Credit:
Reviewed / Teena / Carley Thornell
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Credit:
Reviewed / Teena / Carley Thornell
Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.
Learn more about our product testing
These incontinence pads are worth the extra cost for their exceptional absorbency and comfortable feel. Read More
These Amazon incontinence pads have great adhesion, but they're a bit bulky and come in noticeable packaging. Read More
For minor leaks and an easy transition from maxi pads, this Amazon incontinence pad is a great value. Read More
If absorbency is your top priority, Tranquility Super Personal Care Pads are the incontinence pads for you. Though, they do run large. Read More
These pads offer more coverage with a soft surface. However, the narrowness of the adhesive strip could lead to curling or bunching. Read More
The sheer volume of incontinence pad options for those who sprinkle before they tinkle can be overwhelming. Some incontinence pads resemble maxi pads but are designed for senior citizens, others are designed for postpartum moms, and others for those with medical issues. There’s something for every need—and budget.
Even though incontinence is more often a women’s issue, our expert testers trialed products for both women and men.
During our testing process, Ultimate Absorbency Tena Incontinence Pads (available at Amazon) emerged as the best incontinence pad for the amount of fluid it handled without leaks, as well as the feel of its upper surface material. For those looking for something sleeker, Ultra Thin bladder control pads (available at Amazon) are both wallet-friendly and discreet.
The below list features the very best incontinence pads money can buy, ranked on a wide range of factors like absorption, disposability, and discreetness.
The Tena Ultimate Absorbency Incontinence Pad won our best overall award for its absorbency and ultra soft feel.
These incontinence pads for men won't budge after being placed in any pair of underwear due to their outstanding adhesion.
The Amazon Basics Women's Bladder Control pads are impressively thin and discreet, so no need to worry about bulkiness.
Total coverage is guaranteed with these high absorbency pads, so you can have peace of mind while on the go.
Same great features as our best overall
Soft surface material
Increased bulk
Less adhesion
Hard to remove
Lower moisture transfer
Pretty design
Shape allows for more leg movement
Absorbency results were mixed
Thin
Body-hugging
Good absorbency
Puffs up with moisture
Extremely perfumed
Incontinence pads are great for anyone who experiences minor bladder leaks and accidents.
While many women have knowledge of and experience with maxi pads that will transfer nicely to incontinence pads, men might feel a little less prepared.
According to the National Association for Incontinence, bladder leakage is an issue more prominent in women, but it’s not uncommon for men to face it too. Unfortunately with less support, as it’s not discussed enough.
Women’s pads and unisex pads will not fit men well. Look for those designed specifically for men to best accommodate the male anatomy.
Also called “guards,” incontinence pads can be found in many shapes and sizes. Look for a guard that works with the underwear cut the wearer uses most often.
If adhering a pad to underwear poses a problem, also consider absorbent briefs or adult diapers.
No. Just like all urinary incontinence products, Medicare does not cover incontinence pads. If you seek coverage for incontinence pads, your best option may be to peruse options tied to state Medicaid plans or private insurance providers.
Coverage options for Medicaid and private insurance can vary widely from state to state and from company to company, so speak to an expert in your area for the most concrete information.
If you have one, you can likely use your HSA or FSA to purchase incontinence products.
We test incontinence pads based on aesthetics, absorption, surface texture, effectiveness of adherence, scent, and disposability.
The process features two tests, both first and second with 3 tablespoons of juice, applied to the same pad after a waiting period of 20 minutes. We also use paper towels between each application to test for absorbency. Leakage is visually determined, and it informs the ranks seen above.
Subjectively, each pad is also graded based on its ease of application, quality, absorption and size options, as well as level of discreteness.
Carley Thornell is an award-winning journalist and health-tech writer whose first job was in an occupational therapy office. Her father was a disabled Army veteran, which made her passionate about all things healthcare and accessibility. Carley also covers DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) topics for many other publications, including Skift.
Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.
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