Click on Product Advisor for help choosing between the different types of pads and devices.

If you are unsure how heavily you leak and would like some help and advice, go to bladder leakage.

Small Disposable Pads

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Disposable small pad

What are small disposable pads?

These are small, simple disposable absorbent pads worn inside close-fitting underwear. They are sometimes called insert pads, liners or shields. Some brands are unisex. Other small disposable pads are designed and marketed for women, but these are also used by many men.

The pads are usually shaped to fit the body (although some are simply rectangular. Most have an adhesive strip on the back to help secure them to underwear. The top layer, which is in contact with the skin, is made of a non-woven material that allows urine to pass through easily to keep the skin dry. The absorbent core of the pads is made from fluffed wood pulp fibres, usually combined with super-absorbent polymer powder, which turns to gel and retains the urine in the pad. Most small absorbent pads have a waterproof outer backing.

When do small disposable pads work best?

Research has shown that small disposable pads provide good absorbency and protection for men with light bladder leakage.¹

It is important that they are worn in pants that will keep them securely in place against the body.

They may be less effective at absorbing leakage when in bed, because gravity may cause urine to flow away from the pad. A larger pad design that provides more coverage may be more effective.

What about fitting?

Most men find small disposable pads easy to put on or change as they just need to be inserted into close-fitting underwear.

If you do not have good use of your hands, you may find this difficult, and you may also find it hard to remove the covering of the adhesive strip on the back of the pads.

Pads can be hard to change in a sitting position unless you can lift your bottom off the chair and move from side to side lifting one buttock off the chair at a time.

They can also be put on or changed easily by a helper. If you need a helper to change your pads, you will need to find a product that suits you and is also easy for your helper.

What other products could ‘mix and match’ well with small disposable pads?

Some men manage their bladder leakage successfully using only small disposable pads.

However, others find using different product types at different times works best.² Some men prefer disposable pouches or male pads, but because these can be substantially more expensive, men may choose to use cheaper small disposable pads while they are at home and pouch or male pad products when they go out.¹

Male devices such as a sheath or clamp may also be a useful alternative.

A male pad, a larger pad, pull-ons or all-in-one pad may work better than small disposable pads when in bed.

Selecting disposable pads

Disposable pads are available in a range of absorbencies. Generally, as the absorbency increases so does the size and bulkiness of the pad. Choosing which will work best for you involves finding the right balance of absorbency and discretion.

It may be a good idea to start with a thinner, less absorbent pad and then increase the absorbency if necessary until you find one that works for you.

If you need help determining how light or heavy your leakage is, click here.

If one brand of pad doesn’t suit you, it may be worth trying a different one before moving onto a different product type. Some manufacturers of disposable products will send you free samples in the post for you to try. Look out for advertisements in magazines and on the internet.

Disadvantages of disposable pads

It can sometimes be difficult to keep a small disposable pad securely in place. Close-fitting pants with good all over elasticity will hold the pad in place more securely than standard underwear.

Some men experience chafing or rubbing from raised or elasticated parts of pads. Adhesive elements of pads can become stuck to the skin accidentally and can hurt when removed.

Some people find that they are allergic to some of the materials that disposable pads are made of and find that they have to stop using them.

Where can I get small disposable pads?

Many types are available through retail outlets such as pharmacies and supermarkets, the internet or direct from suppliers. Not all products are available worldwide. See below for links to suppliers and products in your part of the world.

Disposable Pouches

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Disposable pouch

What are disposable pouches?

Disposable pouches are pocket-shaped pads which the penis fits into. They are intended to be worn inside close-fitting underwear. Like many other small disposable pads, most pouches have an adhesive strip on the back to help secure them in place.

The outer surface of a pouch is a waterproof membrane, normally covered with a soft non-woven fabric for comfort. The interior surface is made of a non-woven material that allows urine to pass through easily to keep the skin dry. Between these two surfaces is a thin absorbent core made from fluffed wood pulp fibres combined with super-absorbent polymer powder, which turns to gel and retains the urine in the pad.

When do disposable pouches work best?

