How I Stayed Dry

Before I had the surgery to install my suprapubic catheter, I was incontinent, not able to transfer independently, and alone for seven or eight hours during the day. I also peed a lot when I did. I used an overnight diaper with at least two heavy incontinence pads inside it. One of my caregivers showed me this tip, and I wanted to pass it along.

This tip is for when you are using multiple incontinence pads or a pad with an adult diaper. Pick up the pad and turn it over. Peel off the paper that protects the adhesive. Stretch the thin layer of plastic apart so it tears about a 1 in hole in the middle of the back of the pad. Use the pad where you need it.

Now, when the pad is full, liquid will go through the hole directly onto the next pad or diaper instead of spilling over the sides of the pad. The liquid will hit the next pad or diaper in the middle, where there is lots of absorbent material instead of the edges of the pad.

Note: I also used huge amounts of cream on my skin to protect against the effects of sitting in wet diapers all day.