1. How to choose the right product for incontinence?
It is very important to choose the right product for incontinence as comfort of an incontinent person depends on it. The first step is to determine the level of incontinence we deal with. Depending on the level of incontinence, frequency of incontinence episodes and mobility of the incontinent person we can choose bladder control pads or diapers of the right absorbency level. In the case of all-in-one diapers it is very important to find the right size of the product, so that it would fit optimally to the body. Very often bigger diapers are chosen, because they give an impression of greater absorbency. Meanwhile, for greater absorption it is enough to choose a product of increased level of absorbency in the right size.
Note that too small diaper will be chafing and could cause unpleasant skin irritation, if a diaper is too big, side leakages are very probable.
While choosing the size of an all-in-one diaper it is necessary to measure the waist. On the packaging there is a set of pictures of all sizes described with measurements bracket in cm. One should choose the size with the bracket in which his or her waist size is.
In the case of anatomically shaped pads it is enough to choose the right product basing on its absorbency level and its measurements. One doesn't have to know his or her waist size, as this kind of absorbent product should be fixed with use of special elastic briefs.
Both types of diapers - all-in-one diapers and anatomically shaped pads - should be activated before use (see q.14).
2. All-in-one diapers or anatomically shaped pads - which to choose?
When you know which absorbency level of the product you need, it is time to choose the type of it. Depending on what your individual needs and preferences there are three systems to choose from - open, half open and closed:
Mobile people, who can partly control urinating, will surely feel more comfortable in anatomically shaped pads, which should be fixed with use of elastic briefs, or in diapers with elastic hip bands, which can be easily taken off and put on again. These people can also choose elastic disposable underwear, which looks just like normal underwear, is very comfortable and easy to use.
To people with restricted mobility or bedridden the closed system can be recommended, as it gives optimal protection in moderate as well as in heavy incontinence.
Absorbent products from all three systems provide the best protection in incontinence, but it is very important to remember about choosing good size and absorbency level and about activation before use.
3. Are there different incontinence products for women and men?
Depending on the type of protection needed, there are products for women, men and universal. The division of products for light incontinence into pads for women and for men is necessary because of anatomical differences. For women on SENI offer there are Seni Lady and Bella Lady bladder control pads (both ranges can be used by men as well), for men there are Seni Man pads. All products for moderate and heavy incontinence - all-in-one diapers, anatomically shaped pads, elastic disposable underwear - are for both men and women.
4. What is the difference between a bladder control pad and a sanitary napkin?
A common way to deal with light incontinence is using usual sanitary napkins. This is not the most effective solution.
Bladder control pads and sanitary napkins have similar look but their applications and construction are different.
Sanitary napkins are adapted to absorb blood, which is thicker than urine and is absorbed slower. In order to absorb urine the absorbent product has to have an ability to bind liquid very quickly. Bladder control pads contain a special substance - superabsorbent, which binds liquid into gel and thanks to its antibacterial property effectively prevents odour. Thanks to superabsorbent bladder control pads absorb much better and much more than sanitary napkins. Special standing cuffs applied to the pads provide protection from side leakages.
The range of bladder control pads is wide enough for everyone to find a perfect size - smaller sizes are irreplaceable in dribbling incontinence, the bigger ones are perfect even for moderate incontinence.
5. Why should I choose breathable products?
The skin, in order to be in good condition, needs a constant access to fresh air - it needs to breathe. Foil applied to some diapers does not provide air circulation, so the skin sweats and can become chafed. Breathable products minimize the risk of chafes and bedsores thanks to the special construction of their outer layer, which replaced foil. The breathable layer has the same barrier properties as foil, but in its structure there are micropores with diameter big enough to let air molecules through, yet small enough not to let any liquid through. Thanks to the micropores the air circulation is not disturbed and the skin can breathe.
Note that application of other than foil outer layer does not change the absorbency of a diaper nor its absorbing time. On the contrary, it increases comfort of using - breathable diapers do not rustle, they are more discreet and nice to the touch.
6. Does the thickness of a diaper have influence on its absorbency level?
Conviction that the thicker a diaper, the more absorbent can be misleading.
It is enough to compare modern sanitary napkins to traditional ones. 2 millimeters thin sanitary napkins give the same protection as those classic, thick. And similarly is with diapers. Absorbent core of thinner diapers is pressed, so that the comfort of using the product is greater (a diaper is more discreet) and urine is much better distributed inside the diaper. There are couple factors which consist on product's absorbency level. Amount of cellulose pulp, which is the main component of the absorbent core, is one. The other, very important one, is the content of a special substance - superabsorbent, which binds liquid into gel and, in SENI products, additionally neutralizes unpleasant smell of urine. If not for the superabsorbent, the liquid absorbed would be immediately pushed out of a diaper under even a small pressure. So the combination of the cellulose pulp and the right amount of superabsorbent have the influence on the final absorbency of a diaper.
Conclusion: the absorbency of a diaper does not depend directly on the thickness of the whole absorbent core.
