Incontinence Pads Comparison: Sizes, Styles, and Products
Tag: incontinence
Published: December 12, 2025
Last Updated: January 13, 2026
Summary
Learn how to choose the right incontinence bed pad for your needs, understand absorbency levels, and see if your insurance covers incontinence supplies.
Choosing the right incontinence pad should be a simple, straightforward task, right? You just look at the products, compare their features, and pick the one you think is right for you. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy.
Incontinence pads are not so simple. They come in many different varieties and are often described with unfamiliar terms that can be misleading. Companies also use different words to describe similar products, making comparisons even more difficult.
But don’t worry. This guide will help you cut through the confusion and get to what matters: finding a pad that’s right for you. We’ve put together some important tips that will help you know what those words on the package really mean, and how to know if it’s the right product for your needs.
About Incontinence Pads
Incontinence pads are thin, absorbent pads designed to manage light urine leakage. Other names for incontinence pads are:
- Bladder Control pads
- Incontinence diapers
- Adult liners
- Insert pads
Generally, incontinence pads are made of soft, absorbent fabric that’s filled with a liquid-absorbing polymer. When urine touches the polymer, it becomes trapped, keeping the skin clean and dry. The back of the pad consists of a waterproof layer that keeps leakage from passing through
Only use products designed to manage urine. Using products not designed for urine, such as feminine pads, will risk your support, comfort, and in some cases, your health.
Absorbency
One thing that confuses people is the absorbency of incontinence pads. When shopping for products, you may see words like “super-absorbent,” “maximum,” or “ultimate” on the package. That does not mean that the incontinence pad can manage moderate or heavy flows.
No matter how they are described, incontinence pads (bladder control pads) can only handle light leakage. Light leakage is characterized by drops of urine or moderate heavy dribbles. If you experience leakage that’s heavier than a few drops, there are other types of incontinence products that are better suited to support you and your specific condition needs.
Here is the absorbency scale for the incontinence pads in this guide. Keep in mind that this range represents different levels of light leakage only, and not heavier types of leakage:
Sizing Guide
Knowing the right pad size can cause you some uneasiness as there are many words used to describe them: regular, moderate, ultra-long, classic, normal. How do you know which size is right?
The first thing to understand is that the team at HCD is here to work with you, understand your specific needs, and work with you and your physician to determine the right product and size to support you. Keep in mind, incontinence pad sizing is different for each manufacturer. Some brands use their own terms to refer to their sizes, so we are here to help navigate this process for you.
For example, one company may use the word “petite” to describe their small size. Other brands use the traditional “small,” “medium,” and “large,” but just like clothing, these sizes may be slightly different from one company to the next. What counts as a medium in one brand may be longer or shorter than a medium in another.
Our trained HCD representatives will ask you a variety of questions to help understand what your specific condition is – which will help determine type and size of the product you may need.
Getting the Right Size
There are two ways to choose the correct size: The first is to focus on the actual pad length. Almost all incontinence pads are measured in inches, and most manufacturers put these measurements somewhere on the packaging. Using the actual pad length will help you know the exact size of the pad regardless of what a company calls it.
Another option is to go by the hip and waist size. Some incontinence pads are sized based upon the waist (just like when you buy pants). For these pads, choose one made for your waist size.
Don’t Forget:
All incontinence pads are designed to handle light leakage, no matter how they are described in the packaging or marketing information.
Common Brand Terms and What they Mean
Although companies use different words to describe size and absorbency, there are some common terms you may see across brands.
| Size | Max Absorbancy | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Thin/Ultra Thin/Very Light | Light | These pads are typically the smallest and are ideal for managing the very light leakage (a few drops at a time). |
| Moderate | Moderate | Moderate is the most common (and most popular) size of incontinence pads. They can handle more leakage (light dribbles) and come in a wider range of styles. |
| Ultimate | Ultimate | Ultimate pads are generally designed for people with heavier kinds of light leakage (moderate dribbles). They contain more polymer and are often longer in length. |
| Maximum | Maximum | Maximum (or max) are made for the heaviest forms of light leakage (heavy dribbles). They are also the longest pads and contain the most polymer. |
Note: Some brands might use “ultimate” for their biggest size, so it’s important to look at the actual length and determine if that will meet your needs
Styles of Incontinence Pads
It’s not only the size of the pads that can be difficult to choose, but also the style. Incontinence pads come in many different varieties: thin, lite, etc. Here are some of the most common styles of incontinence pads you’ll see.
Rectangular incontinence pads
As the name suggests, rectangular pads have a rectangular shape. They tend to be less bulky than other pads, but they don’t contour to the curves of the body as well. For this reason, they are best used for lighter leakage.
Shaped incontinence pads
Shaped pads are the most common type of incontinence pad. Their shape aligns with the contours of the body, providing comfort and protection. While they can be a little bulkier than rectangular pads, they tend to provide more protection than rectangular ones.
Long incontinence pads
When long is used with incontinence pads, it usually comes after another term (moderate-long, ultimate long, etc…) The “long” indicates that the pad is longer than the regular version, but has the same absorbency level. Generally speaking, a long pad is 1-3 inches longer than the regular version.
Male Guards incontinence pads
Male guards/shields are incontinence pads designed specifically for men. Their unique shape accommodates the anatomical needs of men while still providing protection against leakage. Just like normal incontinence pads, male guards come in a variety of sizes and absorbency levels.
Scented and odor reducing incontinence pads
Scented and odor-reducing pads are designed to help with unwanted odor that urinary incontinence might cause. Scented pads work by releasing perfumes when urine hits the polymer (similar to household odor sprays). Odor-reducing pads have materials that work to prevent the creation of odor-causing particles.
Covidien SureCare™ Bladder Control Pads
- Features an absorbent layer of polymer for better leakage absorption.
- Reduces odor and pulls moisture away from the skin.
Features a special insert that helps the pad keep its shape, preventing it from bunching up. - Made with comfortable, cloth-like material that’s latex free.
- Individually sealed with a wrapper that can also be used to dispose of the pad.
| Style | Size | Max Absorbancy | Made for: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thin/Ultra Thin/Very Light | 9.75″ | Light | Men & Women |
| Moderate | 10.75″ | Moderate | Men & Women |
| Heavy | 14.5″ | Heavy | Men & Women |
Getting Incontinence Pads with Insurance
Did you know that Medicaid and some private insurance plans cover incontinence supplies? It’s true, and it could potentially save you money on the cost of your products.
If you have Medicaid, then you may be eligible right now to get incontinence pads as a covered benefit. Learn more about getting bladder control pads covered by Medicaid. We’ll find you the right product, deliver them discreetly to your door, and bill your insurance for the cost. It only takes a few minutes to enroll and could save you hundreds on your out-of-pocket costs.
You or a loved one dealing with incontinence?
Let us help you get the supplies you need to feel supported, comfortable, and confident.
If you’re managing bladder or bowel incontinence — from light to heavy needs — our team at HCD will work with you, your doctor, and your insurance plan to deliver a personalized product solution that fits your specific situation.
Call 866-938-3906 or share your information through our online enrollment form to get started.