How Much Pee Can Incontinence Pads & Pants Hold?

Incontinence is a really common issue that affects millions of men and women worldwide - we want to break the stigma and secrecy surrounding it, it is NOT something you need to feel ashamed of.

In fact, studies suggest that over 200 million people globally experience some form of urinary incontinence, ranging from occasional leaks to more severe conditions.

Fortunately, incontinence products are designed to handle urine leaks, and to keep you feeling secure and confident. These bladder weakness pads and pants, both disposable and reusable are tailored for light, moderate, and heavy leaks. We will help you understand which can help you best with your leakage level and what to avoid.

You may find that your incontinence issues improve with pelvic floor strengthening and bladder training. Secret whispers pelvic floor toner helps you To know you are doing your kegel exercises correctly. Physio for your pelvic floor muscles can help reduce leaks and increase your bladder control.

Types of Incontinence Pants & Pads

When choosing between incontinence pads and pants, it’s important to consider the type of protection that suits you best.

Incontinence Pads

These are designed to absorb leaks and can be worn discreetly inside your regular underwear. They come in different thicknesses, lengths and absorbency levels, ranging from thin, short pads for small dribbles or 'just in case' to heavy-duty pads capable of handling full bladder releases. Pads can be single use and disposable or reusable with washable, absorbent fabrics.

Reusable incontinence pads

These are designed to catch mild to moderate bladder leaks, rinse when you first take them off then wash alongside your everyday washing - no need for separate loads. Though they may cost more initially, once you have your stash they will save you money long term and you will never run out. Our Fearless absorbent pads are charcoal impregnated to help with smells. 

They can be used for menstruation too.

Pros: They are gentler on the skin, with just cotton or bamboo next to your vulva - avoiding chafing, overheating and chemicals.

Cons: These are not able to manage a full bladder release.

Disposable incontinence pads

Single use incontinence pads have a glue coated back to stick into your regular undies, they come in a variety of sizes to suit your level of leakage and are thrown into your household waste once worn. 

They suit mild to heavy incontinence. 

Pros: Convenient because you don't need to wash them, super absorbent polymers allow them to absorb large volumes of urine.

Cons: If you are using daily it can be wasteful as they need to be discarded even if not needed, and can prove expensive to keep up a constant supply. Well known for being bad for the environment, our oceans, and wildlife. They are not biodegradable, will take up space in your household waste and can lead to smells if kept in your kitchen or bathroom bins.

Incontinence Pants

These serve two different uses depending on your need. Disposable pants suit those who have full incontinence and rely on protection for total bladder voids. Reusable pants suit those with mild to moderate leaks who want to feel like they are wearing everyday underwear with little added bulk.

Reusable Incontinence pants

Washable pee pants are great for mild to moderate bladder weakness, they look and feel like everyday underwear - you can feel confident and sexy!

You can choose the style, rise and absorbency to best suit you ranging from thongs to high waisted styles. Cheeky Pants have protective layers from the front waistband through to the back waistband for full coverage whether you are lying down, sitting or running around.

We have side opening incontinence pants that can be removed when wet or soiled without needing to be pulled up and down your legs. This helps with changing out and about, or if you are wearing trousers. 

Washable incontinence pants allow you to carry on your normal activities without having to worry about leaks. Just rinse when you take them off, and wash in your washing machine with your other laundry. They can also be used for your period.

Pros: Simple to use, no rustling or overheating, they add minimal bulk so are not visible under your normal clothes.

Cons: They won't be able to absorb heavy floods of urine quickly, and will need to be washed. This does not need to be complicated, we have full washing instructions.

Disposable incontinence pants

These offer full coverage and are ideal for those requiring extra protection or who experience moderate to heavy leakage. They work similarly to nappies and can work for faecal incontinence too.

Pros: Offer high volume security, good for those with very heavy incontinence

Cons: As with all single use plastics, these are the least eco friendly choice and are not biodegradable. They can be noisy and bulky, but the bulk means you have good containment!

Depending on the brand and style, disposable incontinence pants can hold between 800 ml to over 2 litres, offering robust protection for heavy leaks or overnight use.

The absorbency level of these products varies by brand and the materials used, so checking specific product descriptions is a good plan to finding the right fit for your needs.

Factors That Affect Absorbency Levels

The amount of liquid an incontinence product can hold isn’t solely determined by its label. Understanding other issues that can stop them working can help you to get the best from them.

Fit & Design

A snug fit is important so that the incontinence pad or pants can hold as much liquid as possible.

Products that fit securely without gaps prevent leaks and ensure the liquid is absorbed directly into the material. Try reusable pants on when they arrive over the top of your own underwear as we can exchange sizes if needed.

Product Quality

The quality of materials significantly affects absorbency. Disposables often feature advanced gel-core technology or opt for reusables with multi-layered materials that wick moisture away quickly.

While budget-friendly options may seem appealing, they may not hold as much liquid or last as long.

Timing

Incontinence products are designed to hold a certain amount of liquid over a specified time. Make sure you change often before they become overly full and to avoid smells. It is best to change frequently to feel fresh and hygienic too.

Light pads work best for occasional leaks and need to be replaced more frequently.

Heavy-duty pads or pants are more suited for extended wear and can handle larger amounts of urine over several hours or overnight.

Make sure you know where toilets are for changing out and about or at work.

You can take wetbags with you to store reusable products and wet wipes to help avoid smelling too.

Temperature

Environmental and body temperature can impact the performance of disposable incontinence products.

Warm Temperatures and heat can affect the gel or absorbent materials inside single use pads, reducing their effectiveness over time.

Hot weather can make you sweat more, disposable products made with plastics can increase this heat and make you feel more moist.

Always store products in a cool, dry place to maintain their absorbency levels.

Closing Thoughts

Understanding how much pee incontinence pads and pants can hold helps ensure you select the right absorbency level for your needs. 

If you found this blog useful and want to read more - 

Can you use incontinence underwear for periods?

The ultimate guide to swimming on your period

What is the best thing to wear for incontinence

If you want to more information about switching to reusable pee and period products, feel free to contact the team. You can drop them a email or use the online chat. The team all use the products themselves and nothing is TMI. We all happily overshare our own experiences.

About the Author: Kirstin loves sea swimming and lives with her three children by the seaside. As part of Cheeky Wipes customer service team she spends most days talking about periods, poo, and pee.