give you a little more peace of mind knowing that your mattress is completely protected.
…nearly 51 percent of people aged 65 and older living at home reported bladder and/or bowel incontinence. Bladder incontinence was reported by just under 44 percent and bowel incontinence by just over 17 percent.
webmd.com
I used a waterproof mattress protector for my mother and it truly helped to keep her mattress clean and dry.
There are a few things to keep in mind that can help you choose the best mattress pad for your needs.
- You want to make sure that the pad fits snugly on your mattress. You don’t want it to be too big or too small, as this can cause problems.
- Make sure that the pad is made from a breathable material. This will help to keep your bed dry and comfortable.
- You want to make sure that the pad is easy to clean. Some pads are machine washable, while others require hand washing.
Advantages Of Washable Waterproof Bed Pads For Elderly
As we get older, our skin gets thinner and more delicate. Incontinence can cause skin irritation, rashes, and even sores. Disposable bed pads are made of harsh chemicals and fragrances that can further irritate sensitive skin.
A washable adult diaper or a waterproof pad on the bed can offer a much better solution for those with incontinence. Washable incontinence bed pads are usually made of cotton or bamboo. These materials are gentle on the skin and should not cause irritation.
In addition, washable pads are better for the environment since they generate less waste than disposable pads.
When choosing an absorbent bed underpad, make sure to select one that is the right size for your bed. The pad should be large enough to cover the entire area where you will be sleeping.
It is also important to choose an absorbent bed pad product that is comfortable to sleep on and does not bunch up, make noise or move around during the night.
That’s what we love about the Conkote underpads – they satisfy all of these requirements.
What Are Washable Bed Pads Made Of?
Washable bed pads are usually made of a cotton or polyester blend top layer, with a polyurethane or PVC bottom layer. The top layer is often quilted for extra absorbency. These bed pads can be used on their own, or with disposable incontinence products for added protection.
To ensure that bed pads remain effective at absorbing moisture even after being washed multiple times, many manufacturers add a special waterproof backing to their products.
This backing helps to prevent leakage and keeps the pad from becoming saturated with moisture. These sheet protectors are also treated with an antimicrobial agent to help protect them against bacteria and fungal growth.
How Do You Wash Washable Underpads?
Washable underpads are a great way to keep your furniture and bedding clean and dry. But how do you wash them?
Here are some tips on washable options:
- Wash underpads in cold water on the gentle cycle.
- If they are “extra stained” you can soak them in cold water for 20 minutes.
- Use a mild detergent or one specifically designed for delicate fabrics.
- Some people like to add baking soda or vinegar to the wash. Baking soda is said to help get rid of stains and odors, while vinegar is known for its disinfecting properties.
- Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can reduce the absorbency of the underpad.
- Rinse the pad thoroughly.
- Hang or lay flat to dry. Do not put in the dryer.
Following these simple tips will help you keep your washable underpads in good condition and working properly.
The Conkote bed pads can withstand up to 300 washes which gives it a very long lifespan.
What Do You Soak Reusable Pads In?
To soak your reusable pads, you’ll need:
- A sink or basin filled with cold water.
- A small amount of mild detergent like castile soap or Active Wear Laundry Detergent.
- A clean towel.
Add a small amount of mild detergent to the water and swish it around. Gently scrub the pads with your hands to clean them.
Rinse the pads thoroughly with cold water. Squeeze out any excess water and lay them flat on a clean towel to dry.
With proper care, your reusable pads should last for years!
How Do You Keep Reusable Pads From Smelling?
Odor control of urinary and bowel incontinence is very important for any senior and family caregiver. It’s just one of the reasons that washable bed underpads are so popular.
You can keep reusable pads from smelling by soaking them in a vinegar or 3% hydrogen peroxide solution after each use.
This will help to kill any bacteria that may cause the pads to smell. You can also sprinkle a little baking soda on the pads to help absorb any moisture and reduce the likelihood of bacterial growth.
There are a few things you can do to keep reusable pads from smelling.
- Wash them thoroughly after each use. You can either hand wash them or put them in the washing machine as we mentioned above.
- Air dry them completely before storing them away.
- Store them in a cool, dark place. If you follow these tips, your pads should not smell bad.
What’s The Best Way To Store Reusable Pads?
