You're Not Alone — and There's No Shame
Millions of Canadian adults manage incontinence every single day.
It affects seniors, new mothers, cancer patients, and adults with many medical conditions.
The right products let you live confidently, work normally, and sleep peacefully.
But the product aisle is confusing — diapers, pull-ups, pads, briefs, guards, all different.
This guide explains every category so you can choose confidently at Yaletown Medical Supplies.
Read it privately, share it with your caregivers, and use it as your reference.
Understanding Incontinence Types
Stress incontinence:
- Small leaks with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting.
- Common after childbirth, prostate surgery, and with aging.
- Usually managed with lighter products like liners or pads.
Urge incontinence:
- Sudden strong urge followed by immediate loss.
- Common with overactive bladder, Parkinson's, and after stroke.
- Usually requires moderate to heavy absorbency products.
Overflow incontinence:
- Bladder does not empty fully, causing frequent small leaks.
- Common with prostate problems and nerve damage.
- Usually requires steady absorbency throughout the day.
Functional incontinence:
- Physical or cognitive limitations prevent reaching the bathroom.
- Common with dementia, severe arthritis, and mobility limitations.
- Usually requires maximum absorbency with easy-change designs.
Mixed incontinence:
- Combination of two or more types occurring together.
- Common in older adults with multiple health conditions.
- Product needs depend on the dominant symptom pattern.
Product Category 1: Adult Diapers (Briefs)
Design features:
- Full underwear replacement with tape or hook-and-loop closures.
- Adjustable side tabs for a custom fit.
- Maximum absorbency for heavy incontinence.
- Elastic leg gathers to prevent leakage.
- Wetness indicator strips on some models.
Best for:
- Heavy urinary incontinence (both day and night).
- Bowel incontinence or combined bladder-bowel needs.
- Nighttime protection during long sleep periods.
- Bedridden patients requiring caregiver changes.
- Patients with dementia unable to manage other products.
Not ideal for:
- Active patients wanting discreet daily wear.
- Light or moderate incontinence — more absorbency than needed.
- Users preferring underwear-style pulling on.
Change frequency:
- Every 4-6 hours during the day for skin health.
- Sooner if fully soiled to prevent skin breakdown.
- Overnight products designed for 8-hour wear.
Product Category 2: Pull-Up Underwear (Protective Underwear)
Design features:
- Pull up like regular underwear — no tape closures.
- Soft, fabric-like exterior for discreet daily wear.
- Absorbent core hidden within the underwear shape.
- Tear-away sides for easy removal after use.
- Available in various absorbency levels.
Best for:
- Active adults who want discretion during the day.
- Moderate incontinence patients still mobile and independent.
- Users who can change themselves in a bathroom.
- Elderly patients wanting to preserve dignity and normalcy.
- Adults transitioning from pads to more absorbent products.
Not ideal for:
- Bedridden patients — hard to change without standing.
- Very heavy incontinence — briefs may be needed.
- Users with severe cognitive limitations.
Change frequency:
- Every 4-6 hours during the day.
- Between activities or before leaving the house.
Product Category 3: Incontinence Pads and Liners
Types available:
- Bladder control pads — designed for urinary leakage only.
- Light liners — for stress incontinence and light leaks.
- Moderate pads — for regular light-to-moderate urinary incontinence.
- Heavy pads — for moderate-to-heavy needs while preserving dignity.
- Male guards — anatomically shaped for men's needs.
Design features:
- Adhesive strip to attach to regular underwear.
- Various sizes and absorbency levels.
- Wetness lock technology to prevent leaks.
- Odor control features in most modern products.
Best for:
- Stress incontinence with occasional light leaks.
- Post-surgery recovery with temporary incontinence.
- Postpartum recovery in the first weeks.
- Users still using the bathroom normally between events.
- Discreet daily wear with regular underwear.
Not ideal for:
- Heavy incontinence requiring full-coverage products.
- Overnight protection needing higher absorbency.
- Users unable to reach the bathroom during events.
Product Category 4: Under-Pads and Bed Pads
Types available:
- Disposable bed pads — single-use for hospitals and home care.
- Washable/reusable bed pads — machine washable for daily use.
- Wheelchair pads — smaller sizes for chair seats.
- Chair pads — for recliners and living room chairs.
Design features:
- Absorbent top layer that draws fluid away from skin.
- Waterproof backing to protect surfaces below.
- Various sizes from small to king-bed dimensions.
- Some include tuck-in flaps for mattress security.
Best for:
- Overnight protection under bed sheets.
- Wheelchair or recliner use during the day.
- Backup protection layered with adult diapers.
- Post-surgery recovery in the first weeks.
- Bed-bound patients requiring caregiver changes.
Change frequency:
- Disposable pads: change after any leak or every 8-12 hours.
- Reusable pads: change and wash after each leak event.
Product Category 5: Skin Care Products
Essential skin care products:
- Barrier creams — protect skin from moisture (zinc oxide, dimethicone).
- Cleansers — no-rinse or pH-balanced skin cleansing wipes.
- Moisturizers — restore skin barrier after cleaning.
- Wipes — flushable or disposable for quick clean-ups.
- Powders — reduce moisture in skin folds (use sparingly).
Best skin care routine:
- Clean skin gently after each incontinence event.
- Pat dry — never rub — with a soft towel.
- Apply barrier cream to prevent moisture damage.
- Change products promptly to prevent prolonged exposure.
