Choosing adult nappy pants
Adult nappy pants pull up like normal underwear and tear open at the sides to come off. They suit anyone who stands to dress and gets to the toilet, even with help. If someone is changed lying down, a tab-style slip is easier, and our guide on pull-up pants or tab-style briefs explains the difference.
Two choices matter: how much the pant holds, and whether it fits. Get both right and most brands do the job.
Absorbency first
The drop rating on the pack shows how much a pant holds. More drops means heavier leaks or overnight use. MoliCare rates out of 10, so its 8 drop pant is a heavy pant, not a middle one. Our drop system guide explains how the brands compare.
For moderate leaks, a lighter pant like the MoliCare Lady Pants 7 Drop or Depend Real-Fit for Men looks like normal underwear. For heavy leaks or nights, go to the MoliCare Premium Mobile 8 Drop or 10 Drop.
The main pants compared
| Pant | Absorbency | Pack | Price from | Per piece |
| MoliCare Lady Pants 5 Drop | 5 of 10 | 8 | $19.95 | $2.49 |
| Depend Real-Fit for Men | Moderate | 8 | $19.95 | $2.49 |
| MoliCare Lady Pants 7 Drop (M) | 7 of 10 | 8 | $21.95 | $2.74 |
| MoliCare Men Pants 7 Drop (M) | 7 of 10 | 8 | $22.95 | $2.87 |
| Depend Real Fit Night Defence | Overnight | 8 | $19.95 | $2.49 |
| MoliCare Premium Mobile 6 Drop | 6 of 10 | 14 | $48.99 | $3.50 |
| MoliCare Premium Mobile 8 Drop | 8 of 10 | 14 | $50.99 | $3.64 |
| MoliCare Premium Mobile 10 Drop (M) | 10 of 10 | 14 | $58.99 | $4.21 |
| Tena Pants Plus (M) | Plus | 9 | $32.99 | $3.67 |
| Tena ProSkin Pants Super | Super | 12 | $47.99 | $4.00 |
Prices are for the smallest pack size listed and can vary by size. Per piece is the pack price divided by the count.
Measure for the size
Run a tape around the widest part of the hips and bottom, then match it to the size chart on the product. Too big gapes at the leg and leaks down the thigh. Too small digs in and leaks over the top. Most leaks we hear about are the wrong size, not the wrong brand.
If you're on the line between two sizes, go down a size in pants. The pant stretches.
Day and night
Lying down, urine runs towards the back, so nights need more absorbency and a good leg seal. If you're changing the sheets more than once a week, move up a level rather than doubling up. A Kylie bed pad under the sheet is a better second line. Our guide on overnight protection for an elderly parent covers heavier nights.
NDIS and repeat orders
Continence products come from the NDIS core budget with no quote or OT report, as long as continence relates to the plan. We're NDIS registered (4050144759). Choose NDIS funding at checkout and we invoice your plan manager or the NDIA, with no card needed. Self managed participants pay and claim.
Pants run out on a schedule, so set up monthly auto-delivery and they arrive before you need them.
Common questions
What's the difference between adult nappy pants and adult nappies?
Nappy pants pull up like underwear. Adult nappies, also called slips or briefs, open flat and fasten with side tabs, so they can be changed lying down.
Which pants are best for overnight?
The highest drop rating that fits well, such as the MoliCare Premium Mobile 10 Drop or Depend Real Fit Night Defence. A snug fit at the legs matters as much as absorbency.
Can I put a pad inside a pull-up pant?
Not a normal pad. Its plastic backing stops the pant absorbing. Move up a drop level instead.
Can I get adult nappy pants through the NDIS?
Yes, from the core budget. Choose NDIS funding at checkout, or read our NDIS continence guide.
Not sure where to start?
Try the pharmacist incontinence recommender. It takes two minutes.
Two minutes with a pharmacist
Tell Nadim how much, day or night, and the hip measurement. He'll name the pant and the size.
Call 1300 216 888
