The loss of bladder control, or urinary incontinence, is almost synonymous with advanced age. As the bladder’s muscles weaken as we advance in years, incontinence can become an inescapable reality. The resultant bedwetting can cause skin irritations, damage your mattress and affect self-esteem.
The best bed wetting pads for adults keep your bed dry, by design. Our favorite is the Priva Ultra Waterproof Sheet and Mattress Protector because it’s high-absorbency and washable.
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Best Waterproof Pads and Sheets for Adults: Reviews
Manufacturers design each waterproof pad with a unique demographic in mind. You only get your money’s worth if you understand the features offered by a product and compare that to your individual needs.
A factor like high-absorbency is desirable in pads for bedwetting across the board. However, degree differs across brands and the more absorbent a protector is, the more it costs. Only go for the highly-absorptive options if you have above-average discharge. Otherwise, you’re paying for a feature you don’t need.
Another metric we gave special attention to is washability. The biggest debate surrounding waterproof sheets for adults centers on re-usability. Washable and disposable options cater to different needs and are not interchangeable, as many assume.
This review covers the best of both worlds: the best washable pads for bedwetting and the best disposable products on the market. All items reviewed are:
- Sufficiently absorbent for the average user
- Comfortable to sleep on, to varying degrees, of course
- Competitively priced for the features they offer
1. Priva Ultra Waterproof Sheet and Mattress Protector—Best Overall
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Washable pads are usually single items per purchase. Not so with this waterproof sheet from Priva. It comes in a four-pack of sheets and each features four protective layers for enhanced absorption. The protectors are generously sized and fit most beds. If, however, you’re a bigger person and want a large reusable product, the SOMATA Premium Washable Bed Pad may be a better option.
The availability of four units ensures that you don’t have to wait for washed protectors to dry. It also means you can make one purchase for four people. These features make it both convenient and cost-effective.
Pros
- Four layers of protection for increased absorption
- Absorbs up to six cups of liquid
- Quiet and non-slip waterproof vinyl barrier
- Quilted soft cotton-polyester hybrid top layer
- Free of all phthalates, lead, mercury, and cadmium
- Good for up to 300 wash cycles
- Four pads with every purchase
Cons
- Not full-sized
- Some users found pads thin when machine washed—hand wash as much as possible
2. Medline Heavy Absorbency Underpads—Best Disposable Pads for Bedwetting
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Medline offers these underpads in packs of 50, making this one of the most economical disposable pads for bedwetting on the market. The protectors feature diamond-quilted top sheets, making them gentle to use on sensitive skins. The polymer core is not only highly-absorptive, but it also locks in odor, ensuring comfortable nights.
These products are full-sized and, therefore, excellent options if you want to cover the whole bed. They prove especially useful if you’re sharing a bed with your significant other. A polypropylene backing keeps the sheet locked on the bed as you shift.
Pros
- Full-bed protection
- Propylene backing to hold the pad steady even as you move
- Polymer core holds both liquid and odor
- Diamond quilted top that’s gentle on skin
- Highly absorbent core
- 50 pads with every purchase
Cons
- Back edges have no adhesives
- Tear easily if not handled with care
3. SOMATA Premium Washable Bed Pad—Best Washable Pad for Sensitive Skin
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The SOMATA pad is one of the most silent, waterproof sheets for adults. It has a thin non-slip bottom layer that doesn’t bunch up, ensuring you get an even sleeping surface. This item also comes with four protective layers that are good for up to eight cups of liquid.
SOMATA made this product from hypoallergenic, non-toxic materials, making it safe for sensitive skin. The protector locks all urine inside, keeping both the bed and user dry. This makes it an excellent option for the user whose skin is easily irritated by wet sleeping environments.
It is also durable and should last through about 300 washes.
Pros
- Locks liquid internally
- Adhesive layer sticks well to different bedding materials
- Large enough to fit generously-sized beds
- Thin and won’t bunch up
- Non-toxic, hypoallergenic materials
- Washable up to 300 times
Cons
- Some people reported the product shifting with little movement from the user
4. GORILLA GRIP Slip-Resistant Leak Proof Mattress Pad—Best Slip-Resistant Pad for Bedwetting
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The GORILLA GRIP mattress protector features non-adhesive grip backing that offers excellent non-skid properties. It is absorbent for up to eight cups of discharge. You can also wash it up to 300 times. This product is comfortable with a soft quilted top and a rayon core for a cushiony experience.
GORILLA GRIP mattress pads are non-toxic and certified free of harmful substances by OEKO-TEX Standard 100. People with sensitive skin can use them. The manufacturers also give 10-year guarantees—no questions asked.
Pros
- Gorilla grip, non-slip backing
- Cushiony rayon core
- Absorbs up to eight cups of liquid
- Quilted top is gentle on skin
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
- Good for 300 washes
- 10-year guarantee
Cons
- It bunches up
- Not recommended for use with babies
5. Medpride Disposable Underpads—Best Bang for Buck Disposable Bedwetting Pad
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This product has high-quality polymer fillings that quickly absorb liquid and manage odors. The construction is soft and latex-free, making it ideal for people with latex related allergies. It also feels soft to the skin and has a thick core that locks and distributes liquid quickly to mitigate skin irritations.