Some men find disposable pouches are a useful and discreet product for light bladder leakage. In one study, they performed poorly compared to small disposable pads and male pads, but they may work well for you.¹

They may be less effective at absorbing leakage when in bed, because gravity may cause urine to flow away from the pad. A larger pad design that provides more coverage may be more effective.

What about fitting?

Disposable pouches are not difficult to put on or change as long as you have reasonably good use of your hands. If not, you may find managing the pouch difficult, including removing the covering of the adhesive strip on the back of the pouch.

Pouches can also be put on or changed quite easily in most positions by a helper. If you need a helper to change your pads, you will need to find a product that suits you and is also easy for your helper.

Guides to fitting pouches are usually available on the pad packet or the manufacturer’s website.

What other products could ‘mix and match’ well with disposable pouches?

Many men find using different product types at different times works best.²

Because disposable pouches can be expensive compared to simple small disposable pads, some men use the cheaper small disposable pads while they are at home and a pouch when they go out.¹

Male devices such as a sheath or clamp may also be a useful alternative.

A larger pad, pull-ons or all-in-one pad may work better than a pouch when in bed.

Selecting disposable pouches

Disposable pouches are available in a range of absorbencies. Pouches that are more absorbent tend to be more bulky so choosing which will work best for you involves finding the right balance of absorbency and discretion.

It may be a good idea to start with a thinner, less absorbent pouch and then increase the absorbency if necessary until you find one that works for you.

If one brand of pouch doesn’t suit you, it may be worth trying a different one before moving onto a different product type. Some manufacturers of disposable products will send you free trial samples in the post. Look out for advertisements in magazines and on the internet.

Disadvantages of disposable pouches

Pouches are expensive compared with standard small disposable pads.

Some men find that they can be difficult to keep in place and that the penis can easily slip out.

Once they are wet, it can be difficult to re-insert the penis as the absorbent core swells up and effectively ‘closes’ the opening to the pouch.¹ This can be a problem if the pouch is already wet and you use a toilet whilst you are out.

Some people find that they are allergic to some of the materials that disposable pouches are made of and find that they have to stop using them.

Where can I get disposable pouches?

They are available through retail outlets such as pharmacies and supermarkets, the internet or direct from suppliers. Not all products are available worldwide. See below for links to suppliers and products in your part of the world.

Disposable Male Pads

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Disposable male pad

What are disposable male pads?

Male pads are small disposable pads designed specifically for men. They are one of two male-specific pad designs (the other is the pouch design). They are sometimes called shields, leafs, guards or shaped pads for men.

Male pads are intended to be worn inside close-fitting underwear, where they are held in place by an adhesive strip on the back of the pad. They are slightly elasticated at the outer edges to form a cup shape so that they fit neatly around the penis and scrotum. The top layer of the pad, which is in contact with the skin, is made of a non-woven material that allows urine to pass through easily to keep the skin dry. The absorbent core of the pads is made from fluffed wood pulp fibres, usually combined with super-absorbent polymer powder, which turns to gel and retains the urine in the pad. The outer backing is waterproof.

When do male pads work best?

Male pads provide good absorbency and protection during the day for men with light bladder leakage. One study found that they performed better than other pad designs for men with light bladder leakage and they are more popular.¹

They may be less effective at absorbing leakage when in bed, because gravity may cause urine to flow away from the pad. A larger pad design that provides more coverage may be more effective.

What about fitting?

Most men find male pads easy to put on or change as they are simply inserted into close-fitting underwear.

If you do not have good use of your hands, you may find it difficult to remove the covering of the adhesive strip.

Male pads can also be put on or changed quite easily in most positions by a helper. If you need a helper to change your pads, you will need to find a product that suits you and is also easy for your helper.

Guides to fitting male pads are usually available on the pad packet or the manufacturer’s website.

What other products could ‘mix and match’ well with male pads?

Some men manage their bladder leakage successfully using only male pads.

However, others find using different product types at different times works best.² Because male pads can be expensive compared to simple small disposable pads, some men use the cheaper small disposable pads while they are at home and male pads when they go out.¹ Male devices such as a clamp may also be a useful alternative.

A larger pad, disposable pull-on pads or all-in-one pad may work better than a male pad when in bed.

