FAQ About Incontinence Briefs

Do you care for someone that needs to wear incontinence briefs? Maybe you have an older child with a disability who is not able to control their bladder or bowels. Or maybe you care for an aging adult who has an overactive bladder.

Whatever the case may be, incontinence briefs are usually necessary when one cannot use a toilet or has trouble getting to the bathroom in time. The more you know about incontinence briefs, the better you can care for your loved one’s needs.

To help you learn more, here are the answers to four frequently asked questions about incontinence briefs.

1. Why Are Incontinence Briefs Available in Different Styles and Sizes?

There are many reasons why incontinence briefs are not one-size fits-all. If the briefs are too large, they could easily leak. Large incontinence briefs might also bunch up in one spot and irritate the skin. If the briefs are too small, they are very uncomfortable to wear. Briefs that are too tight might also tear easily or cause skin rashes.

In worst-case scenarios, incontinence briefs that are too small and tight could result in nerve damage and pain. Blood flow restriction might become a problem for someone who wears briefs that are too small.

To find the right size of incontinence briefs, you will need to measure the waist and hips of the person wearing them. You might also need to know their weight. Along with different sizes, incontinence briefs come in a variety of styles. These styles include:

• Pull-ups
• Tabbed

2. How Do Incontinence Briefs Affect the Skin?

The correct size and style of brief helps to protect the skin. However, even when a person wears the right incontinence brief, skin breakdown can still occur. Wearing incontinence briefs all day and night doesn’t allow the skin to breathe, which contributes to skin breakdown. The breakdown of skin usually occurs on the genitals, buttocks, and inner thighs.

These areas of the body often produce excess moisture. When this moisture is combined with the constant use of incontinence briefs, yeast infections can occur. One way to combat skin problems and yeast infections associated with incontinence briefs is to clean and dry the area right after a void or bowel movement.

This means the briefs will need to be changed several times during the day, and they might even require a change at night. You can also protect your loved one’s skin by applying barrier creams that contain zinc. If a yeast infection or bacterial infection on the skin occurs, anti-fungal medications or antibiotics may be necessary.

3. Does Insurance Cover Incontinence Briefs?

If the person wearing incontinence briefs meets certain guidelines, Medicaid covers incontinence supplies for the following individuals:

• People who are aging
• Adults with disabilities
• Children with complex health care needs

Medicaid recipients need to prove they have a qualifying diagnosis and a prescription from their doctor. Many private health insurance plans also cover incontinence briefs. Some private insurance plans will only cover a certain number of incontinence briefs each month. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover incontinence briefs.

4. Where Can Incontinence Briefs Be Purchased?

You can buy incontinence briefs at a supermarket or pharmacy. However, those who wear incontinence briefs all day and night and who are on an insurance plan that covers them should purchase them from a reputable medical company, such as Corner Home Medical.

We offer incontinence briefs in a wide range of sizes and styles. Contact us today to see how we can provide you or your loved one with high-quality incontinence briefs and supplies.