Incontinence Products

NHS

Incontinence pads and other products and devices can make life easier for you if you're waiting for a diagnosis or for a treatment to work. A wide range of products and devices are available for urinary incontinence. They include:

  • pads and pants
  • bed and chair protection
  • catheters and penile sheaths
  • skincare and hygiene products
  • specially adapted clothing and swimwear

Pads and pull-up pants

The most popular incontinence products are absorbent pads that are worn inside underwear to soak up urine. Pads and pull-up pants use the same technology as babies' nappies and have a "hydrophobic" layer which draws urine away from the surface of the product, so your skin stays dry.

If you have mild to moderate incontinence you can buy thin, discreet pads or pull-up pants for men and women from many supermarkets and pharmacies.

Appliances and bedding

Other useful incontinence products for more severe leaks include urinals (devices that collect urine), or sheaths and drainage systems (if you have a penis).

A variety of incontinence bedding is also available, such as washable bed pads that sit on top of the mattress and soak up any overnight leaks. The pads stay dry to the touch and they can be useful for trips away from home.

Can I get incontinence products on the NHS?

You may be able to get incontinence products on the NHS depending on your local integrated care board (ICB). Ask your GP for details of your local continence service. To qualify for NHS products you may need to be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Where to buy incontinence products

The charity Bladder & Bowel UK gives independent advice on products that can help manage bladder and bowel problems. For more information on products and how to order them, call its helpline on 0161 214 4591 or visit the Bladder & Bowel UK website.

The Continence Product Advisor gives independent and evidence-based advice on how to choose and use suitable incontinence products.

Useful resources

This Teachers' Maternity Leave Scheme has been updated to reflect the rules concerning...
EA is committed to ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and with dignity and...
We are delighted to provide this FREE digital toolkit. Designed in partnership with the...
There are a number of health campaigns throughout the year to raise awareness of...
Cancer Focus NI, Keeping Well vans are mobile drop-in units which bring health checks,...
Sometimes when faced with an unplanned or crisis pregnancy it is difficult to discuss it...
This includes: Raising awareness of depression and Aware NI services at a wide range of...
The Menopause Project is an education and research project between Informing Choices NI...
Affected by breast cancer? Join this group to share experiences and ask questions to...
We all have good and bad days but what and when we eat can influence our mood, energy,...
Cancer Focus NI can provide a wide range of presentations to meet the needs of your...
Around one in five women will experience a mental health issue during pregnancy or within...
This programme is a six week training programme for groups of adults and focuses on...
Learn to manage negative thoughts and look at problems differently
Food diary, exercise tracker and diet coach
Support hub for mothers
Track your treatment and wellbeing
Pregnancy and guidance for after birth
Active 10 is a free and easy to use walking app that tracks your walking and shows you...
It’s an easy to follow programme known the world over, and perfect for those new to...
Guided meditations
Handle stress and anxiety on the go
Support for breast cancer
Guided meditations
The availability of free period products in public spaces has been increasing owing to...
Your Mind Plan offers practical ideas and advice to help you boost and maintain your mental wellbeing. Answer the quick 5-question quiz and the Every Mind Matters widget will give you 5 tailored actions to help you feel more in control, improve your sleep, deal with stress and anxiety, and boost your mood – as well as the option to easily swap any actions and to save the whole plan via email.

Articles & Videos

Helplines & Web Chats

Informing Choices NI - Helpline
Royal Osteoporosis Society - Helpline
Macmillan - Forum
Macmillan - Ask an expert
Women's Aid - Forum
Association for Post-Natal Illness Helpline
Women's Aid - Domestic abuse helpline