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Reasons for the Stigma Surrounding Diaper Use in Older Bed-wetters and Ways to Reduce the Stigma

 One of the most difficult things a youngster can go through when they’re growing up is bed-wetting. Although as a society we’ve become more sensitive about many issues, for some reason bed-wetting and the use of diapers to manage it is a topic that remains shrouded in shame. While many cases of bed-wetting can be cured using alarms,medicines,and other methods, there are some instances of bed-wetting persisting into adulthood. In situations such as these, the prudent course of action would be to use protective garments such as diapers. This article discusses both the negative image diapers have with many people, and steps we can take to overcome this stereotype so society can become more accepting of people who have no other option but to use diapers to manage their bed-wetting.

 Many people believe that diapers should only be used on babies,people with severe developmental disabilities,or people who are bedridden or senile(such as people with Alzheimer’s disease) By default this underscores the image diapers have of representing helplessness and lack of independence. Most of the public feel that if your cognitive and/or physical abilities aren’t at the level of a baby or small child you have no business wearing diapers.

 There are different levels and types of incontinence and these can occur during the day,night,or both. Some people have light incontinence and some people experience heavier levels. With that in mind different garments are more suited to certain kinds of incontinence.

 Whenever I read an ad for an incontinence garment especially those products that are called “underwear like” by the manufacturer and the ad says something along these lines “makes the wearer feel more dignified” I cringe. Don’t misunderstand me,I’m not against people using these types of products,and they do work for some people, but there are also plenty of cases where the best choice are good old fashioned diapers. Diapers are designed specifically for incontinence,underwear is not,but because adults and older children are so skittish about wearing diapers these items are the ones that are marketed for this demographic. In certain situations however, people are using a hammer to put in a screw. In this case they’re not using the tool for what it was designed to do. Just like a carpenter or woodworker uses certain kinds of saws to make certain types of cuts,people should use the most appropriate and effective garment to manage their incontinence and since people have different types of incontinence their choice of what garments to wear will be different. What sort of garment to choose is dependent on a number of factors-type and level of incontinence,whether it occurs during the day,night,or both,personal preferences,how comfortable the product is,price,whether the person is concerned about maintaining discretion,if they have the time and inclination to wash reusable garments,how certain products effect the wearer’s skin,etc.

 Unfortunately there is tremendous stigma associated with diapers. Most people view diapers as babyish. This is the main reason most older children,adolescents,teenagers,and adults are reluctant to wear them to bed. In fact most of them wouldn’t be caught dead in a diaper. Older children,adolescents,and teenagers are at a point in their lives where they want to become more independent and in their minds diapers represent a stage in their lives when they were more dependent on their parents. In their view wearing diapers to bed is regressing. Although I sympathize with this view,to a large extent I think it misses the mark.

 One of the hallmarks of independence is the ability to take care of one’s self-this includes managing health problems. I feel that by wearing diapers to bed the youngster is taking responsibility for the situation which is a very mature thing to do and is what adults do. In fact it could be argued that the youngster is acting more like a baby by not wearing diapers to bed. By not wearing the appropriate protection to bed they are absolving themselves of responsibility and they are in effect saying they are helpless to control the situation.

 We all know what the function of wearing a diaper is,so it shouldn’t make a difference whether you’re 2 or 102 the purpose is still the same. Unfortunately when you mention the word diaper to most people the image that immediately comes to mind is that of a baby. Most people think that a diaper and plastic pants are something to be outgrown like a high chair or a bib(of course they make bibs for adults also so even this image is wrong).

 Due to the stigma surrounding diaper use in older children,teenagers,adolescents, and adults the diaper manufacturers seem to be placing a stronger emphasis in many cases on the appearance of the garments rather than functionality or as designers might say they’re emphasizing form over functionality. Tying in with this concept is the emphasis on discretion. Some of the ways manufacturers have been doing this are by the introduction of underwear like products,garments that are less bulky so they can’t be noticed under clothes, and the design of diapers with a cloth like(also known as a nonwoven) outer layer.

 Since a significant number of people suffer from daytime incontinence I can certainly understand this, but there are a large number of people who suffer from bed-wetting as well, and in these particular cases we should use whatever type of garments are necessary and not be concerned with how a product looks or its image since it’s only worn at night anyway. Granted there are companies that manufacture diapers for both daytime and nighttime use but I think that the stigma surrounding diapers has colored the diaper manufacturers in a negative way and this might prevent them from manufacturing,marketing, and selling products that truly meet the customers needs.

 As far as the introduction of the underwear like products are concerned I think these serve more of a psychological than a protective function for the bed wetter because for all intents and purposes they’re diapers. Because they pull on like underwear as opposed to taping on this seems to help a person more psychologically. While this may be the case in many situations they don’t work as well as disposable diapers with tapes. Some people have said that regular tape-on disposable diapers are actually more absorbent than pull-ups and “Goodnites.”

