Incontinence pads absorb and appropriately contain urine and feces. They have absorbent layers that promote the rapid passage of urine through the absorbent and force the fluids to remain in the central part of the absorbent. The core typically contains a super-absorbent powder that turns liquids into gels while keeping the skin dry. The best products are disposable ones with super-absorbent powder that reduces moisture on the skin, inflammation and the risk of leaking. We will deal with both the pads to apply and the panties, both standing and lying down, starting with Step 1 below.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use a tampon
Standing
Step 1. Talk to the person (man or woman) about the procedure
As it is a very personal operation, it is important that this person has full confidence in you and knows exactly what to expect. If she has questions or feels uncomfortable, encourage her to talk.
- If this is your first time helping her, introduce yourself. Ask her if she has a way to apply the tampon of her own, and if so, if she can show you how she is best at doing it.
- If this is your first time too, show her the product, explain how it is applied and, if possible, have her choose to stand or lie down. Standing is the easiest option if she is able to move around and do it on her own.
- Sanitary pads are used for light incontinence. If this person has a more substantial problem, the use of panties should be considered.
Step 2. While standing behind her and helping her take off her clothes, check the condition of her skin
Skin moisture from incontinence pads doesn't necessarily cause damage, but it could. Wet skin temperature is lower than dry skin, and it also has lower blood flow. Dry and warm skin is ideal.
If you find any wounds, first clean the area with cotton wool dipped in hydrogen peroxide or betadine. Start on the inside of the wound and work your way out. Allow the area to dry before proceeding further
Step 3. Throw away the old sanitary pad, if any
If she is already using a tampon, gently take off her underwear, take off the tampon and throw it away. Immediately afterwards, wash your hands to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Step 4. Prepare the tampon
Remove the adhesive backing from the new pad and fold the pad in half lengthwise like a hot dog. This facilitates its insertion.
Step 5. Apply the tampon, starting from the front
Have the person spread their legs slightly. Insert the tampon between her legs and cover her crotch from front to back. This method decreases the chances of contamination between the urethra and anus.
Step 6. Finish with the back of the tampon
Spread the back of the pad across your buttocks and place the front over the crotch to cover the area. This ensures proper positioning and avoids leaks.
Step 7. Help the person get dressed
Put your pants or whatever you're wearing back in place. Make sure your sanitary napkin and underwear are comfortable. Check that everything is in order and fix it if necessary.
Lying down
Step 1. Explain the procedure to the person, if necessary, in order to gain their trust and cooperation
This is a very personal operation, for which you are likely to feel insecure or judged. Reassure her that it is nothing big and that it will only take a few seconds.
- If this is your first time helping her, be friendly! Talk to her about how tampons typically wear, if this is her favorite brand, and what you can do to stick to her routine. If she says to change sanitary pads often, suggest using sanitary panties, which are more suitable for more frequent and copious episodes, while sanitary pads are good for light ones.
- If possible, give her a choice of standing or lying down. If she is bedridden or otherwise immobilized, the lying position will obviously be the only viable option. However, if he were able to stand, it would be easier for both of us.
Step 2. Check the groin area
With the person lying down, gently flex their knees and remove their underwear. As you do this, check the area for signs of ulcers or dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) such as redness, swelling and sores.
- To check the area, with the index and middle fingers of the hand touch the area that will be affected and feel if it is hot or cold. Cold skin indicates a lack of blood in the area, while warm skin has good blood circulation.
- If there is a wound, use cotton wool dipped in hydrogen peroxide or betadine. Start on the inside of the wound and work your way out. Allow the area to dry before continuing the procedure.
Step 3. Throw away the old tampon
If she is already using a tampon, gently take off her underwear, take off the tampon and throw it away. Immediately afterwards, wash your hands to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Step 4. Have the person put on their side
Standing behind her, start applying the tampon by spreading the back equally over her buttocks to cover the area. Make sure it is centered and lying flat to avoid potential leaks.
Step 5. Get the person back on their back
To put on the front of the tampon, have her legs spread slightly apart to make this easier for you. Adjust the tampon, unrolling the front evenly over the crotch. This helps put the tampon on the groin in place.
Step 6. Put her underwear back to match the tampon
Make sure the pad adheres to the correct part of the laundry by pressing it against it. Adjust if necessary so that it fits snugly and does not move, and is covered where necessary.
Put her clothes back on, as they were originally
Method 2 of 2: Using Absorbent Panties
Standing
Step 1. Explain the operation
Especially if this is your first time helping this person, make them comfortable by explaining how much you will do, talking to them about their panties and asking them about their habits. Encourage her to ask questions and tell you if she feels uncomfortable.
