Bed Pads: Avoid the Unpleasant Consequences of Involuntary Nighttime Accidents

Overnight bed pads help keep you and your bed sanitary and dry. The pads (bed chucks) absorb urine that leaks overnight and protect your mattress and other surfaces. These pads can be used on furniture, couches, car seats and wheelchairs. 

When Do You Need a Bed Pad?

For those dealing with incontinence, accidents in bed can be a common occurrence. 

Chucks help ensure mattress hygiene by shielding the mattress from bodily fluids. They help make clean-up easier, reduce odor and prolong the life of the mattress. 

Individuals who may benefit from the use of a bed pad include: 

• Those who aren’t able to use the toilet effectively at night. 
• Those who frequently experience leakage or incontinence at night. 
• Those who spend a majority of the day in a chair, bed, or wheelchair. 

Types of Bed Pads

Although all bed pads serve the same purpose, there are different styles to meet your individual needs. 

• Reusable: These absorb more liquid than disposable versions and can be washed in a washing machine to save on cost. 
• Disposable: Typically, these are larger than reusable chucks, and are quick changing, and replaced with each use. 
• With Wings: Wings are flaps on either side that can be tucked under the mattress to hold the pad in place.
• With Adhesives: These are an alternative to wings and use adhesive tape to help the pads stay in place through the night. 
• Tuckable: They are larger and heavier than other products and designed to be tucked underneath a mattress. 
• Air-Permeable: Best for bed-ridden patients because they are tear resistant and allow air to circulate while keeping skin dry. 
• Airflow Underpads: Typically, these are used on a low-airflow therapy bed to promote air circulation.

Benefits Of Using Bed Pads

Chucks are an easy incontinence solution that protects and covers a large surface area without a lot of effort.

• Higher Absorbency Levels: Bed pads are typically more absorbent and provide additional protection above simply using an incontinence pad or adult diaper alone. 
• Promotes Good Hygiene: Because disposable chucks are thrown away after each use, they are considered more hygienic.
• Save Money: Reusable pads are designed to be washed several times, which provide the same protection at a lower cost, saving money each month. 
• Stress-Free: Disposable or washable bed pads give you peace of mind that you and your furniture will be protected and sanitary.  
• Additional Benefits: A few additional benefits you’ll find from using incontinence pads include: 
• Provides an extra layer of coverage when combined with diapers or pull-ups. 
• Convenient, flexible, and easy to use. 

What You Should Look for in a Bed Pad

To find a product that is both effective and comfortable, there are a few features you should look for: 

• Make sure they use soft, comfortable material that won't irritate the skin, especially for immobilized patients. 
• Check for a fast absorption speed and adequate sizing. Especially for sudden, or heavy incontinence. 
• Look for features that retain urine even when moved or adjusted.
• Be sure the pad grips the bed sheet and stays flat. 
• Check whether a product provides built-in odor control. 

How To Use Bed Pads: Layering Techniques

Using a bed pad may take a little time to get used to. However, applying them is an easy process. The right layers ensure optimum protection. 

For light/moderate incontinence

• Base layer: waterproof mattress cover
• Second layer: 1–3 bed pads
• Final layer: standard bed cover

For heavy/severe incontinence

• Base layer: waterproof mattress cover
• Second layer: 3 or more pads staggered over each other
• Final layer: standard bed cover

If you prefer to avoid wetting your standard bed cover, you can add an additional chuck over the final sheet to prevent slippage.

FAQs About Bed Pads

How to wash reusable incontinence bed pads?

Most bed pads should be machine washed after each use in cool or warm water and dried on a low tumble dry setting.

What are bed pads made out of?

The majority of chucks are constructed with a surface that is a soft fabric, the middle uses cotton or beads to absorb liquid, and the bottom is waterproof to keep the liquid from leaking out. 

A Better Solution to Sleep

For many people, incontinence can lead to a poor quality of sleep which can compound other health issues and psychological factors. Incontinence bed pads keep your bed dry and ensure you are comfortable so you can have a good night’s sleep.