 The introduction of diapers with a cloth like outer cover also seems to serve more of a psychological function for the person experiencing bed-wetting. Again this is an example of a product that is more underwear like as opposed to diapers with a plastic outer layer. Of course there is the possibility that these types of diapers could have been introduced because they’re more cost effective for the manufacturers to produce,they’re more breathable and therefore presumably more comfortable to wear,and they’re theoretically healthier for the individual’s skin,or it could be for all these reasons. A fourth reason for the introduction of diapers with a cloth like outer cover is that they’re supposed to be more discreet for the user. Many disposable diapers with a plastic outer cover make a crinkling noise whenever the user moves around. While this can certainly be a drawback if worn during the day(although apparently there are ways around this) if worn only at night this shouldn’t be a concern. However considering that there are companies that make both styles of diapers(and there are also cases of companies only manufacturing disposable diapers with a plastic cover)I suspect that the introduction of this style is due more to aesthetic reasons and that the diaper manufacturers feel these will be less embarrassing to wear. Furthermore some people have commented that the diapers with a cloth like outer layer are actually more uncomfortable to wear and in fact provide less effective protection than the disposable diapers with a plastic covering. Some complaints about diapers with a cloth outer cover are abrasiveness and clamminess between the legs.

 I’ve heard of cases where people have used the disposable diapers with a cloth like outer cover for bed-wetting and leaked right through them. While this doesn’t happen with everybody, people should have the option of buying disposable diapers with a plastic cover if that’s what they prefer and if that’s what works best for them. A number of people seem to be disappointed with the fact that most diaper manufacturers are moving away from making diapers with a plastic outer covering. Perhaps customers should write or call the diaper companies and complain about this. In many cases companies do respond to consumer criticism.

 As I said before people should have a wide variety of products to choose from due the fact that people have different needs and preferences in this area and I’m not against people using pull-ups,disposable diapers with a cloth like outer covering, or other products of a similar nature if that’s what they prefer and if they offer adequate protection for the user however as mentioned previously this isn’t always the case. What I am against is this emphasis on discretion and image at all costs as opposed to manufacturing,marketing, and selling products that will most effectively manage a person’s bed-wetting.

 The trade-off between image and protection is made by large amount of people unfortunately and I believe that many of these people will suffer as a result. To me I would think it would be much more satisfying to use a product that might be considered “babyish” by most people but offers better protection than to use a product that is considered more “dignified” but that leaves the wearer and bedding drenched. In a situation such as this a person has to ask him or herself how much is it worth to them to wear a product that has a better image versus a product that will offer more effective protection and therefore provide more comfort.

 People who are reluctant to wear diapers to bed because most people feel they are strictly for babies need to keep in mind the old saw “what is popular is not always right,what is right is not always popular.” There was a time when most people thought the earth was flat,slavery was an acceptable practice,and the sun revolved around the earth but we now know these views are incorrect. I believe that in time we’ll become more informed(and as a result more enlightened) about this issue also. Furthermore there are plenty of companies that manufacture and sell plastic pants,pin-on cloth diapers,and disposable tape-on diapers for older children,adolescents,teenagers,and adults that wet the bed so this is a very common problem. This is another thing that people need to consider.

 Most pediatricians,child psychologists,and other medical professionals advise against using diapers in older bed wetters because they feel it might hurt the youngster’s self-esteem and self-image. In fact one book I read said the following- “I’ve known parents that have kept their children in diapers at night as late as 7,8,9,and even 12 years of age but wearing diapers makes a child feel like a baby” and “diapers are a symbol of babyishness.” Maybe there are some children and teenagers who actually want to wear diapers to bed but they feel that their parents will look down on them for requesting this because the youngster realizes that most people feel diapers are for babies only. And since many books and other sources suggest that only babies wear diapers that’s probably why there is such reluctance to use them for bed-wetting. In other words it’s possible that many people feel ashamed about wearing diapers to bed not because they actually feel that way but because the professionals do and they believe that they should feel this way also.

 This wouldn’t be the first time we are cowed by what the experts say as Stanley Milgram’s experiment and other psychology experiments so vividly demonstrate. Parents could feel the same way also-they might want to use diapers for their bed wetter or want to grant the child’s request to wear diapers to bed but they too might be influenced by what the authorities say.

 This raises an interesting question-is the fact that diapers have such a negative image by most of society the result of assimilating the opinions of most medical professionals,or is the negative opinion of diapers by most medical professionals influenced by how the public feels-the proverbial chicken or egg debate. How much of our attitudes regarding diaper use by older bed wetters is influenced by cultural attitudes,parents and other relatives,medical professionals,and other factors?How and to what degree do these factors interact with each other?I think it would be interesting to study this issue in depth.

 By gaining better insight into how these ideas developed we might have a deeper understanding of why we have such negative attitudes regarding this issue which in turn might significantly reduce the stigma associated with using diapers to manage bed-wetting in older children,adolescents,teenagers,and adults.

 To get back to self-image older children and teenagers are particularly sensitive and concerned with self-image and the image that diapers conjure up in most peoples minds are babies. Commercials also stress this. For example the ad for Huggies pull-ups has the following motto-”I’m a big kid now!” the implication being that only babies wear diapers. I have heard urologists,pediatricians,and other medical professionals(who in my opinion should be more sensitive and also should know better regarding this issue) claim that putting an older child,teen,or adult in diapers at night makes them feel undignified but to me it’s more undignified waking up in pee soaked sheets and clothing!

