Not medical advice. This guide is general purchasing information only.
Short answer: Measure the waist and the hips with a soft tape, check the size chart on the product page you are considering, and then choose the product type that fits how the person moves and how much absorbency is needed. Sizes are set by each manufacturer, so the size chart on each product page is the one to follow.
Start with measurements, not size names
Labels such as Small, Medium, Large and 2X-Large do not mean the same thing from one brand to the next. A Large from one manufacturer can fit quite differently from a Large made by another. Before you shop, take two measurements with a soft cloth or fabric tape, keeping the tape snug but not tight:
- Waist: around the waist.
- Hips: around the hips at their widest point.
Write both numbers down. When you open a product page, compare them with the size chart listed there. If a measurement falls between two sizes, read the product description for guidance on fit, and call us with questions.
Pull-on or tab-style: how the product is worn
Adult protective underwear and briefs come in two general designs. Pull-on styles look and work much like regular underwear, so they are pulled up and down over the legs. Tab-style briefs have adhesive tabs at the sides that fasten to the front panel, which gives a more adjustable fit and makes changing easier for a caregiver. Pull-on styles are often chosen when the person can stand and manage most of the dressing on their own. Tab-style briefs are often chosen when someone needs help getting dressed or when a caregiver does the changing.
| Product type | How it is worn | Often chosen when |
|---|---|---|
| Pull-on protective underwear | Pulled up and down like regular underwear | The person can stand and dress with little or no help |
| Tab-style briefs | Fastened at the sides with adhesive tabs | A caregiver is changing the person or fit needs adjusting |
| Underpads and bed protection | Placed on a bed, chair or other surface | Protecting bedding, furniture or a seat |
Match absorbency to the situation
Manufacturers usually label their products with absorbency levels such as light, moderate, heavy or overnight. These descriptions are set by each brand, so a heavy product from one maker may not match a heavy product from another. When you compare products, read the absorbency wording on the product page and choose the level that suits the situation. Daytime needs and overnight needs are often different, so many people keep more than one type on hand.
Underpads and bed protection
Underpads are flat sheets that go under the person on a bed or chair. They come in a range of dimensions, such as 17 x 24 inch, 30 x 36 inch and 36 x 72 inch, so check the length and width against the bed or seat before ordering. Product names may describe them as positioning underpads, bladder control pads or basic underpads, so read the description to see which design you are getting. Pads and liners that go inside underwear are a separate product type, and they are shaped and sized to match the underwear they are used with.
Wipes and skin care products
Cleansing wipes, creams and ointments are often used alongside adult underwear. Wipes are commonly described as soft pack or cleansing cloths, and scented or unscented options are available. Creams and ointments are sold as moisturizers, massage creams or skin protectants, depending on the label. Choose products based on the wording on the package and the product page. If the skin is broken, red, painful or does not improve, or if you are unsure which product suits a particular skin concern, ask a doctor, nurse or other qualified clinician before you choose.
Questions to ask before you buy
Before you choose a product, ask yourself a few practical questions. Does the person need help getting dressed? How often will the product be changed? Will it be used during the day, overnight or both? Is there a bed or chair that needs protecting? Your answers will point you to the right product type. For anything about a person's body or a medical condition, a doctor, nurse or other qualified clinician is the right person to ask.
Are underpads and underwear interchangeable? No. Underpads are designed to lie flat on a surface, while briefs and protective underwear are worn on the body. Pads and liners made for underwear are shaped to sit inside the garment, so choose the product type that matches how it will be used.
Do sizes match across brands? No. Each manufacturer sets its own sizes, so always compare your measurements with the size chart on the product page you are looking at.
What is the difference between a brief and a pull-on style? A brief usually has adhesive tabs that fasten at the sides. A pull-on style is put on like regular underwear. Both come in several absorbency levels.
Should I ask a clinician before choosing a product? Yes, especially if the person has a medical condition, sensitive skin or a skin concern. A doctor, nurse or other qualified clinician can talk through the options for that person.
Browse what we carry
- Adult Briefs & Protective Underwear: pull-on and tab-style products in a range of sizes and absorbency levels.
- Underpads, Liners & Pads: bed and chair protection, along with pads and liners for underwear.
- Wipes & Skin Care: cleansing wipes, creams and ointments for everyday use.
Have questions about a product? Call us at (614) 654-6591, or email sales@soundmedicalsupplies.com. We are happy to help you find the right page.
Not medical advice. This guide is general purchasing information only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and it does not replace the advice of your doctor, nurse or other qualified clinician or the manufacturer's instructions for use. Always follow their guidance for your situation.
