Retention – An Overlooked Parameter of Incontinence Products

Retention Indicates Quality

Retention is a crucial parameter for assessing the quality of an incontinence product, as it indicates how much fluid the product can retain in its absorbent core. The higher the retention of the product, regardless of its absorption, the better the quality of the product. Several factors influence retention: the size and shape of the absorbent core, the distribution and absorption system, the ratio of pulp to superabsorbent and its distribution in the product, or the presence of elastic and specific structural elements.

Absorb and Hold

The 1980s saw a revolution in the care of incontinent patients with the use of superabsorbents. These are polymers in the form of white powder or fibers that significantly absorb fluids, forming a colorless gel. The amount of fluid they can absorb ranges from 50 times to 2000 times their own weight. Importantly, once fluid is absorbed, it is not released back out, even under increased pressure.

Superabsorbents in hygiene products are mostly cross-linked units of sodium polyacrylate, which interact with water molecules to form hydrogen bonds. Because a high charge density arises within cross-linked polyacrylate, water penetrates the polymer chain, turning it into a hydrogel. Absorption ends once further swelling of cross-linked chains is no longer possible.

Besides hygiene products, superabsorbents are used in dressing materials to absorb exudates from infected wounds, such as burns. In agriculture, they retain water and prevent rapid evaporation. In the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, they prevent unwanted humidity. Their applications are indeed wide-ranging.

Quality Products Protect and Ensure Comfort

Superabsorbent is an expensive part of the incontinence product but ensures high retention. The benefits of products with high retention include:

• a feeling of dryness and neutralization of possible odors
• protection against skin irritation and rashes, reducing subsequent treatment
• preventing infectious complications
• cost reduction
• better body fit, discreteness
• greater comfort for users, enhancing human dignity
• reliability, leak prevention, and reducing fear of leaks

The Quality Difference Can Be Tested

There are incontinence products of varying quality on the market. However, there are relatively simple comparative methods to reveal these differences within minutes.

Retention capacity is measured by immersing the product in fluid until it is fully saturated. This is followed by 7 minutes of centrifugation and weighing of the product. Finally, the difference between the weight of the dry product and its weight after centrifugation is calculated. This value is crucial for users, unlike the total absorption capacity that indicates the theoretical capacity of the incontinence product. It is unrealistic to expect a patient to wear a fully saturated product and feel comfortable.

Additionally, the fluid absorption rate is evaluated, significant for minimizing leakage risks, and the amount of fluid that returns to the surface during product wear is assessed.

Conclusion

When choosing a suitable incontinence product, it is essential to focus on its quality. This will avoid potential health and economic issues. Moreover, only a quality product can offer patients reliability and assurance, thereby improving their quality of life. For this reason, it is beneficial to always inquire about the retention of the given product.

(mraf)

Sources:
1. Bílek M. Superabsorbent Polymers in Chemistry Education. Methodological Portal RVP.CZ, Jan 21, 2008. Available at: https://clanky.rvp.cz/clanek/c/g/1875/SUPERABSORPCNI--POLYMERY-VE-VYUCE-CHEMIE.html
2. SENI. Available at: seni.cz
3. NAFC. Available at: nafc.org
4. BASF. Available at: basf.com