 It would be interesting to see how developmental psychologists feel about this issue. We tend to have certain preconceived notions about our child’s growth process and if they deviate from that in the slightest we become alarmed. For example children should talk by a certain age,they should read by a certain age,they should walk by a certain age,etc. And while it is true that we should have reasonable parameters established for these situations in order to rule out the possibility of cognitive and/or physical problems,the same reasoning shouldn’t be applied in my opinion to the use of diapers and plastic pants for the management of bed-wetting in older children,adolescents,teenagers,and adults.

 Frequently we feel pressured to use socially accepted methods to resolve various medical issues but in some cases it’s a good idea to consider alternative approaches and this may entail using methods that a large majority consider unorthodox or not accepted by the mainstream. A case in point is the following. In the May-June 2007 issue of AARP magazine there was an article on Naomi Judd. It talked about how the traditional treatments that were used by her doctors to treat her hepatitis were not working so she tried various non traditional methods which are not fully accepted by western medicine such as biofeedback,aromatherapy,and meditation. It turns out that these methods worked.

 I think that the use of diapers to manage bed-wetting in older children,adolescents,teenagers,and adults is another example of a management technique that is not fully accepted by most medical professionals and the public. Just like Naomi Judd had the courage to try alternative approaches to manage her disease people must have the courage to use alternative methods to manage bed-wetting.

 I think we need to reevaluate our attitudes on diaper use for older bed wetters for two reasons. As mentioned previously in some cases the pull-ups and “Goodnites” aren’t as effective at protecting both the youngster and the bed. The second reason is that it makes the person who has no other option but to wear diapers to bed feel they are somehow inadequate. This in turn can lead to feelings of low self-esteem,low self-worth,and subsequent depression.

 In going over the literature and opinions of many professionals regarding diaper use in older bed wetters one thing sticks out in my mind-the status quo has a negative opinion of diaper use. The literature and opinions are very consistent regarding this issue-most people believe you shouldn’t keep a bed wetter in diapers past the age of 4 or 5.After that the majority of people feel you should use pull-ups or “Goodnites” only.

 It’s my firm opinion that we have a double standard regarding this particular form of incontinence. For instance we seem to have no problem with the use of diapers for developmentally disabled children,the elderly with incontinence,and people suffering from disorders such as cerebral palsy,multiple sclerosis,Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,or other ailments, but if you suggest putting an older child,adolescent,teen,or adult with a bed-wetting problem in a diaper people think you’re barbaric and should be driven out of town on a rail. What difference does it make who suffers from incontinence or why-it’s still the same problem and it still needs to be managed. In some cases the best way to manage it is by using diapers.

 There is a saying that goes something like this- “Nothing is good or bad but thinking makes it so.” While this is not the case for everything-torture,murder,rape,and stealing are inherently bad-there is nothing intrinsically shameful about wearing diapers to bed. Wearing diapers to bed after the age of 4 or 5 is considered shameful because we have been conditioned to think this way for years. It would be interesting to see how other cultures feel about this issue but unfortunately I suspect they feel the same way we do. From what I understand the Japanese,British,and most Europeans are even more uptight about this issue.

 Custom and fashion dictate a lot of our behaviors. For example there is a custom that says it’s not appropriate to wear white shoes and pants after labor day. The author Stanley Schmidt talks about the influence of custom and fashion on our behavior in some of his writings. In one editorial of his he discussed something he calls “phantom tyrants”. According to Schmidt: “These are impersonal forces that presumably originate with identifiable actions by individual people but then take on a life of their own and continue to dictate people’s behavior whether or not any individual would independently choose them. We commonly know them by such names as “custom” or “fashion.” ” The example he discusses in an editorial of his called “Signs of Respect” is the custom of men taking off their hats upon entering a building. I feel that the expectation that people are supposed to stop wearing diapers for bed-wetting after the age of 4 or 5 is a perfect example of a “phantom tyrant.”

 There are many different reasons I feel most parents don’t use diapers to manage bed-wetting with both teenagers and older children. The next few sections discuss this. I believe that one of the reasons for our negative reactions toward older children being in diapers at night stems from attitudes left over from potty training. Many parents try to motivate their child during this stage with praise such as “we’re so proud of you,you’re becoming a big kid now!” While these parents might have good intentions(of course we all know the road to hell is paved with good intentions),unfortunately they use the same approach with an older child or teenager who still needs diapers at night .Children and teens still in diapers at night see the commercials for Huggies pull-ups and might remember what their parents told them about diapers during their potty training years and then feel ashamed about using diapers for their bed-wetting. In addition many parents try to motivate their child to achieve night dryness by claiming that only babies wear diapers. I think this puts a lot of pressure on a child and most likely will exacerbate the situation .If a child’s body is not developed enough where it is ready to stay dry at night no amount of yelling or shaming will make them stop. There’s no point yelling at them or shaming them for a condition they can’t help .It would be like yelling at them for having a certain eye color-no matter how much you yell at them it’s not going to change it.

 Children grow at different rates-just as some children walk sooner than others,talk sooner than others,and learn to read sooner than others,some need diapers at night later than others. In my opinion a different approach is warranted. The parents need to encourage their children by letting them know that peoples bodies develop at different rates and there is no shame in using diapers to manage the bed-wetting. I would remind the child that people of all ages have problems with wetting the bed and many of them also wear diapers during the night.