Selecting male pads

Male pads are available in different absorbencies. Male pads that are more absorbent tend to be more bulky, so choosing which will work best for you involves finding the right balance of absorbency and discretion.

It may be a good idea to start with a thinner, less absorbent male pad and then increase the absorbency if necessary until you find one that works for you. Research has found that performance varies between different brands of male pad and some have been found to be much better than others.¹ It is hard to say whether a particular brand of male pad will work well for you without trying it.

If one brand of pad doesn’t suit you, it may be worth trying a different one before moving on to a different product type. Some manufacturers of disposable products will send you free trial samples in the post. Look out for advertisements in magazines and on the internet.

Disadvantages of male pads

They are expensive compared with standard small disposable pads.

Some men have reported discomfort from urine in contact with the skin of the scrotum.

Some men find that they are allergic to some of the materials that disposable leafs are made of and find that they have to stop using them.

Where can I get male pads?

Many types are available through retail outlets such as pharmacies and supermarkets, the internet or direct from suppliers. Not all products are available worldwide. See below for links to suppliers and products in your part of the world.

Small Washable Pads

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Small washable pads

What are small washable pads?

Small washable pads are re-usable versions of small disposable pads.

They are usually shaped and have a waterproof backing. Non-waterproof backed versions are used with pants that have a waterproof area. They are designed to be worn close to the body and secured in place by close fitting stretch pants or underwear.

When do small washable pads work best?

Small washable pads may provide adequate absorbency during the day for some men with very light bladder leakage¹, or those who experience only occasional light leakage (perhaps just after urinating) and want some form of protection “just in case”.

They are unlikely to be effective at absorbing leakage when in bed, because gravity may cause urine to flow away from the pad. A larger pad design that provides more coverage may be more effective.

What about fitting?

Small washable pads are easy to put on or change as they are simply inserted into close-fitting underwear.

Small washable pads do not have an adhesive strip or wings, so they need be securely held in place by close-fitting underwear if they are to stay in place.

What other products could ‘mix and match’ well with small washable pads?

Many men with bladder leakage find using different product types at different times works best.²

A small washable pad might be a useful and economic product for use whilst at home, whereas other more expensive pads such as male pads, or male devices may be more reliable when away from home or doing something more active.

Disadvantages of small washable pads

Some men have found that they are difficult to keep in position. A product which can move around is more likely to leak.

They require washing and you have to be prepared to carry wet products when out.

The layer in contact with the skin is generally made out of polyester, a material regularly used in other clothes. However like any fabric, you could have sensitivity to it.

Where can I get small washable pads?

Many types are available through retail outlets such as pharmacies and supermarkets or direct from suppliers - see links below. You can see which regions in the world the suppliers operate in from the suppliers table.

Disposable pull-on pads

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Pull-on pads - Disposable pants with integral pad

What are disposable pull-on pads?

These are a disposable all-in-one product in which an absorbent pad and pants are combined. They are sometimes called Protective Underwear, Pull-ons or Pull-ups. They are available in a range of absorbencies, so that some are suitable for light bladder leakage.

The pants part of the product is made of a non-woven fabric and is elasticated all over to give a close fit and keep the pad in place In recent years newer designs have been introduced to the market that more closely resemble cotton underwear with the elastication concealed within the material. Some are designed specifically for men, resembling boxer shorts or men’s briefs, and in more masculine colours (e.g. grey or black, striped).

When do disposable pull-on pads work best?

Little research has been done about how well these products perform for light bladder leakage. However, similar products for moderate to heavy incontinence perform well.³ If your bladder leakage is very light, the level of absorbency provided by these products may not be necessary for you, at least during the day.

They may be less effective at absorbing leakage when in bed, because gravity may cause urine to flow away from the pad. An all-in-one pad that provides more coverage and protection from leakage may be more effective.

What about fitting?

Disposable pull-on pads are put on just like your usual underwear, and so they are easy to use if you are able to dress yourself. However, changing the pants means removing outer clothing. Doing this once or twice a day may be acceptable but any more frequently might be an unacceptable inconvenience, and may be difficult when away from home.