- Inspect skin daily for redness or breakdown.
Absorbency Levels Explained
| Level | Best For | Product Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Stress incontinence, small leaks | Liners, thin pads |
| Moderate | Regular daily leaks | Moderate pads, thin pull-ups |
| Heavy | Heavy urinary incontinence | Heavy pads, standard pull-ups |
| Overnight | 8-hour nighttime wear | Overnight pull-ups, briefs |
| Maximum | Total incontinence, bowel needs | Adult briefs (diapers) |
How to choose:
- Start with the lowest level that prevents leaks.
- Higher absorbency doesn't mean better — bulk and cost matter.
- Combining a lighter product with an under-pad works for many users.
- Different levels for day and night usage save money.
Sizing Guide
How to measure:
- Waist size — measure around the waist at natural waist level.
- Hip size — measure around the widest part of the hips.
- Compare to package chart — sizing varies between brands.
Common size ranges:
- Small — 26-32" waist typically.
- Medium — 32-40" waist typically.
- Large — 40-49" waist typically.
- X-Large — 49-59" waist typically.
- Bariatric — sizing available for larger patients.
Signs of wrong size:
- Too small — red marks, discomfort, leaking through legs.
- Too large — gaps at the legs, product shifting, leaking through gaps.
Best practice:
- Try one package before buying in bulk.
- Buy from a store like Yaletown where you can ask questions.
Male vs Female Considerations
Male-specific products:
- Male guards — anatomically shaped for the front.
- Pull-ups for men — designed to fit male body shapes.
- Overnight briefs for men — larger front absorbency zones.
Female-specific products:
- Pads shaped for female anatomy — wider middle for coverage.
- Postpartum pads — larger size for pregnancy recovery.
- Overnight pads — extended length for sleeping.
- Pull-ups for women — narrower waist and hip fit.
Unisex products:
- Adult briefs (diapers) often unisex with universal shape.
- Under-pads and bed pads are always unisex.
- Skin care products work for everyone.
Vancouver-Specific Considerations
Climate factors:
- Vancouver's humid climate affects skin health under products.
- Change products more frequently in humid summer months.
- Watch for fungal issues in skin folds during warm weather.
Active lifestyle:
- Vancouver's active culture encourages continued outdoor activities.
- Pull-ups allow beach walks, hiking, and social outings comfortably.
- Modern products enable normal daily life without limitations.
Home care coordination:
- Vancouver Coastal Health provides some incontinence supplies.
- Home care agencies help with changing schedules for bedridden patients.
- BC PharmaCare covers some products for eligible patients.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
See your family physician for:
- New-onset incontinence at any age.
- Sudden change in incontinence severity.
- Blood in urine at any time.
- Painful urination with incontinence.
- Recurring urinary tract infections.
- Fecal incontinence at any age.
- Interference with sleep, work, or social life.
Specialists who help:
- Urologist — bladder and urinary tract conditions.
- Gynecologist — women's pelvic health issues.
- Colorectal surgeon — bowel incontinence conditions.
- Physiotherapist — pelvic floor rehabilitation.
- Geriatrician — comprehensive senior care.
Many types of incontinence improve with treatment:
- Pelvic floor exercises help stress incontinence.
- Medications help overactive bladder.
- Physical therapy improves many types.
- Surgery corrects some structural causes.
What Yaletown Stocks
Absorbent products:
- Adult briefs (diapers) in various sizes and absorbencies.
- Pull-up protective underwear for men and women.
- Bladder control pads and liners in multiple absorbency levels.
- Male guards for men.
Under-pads:
- Disposable bed pads in standard and large sizes.
- Reusable washable under-pads for daily use.
- Wheelchair and chair pads.
Skin care:
- Barrier creams to protect from moisture damage.
- No-rinse cleansers and wipes.
- pH-balanced skin cleansers.
Additional supplies:
- Disposal bags for used products.
- Disposable gloves for caregivers.
- Odor control products.
Visit our store at 1255 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver, BC for expert product selection.
We are open 7 days a week, except statutory holidays.
Common Questions
Will BC extended health insurance cover incontinence products?
Some plans cover incontinence supplies with a physician's prescription documenting need.
Is incontinence a normal part of aging?
Common in older adults but never "normal" — many types are treatable.
Can men use products marketed for women?
Some can, but male-specific products fit better and prevent front leaks.
How many products do I need per day?
Most users need 4-6 changes daily for skin health and comfort.
Do overnight products really last 8 hours?
Yes — overnight-rated briefs and pull-ups are designed for full-night wear.
What causes skin rashes with incontinence products?
Prolonged moisture, friction, and skin pH changes cause most rashes.
Can I flush wipes down the toilet?
Only wipes specifically labeled "flushable" — regular wipes clog plumbing.
How do I dispose of used incontinence products?
Wrap in disposal bags and place in regular household garbage.
Are washable products more environmentally friendly?
Yes — but only if you can manage the extra laundry consistently.
Do I need a prescription to buy incontinence products?
No — Yaletown sells all incontinence products without prescription.
Get Expert Help at Yaletown Today
Call (236) 466-2141 or visit 1255 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver, BC.
Written by Ozgur Alacaba, Turkish-licensed Pharmacist (2004-2026) and Owner of Yaletown Medical Supplies. Not registered with CPBC.
Yaletown Medical Supplies | 1255 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver, BC | Open 7 days a week, except statutory holidays