 A second reason for peoples negative feelings toward older children still being in diapers could be the fact that parents used to use cloth diapers and rubber pants for their babies. This meant lots of work for parents especially before the advent of washing machines. In this circumstance parents felt compelled to get their children out of diapers as soon as possible. If an older child had to wear diapers to bed for bed-wetting the parents might have been upset about the prospect of having to spend years washing diapers and rubber pants. Subsequently many parents used the shaming approach to try to get them out of diapers.

 Over the years we’ve become more enlightened about this issue(although we still have a long way to go in my opinion) and most people realize that this approach doesn’t work and in many cases can make the situation worse. That being said the people who had the bed-wetting problem when they were younger remember their parents using this approach with them and they might use this technique with their children also.

 A third reason for our negative attitudes regarding this stems from our attitudes toward various milestones in a person’s life. Most cultures have certain expectations of when we’re supposed to achieve certain things-we’re supposed to get a driver’s license by a certain age(I know a woman who is 24 who still does not have a driver’s license),we’re supposed to graduate from high school by a certain age,etc. Nowhere are our cultural expectations more deep-seated than with bed-wetting and diaper use and if a person needs diapers past the age that is considered socially acceptable by most people we instill in them the idea that they should feel ashamed.

 To get back to parental attitudes toward diaper use I wonder if one of the reasons most parents are so adamant about getting their child or teenager out of night diapers is that a part of them feels ashamed about it. It’s a very competitive world out there and every flaw a child might have is looked at as something that must be hidden or fixed at all costs. The prevailing attitude among many parents is that their kids must be perfect at everything because any sign of imperfection is viewed by society as a sign of weakness. There is immense pressure for parents to make sure their children go to the best schools,to participate in numerous after school activities because it looks good on their records,play sports,etc. Imagine if it got out that 18 year old Susan is still in diapers and plastic pants at night? So much for going to Harvard!

 Parents are also competitive with one another and unfortunately some hyper competitive parents use their children as pawns either consciously or subconsciously in this competition. They feel that any flaw the kids might have is a reflection on their parenting skills and might make them look bad. “What would our friends and neighbors think if they found out our 15 year old son still wears diapers and plastic pants to bed? How embarrassing!” We need to grow up! Everybody has some flaws-that’s what makes us human! The only thing we can do is accentuate our strengths and do the best we can to work on our flaws and try to improve ourselves but we shouldn’t obsess about our weaknesses.

 A fourth reason for our negative feelings concerning using diapers to manage bed-wetting has to do with our emphasis on self-image. Although this is a universal concept this concept is especially important in the U.S. Most of our ideas of self-image unfortunately tend to be rather superficial. We’re very concerned with status,power,image,and success and these four things are inextricably linked in many people’s minds with having a strong self-image. A large number of people believe that wearing diapers represents the opposite of all four of the qualities in which people feel a strong self-image consists of .In particular a significant number of people believe wearing diapers represents a feeling of being powerless,no doubt due to the fact that most people associate diapers with babies. Many people of course view babies as the paragon of powerlessness. Because of this view a large number of people develop a negative self-image if they have to use diapers for bed-wetting.

 A fifth reason is that some people believe that by putting the child in diapers for bed-wetting you in essence “are giving them permission to wet the bed” or that “it’s okay to wet the bed.” Believe it or not I’ve heard some people say this and I think it’s one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever heard. Since the purpose of having the child or teenager wear diapers at night is to keep the bed dry I think it sends the opposite message-that it’s not okay to wet the bed. In no way can putting a child or teenager in a diaper for a problem they can’t control be construed as “it’s okay to wet the bed.” I think it sends the message that the parents are going to make their children as comfortable as possible until a cure is found. Or if the treatment options currently available don’t work or are not viable for some reason, they’re going to have them wear diapers because it’s more healthy for the child and it makes them more comfortable.

 Diapers should not be the first option used for bed-wetting, but by the same token they should be used if all alternatives have been exhausted or are not desirable or feasible. To me diapers should be viewed no differently than sanitary napkins for women.

 A sixth reason why most people are so against older bed wetters remaining in diapers at night is group think. People in general want to conform and with that tendency comes the fact that people go along with the prevailing wisdom without questioning its validity. They internalize it and it becomes so ingrained in their thinking that they can’t imagine anything else. We’re like fish in water-it becomes so much a part of their life and environment that they don’t even notice it. The fact that the majority believe in something is no guarantee that it’s right. History shows that in many cases it is the minority or a sole visionary who is right and the majority wrong.

 Finally we tend to put too much credence in what experts say without questioning its validity. I ‘m not suggesting that we shouldn’t listen to anything the experts say but we should keep the following points in mind-experts frequently have conflicting opinions which could mean one of two things: either they have opposite opinions on a certain issue or the issue is complex and they need to study it in greater depth or undertake more research in order to make a definitive conclusion or come to a consensus.

 Second, there have been many situations where the experts were later shown to be wrong. Childcare is no exception. For example it was originally thought that playing Mozart would have a positive effect on an unborn child’s brain development. This theory known as the “Mozart Effect” was later shown to be false(who knows-after further research and an improved understanding of cognition they might change their minds again-this has also happened with certain things) With this in mind it’s conceivable that our current opinions about using diapers to manage bed-wetting are wrong also( I strongly believe that this is the case and that our thinking on this issue is completely misguided) although with how entrenched our attitudes our regarding this issue it might take a generation or more to overcome this inertia and reconsider our current attitudes concerning this situation.