The best way to store reusable pads is in a dry, breathable place. Many people like to keep them in a cloth bag, which also makes them easy to grab when you need them. Others simply keep them in a drawer or bin.
Whichever method you choose, just make sure they’re not sitting in moisture, which can lead to bacteria growth.
Do You Need a Special Case for Reusable Pads?
You don’t necessarily need a special case for reusable pads, but many people find that it helps to keep their pads organized and easy to grab when they need them.
Do Reusable Pads Save Money?
In general, reusable underpads can save you money over time when compared to disposable ones.
Disposable underpads typically cost around $0.50-$1.25 each, while a good quality reusable underpad can cost $20-$40. So if you use one disposable underpad per day, switching to a reusable underpad would save you quite a bit of money.
Even if you only use reusable pads part of the time, you’ll still save money in the long run. A good quality reusable pad can last for years with proper care, which means you won’t have to keep buying disposable bed pads.
Plus, many people find that reusable pads are actually more comfortable to use than disposables, which can be very important to the person laying or sitting on them.
Are Reusable Pads Better for the Environment?
Definitely. Disposable pads create a lot of waste, both in terms of the packaging and the actual pads themselves. By switching to reusable pads, you can help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Are Reusable Pads More Comfortable?
This is a matter of personal preference, but many people find that reusable pads are actually more comfortable to use than disposables. This is because they’re usually made from softer materials.
How Do You Disinfect Cloth Bed Pads?
As I mentioned above you can either machine wash your bed pads on a regular cycle with detergent, or you can soak them in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water for 20 minutes. Be sure to rinse the bed pads thoroughly after soaking.
Note: Never use bleach to wash or disinfect bed pads. This can quickly damage the material.
How Do You Get Urine Smell Out Of Bed Pads?
Washable underpads for adults can be a great way to save money and control your own destiny when it comes to bedwetting. But how do you get urine smell out of bed pads?
Here are some tips:
- Make sure that the pad is washed frequently. At least once a week is ideal, but more often is even better.
- Use a mild detergent and hot water when washing the pad. The two we mentioned above are Castille Soap and Active Wear Laundry Detergent.
- Consider using a vinegar rinse when washing the pad. This will help to remove any remaining urine odor.
- Make sure that the pad is completely dry before using it again. If possible, hang the pad up to dry in the sun.
- If you find that the urine smell is still present after following these tips, consider using a commercial odor remover specifically designed for use on washable underpads.
How Do You Use Reusable Underpads?
I will be the first to admit that I was a bit skeptical about using reusable underpads when I first heard about them. After all, dealing with incontinence can be enough of a pain as it is – why make things more complicated?
But I’m happy to report that using reusable underpads did make my life a lot easier – and downright cheaper, too!
Here’s how to use them:
1. Place the underpad on the surface you want to protect.
2. If the pad has a waterproof backing, make sure the side with the waterproof backing is facing down.
3. Place a sheet or towel over the underpad if it’s on a seat or sofa.
4. Some pads have a non-skid surface so they won’t slip. Some come with straps or some tape. Use them to help keep the pad in place.
5. When you’re finished using the pad, remove it and wash it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Reusable underpads are a great way to save money and reduce waste. They’re also much more comfortable than disposables. Give them a try the next time you need protection from spills and accidents.
How Do You Keep Bed Underpads In Place?
These pads sometimes come with a strap to be kept in place. The Conkote pads we are reviewing here have a non slip barrier that should not move while you sleep.
Some people use safety pins but I found that was uncomfortable for my mother so I chose to purchase the largest pads available so that I could tuck the ends under the mattress.
If you have any questions about using washable underpads, talk to your doctor or a continence nurse. They can help you choose the right product for your needs and give you advice on how to care for it.
Continence nurses can identify causes, create treatment plans and empower patients with incontinence to be involved in all aspects of their care.
National Library of Medicine
How Much Are Reusable Underpads?
Reusable underpads come in a variety of sizes and styles. Prices vary depending on the size, style, and absorbency level you need. Basic standard size reusable underpads start at around $22, while larger options can cost up to $40.
Final Thoughts
If you or someone you care for has incontinence, you know how difficult it can be to manage.
Washable underpads are a great option for those with incontinence. They are absorbent, comfortable, and easy to wash. Most importantly, they can help to protect your furniture and mattress.
