Incontinence Supermarket

Do you find yourself feeling uncomfortable or experiencing leaks when wearing incontinence pads? It can be a common problem with this kind of product. One of the main causes of such discomfort and unwanted leaks can be that the pads have not been fitted correctly. The way you fit your incontinence products can depend on the users mobility. Fully mobile users generally find that fitting is easiest whilst standing up, whereas those with mobility problems will find the best solution is sitting or lying down with the assistance of a carer or loved one. Here at Incontinence Supermarket, we want to help you with more than just supplying the pads. We have collated fitting guides from the most popular brands of incontinence products, including TENA, Lille, iD Expert, Attends and Abena. Hopefully these guides will help ensure the products are fitted correctly, vastly improving on comfort and absorbency, helping you to avoid those little leaks.

In the UK, about one in eight men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives.

Treatments for prostate cancer can cause side effects, including problems with controlling or passing urine. These problems can range from leaking a small amount of urine now and then to more severe urinary incontinence, which may need treatment.

Possible urinary problems include;

Leaking urine (incontinence), which can range from leaking just a few drops to leaking in a steady slow flow throughout the day and at night

Leaking or dribbling urine when you sneeze, cough or exercise (stress incontinence)

Passing urine more often than usual (more than eight times a day)

Getting up a lot at night to pass urine (nocturia)

A sudden urge to go to the toilet (urgency) needing to go to the toilet urgently, and sometimes leaking before you get there (urge incontinence)

A weaker or slower flow of urine, or problems emptying  

Anyone living with incontinence will understand the importance of keeping skin clean and healthy in order to feel comfortable and fresh all day long. Here we have put together some advice to help you best manage your skin care, or for the person you are caring for.

Excessive moisture around the buttocks, hips, genitals, and the area between the pelvis and rectum makes skin problems such as redness, peeling, irritation, and yeast infections more likely. Plus the increased use of soaps, cleansing chemicals and wash cloths can further put pressure on skin integrity. Cleansing of the Perineal area (the area in front of the anus extending past the vagina or the scrotum) in a timely fashion using gentle but effective cleansers is important for maintaining the integrity of the skin, controlling odours and increasing comfort and self-esteem.

Stay dry It is important to keep dry in order to maintain skin integrity. Our ranges of popular brand incontinence pads have been developed with highly absorbent cores which quickly lock moisture away from the skin as well as having wetness indicators to advise when the pad should be changed to avoid irritation. See individual product descriptions for full details.

Maintain the natural pH level in your skin The skin has a natural pH level of between 4 and 7 whereas standard soaps have a pH level of between 9 and 12. Check the pH level of cleansers prior to use, the lower the level the kinder it is on your skin.

Skin protection Using products that leave a protective barrier on the skin helps to minimize contact with urine or faeces.

Be gentle Damage can be caused by frequent washing and wiping, so when you are cleansing, always do so gently to reduce friction. When drying use a patting motion rather than wiping.

Incontinence Associated with Dementia Dementia Awareness Week, 18th – 24th May 2014 Dementia Awareness Week is a week dedicated to sharing information and support with those who are living with or caring for someone with dementia. It’s also a great time to educate those who may not be aware of Dementia about what it is like to be effected by Dementia, as well as the causes and symptoms associated with it.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s can cause memory loss, confusion, mood changes and difficulties performing day-to-day tasks. This can cause difficulties using the toilet, accidents and incontinence, particularly as the condition progresses. Incontinence can be upsetting for the person as well as for those around them.

Incontinence and toilet problems associated with Dementia Accidents and problems with incontinence can be a caused by;

Slower reaction time to the sensation of needing the toilet

Mobility problems, arthritis, etc. may result in failure to get to the toilet in time

Inability to find, recognise or use a toilet. Unfamiliar surroundings may confuse someone with Dementia, causing them to urinate in an inappropriate place (such as a wastepaper basket) because they mistake it for a toilet.

Not understanding prompts from someone to use a toilet

Not managing personal aspects of toileting, such as undoing clothing and personal hygiene

Embarrassment leading to not allowing someone to help with toileting

Not attempting to find a toilet due to lack of motivation or depression

In more advanced forms of Dementia, damage to the nerve pathways that tell the brain that the bladder/bowel is full can be a cause of incontinence.

Night time incontinence Many older people awake during the night, someone with dementia may awake feeling disorientated and therefore unable to act quickly enough to get to the toilet. The following may help with this;

Motion sensor lights/night lights in the bedroom, corridors and bathroom to help guide the way.

A urinal or commode by the bed.

Avoiding drinking 2 hours before going to bed.

Personal Hygiene Incontinence can cause skin irritation and a general feeling of discomfort. It is important to act quickly after an accident to ensure the person feels comfortable and clean.

When wet or soiled, a person should wash with mild soap and warm water. Dry carefully (patting is recommended) and put on clean clothes and fresh pads.

Soiled clothing, bedding, reusable pads etc should be washed immediately or soaked until they are washed.

Used pads should be stored in an appropriate container and disposed of quickly. Click here to view our disposal products.

Moist tissues and wipes may be used for minor accidents, click here to view our wipes range.