 A seventh reason why most parents use pull-ups or “Goodnites” instead of diapers for their youngster’s bed-wetting may be that they’re not aware of the different brands and types of products out there to manage bed-wetting. As mentioned previously there are many choices available to manage one’s bed-wetting. Also some styles might not be used as much because of generational differences. For example,although some younger parents use pin-on diapers and plastic pants for their babies, most younger parents are probably not familiar with pin-on diapers and plastic pants since they’re not as popular as they once were. The parents who do use pin-on cloth diapers and plastic pants for their babies might continue to use them if their child or children wet the bed since the parents are familiar with them, but parents who don’t use them or are not familiar with them might not use them unless their friends,relatives,or other people recommend them. Second,even if parents are aware of the different choices out there to manage their child or teenager’s bed-wetting it’s very time consuming sorting through all this information in order to make an informed decision about the best type of product to buy. There’s a bewildering array of products out there to deal with bed-wetting and it can be quite daunting learning about all the different products out there.

 That’s where the role of medical professionals comes in to play. I think urologists, pediatricians,and other medical professionals should have some basic knowledge of the different types of diapers available to manage bed-wetting and the advantages and disadvantages of each. While they obviously can’t have an encyclopedic knowledge of this they can apprise their patients of the basic styles of cloth diapers such as as pin-on diapers,pull-ons,snap-ons,and Velcro; and disposable diapers such as tape-on diapers and pull-ons.

 They can also inform them about the different types of waterproof pants such as plastic pants and the different types of waterproof sheets. If possible they should also have a list of several companies that sell both kinds of diapers and a list of websites(such as bed-wetting forums, incontinence organizations,and other resources) .These organizations can provide further information not listed in the physicians office such as additional companies that manufacture and sell incontinence products,information about bed-wetting support groups,etc.

 I was reading that in the U.S. and other countries they have wound,ostomy,and continence nurses. From what I understand wound,ostomy,and continence nurses(abbreviated wocn nurses)perform the following functions: they inform patients of the different types and brands of products available to manage incontinence;the different ways some products may effect the skin such as causing diaper rash and/or other problems; what types and brands of skincare products to use if this is the case- Desitin,A&D ointment,powder,petroleum jelly such as the Vaseline brand,lotions,etc.;the pros and cons of different absorbent products;in addition to the different companies that sell incontinence products in order to help guide the patient in making a decision about what type of products to purchase based on their current needs.

 I think this is a good thing that we have these types of specialists-after all it’s very time consuming trying to find out this information on your own whereas a nurse or other medical professional specializing in bed-wetting and other incontinence issues can find the information more rapidly and efficiently due to the resources they have at their disposal. It’s my belief that if more people become aware of the different diapering methods out there to manage bed-wetting more people might use these products thereby decreasing the stigma associated with older children,teenagers,adolescents,and adults wearing overnight diapers. The medical community can play a big role in the reduction of this stigma by informing both parents and patients of these options.

 A second way to reduce the stigma associated with using diapers to manage bed-wetting in older children,adolescents,teenagers,and adults is to have talk show hosts discuss this on their shows. I think this would be a perfect topic to discuss on Oprah and Naomi Judd’s show “Naomi’s New Morning.” Naomi Judd is a very warmhearted,compassionate,and caring person,plus she is an RN so she is used to dealing with all types of medical issues. Due to the nature and depth of the material they could make it a two or more part series on their shows. They could invite experts on bed-wetting to give an overview of the disorder including how prevalent it is,the various causes,the age groups effected,adult bed-wetting,different cures and treatments for it and the advantages and disadvantages of each,the best ways to cope psychologically if it can’t be cured,and the different types of protection to manage bed-wetting.

 As far as protection is concerned the experts would discuss the different diapering options available to manage bed-wetting and the advantage and disadvantages of each. Some of the options discussed on this segment would be cloth diapers such as pin-on,pull-on,and other types, disposable diapers such as tape-on and pull-on,the various types of waterproof pants such as plastic pants,and the various types of waterproof sheets. I think it’s important to mention all these options for two reasons. One, it’ll make parents aware of options to manage their youngter’s bed-wetting they might not have known about or if they did know about them they might not have considered them before. Two,by doing this more people might consider using these different types of garments thereby decreasing the stigma surrounding them.

 Naomi Judd and Oprah have a lot of clout and influence and I believe that people such as them(and other celebrities) could help lessen the negative image of bed-wetting and diaper use. I guarantee after this episode of Oprah and “Naomi’s New Morning” diapers would sell like hot cakes- department stores such as Walmart and Target and food stores such as Giant couldn’t keep them on the shelf .By both doctors and celebrities recommending diapers this might have a snowball effect. For instance someone who uses diapers for their bed wetter because doctors or celebrities recommended them might in turn recommend using diapers to their friend/friends who have children with bed-wetting problems thereby increasing the number of people who use diapers to manage bed-wetting. The subsequent increase in the number of people using diapers to manage bed-wetting will do more to decrease the stigma associated with using diapers for bed-wetting. In a similar vein,it might help significantly if companies such as Tranquility,Attends,Molicare,and other companies advertise their disposable youth briefs for bed-wetting on television,radio,and in parenting magazines.