- Panties are used for severe incontinence and come in different shapes. If the person complains about that specific model, let them know there are other possibilities.
- Make her choose whether to stand or lie down. Standing is easier for both of you if she can support herself. If she is stuck in bed or unable to stand, lying down is the only choice.
Step 2. Help her take off her clothes and check her skin
If she's already wearing a panty, help her take it off and throw it away. If you can, check her skin. Is it clean and dry? If it's cold, it's likely wet; if it is hot, it has sufficient blood flow and is dry.
If there are any wounds, stop the procedure. Use cotton wool dipped in hydrogen peroxide or betadine. Start on the inside of the wound and work your way out. Allow the area to dry before continuing the procedure
Step 3. Unfold the panty and then close it to its length
Make sure it is fully open and that the panty is in perfect condition. Then, fold the panty to its length, so as to create a central line that makes it easier to insert it between the legs.
Quickly check the panty. Is it the right size? Are there any holes or tears?
Step 4. Have the person lift the buttocks
You will also need to widen your knees slightly as you insert the incontinence panty under your pants or dress. Any help I can give you will make this easier and faster.
Step 5. Insert the panty between the legs from front to back
Have her spread her legs if necessary. This maneuver helps reduce the possibility of transferring microbes between the anus and the urethra.
Step 6. Position the back of the panty
Unfold the back of the panty and place it in line with the crotch. Have her pull up the panty on the other side. Correct alignment of the panty helps to avoid any leaks.
Step 7. Position the front of the panty
Cup the front part over the groin to prevent leaks on the skin. Make sure it is comfortable for her and that she is arranged well.
Step 8. Lock the panty
Now you can start sticking the stickers along the waist. You can start from the left or from the right. Typically incontinence panties have 4 stickers, 2 on the left and 2 on the right.
- Slowly pull the upper adhesive into the waistband of the chosen side and attach it to the other side of the panty.
- Pull the bottom sticker of the chosen side and attach it to the other side of the panty. Do the same with the other side.
- Make sure it's not too tight or too loose for air to pass through.
Step 9. Rearrange your clothes
For aesthetic reasons, make sure the panty is smooth and flat, without creases. After securing the waist, invite the person to lift their buttocks as you dress them. Rearrange her clothes.
Lying down
Step 1. Explain what you are about to do
To gain her trust and cooperation, it is best to explain the procedure to her first. The idea of needing someone's help with this personal matter can make a person very vulnerable and, at times, make them uncomfortable; do your best to keep her calm.
- The panties are used for those suffering from severe incontinence. How many panties do you change per day? Do you find this model particularly comfortable? If not, there are many models and brands to try.
- If the person can stand, it is preferable. It would make it easier for you to help you and make it quicker. However, if this is not possible, even lying down is fine.
Step 2. Open the panty
Fold it in the center lengthwise to create a line that serves as a base to line it up between the buttocks.
Check the panty briefly to make sure there are no tears or holes and that it is the right size
Step 3. Put the person on their back
Check their skin for ulcers or dermatitis (skin inflammation), redness, swelling and sores.
- To check the area, with the index and middle fingers of the hand touch the area that will be affected and feel if it is hot or cold. Cold skin indicates a lack of blood in the area, while warm skin has good blood circulation. Wet skin can lead to infections if not cleaned properly.
- If there are any wounds, stop the procedure. Use cotton wool dipped in hydrogen peroxide or betadine. Start on the inside of the wound and work your way out. Allow the area to dry before continuing the procedure.
Step 4. Start placing the panty
Stretch the lower part of the panty on the buttocks; the line you created earlier along the panty should be between the buttocks, so that the panty is evenly distributed between the buttocks.
Step 5. Put the person on their back
This will make it easier for you to apply the front of the panty. Stretch out your front, cupping it over your crotch so that it fits snugly.
For men, position the penis downwards to avoid possible leakage
Step 6. Close the panty
Follow the crotch contour to close the panty. This is the most natural, comfortable and anti-leak position. Attach the stickers following the manufacturer's instructions (likely 2 per side).
Make sure it is neither too narrow nor too loose for air to pass through. The panty must be snug but comfortable
Step 7. Help her get her clothes back on
Smooth out any creases for aesthetic reasons; often the problem with panties is that the person finds them too visible. Reassure her that they are okay and help her rearrange her clothes if necessary.
Advice
- There are many types of waistless panties on the market, designed for both men and women and some are unisex.
- For bedridden people, change their position every two hours to avoid prolonged pressure on any part of the body that can lead to sores.