Incontinence Aids Here at incontinencesupermarket.co.uk we are pleased to be able to offer a wide selection of products to help you best manage incontinence. From pads and pants to toilet and bathroom aids.

We have set up our website to make it as easy as possible for you to select the product that is right for you. You can shop by the following options:

By brand : If you already know what product you’re looking for By level of incontinence : To help you identify the products that are best suited to your needs By style : So if you know you prefer a pad to an all-in-one product, you can select just the style for you

We are always looking to provide the best product range at the best possible prices, so if you can’t see what you’re looking for, please get in touch. Or if you have found a like for like product at a cheaper price, we will beat it by 10%! Take a look at our Price Match Guarantee page for more details.

Healthy Bladder and Bowels are important The first step to preventing toilet problems and incontinence is keeping the urinary tract and bowels healthy. The following advice can help with this;

Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids each day, not drinking enough for long periods of time can cause urinary tract infections and constipation. It is advisable to drink more if the individual has hard stools.

A balance diet including at least five daily portions of fruits and vegetables as well as plenty of fibre ensures regular bowel movements.

Mobility helps with bowel movements; if possible, walking each day will be beneficial.

Carers can help to reduce accidents Follow these tips to make it easy for an individual to identify and use the toilet;

Door signs, including bright, bold words and pictures placed within the persons line of sight ensure identification is quick and easy.

Check placement of mirrors inside the bathroom. A person with dementia may confuse their reflection with someone else, mistaking the bathroom as occupied and so not using the toilet.

Ensure the bathroom/toilet is easily accessible. Move any obstructions such as furniture and ensure any doors that may be difficult to open are kept ajar. Well lit corridors and rooms are also key, especially at night time.

For individuals with mobility problems there are various bathroom aids to help. See our range of bathroom aids here, including toilet frames, urinals and commodes.

Make sure clothing can be easily removed by the person themselves. Elasticated waists and Velcro fastenings in place of zips and buttons can be a help.

Give regular reminders about going to the toilet (eg, every 2-4 hours)

Prompting should be done sensitively so as not to come across as patronising or annoying. Watch discreetly for signs that the person needs the toilet, such as fidgeting, pacing, getting up and down or pulling at clothes

Check the person has been to the toilet and has not forgotten or become distracted

Professional Support Given the right advice and patience accidents and incontinence can be managed and sometimes cured. Seeking professional help can be difficult, it may feel like a loss of dignity but is the first step towards making life easier.

A GP will be able to review symptoms and identify any underlying medical conditions, diet or medications that may be causing problems.

GPs are able to refer you to a continence advisor if you are unable to resolve things. There may be a wait for these services, however the continence advisor will assess the problems and put together a continence care plan for you to follow that is tailored to the individual.

Other health professionals can make home visits and offer support, you can be referred to these by your GP;

Community nurses

Occupational therapists

Physiotherapists

Community psychiatric nurses

Ontex are delighted to announce the launch of their new brand – iD This new range builds on the strengths of the Euron brand and features a wide range of products which are suitable for all types of incontinence.

Why the change? The priorities of the manufacturer, Ontex, are the continuous improvement and development of products with the aim of providing users with the best, most innovative products on the market. The change will benefit both users and carers by;

Patient/service user management is both easier and more efficient

Users have the best possible product, maximising comfort, security and discretion  

Euron Form becomes iD Expert Slip iD Expert Slip are All-in-One products offering an effective solution for managing moderate to heavy incontinence. With a high level of absorption, the All-in-Ones provide the user with anti-leakage security and optimal comfort. View iD Expert Slip Range    

Euron Micro becomes iD Expert Light iD Expert Light are products designed for the light urinary losses caused by bladder weakness. Anatomically shaped with new lycra side elastics, this range of products provides maximum discretion, comfort and security. View iD Expert Light Range    

Euron Flex becomes iD Expert Form iD Expert Form are anatomically shaped products offering an ideal solution for managing moderate to heavy levels of incontinence. The new shape has been designed, following extensive market research and panel tests, to ensure maximum comfort, discretion and security. These pads should be worn with iD Expert Fix net pants to ensure that the product fits securely.  View iD Expert Form Range

    Euron Net becomes iD Expert Fix When using the iD Expert Form range of products it is important to wear correct fixation pants. iD Expert Fix net pants have been designed for use with the iD Expert range and are washable.

View iD Expert Fix Range

    Euron Mobi becomes iD Pants iD Pants offer an ideal solution for all levels of urinary incontinence. The Pants can be worn and taken off like any ordinary underwear. These products combine comfort, security and discretion due to their elasticated waist and CottonFeel backsheet. View iD Pants Range    

Euron Wings becomes iD Expert Belt iD Expert Belt are belted products designed for managing moderate to heavy incontinence. They are an alternative to the Slip and Form/Fix products. View iD Expert Belt Range    

Euron Soft becomes iD Expert Protect Designed to provide a high level of protection and softness, these bed and seat pads are made of polyethylene backsheet and soft non-woven top sheet. The diamond-structured distribution of pulp maximises the diffusion of liquid.

We stock a vast range of incontinence products from Tena, Lille, iD Expert, Attends and Abena featuring pads, pants, all-in-ones, chair and bed pads.