 We as a society have matured as far as many medical issues are concerned. For example there is less stigma surrounding mental illness and other medical problems,but unfortunately bed-wetting and the use of diapers to manage it is a topic that remains taboo. We are very stubborn regarding this matter. Most people for a variety of reasons do not want to budge regarding this subject. I suspect that in the future we will loosen up about this issue to a certain extent,but I also think there will always be people who view this in a negative light no matter how persuasively we argue the merits of wearing diapers for bed-wetting.

 One of the major reasons for the stigma of diaper use in older bed wetters has to do with our thoughts and feelings on the issue of dignity. Many older children,adolescents, teenagers,and adults feel undignified wearing diapers to bed. To a large extent our concept of dignity is shaped either consciously or subconsciously by people we admire such as sports figures,entertainers,and heroes. We have this idealized image of them and we tend to extrapolate that image to all aspects of their personal lives. Because of this perfect image we have of them we couldn’t imagine them having a problem like bed-wetting. Of course we must remember that these individuals are human also and are subject to the various health problems that everyone else has. In fact many celebrities such as Suzanne Somers, Johnny Carson,Sarah Silverman,Vince Vaughn,Mark McGwire,and Michael Landon(to name a few) experienced bed-wetting when they were growing up.

 I also feel that our ideas about dignity go hand in hand to a large degree with our feelings about independence-being able to take care of yourself and run your own life. As mentioned earlier diapers represent to many people a return(at least symbolically) to a state when their parents took care of them which is a blow to a child or teenager’s ego. Adults who have to wear diapers to bed also feel this shame. Many people find it very difficult to get past this feeling of shame and unfortunately some people can never get past it. Although most people find it undignified wearing diapers and plastic pants for bed-wetting,personally I think it would make a person feel more undignified laying all night in pee soaked bedding and pajamas!

  Dignity also relates to a feeling of control which in turn relates to are sense of self-esteem and how self-confident we feel about ourselves. When we are self-confident we have a feeling that we are in control of our lives and that in turn makes us feel more dignified. Again by wearing diapers to bed we feel a lack of control which in turn makes us feel less self-confident. This in turn erodes our feeling of dignity. This is the case with many other medical problems as well. For example a person who has to wear a cast for a broken leg or a person who has to take insulin shots for diabetes might feel either consciously or subconsciously that he or she doesn’t have control. The cast or needle represents the feeling of a lack of control. The same is true for wearing diapers and plastic pants to bed. Of course every person is different in the degree in which they have these feelings and their ability to overcome them.

  One thing that we must realize however is that we should not be defined by our illness. The fact that a person has to wear diapers to bed is only a part of who that person is. A person’s dignity should be measured by the fortitude they exhibit in dealing with life’s adversities and how well they treat other people. If a person has to wear diapers to bed and they deal with it with a sense of grace and humor then the fact that he or she needs diapers at night should not detract one iota from their dignity.

A hilarious ad for bed wetting teenagers.
Video Rating: 3 / 5

by billaday

Brands of Plastic Pants for Older Bedwetters

 This article is an overview of some popular brands of plastic pants for older bedwetters. A large number of people are impressed with these brands and find them particularly effective for heavy incontinence such as bed-wetting. With that in mind keep in mind that there is a certain degree of subjectivity in this area. One of the points I’ve stressed in my previous articles is that people have different preferences as far as what type of protection to use to manage their bed-wetting. Some people prefer reusable garments for various reasons whereas others prefer disposables. In addition some people use both styles of garments. There are many different factors that come into play when choosing incontinence products which I thought I would reiterate-the type and level of incontinence,whether or not it’s convenient to wash reusable garments,etc. Some people prefer pin-on diapers covered with plastic pants,some prefer pull-on cloth garments(which are sometimes referred to as diaper pants,pull-on briefs,or or pull-on diapers),some prefer disposable pull-ups,whereas others prefer tape-on disposable diapers(known as disposable briefs) As I’ve also mentioned it’s good to be open to experimenting with different types and brands of garments in order to determine what works best for you. With many people, finding the most suitable type and brand of garment to manage their bed-wetting is a matter of trial and error. In some cases people use more than one brand and style of diapers and plastic pants.

 This brings me to the current topic-plastic pants for bed-wetting. There are a wide variety of brands of plastic pants out there to manage bed-wetting. This article discusses some of the more popular ones. These brands have a good reputation with many people in the incontinence community. Plastic pants , also known as vinyl pants(vinyl is a type of plastic),are used as a waterproof cover to put over reusable garments for infants and incontinent individuals such as cloth training pants, reusable pull on briefs(known as pull on diapers and bedwetter pants/overnight briefs), and pin-on cloth diapers Before the development of plastic pants(which I believe was in the 1950’s) parents used rubber pants. After rubber pants were phased out,the term rubber pants and plastic pants were used interchangeably. The term rubber pants is still used today by some people, but most people when they use the term rubber pants, actually mean plastic pants. As far as I know there are no companies that make rubber pants for infants and there are only a couple of companies that make rubber pants for adults. From what I understand rubber pants fell out of favor in the late 50’s and early 60’s. Perhaps they weren’t as comfortable or as long lasting as plastic pants.

