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Pads, Pull-Ups or All-in-Ones? Choosing the Right Continence Product
Continence products have come a long way. Modern pads and pants are thinner, more absorbent and far more discreet than they used to be. Choosing the right type makes a real difference to comfort, skin health, dignity and cost.
Key takeaways
- Match the product to leakage level, mobility and who does the changing.
- Most leaks come from the wrong size, not the wrong absorbency.
- Underpads protect beds and chairs but don't replace a continence product.
- Free advice is available from the National Continence Helpline: 1800 33 00 66.
Start with three questions
- How much leakage? Light drips, moderate, or heavy and overnight?
- How mobile is the person? Can they stand, walk and use the toilet independently?
- Who changes the product? The person themselves, a family member, or a carer?
Pads and liners
Pads sit inside close-fitting regular underwear. They're discreet and the most economical option for light to moderate leakage in people who are independent.
Pull-up pants
Pull-ups look and feel like underwear and are pulled up and down. They suit people who are mobile and want to keep toileting independently, with moderate to heavy leakage.
All-in-one briefs (with tabs)
Tab-style briefs open fully and fasten at the sides, so they can be changed while the person is lying down. They suit heavy leakage, overnight use and people with limited mobility who are cared for in bed.
Underpads for beds and chairs
Disposable underpads protect mattresses, chairs and wheelchairs. They're a second line of defence, used alongside a continence product rather than instead of one.
Quick guide
| Need | Good starting point |
|---|---|
| Light leakage, independent | Pad or liner |
| Moderate–heavy, mobile | Pull-up pants |
| Heavy, overnight or bed-bound | All-in-one brief |
| Protecting bedding or furniture | Underpads, alongside the above |
Getting the size right
Most leaks come from the wrong size, not the wrong absorbency. Measure around the waist and the widest part of the hips and use the larger measurement against the size chart. A product that's too big gapes at the legs; one that's too small is uncomfortable and can mark the skin.
More absorbent isn't always better
Using a heavier product than needed costs more and keeps the skin warmer. Match absorbency to need, change products promptly when wet, and consider a different product for day and night.
Get an assessment
A continence nurse or GP can check for treatable causes and recommend products. In Australia, the National Continence Helpline (1800 33 00 66) offers free, confidential advice. Some people can get help with costs through the NDIS, aged care programs or the Continence Aids Payment Scheme, depending on eligibility.
Day vs night
Many people use a lighter, more discreet product during the day and a higher-absorbency product overnight. That keeps daytime costs down and helps prevent night-time leaks that disrupt sleep.
Common reasons products leak
- Wrong size: too big gapes at the legs; too small doesn't cover.
- Not fitted properly: leg cuffs should sit in the groin crease and the product should be pulled up snugly.
- Layering: two pads together often leak more, because the outer layer stops the inner one absorbing.
- Left on too long: once saturated, any product will leak.
- Wrong product for the type of leakage: faecal incontinence often needs a full brief rather than a pad.
Cost per change
Compare products on cost per change, not pack price. A cheaper product that needs changing twice as often, or leaks onto bedding, usually costs more overall. Cartons generally give a lower cost per change for products used daily.
Shop continence care
Pads, pants, all-in-ones and underpads, delivered Australia-wide in plain packaging.
Pads, pants & liners →Disposable underpads →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between pull-ups and adult nappies?
Pull-ups are pulled on like underwear and suit people who are mobile. All-in-one briefs (often called adult nappies) open with side tabs, so they can be changed lying down, and usually hold more.
How often should continence products be changed?
Change products when they're wet or soiled and at regular times through the day. Leaving a wet product on increases the risk of skin damage and odour.
How do I choose the right size?
Measure the waist and the widest part of the hips and use the larger measurement with the brand's size chart. Sizes differ between brands, so check each time you try a new product.
Can I get help paying for continence products?
Depending on eligibility, help may be available through the NDIS, aged care programs or the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) through Services Australia.
Related guides
- Protecting Skin in Continence Care: A Practical Routine for Carers
- Buying Health Consumables With NDIS Funding: A Practical Guide
- Bathroom Safety for Ageing at Home: 10 Practical Changes
Sources and further reading
- Continence Health Australia
- Services Australia (Continence Aids Payment Scheme)
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
- My Aged Care
Last reviewed: October 2026 by the Innovation Project team.
This article is general information only and isn't a substitute for advice from a doctor, nurse or other health professional who knows your situation.