7. Does a catheterized person need to use absorbent products?
Depending on whether catheterization is accompanied by faecal incontinence or not, different products are recommended. When there is no faecal incontinence, it is enough to put a bed underpad on a bed or to use a bladder control pad. If faecal incontinence occurs, special anatomically shaped inserts without outer barrier layer (like Seni V) are recommended. This kind of inserts provides great bed and underwear protection in faecal incontinence. The inserts don't cause skin irritation or chafes, but they cannot be used as a separate pad in urinal incontinence. During breaks in using a catheter it is recommended to use absorbent products selected according to individual needs.
8. How to diaper a person with faecal incontinence?
Sometimes urinal incontinence is accompanied by faecal incontinence. Then the absorbing capacity of a diaper is not fully exploit and frequent diaper changes increase daily costs. In order to avoid excessive costs one can use special inserts, which can be easily taken out of a diaper after getting dirty, leaving a diaper for further use. On SENI offer there are anatomically shaped inserts of that kind - Seni V. Seni V Normal can be used as an additional insert into diapers of all sizes, Maxi size can be used only in Extra Large size of diapers.
9. What is a "night diaper"?
"Night diapers" are products with increased absorbency, thanks to which they are perfect during long breaks between changing diapers - at night, while traveling etc. The expression "night diaper" is simply symbolic as sometimes the increased absorbency is needed during the day or a "daily diaper" is sufficient for all night.
10. Is there any kind of absorbent product for children who are too big to use baby diapers?
Until recently it was very difficult to find a product which would be right for children who can no longer use baby diapers. Adult diapers were usually too big for them. On SENI offer there are all-in-one diapers in Extra Small (XS) size, which are between small baby products and big adult diapers. Their small dimensions (waist size 40-60 cm) enables to use these diapers by older children, so that they could have the best protection.
More information on all-in-one diapers:
Super Seni
Super Seni Plus
11. How to take care of the skin of a person who uses absorbent products?
Latest research shows that almost half of incontinent people are exposed to frequent skin problems. That's why the skin of people using absorbent incontinence products needs special protection. Proper hygiene enables not only to avoid undesirable skin problems, but also to feel better and have greater comfort.
Everyday care should include prophylactic actions and thourough cleansing and caring of parts especially exposed to irritation with use of special skin care products. In good pharmacies and medical stores you can find several ranges of special care products for people with incontinence. Using products from one range will surely give the best skin protection, as their action is complementary. If we use preparations from different producers, their ingredients can get into reaction and cause skin irritation. Seni Care range is an example of the extensive range of skin care products for people with incontinence. Under Seni Care brand there are products for cleansing and washing, as well as for skin protection and regeneration. It is important to remember that the skin of people using diapers is very sensitive and its constant contact with irritant factors additionally makes it weaker. The skin care products should be used in moderation.
Personal hygiene should be daily and the skin under a diaper should be treated carefully during every change of a diaper. All treatments should be performed delicately so that the skin would not get irritated. For cleansing and drying the skin it is worth choosing delicate wash gloves and towels.
12. How often a diaper should be changed?
A diaper should be changed when necessary, which means when it is filled so much that it cannot be used anymore. In order to protect the skin of a person using a diaper it is recommended to change a diaper each time after passing stool. Otherwise, so called wetness indicator shows how much a diaper is filled by blurring in contact with liquid from inside the diaper. It is important to check the wetness of a diaper as long-lasting overwetness inside a diaper may cause lumping of the absorbent core and considerable decrease of comfort as well as increase of the risk of skin irritation.
13. Is it safe to use diapers?
This question is often posed by those who are allergic to latex and are afraid of their skin condition after using diapers. Until recently using diapers involved increased risk of allergic reactions as well as bedsores and chafes. Nowadays diapers are produced with use of materials of far better quality than even a few years ago. In the production of SENI products we don't use any latex elements which is marked with a latex free sign on the packagings. Latex free property enables people allergic to latex to use SENI pads or diapers. Moreover, all materials used in SENI products come from reliable sources and are carefully tested in terms of safety. Our production plants are certified as they implemented ISO standards and all the products comply with the requirements of the safety regulations of the European Union, which is represented by the CE sign on the packagings.
14. What does it mean that a diaper have to be activated?
Before putting a diaper on you should make sure that it is activated.
Activation means preparing a diaper to be used.
Activation fluffs the absorbent core, primary pressed. In order to activate a diaper unfold it and take it by both ends, then lightly pull. Next, fold it in length and gently twist. Thanks to this, the absorbent core will be optimally prepared to absorb and additionally side standig cuffs will raise, thus will be prepared to protect against side leakages. 
15. How to avoid leakages?
The most frequent cause of leakages is an improper size or absorbing capacity of the chosen product. In order to avoid leakages and provide utmost comfort you should follow some simple rules:
- a diaper should be well-fitted, so you should always wear the right size
- while choosing the size don't be misled by the slightly higher absorption of the bigger size
- a diaper should have absorbing capacity adequate to the level of incontinence
- each diaper have to be activated before use
- you should make sure that the standing cuffs of a diaper fit tight to the body and are not folded under
- a diaper should be changed as frequent as necessary, don't let it overfill
If you follow these rules, the risk of leakages will be considerably reduced. For maximum protection you can secure your bed with soft bed underpad.
