Dealing with incontinence can be mentally draining, and keeping your bed clean and free from leakages should be the least of your worries.
That said, bed pads are waterproof, ultra-absorbent flat pads that protect your bed sheets or mattress from leakages. They usually have a moisture-proof barrier and quilted flannels or cottons holding much liquid.
A clean and well-maintained bed pad can make a difference in keeping you comfortable all night. Whether caring for a loved one, managing incontinence yourself, or simply using absorbent underpads for extra protection, keeping them fresh should be a top priority.
Here’s a guide on how to clean and maintain bed pads without much effort.
1. Use the Right Size and Absorbency Level
Not all bed pads are the same, and it’s crucial to know which one will work better for you.
Disposable bed pads come in different absorbency levels and sizes. If you have light leakage, a regular absorbency pad should do.
But if you’ve got heavy incontinence, you need high-absorbency bed pads with a moisture-locking core. It’ll give you extra protection, plus it’ll help keep your skin dry. The most absorbent bed pads use technology inspired by NASA – locking away moisture so the surface stays dry for longer.
Also, pick the right size of bed pad. Smaller bed pads often move around and cause some parts of the bed to be adequately covered. For adults, larger pads such as 30” x 36” pads are good at covering most of the bed, offering much better protection against any incontinence issue.
When you find and use a good bed pad that fits your needs, you sleep more comfortably throughout the night and worry less about having to clean up your mattress or bedsheets. So before purchasing one, make sure you read product descriptions about how much liquid a bed pad can absorb.
2. Change Bed Pads Regularly for Hygiene and Comfort
Disposable incontinence bed pads are meant to be thrown away after use, soiled or not. To keep them clean and prevent skin irritation caused by dampness, you should replace a wet pad immediately. Leaving a wet bed pad in place for any time is uncomfortable, and can contribute to odor and may even promote the growth of bacteria.
Replacing pads frequently ensures hygiene, keeping the skin dry and irritation-free. The general rule is to replace the bed pad as soon as it becomes wet. If you’re at risk of experiencing leakage during the night, you should check your bed pad in the morning and change it out with a fresh one if needed.
For someone who experiences leaks often, using multiple pads ensures that a clean and readily available pad can be used immediately if needed. If you want maximum protection at night, you should invest in highly absorbent disposable underpads that provide the added benefit of odor-locking.
3. Store Them Properly to Maintain Freshness
Keeping your bed pads clean is one thing; storing them right is a different ball game. Disposable bed pads may develop mildew if they are not stored properly. That’s why it’s always advisable to store them in a dry place to avoid any damage.
Store them in a cool and dry place with enough air circulation. If you must stack multiple pads, put something breathable between them so moisture doesn’t get trapped. For instance, keeping them in a storage box with some ventilation holes will help keep the pads fresh and not musty.
Also, store your bed pads in a linen bag rather than plastic containers to avoid mildew formation from trapped moisture in the plastic. Linen/breathable fabric storage keeps them fresher and longer.
You can also put homemade or store-bought baking soda sachets inside the bags to absorb odors and maintain the freshness of your bed pads.
4. Dispose of Used Bed Pads Properly
Since disposable bed pads cannot be washed and reused, proper disposal is important to keep things clean and fresh. Tossing them into open trash can create odors and invite bacteria, too. For hygienic reasons, you need a disposal system that will promote cleanliness all around.
After use, fold the pad in on itself to contain moisture. You should also ensure the bed pad is sealed tightly within a bag or container before disposing in an appropriate enclosed trash. If you are using more than one disposable bed pad per day (say for example one during travel and another once you’ve arrived at your hotel), it’s best if you have a designated lidded container for disposal purposes.
You can also simply prevent unpleasant odors by using smell-neutralizing garbage bags. Several brands actually manufacture incontinence product-scented bags that you can conveniently include as part of your hygiene routine.
Overall, while disposable pads provide increased hygiene and convenience, disposing of them properly can contribute towards a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
Final Thoughts
Caring for and maintaining your bed pads doesn’t have to be difficult. Just remember to choose the right size and absorbency level, store them properly, and know when to replace them.
If you’ve taken the time to invest in high-quality bed pads, you won’t have to think about leaks, odors, or wear nearly as much, and simple care steps can ensure your comfort and protection with every use.