The pack has 25 pieces, which boils down to a few cents a pop. Each pad isn’t very big and may skid if you shift too much, though. If you move a lot in your sleep, the GORILLA GRIP Slip-Resistant Leak Proof Mattress Pad may be better suited. For the price, however, the features are pretty decent.
Pros
- 25 pieces with each purchase
- Cost-effective
- Latex-free
- High-absorbency
- Gentle top
Cons
- Some users found it too small
- It bleeds through when leakage is above average
6. Remedies Washable Bed Pads—Most Comfortable Washable Pads for Bedwetting
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Remedies’ pads come with a soft woven top and a cushioned back for added comfort. A sizable cover-area ensures all the accident-prone areas of the bed are protected. Bigger size also translates to enhanced absorbency. If you’re traveling and don’t want to carry reusable, Medpride Disposable Underpads offer similar features.
A latex-free construction means Remedies’ pads offer protection for everyone. Additionally, these pads contain no irritants, making them an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin. The protectors don’t leave any plastic edges exposed, adding to the comfort. Machine-wash friendly and good for over 300 washes.
Pros
- Machine-wash friendly
- Good for 300 plus washes
- Cushion-soft back and soft top
- Latex-free
- Contains no irritating chemicals
- Highly-absorbent
Cons
- Some users found that the pads curl up after being washed
- Plastic backing isn’t sturdy enough to tumble dry the pads
Choosing the Best Bed Wetting Pads: Ultimate Guide
The best pads for bedwetting are those that’ll keep you dry, are gentle on your skin and are budget-friendly. The product’s absorbency must match or exceed your discharge to keep you dry. Your unique skin attributes determine how skin-friendly a pad is.
On the subject of cost-effectiveness, you want to buy a product that’s strong on the features you need and low or absent on what you can do without. This way, you only pay for what you need. Below are a few factors to consider when shopping for a protector:
Absorbency Matters
Excellent absorbency ensures that you’re kept dry for longer, and liquid is locked away faster. Slow absorption leaves your skin exposed to urine for too long, and that may cause rashes and infection.
Two factors determine absorbency:
- Size of the protector
- Number of protection layers
Pad Size
The bigger the unit, the more room there is to distribute locked urine, hence more absorption. A bigger unit is also less likely to leave the mattress unprotected, should it shift. If you’re sleeping with a partner or you’re a restless sleeper, go big.
Protective Layers
More protective layers equal higher absorbency and liquid retention. It also translates to increased prices. Only buy more than four protective layers if you have above-average discharge. For light accidents, three layers should do. Under three, the pad will probably bleed urine into the mattress.
More layers can mean increased thickness, though. Avoid very thick pads, these can result in uneven sleeping arrangements. If you must have a very thick option, go for a full-bed unit that raises the entire space equally or use diapers instead.
Skin Needs
If you have sensitive skin, go for pads like the SOMATA Premium Washable Bed Pad. The manufacturers only used hypoallergenic and non-toxic materials in its construction. You should also avoid any rubber sheet for bedwetting and fabrics like vinyl, which don’t breath. These materials may be easy to clean, but they’ll leave your skin exposed to urine throughout the night.
There are two factors to consider when shopping for your skin’s needs:
- Gentleness
- Filling
How Gentle is the Material?
The top of the protector should be delicate to the touch. Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, this ensures a night of uninterrupted sleep. Cotton and polyester are popular fabrics for their softness. Spandex and elastane usually blend these materials for increased stretchability.
Core and Filling
The core’s material determines how soft the pad will be. If it’s too cushiony, your weight may squeeze the urine out of the protector. If it’s too rigid, it may rub against your skin and cause irritations. Rayon and polymers are excellent filling materials: not too stiff, not too fluffy. We also advise you to apply some lotions to protect your skin further.
Bang for Your Buck
Always look to land the most features needed for the best price possible. That means that you have to consider your unique needs carefully before going shopping. Here are a few tips:
Reusable vs. Disposable
Disposable units are often costlier in the long run. However, they are appropriate if you travel a lot. These units are typically thinner and easier to carry.
Washable units may be cost-effective, but using them means someone is washing them. If you’re doing the washing yourself, the choice to use the pads isn’t too difficult to make. All you have to do is learn the strategies for removing odor from the relevant fabric.
If a caregiver gets to wash the pads, ensure they’re comfortable with the idea before making a choice. If you’re concerned about the affordability of disposables, the Medpride Disposable Underpads are waller-friendly enough to warrant consideration.
Durability and Construction
In the case of disposable pads, go for units that can stand long storage times. The protector should also hold after rubbing against your body as you shift in the night. Most of these products bleed when tilted. You want a pad that remains in position, even when you shift through the night.
For reusables, go for units that are good for about 300 washes or more. However, to get the most out of these units, hand wash them often—even if they are machine-wash friendly.
Conclusion
In our opinion, you can’t go past the Priva Ultra Waterproof Sheet and Mattress Protector and it’s our clear favorite. It comes in a pack of four sheets. For the price and units available, this is among the most cost-effective reusable pads on the market. Each sheet is sufficiently-sized to fit most beds and features four protective layers for enhanced absorption.
Medpride Disposable Underpads are our favorite disposable protectors. They are one of the cheapest items on the list but are among the most absorbent products on the market. A thick core absorbs urine quickly, keeping you dry for longer.
Gone are the days of the old-school rubber sheet for bedwetting, and good riddance. Today’s pads for bedwetting are comfortable and keep you feeling your best, every day and every night.