If you are dependent on a helper for putting on and changing your pants, you might need to find a product that suits you and is also easy for your helper to change. If you can stand for short periods or roll from side to side when in bed, then disposable pants can be quite easily put in place by a helper. However, every time you change the pants you would need to take outer clothing off, which may be time-consuming. Disposable pants are very hard to change in a sitting position. It might take some practice with you and your carer to get a system that works for you.

What other products could ‘mix and match’ well with disposable pull-on pads?

Many men with bladder leakage find using different product types at different times works best.²

Disposable pull-on pads are a relatively expensive product so if cost is a concern, you may not want to use them every day and if you have very light incontinence they may be an unnecessary expense.

Some men may use disposable pants when they are out and about, but simpler and cheaper pad when at home. Some may use disposable pants during the day but an all-in-one for added protection at night.

Selecting disposable pull-on pads for light bladder leakage

Disposable pull-on pads are made in different absorbencies, the more absorbent products being more bulky.

If you have light bladder leakage it is probably best to start with the lightest absorbency available and see how it works for you.

Disadvantages of disposable pull-on pads

Disposable pants are a fairly expensive product, so if cost is a concern for you it may be best to consider using other products some of the time.

Some men find that they are allergic to some of the materials that disposable pants are made of and find that they have to stop using them.

Where can I get disposable pull-on pads?

Many types are available through retail outlets such as pharmacies and supermarkets, the internet or direct from suppliers. Not all products are available worldwide. See below for links to suppliers and products in your part of the world.

Washable Pants

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Washable Pants

What are washable pants?

Washable pants are designed to look similar to normal underwear but have a built in absorbent pad. They are available in a range of designs including Y fronts, briefs and boxer shorts.

When do washable pants work best?

Washable pants may provide adequate absorbency during the day for some men with very light bladder leakage¹, or those who experience only occasional light leakage (perhaps just after urinating) and want some form of protection "just in case”. Men have very varying opinions of washable pants and tend to either like them a lot or strongly dislike them.¹ They are good at staying in place and are a relatively discreet product, and so are most popular for men with light leakage who are particularly active.

They may not be effective at absorbing leakage when in bed, because gravity may cause urine to flow away from the pad. A larger pad design may be more effective.

What about fitting?

Washable pants are put on just like your usual underwear. This means removing outer clothing. Doing this once or twice a day may be acceptable but any more frequently might be an unacceptable inconvenience.

If you are dependent on a helper for putting on and changing your pants, you might need to find a product that suits you and is also easy for your helper to change. If you can stand, even for short periods or roll from side to side when in bed, then washable pants can be quite easily put in place by a helper. However, every time you change the pants you would need to take outer clothing off, which may be time-consuming. Washable pants are very hard to change in a sitting position. It might take some practice with you and your carer to get a system that works for you.

What other products could ‘mix and match’ well with washable pants?

Many men with bladder leakage find using different product types at different times works best.²

You might consider using disposable pads when you are going out and washable pants when you are at home or doing a particular activity, or vice versa. This way you may get the benefits of both designs when you need it with minimum additional laundry and maximum cost effectiveness.

It is possible to use a small disposable liner with these pants which may provide additional absorbency.

Selecting washable pants

As washable products generally do not perform as well as disposable products in terms of leakage, it is probably sensible to buy the most absorbent product. Remember that the absorbent capacity stated by the manufacturer will probably be a measurement of maximum capacity and this may be far higher than the amount that the product will hold in use.

It is important to ensure a good close fit to give the product the best chance of working. Take your waist / hip measurement accurately to ensure a good close fit.

Pants are often available in different designs and the size and absorbency of the pad part might be different depending on the design you choose. If one design doesn’t suit you, it may be worth trying a different one before moving onto a different product type.

Disadvantages of washable pants

Washable pants do not perform as well at containing leakage as disposable pads for light incontinence so there is a higher risk of leakage with the washable product.

The cover stock material is generally made out of polyester, a material regularly used in other clothes. However, like any fabric you could have sensitivity to it.

These products have to be washed and reused so are only suitable if you are happy to do this. A washing machine is best as they have a tendency to discolour after regular hand-washing.

Where can I get washable pants?

Many types are available through retail outlets such as pharmacies and supermarkets, the internet or direct from suppliers. Not all products are available worldwide. See below for links to suppliers and products in your part of the world.