Best Disposable Bed Pads for Adult Incontinence

TL;DR

Disposable bed pads (also called underpads or chux) protect mattresses, sheets, and furniture from urine leaks. The best underpad for you depends on absorbency (mL/oz), size, backing (leakproof + non-slip), skin comfort (wicking top layer), odor control, and cost per use. For skin health, change pads promptly—absorbent products trap moisture close to skin, which can irritate skin if not addressed quickly.

Key terms

·       Underpad (bed pad/chux): Absorbent pad placed on a bed or chair to catch leaks.

·       Disposable underpad: Single-use underpad; discard after use.

·       Reusable underpad: Washable fabric underpad; launder and reuse.

·       Wicking top sheet: Surface layer designed to pull moisture away from skin.

·       Leakproof backing: Waterproof bottom layer that blocks fluid from reaching bedding.

What is an underpad (bed pad)?

An underpad is a protective pad placed on a mattress, sheet, couch, chair, wheelchair cushion, or car seat to catch urine leaks and reduce laundry. Underpads are often used:

·       as a backup to briefs/diapers

·       as a primary surface protector for light-to-moderate leakage

·       for nighttime protection (common with nocturia or mobility limits)

How to choose the right disposable bed pad

1) Absorbency: match the pad to your leak volume

Not everyone needs maximum absorbency.

Practical rule of thumb: choose a pad that can handle one typical void, not just drips—especially at night. Continence NZ notes a normal adult void is often ~250–400 mL (about 8–14 oz).

How absorbency is labeled:

·       mL/oz capacity (more precise)

·       Light / Moderate / Heavy / Overnight (less precise; varies by brand)

Choosing quickly:

·       Light leaks / “just in case” backup: light–moderate absorbency

·       Moderate leaks without briefs: moderate–heavy absorbency

·       Heavy overnight leaks: heavy/overnight underpad plus a primary absorbent product (brief/diaper) is often more reliable for comfort and warmth

2) Size: protect the “movement zone”

Common disposable sizes include 18×24 in (small), 23×24 in, 24×36 in (popular bed size), and larger formats.

Fit guideline: pick a size that extends several inches beyond the hips and upper thighs on both sides.

·       For furniture/daytime, smaller pads can be more discreet

·       For sleep, larger pads reduce “roll-off” leaks

3) Backing + stability: leakproof and stays put

Look for:

·       Waterproof backing (to prevent strike-through)

·       Non-slip features if you move a lot in bed or place it on leather/wood chairs

·       Strong edge sealing (reduces side leakage)

4) Skin comfort: prioritize “dry feel”

The National Association for Continence notes absorbent products can trap moisture close to the skin, which can become a problem if not handled promptly.
Also look for a wicking surface that pulls fluid into the core and away from skin.

5) Odor control: product claims vs. what works in real life

Some pads advertise odor control. Regardless of claims, the most reliable strategy is:

·       change pads promptly when damp (also helps prevent irritation).

6) Aesthetics (yes, it matters)

Many pads look “clinical.” If appearance impacts dignity (or you’re protecting furniture during the day), consider pads with colors/patterns designed to blend into home décor.

7) Eco-friendly signals (for disposables)

If you prefer disposables but want a sustainability indicator, look for FSC® labeling. FSC describes its labels as indicating materials sourced from responsibly managed, certified forests (with different label types like FSC 100% and FSC Mix).

How to use underpads for best comfort and skin health

1.         Place correctly: center under hips/buttocks; smooth wrinkles to reduce bunching.

2.         Change when damp: moisture against skin increases irritation risk.

3.         Clean and protect skin: gentle cleansing (soap/water or wipes) + consider a barrier cream if skin is sensitive.

4.         Keep backups ready: if using reusables, keep 2–3 available so you’re never waiting on laundry.

5.         Match absorbency to reality: for overnight, choose capacity closer to a typical void (~250–400 mL) when possible.

Key takeaways

·       The “best” disposable bed pad depends on absorbency, size, stability, and skin comfort—not one universal winner.

·       For nighttime protection, aim for a pad that can handle roughly 250–400 mL (8–14 oz) if leaks are significant.

·       Skin health improves when you change damp pads quickly because moisture can irritate skin.

·       If sustainability matters, consider disposables with FSC labeling as one signal of responsible sourcing.

FAQs

Can I wash and reuse disposable underpads?

No. Disposable underpads are designed for single use and typically break down if washed.

Is a disposable underpad enough for heavy nighttime incontinence?

Often, heavy overnight incontinence is best managed with a primary absorbent product (brief/diaper) plus an underpad as a backup for overflow.

How often should I change underpads?

Change at least daily (if used overnight), and immediately when damp to reduce skin irritation risk and odor.

Are disposable underpads good for travel?

Yes—disposables are lightweight, foldable, and easy to discard, making them practical for travel.