According to which parameters can we best assess the quality of incontinence aids?

Podle kterých parametrů nejlépe posoudíme kvalitu inkontinenčních pomůcek

Podle kterých parametrů nejlépe posoudíme kvalitu inkontinenčních pomůcek

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Is the absorbency of the aid really the most important parameter?

In the Czech Republic, the golden standard when selecting incontinence aids is to consider the degree of incontinence, product size, and patient gender. Depending on the degree of incontinence, an aid with sufficient absorbency is then selected. But what does this parameter actually indicate? Absorbency defines the amount of liquid that the product can absorb into its absorbent core. For incontinence pads, the quantity ranges between 50 and 950 ml, while for diaper pants it ranges between 1000 and 4500 ml.

The choice of absorbency is also connected to picking the specific type of aid considering the user's needs − for example, whether it is for an active athlete or an immobile patient. Thus, the rule that more is better does not apply, meaning higher absorbency is not the key to comfort and certainty. Each aid has its specific purpose and absorbency is just an auxiliary figure that does not actually say anything about how much liquid the aid can hold in its absorbent core. In short − higher absorbency does not automatically mean a higher quality aid.

So where to find quality? Look for retention

Far more important than the absorbency itself is the technological processing and construction of the absorbent core of the aid. Only a quality aid ensures fast urine drainage from the surface distribution layer into the specially treated absorbent core composed of a mixture of pulp and superabsorbent. The superabsorbent locks the urine inside the aid in the form of gel. This provides a feeling of dryness and absorption (neutralization) of any potential odor. The ability of the incontinence aid to retain urine inside is called retention. The higher the retention of an aid regardless of its absorbency, the higher the quality of the product. Retention is influenced by many factors: the size and shape of the absorbent core, the system of distribution and absorption, the ratio of pulp to superabsorbent and its distribution in the aid, or the presence of elastic and construction elements.

The standards determining the quality of the aid vary

There is no unified system worldwide for assessing the quality of incontinence aids, which can have economic, ecological, and health impacts. In recent years, for instance, the National Association for Continence (NAFC) has been striving for each country to adopt a set of standards that manufacturers of absorbent aids for adults must follow. Among these recommended standards are the speed of fluid absorption, retention ability, size selection, the safety and breathability of the materials used, or the use of elastic elements.

Conclusion

The lack of a unified system for assessing the quality of incontinence aids allows less quality products to appear on the market. With lower quality aids, there can be higher financial demands for the patient or doctor, which can lead to health problems and an increase in associated treatment costs. All of this results in negative impacts on the quality of life of the patient and their loved ones. Knowing the absorbency of individual products is certainly useful, but attention also needs to be paid to other parameters indicating the quality of the incontinence aid, led by retention, which can be inquired about from aid suppliers.

(mraf)

Sources:
1. Gray M., Kent D., Ermer-Seltun J., McNichol L. Assessment, selection, use, and evaluation of body-worn absorbent products for adults with incontinence. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs 2018; 45 (3): 243−264, doi: 10.1097/WON.0000000000000431.
2. SENI. Available at: seni.cz