 When purchasing plastic pants(and incontinence supplies in general) it’s a good idea to talk to the customer support people at the company about your specific needs and ask questions about various products. When evaluating incontinence products some of the things you should be considering are the following: Does your incontinence occur during the day,night,or both? Do you suffer from heavy incontinence such as bed-wetting? Is discretion an issue? Do you mind washing diapers and plastic pants or do you prefer the convenience of disposables? How do various items effect the skin? Is the product comfortable to wear? Regarding plastic pants it’s essential to get a good fit over the diapers in order to prevent leaks. The important thing is to have pants that cover the diapers completely. You don’t want to leave any portion of the diapers exposed otherwise the sheets will get wet. You should look on the websites of the various companies and familiarize yourself with what types of measurements they require in order to get the best fit. For example some companies require both waist and hip size. If this is the case ask them what the relationship between each is in terms of getting the most secure and comfortable fit. In addition,some brands of plastic pants have a wider crotch than others. Pants with a wider crotch are particularly well suited to manage overnight incontinence problems such as bed-wetting especially since most people wear bulky diapers for overnight use.

 If you are buying plastic pants specifically for bed-wetting and the company has several different models ask them what the most effective model is for nighttime use. One of the key things to inquire about before purchasing the pants is the following: how the pants are cut(how wide the crotch is,do they have enough depth to accommodate thicker diapers for night use,etc.). It’s good to tell them as much information as possible so you can avoid buying pants that are uncomfortable and don’t provide effective protection. Plastic pants are available in two styles-pull on and snap on. Most people use pull on plastic pants. I’ve heard that snap on pants are used primarily for people who are non-ambulatory because they presumably are easier to put on and take off.

 The first brand I’d like to talk about is Comco. Right of the bat, I’d like to mention that there are two different companies called Comco. Both of them sell and manufacture plastic pants,waterproof sheets,diapers,and other incontinence supplies. I’m bringing this up because I wanted to clear up any confusion people might have when purchasing products from these places. Both companies are based in Minnesota. The original Comco located in North Saint Paul and is run by a guy named Burch Gusterson. They’re known as Comco Incorporated. They’ve been in business for close to 40 years and have been making incontinence garments for 30 years. They have a pull-on plastic pant called the style 230. The price for one is .60 and the price for a pack of three is .85 These pants are highly regarded by many people with incontinence,particularly those with bed-wetting problems. Their web address is www.comcoincmn.com. Their email address is comco@mindspring.com Their phone numbers are (800)328-9658 and (651)779-7313 and their fax number is (651)779-0871 These pants are noted for their thickness and durability. Since the pants are going to be washed repeatedly it’s good that they can handle multiple washings. Some plastic pants wear out sooner than others after repeated washings. I recall some time ago a gentleman talking about Comco pants on an incontinence forum and he mentioned that he was real impressed by these pants. He said that he had pairs from Comco that have lasted for years. The author of the Diaper Primer has this to say regarding the Comco plastic pants: “Comco makes a distinctive heavy semi transparent vinyl that seems heavy but is not uncomfortable and will soften with body heat to become very comfortable” and “The heavier vinyl stands up longer to wear and wash cycles than do the lighter vinyls found in most vinyl pants.” The nylon on both the waist and leg elastic is supposed to prevent wicking which I talk about further below in the section on the Gary Leakmaster Deluxe pants.

 The owner was telling me that the vinyl formulation they use in their plastic pants is different from the one used in the plastic pants manufactured by Comco Manufacturing. Whether or not this means anything in terms of the quality of the pants(such as how durable they are) I can’t say. Both pants could be equally well made,the only difference being they’re both made of different types of vinyl. According to Burch the vinyl pants made by Comco Manufacturing are nothing like the ones made by Comco, Inc. If your budget permits you might want to try a pair from both companies and judge for yourself.

 The second Comco is called Comco Manufacturing,LLC Apparently a group of people from the original Comco split off and formed their own company called Comco Manufacturing(personally I think they should change their name so as to avoid confusion) Comco Manufacturing is based out of Hinckley Minnesota. Their web address is www.comcomfg.com.Their email address is comcomanufacturing@q.com and their toll free number is (888)250-8577. Their pull-on vinyl pant is known as the style 100 pant. The price for one pant is .50 and the price for a three pack is .50. These pants have wide elastic on both the waist and leg areas which should make these pants extra effective at preventing leaks.

 Another brand of plastic pants that has a good reputation is the Leakmaster Deluxe pant made by Gary and sold by Adultclothdiaper.com(also known as All Togehter Enterprises) This pant is made from 7 mil thick vinyl and has vinyl enclosed elastic around the waist and legs. This feature is supposed to be very effective for preventing leaks,especially at night. The price for one pant is .95 and the price for three or more is .95 each. Their toll free number is (877)215-9004 and their fax number is (801)566-7717 Their web address is www.adultclothdiaper.com. Angel Fluff Diaper Company also sells the Gary plastic pant just mentioned but they sell it under the name Ultimate Whisper Thick Pant. The price for one is .95. If you buy 4 or more the price is .99 each. They also have a deal where you can buy this pant for .99 each(see website for details) In addition to weekday hours of 8-6,they also have Saturday hours from 8-6(central time). Their phone numbers are (800)996-2644 and (931)359-9604 and their fax number is (931)359-9604. Their web address is www.angelfluff.com.

 A fourth brand of plastic pants that’s highly regarded is the Suprima brand. These pants are made in Germany and are sold by a Canadian company called B4NS. There are several different models listed on the website. I spoke to the owner and he told me that the best model to use for bed-wetting would be the model 1232. This model has a higher back to accommodate thicker diapers,wide crotch,wide waistband,and has fully wrapped elastic just like the Leakmaster Deluxe pants previously mentioned. The Suprima plastic pants are kind of expensive but from what I understand they’re worth it. The phone number for B4NS is (514)812-4917,the fax number is (450)433-5711,and their email address is info@b4ns.com Their web address is www.b4ns.com.

 The last brand of plastic pants I’d like to talk about is manufactured and sold by a company called Babykins also known as KINS(which stands for Kinder Incontinent Supplies) They sell a medium weight pant. The model of this pant is 20300V and is slightly less thick than the Comco,Suprima,and Gary Leakmaster Deluxe pants.(The 20300 pant, which is the thickest model they offer, is 6 mils thick) I’m not sure how this pant compares to the other pants just mentioned. Many people prefer thicker plastic pants due to the fact that generally they’re more durable. The price of the 20300V pant is .00. Some individuals like the KINS products so it might be worth looking into. The toll free number for Babykins is (800)665-2229. They also have a phone/fax number-(604)275-2255. Their web address is www.babykins.com.

 As mentioned some people discover that there is a certain amount of trial and error involved in choosing a satisfactory product to manage their incontinence. This doesn’t happen with everybody but you shouldn’t feel disappointed if it does take some time to find a product that best meets your needs.. There are some people who might prefer the thicker plastic pants for various reasons and think they’re the best choice, whereas others might prefer the thinner plastic pants. It was pointed out on one website that there are individuals who find the thinner plastic pants more comfortable to wear. On the other hand there are people who find the thicker plastic pants to be just as comfortable

 As discussed before,the drawback of the thinner plastic pants is that in general they’re not as durable as thicker plastic pants and therefore they don’t last as long. Here’s a quote from the Diaper Primer regarding this: “ Thinner plastic pants,generally perceived as softer and more comfortable as starters age more rapidly than heavier-gauge(thicker) plastics.” Because they’re thicker than the Kins plastic pants and they seem to be highly rated by many people,my inclination would be to purchase the Comco,the Leakmaster Deluxe pants,or the Suprima pants. In this case it might be advisable paying a little extra for plastic pants that are more durable as opposed to buying several pairs of pants that are less expensive but will wear out quicker.

 Given the fact that each of the brands mentioned in this article have worthwhile features it might be prudent to purchase a pair from each one in order to figure out what works best for you. Granted this might be kind of expensive but it’s probably the best way to determine what pant feels most comfortable,which brand fits you the best, and which one holds up the longest.

 In terms of comfort the elastic on the pants can play a part in how comfortable a particular brand of plastic pants are. This is another point brought up in the Diaper Primer. Some people might feel that the elastic on certain brands of plastic pants is too tight for them. I would talk to the customer service department of whatever company or companies(if you’re planning on trying more than one brand of plastic pants) you’re planning on buying from and ask them if it would be a good idea to buy pants in a larger size in order to have a looser fit thereby minimizing the discomfort caused by tight fitting elastic.

 Another thing to keep in mind is this. I’ve heard of people buying multiple pairs of plastic pants in order to rotate the pants in the laundry cycle so they can cut down the wear on one pant. In fact I’ve heard that in general it’s a good idea to purchase several pairs of plastic pants. Given this fact and since there might be more than one brand that suits your purposes, it might be worth spending the extra money to have a good supply of plastic pants. Also there are people who have more than one favorite brand of plastic pants. For example I read about individuals who use both the Comco and Suprima brand of plastic pants There are some people who are only satisfied with one brand or type of incontinence product whereas others find that their needs can be met by more than one as pointed out in the beginning of this article-there’s no law that says you just have to stick to one brand or type of incontinence product. In fact this situation might not be that uncommon.

 As discussed earlier in this article plastic pants are worn over pin-on cloth diapers. I talk about several different brands of pin-on diapers in my article “Additional Information Regarding Pin-On Diapers for Older Bedwetters.” This is a good article for you to read if you’re considering using these types of diapers for your older bed-wetter. These types of diapers have a good reputation for bed-wetting and this article talks about both the different brands available as well as a source that discusses a special technique to fold and pin the diapers for maximum absorbency and protection. By purchasing one or more brands of the plastic pants mentioned in this article, as well as experimenting with pin on diapers,you should be able to make your child or teenager feel more comfortable and secure at night.

 I hope this list is helpful to parents who might be having difficulty deciding on what type of plastic pants to purchase for their older child,adolescent,or teenager that wets the bed. Keep in mind that the brands mentioned are just some of the ones available. The ones mentioned in this article are ones that are well thought of by many people. There is one thing to remember when purchasing incontinence supplies however,and that’s this-purchasing incontinence supplies is a highly personal thing and while it’s good to get other peoples input keep in mind that what other people say are opinions. It’s good to explore as many options as possible in order to choose a product that offers good protection,is well made( if you decide to wear reusables),and that has a good price. Whatever you do don’t get discouraged if it takes you a while to find an appropriate product.

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